Voluntary conservation efforts are critical to Minnesota’s climate resiliency

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Operating in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, soil and water conservation districts value Minnesota’s water resources and the abundance of water for drinking, recreation, doing business and sustaining the agriculture industry. It takes a shared effort between the public and private sectors to maintain high-quality water resources.

The same is true for the many natural resources we share. Creating abundant habitat for wildlife, healthy soil to grow our food and clean groundwater for our homes and businesses does not happen in a vacuum. These resources don’t follow property lines. An impact in one area will affect another area downstream.

More than 75% of the state’s land area is privately owned, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. That’s why voluntary conservation on private lands is key to protecting and enhancing these resources for all Minnesotans to enjoy.

Last week, more than 50 individuals, families and organizations were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota’s natural resources through the statewide Outstanding Conservationist awards. The Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which represents the 88 soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) in the state, is proud to recognize these exceptional stewards for their dedication to the common good and their willingness to innovate.

Through collaboration with soil and water conservation resource professionals, our Outstanding Conservationists find solutions to address common resource concerns like nutrient management, soil and wind erosion and loss of biodiversity. They invest their own time and resources to experiment with new ways of managing their land for improved outcomes for everyone.

These success stories wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our state’s SWCDs. SWCDs are a primary source of conservation information, support and program management for landowners and other local units of government. They are the technical experts and “boots on the ground” who understand their specific communities’ needs and help landowners navigate conservation programs from start to finish.

As we look to the future and the responsibility to ensure that Minnesota’s landscape is adaptable and resilient to climate change, private lands conservation will continue to be essential. Thank you to our Outstanding Conservationists — and all who collaborate to implement voluntary conservation practices on their land — for leading this important work.

Chuck Rau is president of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts board of directors and an elected Benton County SWCD supervisor. The Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts is on X: @MnSWCDs.