The Dakota County Board of Commissioners has provided property owners with an opportunity to protect land and water by authorizing a 2018 solicitation for new natural area protection, wetland restoration, and water retention projects.
Those interested in applying for this voluntary program need to complete a preliminary application and submit it by Sept. 15. Eligible property owners will be asked to complete a final application after meeting with program staff. Landowners with substantial natural areas, unique features or rare species, wetlands, degraded wetlands, shoreline, or areas that would serve well for retaining more water on the landscape are encouraged to apply for permanent land protection.
Funding continues to be made available to preserve and protect open spaces in Dakota County. The County works with willing landowners to permanently protect private land by acquiring conservation easements or working with other public partners to purchase the land. Through collaboration, grants and landowner donation, the County has leveraged more than $56.7 million to protect more than 11,000 acres of land valued at over $76.3 million.
General information and pre-applications for natural resource protection are available on the Land Conservation page. For more information, please contact Lisa West at 952-891-7018.
