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Watershed & Land Management
Protecting Land and Water Through Responsible Management
Effective watershed protection begins with sound land management. Caring for the land safeguards rivers, streams, and groundwater while supporting the needs of people, agriculture, wildlife, and the environment. By implementing watershed-friendly and conservation-based practices, residents can improve soil health, reduce erosion, lessen flooding risks, and preserve the natural habitats that sustain thriving ecosystems.
Residents and landowners interested in conservation programs can access free technical guidance and cost-share assistance to improve land and water quality through better soil management, erosion control, and wildlife-friendly plantings.
- Understanding Watershed Protection
- Land Conversion & Conservation
- Wildlife Habitat & Pollinator Support
Restoring the Land, Protecting the Water
A watershed includes all the land that drains rainwater or snowmelt into a shared waterway such as a river, stream, or lake. Every action on the land, whether farming, construction, or landscaping, affects the quality of that water. Protecting watersheds means managing land and water resources together to reduce runoff, filter pollutants, and maintain clean, reliable water supplies for communities, farms, and ecosystems. Healthy watersheds also help absorb rainfall, reducing flood impacts and erosion.
Transforming Marginal Land Into Lasting Habitat
Land conversion programs help property owners transform marginal or erosion-prone areas into productive conservation spaces such as grasslands, forests, or wildlife habitat. These practices reduce soil loss, slow stormwater runoff, and filter pollutants before they reach nearby waterways. By participating in local and state cost share programs, residents can access technical guidance to plan and implement improvements that strengthen soil health, enhance water quality, and promote long-term sustainability. Together, these efforts support a more resilient and environmentally balanced county.
| Program Type | Overview |
|---|---|
| Grass Conversion | Encourages the establishment of permanent grasses on cropland or marginal areas to reduce erosion, improve soil quality, and create cover for wildlife and pollinators. |
| Tree Conversion | Promotes reforestation by planting trees on farmland or open space to improve air and water quality, strengthen habitat connectivity, and increase carbon storage. |
Nurturing Nature: Supporting Birds, Bees & Beyond
Healthy watersheds rely on diverse wildlife habitats and thriving pollinator populations. Native vegetation along streambanks, field edges, and open spaces improves water quality, stabilizes soil, and provides food and shelter for fish, birds, and insects. These natural areas are vital for sustaining biodiversity and maintaining the health of local ecosystems.
Residents can support habitat conservation by planting native grasses, trees, and flowering plants or by restoring natural buffers along waterways and farmlands. These practices create safe corridors for wildlife, nesting sites for birds, and foraging areas for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. They also help filter runoff, reduce erosion, and promote cleaner water.
Pollinators play a crucial role in agriculture and food production, supporting healthy crops, fruit, and vegetable yields. By enhancing wildlife habitat and protecting waterways, landowners contribute to more productive farms, healthier soils, and a more resilient natural landscape.