The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

(First Publication September 6, 2012)approached

PUBLIC NOTICE:
OTTERTAIL PRAIRIE SNA

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will conduct a public hearing to consider allowing hunting and other uses at the Ottertail Prairie Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). The hearing will be held Monday Sept 17th, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, or until all testimony is taken, at the Department of Natural Resources Area Office located at 1509 1st Ave. N, Fergus Falls, MN.

The outcome of this public hearing will help determine potential changes to the designation order establishing the current 320 acre SNA to allow hunting, trapping, and dogs under control for hunting purposes during the regular firearms season. The Ottertail Prairie SNA located in Western Township in Otter Tail County (T131N R44W Sec 17) was designated as a State Scientific and Natural Area in 1989 in order to protect this wet/ mesic prairie. Rare downy gentian occurs here. Greater prairie chickens, upland sandpipers, Wilson’s phalaropes and marbled godwits may also be found at this site. Additional information on resources and location of the Ottertail Prairie SNA may be found on the
DNR website: http://www.
dnr.state.mn.us/snas/detail.html?id=sna01040.

At the hearing, an official will record all testimony regarding the uses being considered.   DNR staff will be present to answer questions on these matters.  Written statements on this subject will also be accepted until Monday September 24, 2012.  Testimony may be emailed to Barry.Stratton@state.mn.us or sent to the following address: Ecological & Water Resources District Manager, c/o Scientific and Natural Areas Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 1509 1st Ave N, Fergus Falls, MN 56537.

Publication Date: September 6, 2012