Crow Wing County releases report on landowner driven conservation efforts

BRAINERD — Crow Wing County landowners and community groups implemented projects last year for clean water and habitat.

The Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District released the 2021 conservation report showing the “excellent conservation work being done in the Brainerd lakes area,” according to a news release.

“Citizens and community groups planted native trees in their yard, repaired shoreline erosion and created pollinator habitats,” Melissa Barrick, Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District district manager, said in the news release.

Highlights of the report include:

• 160 Spanish goats grazed 8 acres to help eliminate buckthorn.
• 73 landowners participated in the four free nitrate clinics.
• Landowners protected wildlife habitats and critical shorelines through the Reinvest in Minnesota conservation easement program.
• Individual property owners worked with professional plan writers to develop 48 Forest Stewardship Plans for 4,592 acres of private woodlands.
• Citizens planted over 26,300 trees and 3,000 plants.
• Leveraged over $3.4 million (state, federal, and contracts) for conservation programs and projects.

Funding for projects was provided in part by local government units, nonprofit groups, citizens, the Outdoor Heritage Fund and Clean Water Fund as part of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, and the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
“We cannot do this work without our local partners, it takes a village to do conservation. We are so grateful for all partners, landowners and grantors,” Barrick said.

To read the complete report, visit bit.ly/3l7mteB , email tasha@cwswcd.org or call 218-828-6197 for a printed copy.