VIDEO: Restoration done right — Community, conservation and the Vermillion River

South Branch Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area is a true gem, and the site of a partnership we're extremely proud of. Located in Dakota County along Highway 52 in Vermillion Township, this state AMA and Mississippi River tributary boasts a remeandered trout stream, acres of prairie restoration and a stunning restored oak savanna.

FMR has been leading upland habitat restoration at this site since 2017, turning impenetrable buckthorn thickets into diverse riverside floodplain forest and blooming oak savanna. Since our work began, we've seen increases in downstream trout populations, wildlife and plant diversity, and visitor usage.

We've also deepened our partnership with the Hmong American Farmers Association, whose land is adjacent to the site. Together, we've hosted public volunteer events on both properties and begun restoring some of the Hmong American Farmers Association's forested acres as well.

Better together

One of our main goals in any FMR restoration project is to build a community of conservation around the site, with project partners, neighboring landowners, volunteers and people who use the property for recreation.

Working together ensures that different strengths, knowledge bases and perspectives are incorporated and makes both the project and site more resilient. When people care about a restoration site and about the work that went into protecting or restoring it, they're more likely to stay involved and work hard to ensure its long-term success.

To quote Hmong American Farmers Association Executive Director Janssen Hang, "When we all do better, we all do better!"

See the site and meet our partners in this video

Thanks to support from Fishers & Farmers Partnership and the Environment and Natural Resource Trust Fund, and in partnership with the Minnesita Department of Natural Resources Fisheries program, the Hmong American Farmers Association and Twin Cities Trout Unlimited, together we've restored 62 acres along the Vermillion River, turning former crop and pasture lands and degraded riverside woodlands into diverse native habitat and improving public access. Check out this Fishers & Farmers video celebrating our collaboration.

Thanks to partners and funders

This work is made possible by Fishers & Farmers Partnership, Hmong American Farmers Association, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and our many volunteers.