Minnesota Mixed Bag: CREP applications accepted through June 6 – Outdoor News
St. Paul — Landowners in 66 Minnesota counties may apply through June 6 for the Minnesota Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, a conservation easement program administered by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources.
MN CREP is a voluntary conservation program that permanently protects environmentally-sensitive land in targeted Minnesota counties by leveraging state and federal funds.
Landowners participating in MN CREP enroll in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency-administered Conservation Reserve Program for 14 or 15 years, and in the BWSR-administered Reinvest in Minnesota Reserve program – a state-funded perpetual conservation easement program. MN CREP enrollment periods take place in conjunction with federal continuous CRP enrollment periods.
Eligible landowners may apply by contacting their local soil and water conservation district or Farm Service Agency office. Learn more about MN CREP at https://bwsr.state.mn.us/mn-crep-landowners
MORE COVERAGE FROM MINNESOTA OUTDOOR NEWS:
Northeast Minnesota deer study meant to help set regs enters year two of three
Game birds entering critical period when weather, habitat conditions dictate future hunter success
New visitor center highlights 50th anniversary of Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park
MOCCASIN POINT PUBLIC WATER ACCESS ON LAKE VERMILION TO RECEIVE UPGRADES
Tower, Minn. — The Minnesota DNR invites the public to an open house to share and gather information about extensive upgrades planned for Moccasin Point Public Water Access on Lake Vermilion near Tower. Construction is slated to begin after the 2025 boating season.
The open house will be held at the Herb Lamppa Civic Center in Tower on Wednesday, June 18, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. DNR staff will be available to share site plans and timelines, discuss construction-related closures and parking alternatives, and answer questions.
Among other things, the project will optimize the parking opportunities on the site, including more clearly identifying all spaces and delineating ADA-accessible spaces for vehicle-trailer combinations and single vehicles. It also will add facilities for watercraft inspection to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species. New, redesigned boat ramps and boarding docks will improve traffic flow and safety.
To see the draft site plan, get more information, and stay up to date on the project’s progress, visit the construction updates webpage.
DEVIL’S KETTLE TRAIL AT JUDGE C.R. MAGNEY STATE PARK WINS NATIONAL AWARD
Grand Marais, Minn. — Devil’s Kettle Trail at Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Minnesota’s Arrowhead region took first place for best hiking trail in USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Over four weeks, people across the nation cast votes for the 19 nominees in the category, selected by a panel of USA Today editors and subject matter experts.
The two-mile round-trip hike winds through forest landscape, following the rushing Brule River. Along the way, hikers climb nearly 400 feet and tackle around 175 steps. The reward is two waterfalls, including the park’s crown jewel, Devil’s Kettle.
People who want to experience Devil’s Kettle Trail for themselves can find more information about the trail and Judge C.R. Magney State Park at www.mndnr.gov/judgemagney
NORTH DAKOTA OPENS SWAP COMMENT PERIOD
Bismarck, N.D. — The North Dakota Game and Fish Department encourages public comment on the revision of its 2015 State Wildlife Action Plan.
The SWAP is North Dakota’s guiding document for the conservation and restoration of at-risk species and their habitats, with a focus on preventing species from becoming endangered. It identifies species of greatest conservation need, including fish, wildlife, and invertebrates.
The plan is revised every 10 years and represents a unified effort involving various stakeholders aimed at creating and implementing conservation strategies to ensure the long-term protection and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife.
North Dakota’s SWAP is a collaborative effort by NDG&F staff, species experts, partner conservation groups, and state, federal, and local agencies.
A draft of the plan is available on the NDG&F’s website, and public comments are accepted through June 30.
