Best Practice Action 10.5
GreenStep City Best Practices: Land Use
Design for Natural Resource Conservation No. 10
Adopt development ordinances or processes that protect natural systems and valued community assets.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 5
Preserve environmentally sensitive, community-valued land by placing a conservation easement on city lands, and by encouraging/funding private landowners to place land in conservation easements.
- Use the DNR’s Minnesota Conservation Explorer to identify Natural Heritage Information System data for both conservation planning and identifying rare resources. See BPA 10.1 to learn more about identifying preservation areas.
- The Minnesota Land Trust protects undeveloped shoreline, shallow lakes, undisturbed forest, prairies, and other ecologically important and community-valued areas statewide by advising landowners and local communities and by managing conservation easements placed on such lands. The Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Reserve Program, administered by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, pays private landowners to voluntarily retire environmentally sensitive lands from agricultural production by enrolling land in a conservation easement.
- Municipalities in Minnesota are authorized by the Legislature to create purchase of development rights and transfer of development rights programs. PDR programs exist in Washington and Dakota Counties. TDR programs, applicable in urban areas, are not known to exist in any Minnesota city.
- The Nature Conservancy's Floodplain Prioritization Tool helps identify critical opportunities for floodplain conservation and restoration in the Mississippi River Basin.
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Actively encourage landowners to place conservation easements on their land. |
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Place at least one conservation easement on city land; conservation easements required on all wetlands/wetland buffers during entitlement; city recommends that land developers deed wetlands to city. |
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Provide funding to encourage private landowner easements; adopt or participate in a purchase of development rights or transfer of development rights program. |
Who's doing it
Golden Valley -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2007
Implementation details:
As of 2016 the City has established 12 conservation easements that cover 25 properties.
In addition to the 12 conservation easements, in 2007 the City granted a conservation easement for 3.07 acres of wetland bank in the General Mills Nature Preserve to the Minnesota Land Trust to ensure it would be preserved in perpetuity.
In addition to the 12 conservation easements, in 2007 the City granted a conservation easement for 3.07 acres of wetland bank in the General Mills Nature Preserve to the Minnesota Land Trust to ensure it would be preserved in perpetuity.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
As of 2016 the City has established 13 conservation easements, totaling 25.7 acres.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.goldenvalleymn.gov/boards/environmental/environmental-state-of-the-city-report-2015.pdf
For more information contact:
Eric Eckman (City staff) | eeckman@goldenvalleymn.gov | 763-593-8084
Partners:
Carver -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
Throughout recent single family home development in Carver, we have placed several conservation easements over City owned property to ensure that environmentally sensitive habitat will not be disturbed. We are proactive in our approach of these areas and require that developers place conservation easement signage at each lot corner that abut sensitive areas. Examples of this in Carver are in the Meridian Fields, Oak Tree, Meadows and Spring Creek, and Hawthorne Ridge neighborhoods.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Erin Smith (City Staff) | esmith@cityofcarver.com | 9524488743
Partners:
Duluth -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2002
Implementation details:
In 2002 Duluth City Council approved an ordinance creating the Duluth Natural Areas Program to permanently protect significant natural resources within the city. Property owned by the city or other individuals can be enrolled in the program, which restricts use and helps draft a management plan to best preserve the resources found there. The program currently has 3 areas enrolled.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Alex Jackson, Energy Coordinator (City staff) | ajackson@DuluthMN.gov | 218-730-4433
Partners:
Eden Prairie -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
A formal program has not been adopted. Land in Eden Prairie is generally preserved in one of three ways. 1) Purchased by the city, 2) land is given in lieu of park dedication fees and 3) land is dedicated to conservation as part of the development process.
