AUSTIN, Minn. – Mower County has set a new record of cropland and floodplain acres getting enrolled in conservation programs for permanent restoration into native prairie or wetlands that support water quality and wildlife habitat.

Mower Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) says after setting a one-year record of 407 acres in 2024, they've not received state approval for enrolling another 457 acres of cropland into permanent conservation easements. Before 2024, Mower’s highest enrollment for permanent conservation was 351 acres in 2006.

“We continue to see great interest in these programs, and we’re excited to help landowners apply because the restorations are permanent while keeping the land privately owned,” said James Fett, a Mower SWCD technician who leads signups in Mower. “Com

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