The fact that a state wildlife management area to the west of Albert Lea has added 59.4 acres might print as a mere bullet point in a story describing actions at a meeting of the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners; however, let it be known that this addition is important.

Here in Freeborn County, on the windswept pothole prairie, our treasured landscapes don’t jump out at us like mountains do in the American West. Our beauty doesn’t behave like billboards. It’s subtle and appreciated for its gently rolling hills, surprising amount of lakes and wetlands and sudden encounters with wildlife.

Just yesterday, a staff member of the Tribune was driving on Minnesota Highway 13. Suddenly, a giant bird came swooping out of the sky. It was a bald eagle. Lo and behold, it was swooping toward a young deer darting across the four lanes of the route. An eagle attacking a deer? Or was the bird merely curious? A few feet above the deer, the eagle pulled up and flew back into the trees. The deer altered its path and followed the creek to the west of the road.

That’s life in Greater Minnesota as it should be.

Wildlife are common thanks to wildlife management areas, wildlife preserves, state parks and other preserved locations. Fifty-nine acres is a good chunk and will significantly expand the 113-acre Magaksica State Wildlife Management Area, which is primarily accessed from Freeborn County Road 71.

Hunting options on this land include deer, small game, pheasant, waterfowl, doves and turkeys, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

We intend to share more about this gift with our readers when the spring comes and the land is more accessible.