New Worthington Wells Wildlife Management Area Highlighted at Minn. Governor’s Pheasant Opener

Nobles County Pheasants Forever chapter continues adding to more than 2,000 acres of permanent habitat conservation

The new 147-acre addition to Lake Bella Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Nobles County was officially recognized during the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Opener. Dedicated as the Worthington Wells Wildlife Management Area tract, the newly-acquired property has resulted in the protection of over 95 percent of all the highly vulnerable acres within the wellhead protection boundaries for the city of Worthington.

“Our local chapter and partners were given a three-week sale notice for this property, an acquisition that has been 20 years in the making,” said Scott Rall, president of the Nobles County Pheasants Forever chapter. “Being able to fund this project on such short notice speaks volumes about the residents of Nobles County and their understanding of the positive relationship between wildlife habitat and water quality. Southwest Minnesota has shown a real commitment to conservation and natural resource protection with the completion of this project.”

The Worthington Wells WMA was purchased by auction in 2014 by Nobles County Pheasants Forever and contributing partners for approximately $850,000. A key property for public land use and wellhead protection, the new acquisition creates a wildlife habitat complex which will allow hunters and other recreational users to make a 12-mile loop without leaving public lands. Worthington Wells WMA was a featured parcel during the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Opener with Wounded Warrior Project veterans being hosted for the opening of the state’s pheasant season.

“The City of Worthington has struggled for some time to find reliable water resources for its residents, so protecting the wells we have is very important,” said Alan Oberloh, mayor for the city of Worthington. “By partnering with Pheasants Forever, our local watershed district, and many other groups, we have been able to further protect this most valuable resource. Worthington Wells WMA complements the land purchases made in the past decade by public and private groups working together for a common cause to protect natural resources in Nobles County. The additional value is providing recreational use for our residents and visitors to enjoy in southwest Minnesota.”

Collaborating partners for the completion of the Worthington Wells WMA include Pheasants Forever’s Build a Wildlife Area fund, the Nobles County Pheasants Forever chapter, E.O. Olson Trust, Worthington Public Utilities Water and Light Commission, Okabena/Ocheda Watershed District, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and corporate support from Apple Autos, Federal Premium Ammunition, and numerous private donations from Nobles County residents and businesses.

Worthington Wells WMA is located a half-mile west of the intersection of County Road 57 and County Road 4, one mile north of Lake Bella.

Contact

Jared Wiklund (651) 209-4953

Pheasants Forever

Pheasants Forever launched Quail Forever in August of 2005 to address the continuing loss of habitat suitable for quail and the subsequent quail population decline. Bobwhite population losses over the last 25 years range from 60 to 90 percent across the country. The reason for the quail population plunge is simple - massive losses of habitat suitable for quail. There are five major factors leading to the losses of quail habitat; intensified farming and forestry practices, succession of grassland ecosystems to forests, overwhelming presence of exotic grasses like fescue that choke out wildlife, and urban sprawl.