Greening helps examine the management of conservation easements

Scott County leads interdisciplinary team that explores possible models

January 19, 2009

Dear Friend:

Greening is part of an interdisciplinary team assembled by Scott County that is investigating how to maintain high quality natural areas that have been protected under conservation easement as a part of a development process. Without adequate maintenance and guidance, often the lands protected by conservation easements lose the same ecological qualities for which they were protected.  Other partners include Embrace Open Space, Trust for Public Land, the Minnesota Land Trust, the North Scott Land Trust, and the Scott Soil and Water Conservation District.

Like many counties, Scott County is working to manage growth while protecting high quality natural areas. One strategy includes working with developers or landowners to protect high value natural lands in exchange for increased densities. One of Great River Greening’s tasks is to investigate the different ecosystems involved along with the range of costs of maintaining or restoring the land. We will also help to assess the universe of implementation approaches or models assembled through core meetings, workshops, and partner research. Scott County plans to engage landowners and developers in the project before ultimately determining the best approach for the county.

Funding for this project is provided by The Department of Natural Resources’ Conservation Assistance Program and the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR).

Greening also welcomes new board members: 

Annemarie Bossert teaches biology at The University of St. Catherine, is an avid gardener using native plants, and has a M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology from Northwestern University in Chicago.

Roger Green, M.B.A. University of St. Thomas, is Vice President of Strategy, Policy, Marketing and Communications for the HealthEast Care System and also chair of the Woodbury Economic Development Commission.

Major operating support for all Great River Greening programs is provided by McKnight Foundation.

For more up to date news on Greening, please visit our website www.greatrivergreening.org.