The restrictions on hunting in the state of Minnesota will not be loosened at a great extent. The reason for this decision is protection of rare native plants and beautiful shorelines. Ten out of 159,000 areas will not be free for hunting and they usually have an abbreviation of SANs. Along with these restrictions, the DNR or the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is going to make the Lake Alexander Woods which is located in Morrison County open for hunters who do not have a special permit.
Besides, hunters will be allowed to use dogs at Minnesota Point Pine Forest. It is estimated that there are about 188,000 acres of SNA lands. Hunters should be satisfied that 90% of these lands will be open for hunting, fishing and trapping. Those people who would like to go camping will not be allowed in those areas.
At the same time, tourists who would like to take dogs with them will not be allowed there. They cannot pick berries and take pictures as well. They are only allowed to walk and sit in the woods. A lot of people consider these SNA lands to be jewels of the natural world. One of the SNA supervisors considers that hunting opportunities may be expanded in future but the necessary protection of natural resources will be organized as well.
The intension to make these SNA lands more accessible is the sort of a promotional campaign. The mission of this promotion is to increase the popularity of these areas and to get the proper funding for expanding them.
Recently the funding of the SNA program has declined and it is closely associated with the fact that funding of it has been tired up with interests of sportsmen. All in all, Minnesota SNAs were founded in 1974 with the global mission of preserving natural heritage in the form of rare plants and animals. At the beginning the SNA program included about 136,000 acres.
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