News and notes from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
ROBBINS SLOUGH ON THE DNR AGENDA FOR JAN. 7 PUBLIC MEETING
Wildlife lake designation proposed for the shallow lake
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has scheduled a public hearing for Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the Currie American Legion, 121 Mill St. in Currie for people to learn more about and provide comments on plans for an enhancement project on Robbins Slough in Murray County.
The proposed project includes building and operating a water control structure. All are welcome to attend and comment or ask questions.
Robbins Slough is considered a shallow lake, meaning it is greater than 40 acres in size but less than 15 feet deep. The DNR is pursuing wildlife lake designation under Minnesota Statute 97A.101, which would allow for the manipulation of water levels to enhance wildlife habitat.
“The DNR’s staff is interested in pursuing the wildlife lake designation, because it could help to permanently protect the basin and give us the authority to manage water levels to enhance habitat conditions for waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife,” said Maggie Gross, DNR shallow lakes specialist. “We are interested in hearing from the public on any benefits and drawbacks to the potential designation.”
With careful consideration of public comment, DNR leadership will determine if the wildlife lake designation is approved.
If approved, Ducks Unlimited would lead the design and construction of the water control structure on the southeast side of the lake, using primarily money from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, with construction potentially beginning in 2027. The wildlife lake designation would provide DNR staff the legal authority to use a water control structure for temporary water-level drawdowns.
“Most of the time, it’s waterfowl — ducks, geese, swans — that benefit the most from water manipulation strategies, but other wetland wildlife can also benefit,” Gross said. “Keeping the water clear helps aquatic plants thrive, which lowers nutrient levels and provides high-quality habitat.”
The DNR will present the proposed management plan at the public meeting. The proposal is also available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/wildlife/shallowlakes/program-work.html).
People who can’t attend the meeting can comment on the plan by contacting Bill Schuna at [email protected] or 507-8735650. Comments will be accepted until Feb. 7, 2026.
