Brainerd Wildlife Area

Purpose

Help cut invading brush and small trees from critical open landscape habitats on Wildlife Management Areas.  These projects will set back natural succession to enhance nesting and brood rearing habitat for sharp-tailed grouse, as well as habitat for pheasants, pollinators, meadowlarks, and more.

The DNR is partnering with the Minnesota Sharp-tailed Grouse Society to coordinate these work days.

Come individually, with your family, or those you live with to enjoy fresh air, exercise, and the reward of “giving back“!  Bring your own water bottle and snacks. Dress appropriately in warm layers, gloves, hats, and warm, waterproof boots. If snow is deep, snowshoes are helpful.  

Benefits to the Volunteer

Gain life skills in teamwork, habitat improvement techniques, and plant identification. 

Location - Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

County: Kanabec, Mille Lacs
Nearest Town: Onamia
Directions: From Onamia travel 7 miles south on SR 169. Then travel 2 miles east on 290 Street. WMA Headquarters will be 0.2 miles north on 100th Avenue, on the east side of the gravel road.

Responsibilities (duties and tasks)

Authorized work:

• Use hand saws and loppers only to cut woody vegetation such as willow, alder, aspen, tamarack, and spruce from designated areas.
• Bring your own hand saws or loppers, or if needed, arrange to borrow tools from the MN Sharp-tailed Grouse Society by contacting Jodie Provost at jodie.provost@yahoo.com .

Restricted work: 

• No use of power tools such as chainsaws. 

Qualifications needed: 

• Ability to walk over uneven ground
• Ability to stand, bend, reach overhead, stoop and carry objects

Safety training topics to be covered with volunteers: 

• Hydration
• Ticks
• Cold Related Illness
• COVID-19 Guidance

Minimum Time Commitment: 

• You must sign up for a minimum of 4 hours on one day.
  

Sign Up:

• Outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 15 people.
• Members of different households must maintain 6 feet of separation from each other. 
• All days and shifts will be visible when you apply.