The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is preparing to manage grassland habitat by conducting a fall prescribed burn on part of the 1,556-acre Flowing Wildlife Management Area east of Hitterdal in Clay County.
The planned burn will encompass approximately 560 acres on the south end of the WMA and is scheduled to happen in late September or early October, depending on weather conditions.
“The burn is the first step in a 700-plus acre grassland enhancement project that will convert old Conservation Reserve Program fields into diverse native prairie plantings,” said Rob Baden, Detroit Lakes area wildlife supervisor.
Much of Flowing WMA comprises grasslands dominated by non-native smooth brome. Some native grasses and forbs are present, as well as seedling cottonwood trees. The goal of the burn is to consume as much vegetation and dead thatch as possible to prepare the area for a late fall native grass and forb seeding.
Fall burns are less intense than spring burns due to higher humidity levels and uncured vegetation. A fall burn is more effective at setting back encroaching trees by injuring them as they pour nutrients into their roots prior to winter. These burns generally encourage the growth of forb species, such as goldenrods, asters, prairie clover, blazing stars and coneflower, but don’t stimulate growth of warm season grasses like spring burns do.
“In 2026, additional vegetation management tools like grazing and native plant seedings, along with prescribed fire, will be used to convert the remaining old CRP acres into diverse native grasslands,” Baden said.
The DNR takes all precautions to ensure prescribed burns are conducted under proper weather conditions and that needed personnel and equipment are available to keep the fire under control. Approximately 12-15 firefighters will be onsite with a variety of engines, ATV/UTVs and tracked vehicles with water to control the burn.
Funding for this grassland enhancement project is provided by the Outdoor Heritage Fund, created after voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in November 2008, increasing the state sales tax by three-eighths of 1%. The fund receives one-third of the sales tax dollars, which may only be spent to restore, protect and enhance wetlands, prairies, and forest habitats for fish and wildlife.
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