A 553-acre land parcel near Albert Lea marks one of the largest individual land donations received by the DNR.

John C. Goetz of Twin Cities lawfirm Schwebel, Goetz, and Sieben has donated the tract of land in northeastern Freeborn County to be designated as a new Minnesota Wildlife Management Area. The Wo Wacintanka WMA contains remnant prairie, bur oak woodland and several restored wetland basins. Wo Wacinktanka means “to persist in spite of difficulties” in the Dakota language. WMAs provide year-round opportunities for the public to enjoy nature photography and wildlife watching, as well as fishing, hunting and trapping.

The public is invited to a dedication of the new WMA, located in sections 15, 16 and 22 of Newry Township, Freeborn County, at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 6.