The Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) provides technical and educational outreach to landowners and local governments for wetland-related projects. Wetlands are a protected resource. Grading and filling activities related to wetlands are regulated. Consult with the SWCD before starting a project.
Find out information on their wetland services and programs.
Wetlands have many benefits. They provide:
- Food and habitat for fish and wildlife
- Flood water storage
- Shoreline erosion control
- Water quality improvement
- Opportunities for recreation and education
Wetlands often function like natural sponges, storing surface water runoff during storms and slowly filtering and releasing it into nearby streams or recharging groundwater. This ability to filter pollutants from stormwater runoff makes wetlands invaluable in improving water quality.
Wetlands can be among the most biologically productive ecosystems in the world. They are vital to the survival of numerous animals and plants, including many threatened and endangered species.
Dakota County works with many agencies and to prioritize and assess wetland resources. One example is the Dakota County Wetland Heath Evaluation Program (WHEP) where people volunteer to assess wetland health by monitoring its plant and macroinvertebrate diversity. Sign up under the Environmental Resources Department to volunteer.