September 06, 2018 by Aaron Larsen
Minnesota’s wetlands, which provide essential habitat that waterfowl and other wildlife need to survive, have shrunk dramatically in the past decades. In the western part of our state, over 90% of wetlands are gone. In order to combat this wetland loss, the Minnesota Land Trust is launching a new phase of its innovative Wetland Habitat Protection Program and is seeking willing landowners who want to conserve their wetlands and surrounding areas in Becker, Big Stone, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Otter Tail, Pope, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse and Wilkin counties.
The importance of preserving Minnesota’s wetland complexes cannot be overstated. Wetlands slow moving water systems to improve water quality, help control flooding, reduce soil erosion and act as a buffer against droughts. They also provide critical nesting and feeding habitat to many species and are a distinct feature of the Minnesota landscape. Yet the area that they cover in the state has been cut in half. Wetland loss is particularly severe in the western, prairie-pothole region, where over 90% of wetlands are gone.
With this new phase of its innovative Wetland Habitat Protection Program, the Minnesota Land Trust is continuing to combat wetland loss. This new phase will seek to protect at least 650 acres; applications are being accepted until November 1, 2018.
Requirements for applications include:
To learn more about the program or to apply, contact the West Otter Tail SWCD at 218-998-5300.
Posted in: News
