Own 20 acres of land or more near a wild rice lake?
Enjoy outdoor activities on the property and want to keep the land for grandchildren?
The Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District is now accepting applications for land preservation. Land preservation allows property owners to own the land, hunt, hike, manage the woods and ensure land for the next generation. In return, landowners receive a one-time taxable payment, the formula for which is based off taxable land value and number of acres.
"Since 2012, we have worked with seven landowners and protected over 5 miles of sensitive shoreline and over 220 acres of land near wild rice lakes," stated Sheila Carleton, conservation outreach specialist, in a news release. "We continue to accept applications and welcome any landowner to call or email our office to find out if you qualify."
According to the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources, as of June 2015, the program has protected more than 20 miles of shoreline in Minnesota. Wild rice was once found throughout most of the state, but today the heart of the state's wild rice acreage falls within 11 counties: Aitkin, Becker, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, St. Louis and Wadena.
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The following Crow Wing County lakes are eligible: Whitefish, Basset, Island, Rice (Deerwood), Nokay, Pointon, Loon/Ward, Wolf, Buffalo, Terry, Lower Dean, Lost Rice (18022800), Butterfield, Faupel, Rice (18031600), Horseshoe (18031700), Tamarac, Rice (18032700), Garden, Unnamed (18038200), Hole-in-the-Day, Blackie's Slough, Sewell's Pond, Bulldog, Rock, Round (18003200), Clearwater (18003800), Maple, Twin Island, Dog, Rice (18012100), Mud (18013700), Round (18014700), Sebie, Nelson, Little Pine, Caraway, Grass, Lower Mission, Greer, Mitchell, Mollie, Little Pelican, Grass, Arrowhead, Upper Cullen, Island, Rice (18040500), Mayo, Borden, Upper Dean, Half Moon, Bonnie, Johnson and Deer.
To apply, contact the Crow Wing SWCD via email at sheila.carleton@crowwingswcd.org or by phone at 218-828-6197. Ask for Sheila.
Primary funding provided by the Outdoor Heritage Fund portion of the Legacy Amendment.
