Gov Dayton Proposing Large Land Conservation Program

Winona County, MN (Learfield Wire Services) -- Winona County landowners could be part of a new proposal by Minnesota's governor to enroll up to 100,000 acres across 54 counties in southern and western Minnesota in water quality and wildlife habitat conservation efforts.

Governor Mark Dayton's $795 million proposal is part of the US Department of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program.  It would work with farmers and other landowners to implement conservation practices, such as buffer strips and wetland restoration. Minnesota is expected to kick in $161 million over the five-year program, with the remaining $634 million from federal funding.