How Does the Land Conservation Program Work?

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District's Land Conservation Program works cooperatively with private landowners, municipalities, counties, and other agencies and organizations to ensure that we protect our water, wetlands, and wildlife as our communities grow. MCWD’s land conservation program:

• provides technical assistance to municipalities, landowners, and others on land conservation and restoration options
• works with a variety of organizations, agencies, and programs to deliver a comprehensive, integrated set of conservation and restoration options for landowners in high priority conservation areas
• protects and restores key natural resources by taking full advantage of the various options available.

Land Conservation Program Fact Sheets

MCWD's Land Conservation Program: Protecting Land...For Water's Sake
Conservation Easements
Natural Resource Incentives for Critical Habitat
Land Conservation Payment Options (coming soon)  

Click here to view a detailed and printable PDF map of the MCWD Key Conservation Areas.

For more information contact Ellen Heine at 952-471-0590 x 212 or eheine@minnehahacreek.org

Protecting Land...For Water's Sake

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is committed to a leadership role in protecting, improving, and managing surface waters and affiliated ground water resources within the District, including their relationships to the ecosystems of which they are an integral part. In fulfilling its mission, MCWD is looking to use every available tool to protect and enhance water resources.

Traditionally, water quality protection tools have operated at the end of the pipe: just before polluted water reaches its destination (lake, river, stream, or wetland).  By strategically protecting land at critical watershed drainage areas, (the beginning of the pipe, not the end), we can reduce the need for expensive infrastructure. The result is a green infrastructure of open spaces and natural areas that takes advantage of the free water resource protection services provided by nature, along with other benefits such as habitat protection. 

Through partnerships, creativity, and leverage, we work to conserve and restore water resources for future generations.

Click here to learn more about MCWD's Land Conservation Program

MCWD Launches Conservation Partnership With Hennepin County