Download expanded regional vision including references.

The Prairie Coteau Conservation Region captures the true feel of our prairie heritage perhaps better than any other part of Minnesota. There are still wide-open spaces that have the wind-swept feel of the Great Plains further to the west. Residents prize the rural landscape with a relatively low human population. Many have long family ties to the land and have stayed because of a simpler, more-affordable lifestyle where outdoor recreation remains an important activity. There is also a small-town feeling of belonging, where neighbors are valued. Buffalo Ridge is a reminder of the region’s prairie history although it is now becoming better known for its potential as a major source of wind energy. Some extensive prairie wetlands such as Heron Lake were once legendary among duck hunters, and still support relatively large populations of waterfowl that are a visible part of the seasonal rhythm during Fall and Spring migration.

Region Leader: Jo Pederson, 320-212-8910, jdpederson@mvtvwireless.com
Facilitator: Toby Spanier, 507-337-2815, spani001@umn.edu

Meeting Schedule

• March 29, 2007 - ECSU Center, Marshall
• April 23, 2007 - ECSU Center, Marshall

Meeting Participants

• Duane Ninneman, Clean Up our River Environment
• Dan Livdahl, Okabena-Ocheda Watershed District
• Loran Kaardal, Tatanka Bluffs corridor, Inc.
• Mick Meyers, Pipestone Tourism Director
• Kerry Netzke, Area II Minnesota River Basin Projects, Inc.
• Dominic Jones, Cottonwood County Manager
• Eric Petersen, Farmer
• Harvey Noyes, Lyon County Pheasants Forever
• Pauline VanOverbeke, Lincoln County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Randy Markl, Area Wildlife Manager, Department of Natural Resources
• David Benson, Director, Southwest Regional Development Commission
• Jan Voit, Heron Lake Watershed District
• Brian Hicks
• Sunny Ruthchild, Owner, Merryweather Gardens
• Jon Schneider, Ducks Unlimited
• Jill WeberVanDerWal*
• Tony Thompson, Willow Lake Farm
• Sara Hanson, Willow Lake Farm