Dakota County works with willing landowners and partners to protect and restore important land.
Since 2003, the county has completed 156 projects, totaling more than 12,000 acres and 96 miles of shoreland.
See the Land Conservation Summary Map.
Landowners interested in protecting and restoring their land can contact the county.
Land protection occurs when landowners voluntarily sell a permanent conservation easement. Landowners receive payment, retain private ownership and use of the land. They also can sell the land in the future — with the understanding it will never be developed.
The county works with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and cities to buy land outside the county park and greenway system. Also, the county can buy land for current or planned public recreational uses. Protected land is eligible for state grants and county grant matching to restore and enhance natural resources.