At their annual meeting in January, the Mid-MN Mississippi River Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) formally voted to dissolve. Organized in 2004 by Benton, Sherburne, Wright, and Stearns Counties and respective Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the RC&D supported programs that enhanced soil conservation, water quality, wildlife habitat, and rural development.
During the past 10 years, the RC&D Council was able to secure funding for dozens of natural resource related activities that will go on benefiting our communities for years to come. Below are a few examples.
In Sherburne County, the RC&D Council provided grants for a Living Pollinator Exhibit that provides a hands-on educational experience for grade school children at the Sherburne History Center and continues to stand as an interpretive exhibit and pollinator habitat. Also at the History Center the Council’s financial support enabled the restoration of a native prairie landscape that includes more than thirty pollinator friendly flowers and native grasses. Historic aerial photos were able to be digitally scanned, and catalogued into preservation quality storage sleeves and files – protecting the integrity of the original photos dating as early as 1939. More recently the Council supported the restoration of an oak savanna ecosystem on seven acres of land at Big Lake’s McDowall Park.
The decision to dissolve was difficult. Limited funding over the past several years ultimately forced the decision. The RC&D Council felt that many of its goals have been met or are now being pursued by other organizations. They also believe that the relationships developed over the past 10 years will continue to strengthen and go on achieving great things for the environment and surrounding communities.
The RC&D Council is grateful for the support and encouragement received from community members and decision makers over the past decade.
