FMR to restore Mississippi bluffland property

Carolyn and Dennis Emrick live on the land that Carolyns ancestor obtained from the federal government back in 1854. At that time, the land was cleared of prairie and oak savanna to make it more hospitable for crops. Recently, the Emricks have permanently protected this property by placing a conservation easement on it, through the Dakota County Farmland and Natural Area Program. This is cool enough. However, the Emricks are going one step further.

Starting in 2010, FMR will assist the Emricks in restoring prairie and oak savanna back to this property that is located along the Mississippi bluffland in Ravenna Township. Looking over the Mississippi River floodplain from the vantage point of the Emricks property, one can clearly see the importance of the property and the upcoming restoration to the health of the river. Situated above the large floodplain area known as the Vermillion River Bottoms, this property can provide important habitat not only for resident animals but for the myriad of bird species that migrate along this internationally significant flyway as well.

The Emricks land protection and restoration efforts fit within a larger conservation effort that is taking place throughout the entire Twin Cities metro area. Known as the Metro Conservation Corridors and funded by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, this consortium of conservation organizations is working to develop an interconnected system of natural corridors through the metro area.

FMR, as a partner in the Metro Conservation Corridors, will utilize its funding from the Trust Fund to assist the Emricks in restoring their property. The Emricks should be congratulated for being not only good stewards of their property but also for being great role models for other landowners. We are proud to be a partner with them in their conservation efforts. We will provide updates on the restoration efforts as the project moves forward.