721 Conservation Easements are in place on parcels of land.
721 Conservation Easements are in place on parcels of land.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Partners:
Edina -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1994
Implementation details:
The City of Edina has at least 2 conservation-easements that are located on city-owned/public land. Both of these easements are located in Braemar Golf Course, with the western-most easement containing a small portion entering Braemar Park. This land has been placed under a conservation-easement to protect and preserve the existing wetlands and oak savanna landscape present in this (southwest) corner of the Park and Golf Course.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c5879cbe476f482a8b37815656ff8aa2
For more information contact:
Grace Hancock (City Staff) | ghancock@edinamn.gov | (952)826-1621
Partners:
La Crescent -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
La Crescent established an exceptional network of protected blufflands and recreational trails in and around the City of La Crescent. This was provided through easements on Vetsch and Eagles Bluff Park Properties with the MN Land Trust.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.cityoflacrescent-mn.gov/wp-content/uploads/LaCrescent-Bluffland-Plan-2017-1.pdf
For more information contact:
Jason Ludwigson (Contractor) | JDLudwigson@gmail.com | 5073139633
Partners:
Lake Elmo -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo has partnered with the MN Land Trust on establishing many large conservation easements in Lake Elmo. The MN Land Trust has recognized Lake Elmo as a leader in this area. In addition, Lake Elmo is nationally recognized for its Open Space Preservation developments. Please reference Section 150.175 of the Lake Elmo City code for more information about OP developments.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
In collaboration with the MN Land Trust, over 20 Open Space Preservation developments have been established in Lake Elmo.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
Partners: MN Land Trust
Maplewood -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In 2001 a three-acre hillside at Trout Brook Preserve was planted with prairie grasses and wildflowers. The preserve is at Harambee School. Maplewood has an easement on this site but does not own it. The site is open to the public.
There is also a conservation easement on the Priory nature preserve located at the southwest corner of Century Avenue and Larpenteur Avenue.
In 2013 the City of Maplewood acquired the 70 acre fish creek property. The Conservation Fund purchased the site in 2011 and agreed to hold it for two years to give the City and its primary partners, Ramsey County and Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, time to raise the $2.2 million needed. Generous donations from the Maplewood-based 3M Foundation, Friends of the Mississippi River and individual donors were provided. A Natural and Scenic Area grant from Department of Natural Resources, a grant from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, and bonding funds from the State of Minnesota provided nearly half the funding, making this conservation achievement possible.
There is also a conservation easement on the Priory nature preserve located at the southwest corner of Century Avenue and Larpenteur Avenue.
In 2013 the City of Maplewood acquired the 70 acre fish creek property. The Conservation Fund purchased the site in 2011 and agreed to hold it for two years to give the City and its primary partners, Ramsey County and Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, time to raise the $2.2 million needed. Generous donations from the Maplewood-based 3M Foundation, Friends of the Mississippi River and individual donors were provided. A Natural and Scenic Area grant from Department of Natural Resources, a grant from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, and bonding funds from the State of Minnesota provided nearly half the funding, making this conservation achievement possible.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=884
For more information contact:
Blank Blank (City Staff) | Blank | Blank
Partners: Ramsey County, Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, 3M Foundation, Friends of the Mississippi River, MN DNR,
Mendota Heights -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2005
Implementation details:
In 2005 the City of Mendota Heights purchased the site at the convergence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers named Oheyawahe or Historic Pilot Knob. The site was made into a preservation area to protect it from development, as it is of great importance to the Dakota people. Native restoration of the area began in 2006 and continues to the present. The site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017 and in 2019 the city started a task force, the Pilot Knob Preservation Association, to focus on capital improvements, natural resources management and interpretation.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Partners: Pilot Knob Preservation Association, Great River Greening
Rochester -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Olmsted County has implemented a soil and water conservation district for quite a few years. The Mission of the Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District is to promote
more sustainable resource utilization and protection of natural resources in the
County. The District assists farmers, communities, watershed planners and
landowners in developing and implementing conservation and resource
management systems and practices. The District also serves as a source for
conservation and resource information and provides environmental education for
county residents.
