This program will permanently protect approximately 750 acres of critical habitat through fee-title acquisition and conservation easements, and restore and enhance up to 50 acres of habitat for species of greatest conservation need in strategically targeted protected land assets of biodiversity significance in the St. Croix Watershed. Its goals are to protect habitat, improve conservation connectivity, and provide public access for outdoor recreation opportunities.
Two strategically identified parcels were purchased and restored totaling 463 acres. Four Corners WMA tract 11 (Kittleson tract) restored 55 acres of wetlands and 163 acres of diverse native prairie. With the recent addition of a private RIM easement on adjacent lands, a large wetland basin which crosses property lines will be restored soon via tile removal from that project. All work from this program is completed on this tract.
To enhance Lincoln County Fair's capacity to host diverse programming by purchasing a stage. A stage would create a performance area outside of the grandstand, allowing for more programming at the fair. Currently, there is not a space for dance performances or performances with multiple singers. The stage would elevate the event to attract attention and allow for greater visibility, but be low enough to allow for audience interaction.
With funding from the Outdoor Heritage Fund and other leveraged sources, the Anoka Sand Plain Partnership restored/enhanced 1,866 acres of priority wildlife habitat within the Anoka Sand Plain and in the Rum River watershed in east-central Minnesota.
