Land Sale FAQ
The Minnesota Valley Trust may be interested in acquiring your land for the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Wetland Management District. Selling or donating your land is a great way to preserve wildlife habitat for the future. Read on to get answers to frequently-asked questions. Then contact us for a no-obligation conversation.
How do I determine if the MVT may be interested in my land?
The Minnesota Valley Trust prioritizes acquisition of land within delineated units of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. We also acquire land to complete and expand waterfowl production areas of the Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District.
The Minnesota Valley Trust will consider all requests to determine if the land has strong values for wildlife habitat and is within our search areas. Please contact us for more information.
How is the value of my land determined?
An appraisal will be ordered to determine the fair market value of your land. We will hire a state-certified appraiser who will follow strict appraisal guidelines of the "Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice" promulgated by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation. The appraisal will be provided to you for your review.
Can my land be taken against my wishes?
No. The Minnesota Valley Trust only works with landowners who are interested and willing to sell or donate their land.
May I donate full or partial value of my land?
Yes. As a tax-exempt nonprofit corporation organized under IRS Code 501(c)(3), the Minnesota Valley Trust may accept full or partial donation of your land and you may recognize a tax deduction to the extent allowed by law. We do not provide any advice on this and suggest you consult with your tax accountant or attorney.
What happens to the land after it is sold?
The Minnesota Valley Trust will undertake habitat restoration or enhancement activities to improve conditions so the land will sustain wildlife and provide quality wildlife-based experiences for the public. We aim to return the land as close to its pre-settlement conditions as possible.
Agricultural fields are restored to pre-settlement conditions as prairie and wetland habitat. Degraded oak savannas are enhanced to remove invasive woody species so the bur oaks and other native prairie plant species may thrive. Floodplain forests typically regenerate naturally.
After our initial habitat restoration and enhancement work is completed, the land is then donated to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to be managed in perpetuity for wildlife and people.
May the public access land the Trust has acquired?
Yes. Once restoration of the habitat is complete, the land will be donated to the USFWS and open to the public for wildlife-dependent recreation. Allowed activities include walking and hiking, wildlife observation and photography, interpretation, paddling, fishing and foraging. Hunting, bicycling and horseback riding are allowed in designated areas. Camping, campfires and motorized vehicles are not allowed on Refuge lands.
Learn more about the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Are you a landowner?
If you own land and want to learn more about donating or selling your land for the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge & Wetland Management District, please contact us at info@mnvalleytrust.org or 612-801-1935.
Our Partners
The Minnesota Valley Trust thanks the following partners that provide funding to help us acquire and restore land for the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge & Wetland Management District.
