Stadsvold Easement Enhancement

The focus of this project will be to restore native prairie habitat for wildlife species on the new Cedar Creek Conservation Area (CCCA). The CCCA consists of 550 acres of oak woodland, wetlands, riparian forests, and agricultural fields at the confluence of the Rum River and Cedar Creek in Andover. 71 acres of agricultural fields would be restored to native short dry prairie habitat and 23 acres would be restored to native mixed height mesic prairie. An additional 68 acres of agricultural fields in the south will be restored through future county dollars as part of the agreement with the LSOHC. Restoration of the fields to native prairie would provide nesting, bedding, cover, and forage for a variety of upland bird species, waterfowl, reptiles and mammals. In addition, restoration would result in decreased sediment and nutrient loading into both the Rum River and Cedar Creek protecting this vital fishery. This will result in increased hunting and fishing opportunities.