FMR protects 191 acres! Partnerships, perseverance pay off

These lush, high-quality woodlands are now part of the Pine Bend Scientific and Natural Area.

Photo: Ellen Fuge

In 2010, FMR's conservation efforts led to the permanent protection of 191 acres of important river corridor lands. Protected areas include land along the St. Croix River, along Chub Lake in Dakota County and in the Pine Bend bluffs of Inver Grove Heights. FMR is particularly proud of the Pine Bend acquisition, the result of years of work and extensive partnerships.

While the St. Croix and Chub Lake acquisitions are important — resulting in the conservation of land that protects both water quality and wildlife habitat — FMR is particularly proud of the Pine Bend acquisition. December 30th, 2010 the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) purchased the 66 acres of forestland from the Rechtzigel family. The property will become part of the Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area, bringing the total acreage of the SNA to 314!

FMR Conservation Director Tom Lewanski has worked with the Rechtzigels for several years. Ruth and Butch have a very strong land ethic, said Tom. They understand that their property plays an important role in the health of the Mississippi ecosystem. I am glad we were able to help them achieve their conservation vision for this land.

Located along the Mississippi River in Inver Grove Heights near Rosemount, Pine Bend Bluffs SNA was created in 2002. The culmination of years of FMR-led efforts, the designation afforded the area the highest level of protection in the state. The Pine Bend SNA is one of the largest natural areas remaining along the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities. (For more information, see links below.)

The SNA, however, remained split into two sections. The addition of the Rechtzigel property connects these areas, helping to build a green corridor along the river in the southern metro region and making current and future habitat restoration and enhancement activities easier.

The Rechtzigel addition builds upon FMRs tradition of collaborative conservation, involving multiple key stakeholders including Dakota County, the City of Inver Grove Heights, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Rechtzigel family. This success demonstrates the importance and power of partnerships.

This project is exciting for another reason as well: it is the first land acquisition FMR has contributed its own privately raised funds to. FMRs contribution leveraged additional public funds for land protection and habitat restoration.

FMR plans to continue to partner with the DNR and its SNA program to restore and enhance the natural communities on the property so that they may provide critical wildlife habitat and support the health of the Mississippi River.

For more information:

• See the article by David Henke in the Inver Grove Heights Patch,
• Visit the Department of Natural Resources Pine Bend SNA page, and
• FMRs Pine Bend project page.