Land Conservation & Planning
The Pepin County Land Conservation & Planning Department works under the direction of the Land Conservation, Planning/ Extension Pepin County Committee. In 2018, the department was merged with the former "Land Management Department" in an effort to consolidate services that protect the natural resources of Pepin County. The department continues to offer traditional land conservation services as well as administration of zoning ordinances, emergency management, recycling and solid waste, and community planning programs. Residents can also find information about upcoming events, special programming, and other updates on our Facebook page; Pepin County Land Conservation and Planning.
The Pepin County Land Conservation Committee and Land Conservation & Planning Department strive to target four major goals:
- To protect and enhance the quality and quantity of water resources.
- To preserve and maintain our valuable soil resources.
- To promote a positive conservation ethic.
- To protect and enhance diverse wildlife habitats.
To achieve these goals, the LCPD offers conservation funding programs that provide a major role in assistance to landowners in protecting our valuable farmland, soil and water resources. Programs include: (1) Land and Water Resource Management (LWRM) (2) County Cost-share which also includes a Buffer Incentive Program, Cold water Stream Program and Invasive Species Program. (3) Segregated (SEG) program offering cost-share for nutrient management planning.
The LCPD provides free technical services to landowners in assisting them in the installation of best management practices. Common conservation practices approved for funding include grade stabilization structures (dams), grassed waterways, stream bank protection, access roads, diversions, well abandonment, and nutrient management planning and manure storage facilities. Locally implemented conservation programs across the state address a variety of resource issues, including but not limited to: controlling soil erosion, managing manure and nutrient applications, planning for future land use, protecting important land areas, managing groundwater, managing lakes, rivers, and shoreline area, protecting and restoring wetlands, managing forest resources and controlling invasive species. Additional practices are available and can be discussed with staff members.
The Department works with federal, state, and county soil and water conservation and farmland preservation programs; offers tree and shrub sales and rental of a tree planter; processes wildlife damage claims; administers the snowmobile trails program; coordinates community outreach and educational programs; and operates and maintains the county's parks and shooting range.