Land Acquisition

Protecting Drinking Water and Wildlife Habitat in Pipestone County

In Pipestone County, Minnesota, a groundbreaking land conservation project is making strides in protecting drinking water quality and enhancing wildlife habitat. This initiative focuses on transitioning 160 acres of land in Grange Township from row crops and grasslands to permanent vegetative cover. Located within the Holland Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA), this land is highly vulnerable to contaminants, particularly nitrates, due to shallow aquifers and porous soils. By establishing permanent native vegetation, the project aims to reduce nitrate movement into groundwater, safeguard clean drinking water, and create thriving habitats for grassland birds and other wildlife.

This collaborative effort is made possible through a unique partnership between the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water (LPRW), and Pheasants Forever. Pheasants Forever initially purchased the land and will transfer it to LPRW after funding is secured through BWSR’s Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Drinking Water Protection Partner Agreement. The project not only addresses critical environmental concerns but also extends existing habitat corridors and provides space for outdoor recreation. It exemplifies how public-private partnerships can align community and conservation goals for the benefit of both people and wildlife.