Pelican, like most of the other large lakes in the area, is pretty fully developed along the shoreline. When development continues further out into the second and third tiers around a lake, it can dramatically increase the runoff to the lake as trees are cleared and impervious surface such as roads, sheds, and houses are built. The map below shows areas in green that are private forested lands that have the potential to be protected from subdivision and development. Protection programs vary and are the choice of the landowner.
- Forest Stewardship Plan: A woodland stewardship plan helps you understand what is in your woods, how to improve them, and when to do work. A unique plan is developed for your woods based on your land management goals. The plan can help you stay on track over the long-term and keep your woods healthy and beautiful. Plans are written for woodland owners with 20 to 5,000 acres where at least 10 acres have or will have trees. To learn more, visit: Woodland Stewardship Plans
- Sustainable Forest Incentive Act: The Sustainable Forest Incentive Act (SFIA) provides direct incentive payments to property owners to encourage sustainable use of forest lands. Property owners can receive a payment for each acre of qualifying forest land they enroll in SFIA. In return, they agree not to develop the land and to follow a forest management plan while they are in the program. All enrolled land must remain in SFIA for at least 8, 20, or 50 years depending on their recorded covenant (agreement) length. To learn more, visit SFIA.
- Conservation Easements: A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and the DNR or other organization that permanently limits the land uses to protect the land’s natural resources availability for habitat, agricultural, forest, recreational, or open-space use. Conservation easements may also maintain or enhance air or water quality, or preserve the historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural aspects of properties. To learn more, visit DNR Conservation Easements.
To talk about options for your property, please contact the Lake Coordinator at mrufer@houstoneng.com or 218-396-1169, or the West Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District at 218-998-5300 or wotswcd@gmail.com.
