DNR to hold public hearing on June 14 on a proposal to abandon the Chokio Waterfowl Refuge
CHOKIO, Minn. -- A landowner petition to abandon the Chokio Waterfowl Refuge will be the topic of a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) public hearing June 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the city of Chokio office, 104 Main St., Chokio.
The refuge includes the south one-half of Section 8 and all of Section 17, Township 124 North, Range 44 West, in Stevens County, and includes Gravel Lake. It was originally established under Game Refuge Order No. 367 on Aug. 13, 1969, and was later expanded to its current size under Game Refuge Order No. 423 on June 12, 1986.
Since 1969, the refuge has been closed to waterfowl hunting. Abandoning the refuge means that DNR would remove its refuge signs and open the area to waterfowl hunting. All land within the existing refuge is privately owned and hunters would need landowner permission to hunt.
People who are not able to attend the hearing may submit written comments to Kevin Kotts, DNR area wildlife supervisor, 23070 North Lakeshore Drive, Glenwood, MN 56334, call 320-634-0342, or email kevin.kotts@state.mn.us. Written comments and emails will be accepted through June 20.
