Camp Ripley Partnership - Phase V
The project protect approximately 1090 acres of habitat for fish, game and wildlife with easements along the Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers and tributaries. Protection will reduce infringement and development and improve watershed function.
The project built on the existing Army Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) partnership by protecting land through 17 easements on 1090 acres. Camp Ripley has leveraged over $18 million dollars and is the leading ACUB program in the country. With state funds indirectly leveraging federal funds, we continue advancing toward the goal of securing 70,000 acres in easements and compatible use properties. LSOHC appropriations are typically encumbered within one year of receipt.
Using state funds to convey easements on valuable riparian and forested properties and the ACUB dollars from the Department of Defense and the National Guard Bureau to secure the agricultural properties, the program assists central MN in maintaining its rural character. The leverage occurs at the project level and OHF funded easements do not include federal match for those specific parcels. Limiting land use conversion protects fish and wildlife habitats and promotes connectivity of two major watersheds that provide drinking water to the southern half of MN. Easement dollars have contributed to the local economy dependent on tourism from outdoor recreation activities.
$1,500,000 in the first year is to the Board of Water and Soil Resources in cooperation with the Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District to acquire permanent conservation easements within the boundaries of the Minnesota National Guard Compatible Use Buffer to protect forest wildlife habitat. Up to $55,000 is for establishing a monitoring and enforcement fund, as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of permanent conservation easements must be provided as part of the final report.
Protected 1,090 acres in easement