Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are part of Minnesota's outdoor recreation system and are established to protect those lands and waters that have a high potential for wildlife production, public hunting, trapping, fishing, and other compatible recreational uses. They are the backbone to DNR's wildlife management efforts in Minnesota and are keys to: protecting wildlife habitat for future generations, providing citizens with opportunities for hunting, fishing and “other compatible outdoor recreational activities” such as wildlife watching, hiking, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, etc. and promoting important wildlife-based tourism in the state.

Carlos Avery WMA (CA WMA) plans are made with the intent to connect to trails via the transportation easements, particularly future bike trails, with consideration for hiking and the understanding of ATV use in some areas. CA WMA is regularly listed as a top ten bird watching location and is under-utilized for this, and hunting season generally occurs during the minority of the year which leaves the majority for wildlife viewing. For example with Carlos Avery WMA as part of the Mississippi Flyway, bird watching in the spring is excellent with tours planned specifically to this area via the Minnesota Tourism Bureau (http://www.exploreminnesota.com/wildlife-viewing-areas). Additionally, 52 percent of Minnesota residents watch wildlife, the highest participation rate in the country which is why hunting and wildlife watching are a $1 billion dollar industry in Minnesota. Note that hunting and ATV conflict plans for all WMA areas would need to be considered.
It is still somewhat unclear as to the actual opportunities in Linwood WMA’s. For example, Wisconsin’s Crex Meadows Wildlife Area is very well developed similar to Sherburne NWR. The following exceptions to MN WMA Policies are noted below:
Thief Lake WMA in Minnesota also has the following improvements: “An observation mound and picnic area are found on the southwest part of the lake. Four boat launches and five primitive camping areas are present.” WMA Trails: In the 1982 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources WMA Policy for WMA’s on page 19 of 22, #32 states “Primitive trails permitting foot travel by users for wildlife-related purposes may be developed and maintained.” Buildings: #34 Buildings may be retained, converted, or constructed for…visitor contact and orientation purposes. Picnic Areas: #38 states “In general, picnicking facilities will not be developed in wildlife management areas. Exceptions to this policy may be permitted by the Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife.” State Trails: #39 states “when there are no other reasonable or feasible alternatives, a state trail may be considered through a wildlife management area.” Columbus Township is looking into adding “observation platforms” to Lamprey Pass WMA, so similar methodology could be used for Linwood WMA’s (see figures in Appendices for Auto Tour and possible locations for observation tours).