Red Wing Wildlife Protective League

The Red Wing Wildlife Protective League (RWPL) is a nonprofit conservation organization based in Red Wing, Minnesota. Established in 1935, the league was formed by local sportsmen with the mission of protecting and enhancing the natural resources of the region. Over the years, it has become a significant advocate for conservation, habitat management, and recreational opportunities in the area.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the RWPL is to maintain a high level of property management that enhances habitat, wildlife, and the recreational needs of users of its property. The organization aims to:

• Foster a healthy environment within its operations
• Address the needs and wants of its property users
• Generate funds to support its conservation vision
• Promote continuous improvement across its initiatives
• Expand leadership in environmental education and recreational programming
• Encourage responsible use of its lands
• Introduce young people to outdoor activities and conservation efforts

Conservation Efforts

The RWPL is actively engaged in various conservation activities, including:

• Habitat Management: The organization maintains food plots to provide forage for wildlife, adapting to seasonal conditions. It enrolled its property in a conservation easement with the Minnesota Land Trust in 2000, aimed at protecting the land from development and ensuring the preservation of its natural qualities.

• Timber Management: In 2014, the league developed a Woodland Stewardship Plan to manage its wooded floodplain forest, enhancing biodiversity by creating variable age class timber and managing the timber for both wildlife habitat and financial support through timber sales.

• Community Engagement: The RWPL conducts events such as the annual Youth Waterfowl Day, encouraging youth participation in conservation activities and fostering a passion for wildlife among younger generations.

Fundraising and Support

Financially, the RWPL is supported through annual membership dues and charitable gambling activities held at local establishments, notably Liberty's Restaurant and Lounge. Over the past decade, the organization has contributed approximately $120,000 from these proceeds to various nonprofit initiatives in the Red Wing community, benefitting programs such as the Red Wing Environmental Learning Center and local schools.

Notable Events

The league has organized events like the Pooh Bear Open, a walleye and sauger fishing tournament held annually in memory of a dedicated member, Paul "Pooh Bear" Martin. This event, which celebrated 20 years of community participation before concluding, exemplified the organization's commitment to fostering recreational opportunities and camaraderie among fishing enthusiasts.

Membership

Today, the RWPL boasts nearly 300 members from diverse backgrounds, all united by a shared interest in utilizing the Mississippi River and its backwaters for recreational purposes while advocating for sustainable management of land, fish, and wildlife resources.

Through its comprehensive approach to conservation and community involvement, the Red Wing Wildlife Protective League plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the natural beauty and resources of the Red Wing area are preserved for future generations.