2009 Outstanding Conservationist

Wayne Rasmussen

Wayne Rasmussen of International Falls was honored as the 2009 Koochiching County Outstanding Conservationist at the state convention of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts on Dec. 7 in Duluth. “We nominated Wayne because of his efforts to manage his land in a resource friendly manner,” said Ralph Lewis, Koochiching Soil & Water Conservation District chairman. “We’re proud of his efforts to manage soil and water resources and believe that he has demonstrated how to balance production needs with conservation. In addition to farming alfalfa fields on his property, Rasmussen has implemented a variety of conservation practices including a forest stewardship plan, enrollment in the Sustainable Forestry Incentives Program, forest monitoring for invasive species, wetland buffers, trail clearing, food plots, and wildlife management. In 2009, Rasmussen applied for and received a permit to create a wildlife pond on his property. His goal is to provide a better water source for the wildlife in the area and has cleared trails acting as excellent open areas for grouse, deer, and bear. Additional efforts to bring back the native prairie have resulted in a noticeable increase in the Sharp-tailed grouse population on his property. Rasmussen has opened his property to deer hunting which has taught others about the need for forest health improvement and the benefit of being a conservation-minded landowner.

Living Snow Fence Initiative

At the 2009 Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District (MASWCD) State Convention, the Koochiching SWCD was recognized with an award for implementing a county-wide Living Snow Fence Initiative. This program, which was funded by the  Minnesota Department of Transportation and the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, provided landowners cost-share assistance to establish living snow fences along high-priority highways. Increased public safety, fewer plow trucks on the road, reduced shipping delays for goods & services, improved wildlife habitat, and decreased heating expenses for homeowners are just a few examples of the benefits these living snow fences provide. The lessons learned over the past few decades have  provided the SWCD with a new plan that will protect roads from drifting snow and provide better public safety for all who travel throughout Koochiching County. A snow trap survey was completed for the county which identified stretches of highway that received increased snow drifting. Landowners were contacted through an outreach project and the response was incredible. In 2009, over six thousand feet was enrolled in the living snow fence initiative.

If you would like more information on this program please contact the District Technician Justin Berg at 218-283-1175.