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Land conservation office highlights growth in farmland‑preservation participation and a Buffalo Lake water‑quality planning grant
Summary
The county conservationist said participation in the farmland preservation tax‑credit program rose to 134 in 2025, nutrient‑management plans now cover about 64% of cropped acres, and the county won $10,000 each from the Buffalo Lake District and DNR for a watershed nine‑element plan.
Pat Kilby, county conservationist, described land‑and‑water responsibilities, state‑funded cost‑share programs for agricultural compliance and growth in farmland‑preservation participation. He said program participation rose from 36 farmers in 2016 to 134 in 2025 and estimated the department brought in roughly $101,000 to pay landowners for conservation work last year.
Kilby said about 64% of cropped acres are under nutrient‑management plans and the office’s longer‑term goal is 75%. He emphasized farmer training that helps producers write their own nutrient plans and noted grants that supply laptops and soil‑testing equipment to support farmer adoption.
On water quality, Kilby said the county contracted Golden Sands RC&D to coordinate a nine‑element plan focused on Buffalo Lakes and the Good Earth Creek watershed. He said the Lake District contributed $10,000 and the DNR awarded $10,000 toward the planning effort.
Kilby also discussed park maintenance, an Ice Age Trail Alliance burn grant and volunteer removals of invasive species; he noted staff document vandalism and other incidents and coordinate with law enforcement when necessary.