more sustainable resource utilization and protection of natural resources in the
County. The District assists farmers, communities, watershed planners and
landowners in developing and implementing conservation and resource
management systems and practices. The District also serves as a source for
conservation and resource information and provides environmental education for
county residents.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District, http://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/pw/oswcd/Documents/2010annualreport.pdf
For more information contact:
Andy Hart (City staff) | Hart@starband.net | (507) 280-2850
Partners:
Rosemount -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1998
Implementation details:
The City of Rosemount Comprehensive Wetland Management Plan requires conservation easements placed over all wetlands and wetland buffers which are recorded with the final plat during the land development process. City staff has recommended that wetlands be deeded to the City during the subdivision process.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Several wetlands have been deeded to the city, and those that are not are still protected by conservation easements that are clearly marked.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.ci.rosemount.mn.us/282/Comprehensive-Wetland-Management-Plan
For more information contact:
Julia Hogan (City Staff) | julia.hogan@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2052
Partners: Private developers
Savage -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
The City of Savage has a Conservation Easement recorded with grant aid at the McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center (ELC).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Protects unique and rare resource ("Big Woods" remnant) adjacent to wetlands.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ecs/222Mb/index.html
For more information contact:
Jon Allen (City Staff) | jallen@cityofsavage.com | 9522243441
Partners:
Stillwater -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city has placed a conservation easement on long narrow stretch of property along the St. Croix River that is public land. The property has a concept plan that has been approved and a park (called Aiple Park) is going to be built, which will provide residents access to the river.
With the development of Liberty on the Lake and Legends, there was a 50% set aside of pervious area. These were in the form of public open space and private easements.
With the development of Liberty on the Lake and Legends, there was a 50% set aside of pervious area. These were in the form of public open space and private easements.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Bill Turnblad (City staff) | bturnblad@ci.stillwater.mn.us | 651-430-8821
Partners:
Eagan -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City has partnered with other entities (e.g. Dakota County) to fund conservation easements to preserve land in the Eagan Core Greenway
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.cityofeagan.com/live/news.asp?menu=2211&id=5171
For more information contact:
Andrew Pimental (City Staff) | apimental@cityofeagan.com | 651/675-5506
Partners:
Elk River -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The William H. Houlton Conservation Area is a 347-acre property and has been restored into high-quality wildlife habitat. The city owns the property through a partnership with the Friends of the Mississippi River, Trust for Public Land and Outdoor Heritage Fund and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A Natural Resources Management Plan was created to return farmfields to prairie habitat, restore floodplain forest and allow for public hunting and fishing.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://fmr.org/houlton-farm
For more information contact:
Amanda Bednar (City staff) | ABednar@ElkRiverMN.gov | 763-635-1068
Partners:
Red Wing -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city established several conservation easements to preserve property (for example, in 2011, the city granted a conservation easement over approximately 200 acres in the Red Wing Riverfront to the Minnesota Land Trust). The city has also been awarded several DNR Natural and Scenic Grants used to purchase open space.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
Partners:
Sunfish Lake -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2002
Implementation details:
On December 27th, 2002, a Conservation Easement was granted by the City of Sunfish Lake to the Minnesota Land Trust to protect and preserve the conservation values of Musser Park in perpetuity.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
This easement preserves the open and natural character of the protected property for scenic enjoyment by the general public, preserves a relatively natural habitat for wildlife and plants and provides an opportunity for the public to experience and enjoy the out-of-doors in a relatively undisturbed and natural setting.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jim Nayes (Contractor) | jim@LSTrees.com | 612-803-9033
Partners: Minnesota Land Trust
Woodbury -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city holds conservation easements (although they did not fund them) and now does fee for title instead.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jennifer McLoughlin (City staff) | jmcloughlin@ci.woodbury.mn.us | 651-714-3522
Partners:
Greenstep Advisor
Laura Musacchio, University of Minnesota, Department of Landscape Architecture: 612/626-0810, musac003@umn.edu