Dakota County Seeking Landowners to Preserve Green Space

Editor's Note: The following is a press release from Dakota County.

Dakota County Commissioners have provided landowners with another opportunity to protect land and water by authorizing a 10th annual Farmland and Natural Areas Program application round.

Those interested in applying for this voluntary program need to fill out a preliminary application and submit it to the county by Sept. 15. Eligible property owners will be asked to complete a final application after meeting with program staff.

Residents passed a $20 million bond referendum in 2002 to preserve open space. The county works with willing land owners to permanently protect private land by acquiring conservation easements or working with other public partners to purchase the land. Through collaboration, grants and landowner donation, the county has leveraged an additional $58 million to protect 8,000 acres of land valued at $77 million.  

General information and pre-applications are available on the Dakota County website at www.co.dakota.mn.us. In the search box, enter "Farmland and Natural Areas Program". For more information, please contact Lisa West at 952-891-7018.