Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPS)

Healthy forest systems provide clean water to all of Minnesota.  Tree leaves and branches work to slow water, which prevents erosion during downpours. Without complex forest systems water would rush over the land carrying sediment into our lakes and rivers.  Forests also naturally filter water as it moves through the soil of the diverse ecosystem.  Water that leaves a forest is much cleaner than water leaving urban or agriculture systems.  Private land owners can help protect their forest by ensuring that their forest is healthy.  DNR foresters can help you get a Woodland Stewardship Plan that will help ensure your forest is healthy in the foreseeable future.  

Cass SWCD has clean water legacy funds to help offset  the cost of the Stewardship Plan.  We also have funds to offset the cost of implementing the plans.  Below is a list of management practices that are eligible for District cost share. Please contact the Cass SWCD so we can help you improve your private forest.     

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