Washington County approves two conservation easements in Afton totaling $915,000

The Washington County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 5 adopted two resolutions authorizing the county to sign conservation easements for parcels in the city of Afton and to contribute a combined $915,000 toward the easements.

Planner Serena Rass introduced the Land and Water Legacy Program proposals, saying, "Good morning, Mr. Chair and commissioners. As Kevin mentioned, my name is Serena Rass. I'm a planner in the office administration, working on the county's land and water legacy program." She told the board the two projects sit along the Valley Creek Corridor and expand protection adjacent to an existing easement known as the Blasco property.

The board approved a resolution authorizing a county contribution of $395,000 toward the conservation easement on a 5.24-acre parcel (the Thomas project) and a second resolution authorizing a $520,000 contribution for a 3.24-acre parcel (the Cremins project). The county will hold and monitor both easements. Rass said each property's full appraised conservation-easement value is expected to be reimbursed 50% by a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Natural and Scenic Areas grant after the easement…