Nearest Town: McGrath

The 164-acre Jewett Wildlife Management Area is a waterfowl impoundment on the headwaters of Rice River surrounded by Aitkin County managed land. The drive into the impoundment passes private land, so beware of trespass laws. Look for woodland birds in the forests along the road.

The flowage marsh is home to Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Hooded Merganser, Painted Turtle, and Common Yellowthroat that use this WMA. Beaver, Muskrat and River Otter may be seen in the flowage. Spring migration is a good time for wildlife watching, especially for Wood Duck, Trumpeter Swan and other waterfowl. Other common species of wetland wildlife found here include Swamp Sparrow, Sedge Wren and Great Blue Heron.

The actual WMA includes the flowage area only. This is a cooperative WMA with Aitkin County and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Management emphasis is on Wild Rice, waterfowl, furbearer, and wetland wildlife.

No Wild Rice harvesting allowed. The main gate is closed in the winter to automobile traffic until mid-May.

Directions: From McGrath go six miles north on State Highway 65, three miles west on County Road 2, 7.5 miles north and west on 230th Place.

Contact Information: Aitkin County Land Department, 209 – 2nd Street NW, Aitkin, MN 56431, Phone: 218-927-7364, E-mail: acld@co.aitkin.mn.us; Minnesota DNR, Area Wildlife Office, 1200 Minnesota Ave S, Aitkin, MN 56431, Phone: 218-927-6915.