Dakota County is developing a new countywide Land Conservation Plan to help protect natural resources throughout the County for current and future generations.  The plan will:

• Identify and prioritize lands throughout the County for voluntary protection and enhanced natural resource management
• Guide improved coordination and collaboration with other agencies and organizations on land protection and long-term natural resource management
• Evaluate potential tools and incentives to increase voluntary protection and stewardship of private lands
• Update program guidelines for interested landowners

The new plan builds off the success of the Farmland and Natural Area Protection Plan, which addressed the public's interest in long-term protection of natural areas, lakes and farmland.

More information about the project will be posted as it becomes available

Process & timeline

Phase 1: Research & Discussion (March-July 2019)

• Identify resource protection gaps
• Seek public comments and ideas on issues
• Develop potential plan strategies
• Report findings to County Board

Phase 2: Draft Plan Development (August-December 2019)

• Refine approved strategies with public and partners
• Develop draft plan
• Review draft plan with County Board

Phase 3: Plan Review & Adoption (January-April 2020)

• 30-day public review of draft plan
• Refine and adopt plan

You can participate                                                                  

The opinions of residents, businesses and   partners are vital to the development of an effective plan. A series of meetings and ways to make it easier to participate have been planned.

Take a quick survey
Take a short online survey.

Attend a session
Please RSVP by emailing planning@co.dakota.mn.us.

Open House I (held jointly with Groundwater Plan update project and water testing for lead)
April 30, 5–8 p.m.
Dakota Lodge in Thompson County Park
1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul

Open House II (held jointly with Groundwater Plan update project and nitrate testing clinic)
May 2, 5–8 p.m.
Conservation Center, Rooms 1 & 2
4100 220th Street W., Farmington

Land Conservation in an Agricultural Landscape (same session day & evening)
April 23, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Conservation Center, Rooms 1 & 2
4100 220th Street W., Farmington

May 1, 6-8 p.m.
Conservation Center, Rooms 1 & 2
4100 220th Street W., Farmington

Countywide Natural Resource Protection and Long-Term Management (same session day & evening)
April 24, 9-11 a.m. 
Western Service Center, Room L 139
14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley

May 8, 6-8 p.m. 
Western Service Center, Room L 139
14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley

Email comments
You can send comments by emailing planning@co.dakota.mn.us.