Tullibee Lakes Healthy Forests Healthy Waters (HFHW) grant that the Itasca County Soil and Water Conservation Districts received from BWSR is for cost-sharing implementation of forestry conservation practices of landowners identified in Tullibee Lake Zones. Cost-share assistance to landowners from this grant is 75% of total practice cost.
Improved forest management practices can help reduce phosphorus runoff and maintain water quality. Many people don’t recognize the connection between healthy forests and healthy waters, but the reality is that forests provide protection to lakes in a multitude of ways, including reducing erosion and minimizing runoff.
Reforestation and tree planting
- Replanting woods after harvesting trees.
- Removing competing vegetation to improve a site or growth of newly planted trees.
Forest improvement
- Thinning out undesirable trees to provide more room for desirable trees.
- Pruning lower branches of trees to improve timber quality
Forest health and protection
- Removing invasive species such as buckthorn or garlic mustard to improve forest health.
- Protecting trees from deer browse with tree tubes or fence enclosures.
Wildlife habitat enhancement
- Planting trees to increase food supply for wildlife.
- Planting a native prairie to improve habitat for wildlife.
Soil and water protection and improvement
- Using temporary grass cover to reduce soil erosion.
- Rehabbing forest roads or skid trails to reduce soil erosion.
Riparian or fisheries habitat and improvement
- Planting stubs of cottonwood or willow to improve riparian woody cover.
- Installing tree revetments to stabilize stream banks.
Forest recreation
- Constructing or improving recreational paths or trails.
- Felling, removing, or pruning trees to improve aesthetic quality of woods.
CONTACT OUR STAFF FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Tim Frits, Forestry/Shoreland Specialist