Crow Wing SWCD releases conservation report

Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District Manager Melissa Barrick, Senior Project Manager Jay Michels, Serpent Lake Association Vice President Terry Tichenor and Crow Wing SWCD Board Supervisor Jim Chamberlin discuss the targeted watershed project that reduced phosphorus-loading to Serpent Lake in Deerwood — Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District Manager Melissa Barrick, left, Senior Project Manager Jay Michels, Serpent Lake Association Vice President Terry Tichenor and Crow Wing SWCD Board Supervisor Jim Chamberlin discuss the targeted watershed project that reduced phosphorus-loading to Serpent Lake in Deerwood and eliminated a flooding problem at some of the Summer Place cabins.

By Dispatch staff report

May 13, 2022 at 9:00 AM

BRAINERD — Crow Wing County landowners and community groups implemented projects last year for clean water and habitat.

The Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District released the 2021 conservation report showing the “excellent conservation work being done in the Brainerd lakes area,” according to a news release.

“Citizens and community groups planted native trees in their yard, repaired shoreline erosion and created pollinator habitats,” stated Melissa Barrick, Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District district manager, in the news release.

Highlights of the report include:

160 Spanish goats grazed 8 acres to help eliminate buckthorn.
73 landowners participated in the four free nitrate clinics.
Landowners protected wildlife habitats and critical shorelines through the Reinvest in Minnesota Conservation Easement Program.
Individual property owners worked with professional plan writers to develop 48 Forest Stewardship Plans for 4,592 acres of private woodlands.
Citizens planted over 26,300 trees and 3,000 plants.
Leveraged over $3.4 million (state, federal, and contracts) for conservation programs and projects.

Funding for projects was provided in part by local government units, nonprofit groups, citizens, the Outdoor Heritage Fund and Clean Water Fund as part of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, and the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
“We cannot do this work without our local partners, it takes a village to do conservation. We are so grateful for all partners, landowners and grantors,” Barrick stated.

To read the complete report, visit bit.ly/3l7mteB , email tasha@cwswcd.org or call 218-828-6197 for a printed copy.

By Dispatch staff report

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Crow Wing SWCD releases conservation report

The Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation report details the work by local government units, nonprofit groups, citizens and more to conserve natural resources.