Washington County and the Minnesota Land Trust were awarded more than $2.8 million by the state to preserve natural habitats in Washington County, according to the county.

“Washington County is home to some of the highest-quality natural land in the Twin Cities metropolitan area,” a county spokesperson said. “This grant invests in the protection and enhancement of these lands to ensure that they are preserved for both wildlife and community members alike.”

Multiphase project

The grant, which was announced Sept. 1, comes from the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. The council provides annual funding recommendations to the Minnesota Legislature for the Outdoor Heritage Fund, one of four funds created by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, and this is the second time the county has received this specific grant.

In 2022, Washington County and the Minnesota Land Trust Fund were awarded $4.3 million in Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage funds for Phase I of the stewardship project.

The current grant will invest in Phase II of the partnership, which includes “land protection, habitat enhancement in the city of Woodbury and Washington County personnel costs,” according to Washington County.

“Securing the $2.8 million Phase II grant for our Land and Water Legacy Program marks a major step forward in Washington County’s long-term conservation work,” Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham said.

Bigham said the partnership with the legislature, land trust and city of Woodbury “enables us to permanently protect open space, enhance hundreds of acres of parkland and add staff dedicated to stewarding these natural resources.”

Washington County Commissioner Michelle Clasen said that incorporating various government entities, agencies and communities ensures that “each district receives park funding equity and access.”

Preserving Woodbury parks, county habitats

During Phase II, $2,052,000 of the grant will be given to the Minnesota Land Trust to support the purchase of legal agreements with private landowners that permanently limit the use of their property for conservation, known as conservation easements.

The county and Minnesota Land Trust expect that 119 acres will be protected by co-held conservation easements, according to the county. Another $384,000 will be allocated to enhance three parks in Woodbury that are protected by Washington County conservation easements: Prairie Ridge Park, Valley Creek Park and La Lake Park.

The enhancements will include removing invasive species, planting native vegetation and conducting prescribed burns. The county expects 70 acres in Woodbury to be improved by the project through July 2031.

“The goal of this project is to further improve habitat conditions for wildlife while enhancing the experience for parkgoers,” a county spokesperson said.

New staff position

A Natural Resource Land Steward job position through Washington County Parks will be funded for five years with $376,000 of the grant. The full-time position will aim to enhance habitat quality throughout the county parks system, including Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Long Lake County Conservation Area and Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park.

“After the grant period, the county will evaluate long-term funding options, meaning the role is fully budgeted for five years but could be sustained past 2031,” a county spokesperson said.

In addition to the $2.8 million grant, Woodbury is dedicating $47,000 of in-kind leverage toward the project; the county will contribute $112,700 of in-kind leverage through related staff time, and the Minnesota Land Trust anticipates contributing $131,000 in landowner donations, according to the county.