Keystone Woods Wildlife Management Area

Minnesotans share their love for the outdoors and across the Twin Cities, which is why Trust for Public Land is working to protect the green spaces that bring us all outside. Our efforts preserve these lands from development, safeguard diverse ecosystems, and create close-to-home recreational access for millions of people throughout the Metro.

Thanks to our partners at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), TPL had a rare opportunity to protect 1,834 acres in Washington County—more than twice the size of Central Park in New York City. This sprawling landscape is one of the largest undeveloped properties in single ownership in the Twin Cities and includes several lakes, hardwood forests, wetlands, and native grasslands. Finding a property like this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity, which is why TPL worked to permanently safeguard this land for generations to come.

In 2024, TPL helped convey the space to the Minnesota DNR as Keystone Woods Wildlife Management Area (WMA), allowing millions of Twin Cities residents to experience a WMA without driving for several hours, many of whom may be new to WMAs or don’t have access to the types of recreational activities they provide.

Keystone Woods WMA will have amenities that make it more accessible like parking, trails, and signage. It will also provide excellent fishing spots, hiking paths, and birding opportunities for everyone to enjoy. Further, it will protect water quality in the St. Croix Watershed, a National Wild and Scenic River, meaning more green space for Minnesotans to get out and experience the joys nature can bring.

Funding for this project was provided from the Outdoor Heritage Fund as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.