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 2002  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: Start Up (July 2018-January 2019)

• Assemble planning team
• Develop plan scope, engagement plan and research tasks
• Seek County Board direction

Phase 2: Research & Discussion (January-July 2019)

• Identify resource protection gaps
• Seek public comments and ideas on issues
• Develop potential plan strategies
• Report findings to Planning Commission (June 27, 2019 presentation)
• Report findings to County Board (July 9, 2019 presentation)

Phase 3: Draft Plan Development (August-December 2019)

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

Phase 4: Plan Review & Adoption (January-April 2020)

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

Public input

The opinions of residents, businesses and partners are vital to the development of an effective plan. A series of engagement meetings and surveys provided an opportunity for people to weigh-in on priority areas for the plan to address. 

Read the Engagement Summary

Research findings

Research on a wide range of land conservation and natural resources management topics was conducted during the second project phase.  Based on the research and engagement findings, a set of potential new initiatives for the program emerged.

Read the Research Findings
Read the Potential New Initiatives

Upcoming work

A draft plan is being developing to reflect the findings and comments from the Planning Commission and County Board.  The plan will be ready for review and comment at the end of 2019. 

Email comments

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