Partners Protect 1,800-acre City Forest

Duluth, MN—December 22, 2005--The largest contiguous tract of ecologically significant City-owned land has been permanently protected, ensuring wildlife habitat and public access, partners in the project announced today. The 1,800-acre property, know as the Magney-Snively Natural Area, is the first tract to nominated and enrolled in Duluth Natural Area Program, a first-of-its kind-program for the City designed to protect the natural heritage within the City of Duluth.

"The Magney-Snively natural area has long been one of the crown jewels of Duluth," Mayor Herb Bergson said. "The process involved in protecting this beautiful area through the Duluth Natural Areas Program has been very involved. We wish to thank all our partners in this effort, including The Nature Conservancy, for their invaluable assistance."

The Magney-Snively Natural Area features extensive northern hardwoods, which provide exceptional habitat for a wide variety of migratory songbirds and raptors and sensitive plant species including muscatel and Carolina spring beauty. The land remains open to the public for a variety of compatible recreational pursuits, including hiking, cross-country skiing, bird watching and nature study. Motorized recreation is allowed on the existing snowmobile trail and Skyline Parkway.

“The Magney-Snively Natural Area provides exceptional wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.” said Ron Nargang, State Director of The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota. “The City of Duluth deserves a lot of credit for its vision in developing the Duluth Natural Areas Program. It will be successful because it is a program developed by citizens of Duluth, for the citizens of Duluth.”

Administered by the City Department of Planning and Development, the Duluth Natural Areas Program identifies and permanently conserves the most ecologically significant lands owned by the City. It focuses on discrete areas containing ecological attributes, such as native plant communities, areas having special species of plants and animals, special water features, areas important to birds, and unique geologic formations.

“The City of Duluth is to be commended for the outstanding leadership shown by the dedication of the City’s first natural area,” stated Brad Moore, Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources. “The work of its citizens and elected officials in protecting this large and biologically important forest for future generations should not be underestimated, he stated, noting that efforts to do so started over 20 years ago.”