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Your financial contribution empowers watchdog reporting that protects and informs us all. DECORAH — Barb Schroeder of Winneshiek County Conservation met with the county's Board of Supervisors Monday to provide details on a Forest Resiliency Partnership Program grant and its long-term maintenance implications. Schroeder said the grant would support forest management efforts on woodland above the Freeport secondary road shop. The funding would cover three years of restoration work, with the county required to commit to a 10-year maintenance agreement. Schroeder explained that invasive species, particularly buckthorn, are a concern. "If there's a seed source that just keeps reappearing, it takes a while for us to get that. I don't know if you ever eliminate it," she said, "But at least get it controlled." She estimated that long-term maintenance would require periodic work, such as chainsaw clearing or possibly contracting services. She added that staffing levels currently would not allow for all maintenance to be done in-house, but said the work could be spread throughout the year or outsourced as needed. Supervisor Mark Faldet asked whether logging the area prior to the grant work would be allowed. Schroeder said she had been unable to confirm that with the state forester but would inquire further. The grant requires a minimum project size of $100,000 and a 20% local match. Schroeder said their existing project on the Dry Run Greenbelt property had been too small to qualify, which is why they were seeking additional eligible acres. She also noted that the state Department of Natural Resources forester would write the official management plan and oversee implementation. "Everything that's in that management plan that's in the grant...that's the focus," she said. The grant application is due July 4. Supervisors took no formal action Tuesday but discussed the potential for entering a management agreement that would allow the project to move forward. Become a part of the exclusive circle! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and gain access to special offers, bonus content and insider perks.

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Winneshiek County Conservation Director Outlines Forest Resiliency Grant Proposal