Grassland Conservation Partnership, Phase III

The Grasslands Conservation Partnership project builds upon the success The Conservation Fund (TCF) and the Minnesota Land Trust (MLT) have had in protecting more than 2,000-acres of important wildlife habitats in the two previous phases of this project through privately-held conservation easements that use innovative managed grazing and grassland management as an important conservation tool for Minnesota. These previous projects were completed in the Prairie Region, and more opportunities exist in the central and southeastern parts of the state, where private grasslands complete connectivity between wildlife complexes.Conservation Easements: As one of the founding partners in the development of the Prairie Plan, TCF has been working with other non-profits, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to protect more than 4,000 acres of habitat in the prairie region over the past four years. Part of this effort was working with BWSR, MLT, and DNR to develop strategies to protect working grasslands that are vital for wildlife in the prairie region. This joint effort enabled MLT to establish two privately-held working-grassland conservation easements in the prairie region of Minnesota protecting over 2,000 acres of grasslands.Science has proven that proper application of haying and grazing techniques can be used to mimic natural processes necessary for healthy natural grassland communities. Our colleagues at The Nature Conservancy and the USFWS have proven these techniques successful in Minnesota over a significant period of time. Working with these partners, and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, DNR, the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association, the McKnight Foundation, private agriculture corporations and co-ops, we are confident that the time is right to expand our previous efforts to protect even more grassland. All easements will be held and monitored by MLT. TCF will perform the initial landowner contact and negotiations, in full coordination with MLT, leading to the establishment of a conservation easement. Lands targeted for conservation easement protection will meet the following criteria: • Lands with significant existing prairie or grassland habitat.• Lands adjacent to or in close proximity to permanently protected land (e.g. WMA, WPA, CREP, TNC preserves, etc.).• Lands which will help establish connections to permanently protected land wherever possible and create larger habitat complexes.• Lands which may also include low-production cropland that can be converted back into grasslands, thereby increasing overall grassland habitat.MLT and TCF will use the above criteria to generate a systematic ranking system to vet potential projects and ensure maximum conservation values. We will also screen for producers with a proven ability to successfully implement best management practices for conservation grazing. Project priorities will be those that provide the greatest conservation benefits at the lowest cost to the State. Capacity: TCF and MLT are two of only four land trusts operating in Minnesota accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. The Commission awards accreditation to land trusts that meet national standards for excellence.