Proctor Journal

Qualified landowners are eligible to receive 90% cost-share for tree establishment projects near the Midway River and in areas that are currently non-forested in the Midway River Watershed.

The watershed covers large portions of Thomson, Solway, and Midway Townships and the City of Hermantown in So. St. Louis and Carlton Counties.

Lawns, fields, wetlands, and brush lands may be suitable for these projects. Detailed tree planting plans will be developed for individual properties by Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) staff as part of this effort. These plans will be based on managing forest resources in harmony with the landowner’s goals for the property. Cost-sharable components of a planting plan may include labor and materials for:

• Site Preparation

• Planting Stock

• Weed Control

• Animal Damage Control (such as damage from deer browse)

The Carlton and South St. Louis Counties SWCDs are working to protect and enhance the natural resources of the Midway River Watershed. A major goal of the project is to work with landowners to establish and enhance forestlands within the watershed, especially along streams and tributaries. Forest cover in these areas is necessary to reduce stream temperatures for aquatic life such as trout, provide wildlife food and cover, and to improve overall water quality.

Contact the Carlton County or So. St. Louis County SWCD staff to learn if your property is in the watershed and if you qualify for management assistance, or if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity to protect the Midway River Watershed.