Sanctuaries are sites within Natural Areas that are closed year-round or during specific seasons. They may include the entire Natural Area, or just part of it. Sanctuaries help protect rare and sensitive natural features, such as nesting sites. Entering a closed sanctuary is in violation of state law.
The following are Natural Areas that have sanctuary closures:
- Blaine Airport Rich Fen (open by research permit only)
- Brownsville Bluff (posted sanctuary portion closed)
- Bruce Hitman Heron Rookery (closed April 1 - July 15)
- Butterwort Cliffs (closed April 1 - July 15)
- Cannon River Turtle Preserve (sandbars closed May 1 - October 15)
- Cherry Grove Blind Valley (below ground portion closed)
- Egret Island (closed April 1 - July 15)
- Hemlock Ravine (posted sanctuary portion closed)
- King's and Queen's Bluffs (Queen's Bluff open by permit only)
- Lawrence Creek (posted sanctuary portion closed)
- Pennington Bog (open by permit only, send an email or call 218-308-2620 to inquire)
- Pig's Eye Island Heron Rookery (closed April 1 - July 15)
- Pine and Curry Island (posted sanctuary portions closed April 1 through September 1)
- Rush Lake Island (closed April 15 - July 15)
- Wykoff Balsam Fir (posted sanctuary portions closed)