Natural Resources Conservation Service

Helping People Help the Land

Duluth, MN – March 6, 2018 – Marcia Stromgren, Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor, recently completed a project through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS).  This project included removal of dead and dying trees from spruce budworm, blowdown, and mature forest stands. Many property owners in the City of Rice Lake were affected by the blowdown in 2016 and still have areas that need attention due to a potential wildfire hazard.

NRCS provides resources for technical and financial assistance to private landowners looking to address resource concerns on their property.  NRCS assistance is provided at no cost to the landowner and offers a wide range of conservation assistance.

Examples of assistance include forestry projects such as: regeneration of mature forest stands,  removal of dead and dying balsam fir impacted by spruce budworm, trees damaged by blowdown events, developing forest openings for wildlife, tree and/or shrub planting, establishing riparian forest buffers, development of a Forest Management Plan, forest stand improvement through thinning and/or release, installation of windbreaks, shelterbelts, and living snow fences, and invasive species control.    Forestry is just one area which NRCS focuses on throughout Minnesota. Regional work is often related to forest health, streams, and wildlife habitat.

The staff at NRCS is committed to exceptional customer service by “helping people help the land” to ensure that cleaner air and water are enjoyed now and for generations to come.  For assistance, contact the Duluth NRCS field office at 218-720-5209 x 3 to discuss your needs or to set up an appointment.  The Duluth NRCS Field Office is located at 4850 Miller Trunk Highway Duluth, MN 55811.

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