If you have any questions about the Mid-MN Mississippi River Resource Conservation and Development (MMM RC&D) please contact:

Jim Onstad, Acting RC&D Coordinator
NRCS Buffalo Field Office
311 Brighton Avenue, Suite C
Buffalo, MN 55313

Phone: (763) 682-1933
Fax: (763) 682-2903
Jim.Onstad@mn.usda.gov

For more information, please visit the Mid-Minnesota Mississippi River Resource Conservation & Development (MMM RC&D) website:

 MMM RC&D Website Link
Mid-MN Mississippi River Resource Conservation & Development

The Mid-MN Mississippi River Resource Conservation & Development (MMM RC&D) program helps
people in rural and urban areas plan and carry out activities that increase conservation of natural
resources, support economic development, and enhance the environment and standard of living
in local communities.

The Mid-MN Mississippi RC&D serves Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright Counties.

Below is a list of projects that the MMM RC&D has been able to assist with:
Improved Land Utilization
Sherburne County Historical Society Native Prairie Restoration - The Historical Society is completing a native prairie restoration in conjunction with the construction of a new Heritage Center. The prairie restoration will demonstrate a low-maintenance/water conserving landscaping that landowners can do. It will also provide educational opportunities in native grass and forbs identification. With the high level of development in all four RC&D counties, the project has practical application across county lines.
  
Improved Water Quality & Water Quality Management
Sugar Lake Wetland Management Plan - The Sugar Lake Association in Wright County sought and received financial assistance from the MMM RC&D to complete a Wetland Management Plan. The goal of the Plan is to identify all wetlands in the lake's watershed in order to provide a planning and education tool to assist with the preservation of the valuable wetlands. Since the lake is groundwater fed, wetland preservation is especially important. If successful, the Plan may serve as a model for other lake associations.

  
Increased Economic, Educational, Environmental, and Social Opportunities and Accelerated Community Development
Environmental Learning Center at Foley School in Benton County - The school needed help to develop their Environmental Learning Center (ELC), including assistance to develop a wetland restoration project at the ELC. At the February 2005 Council meeting, a motion was made to provide financial support from the NRCS Contribution Agreement money. The wetland compliments an adjoining native grass planting, tree planting, and walking trail.
Increased Recreational Opportunities
Mississippi River Bio-Blitz - The MMM RC&D helped host a "Bio-Blitz." The event was held to raise awareness of the wonderful resource Central Minnesota has in the Mississippi River and the need for its proper management and protection so it can continue to serve as a source of recreational opportunity. The event was held at sites in Benton and Stearns Counties across the river from each other. Participants, led by scientists specializing in plant, fish, mammal, bird, insects, and invertebrates, identified over 200 different species during the day. Electro-fishing and netting demonstrations sponsored by the Minnesota DNR brought the fish to the surface for identification and observation.

Improved Agricultural Industry Opportunities
Meat Goat Informational Meeting - An informational meeting was held to raise awareness of the opportunity for raising goats for meat production. Goats are an important cultural food for groups living in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud area. In addition to providing local landowners with an alternative agricultural product and source of business in the processing of goats, this meeting also provided a service to an underserved group of people.