Cannon River Turtle Preserve Scientific and Natural Area

Trust for Public Land and partners permanently protected 214 acres along the Cannon River and Cannon Valley Trail in Red Wing, Minnesota. More than 200 acres were conveyed to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and added to the Cannon River Turtle Preserve Scientific and Natural Area. TPL conveyed 9 acres to the Cannon Valley Trail.

Nature-seeking visitors take in waters brimming with various fish, including walleye, catfish, northern pike, and bass, and diverse landscapes, from floodplain forests to steep topography, hill prairie habitat, and a calcareous fen, or lowland—one of Minnesota’s unique, and rare, geological features.

The addition to the Cannon Valley Trail enhances the beautiful 19.7-mile trail, which connects the cities of Cannon Falls, Welch, and Red Wing. Outdoor enthusiasts walk, run, and bike along the trail while soaking in stunning views, exceptional habitats, and areas for wildlife-based recreation, such as hunting, fishing, and birding.

“This land protection project is emblematic of the great work Trust for Public Land is doing with partners to protect lands along the Cannon River,” says DJ Forbes, project manager for TPL. “By coordinating with and responding to our public partners’ priorities, the Minnesota DNR, and the Cannon Valley Trail, we’re able to protect land that not only has exceptional natural resource value but provides a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities for Minnesotans.”

This project was partially funded by the Outdoor Heritage Fund.