Spring Road Conservation Project

Background

This project originated out of a significant grassroots upwelling. The area was deemed to be a priority area for protection by the RPBCWD. The RPBCWD 10-year plan was updated to include the Spring Road Conservation Project on November 16, 2023. A public hearing was held on October 16, 2023.

Overview

The project will protect and restore approximately 27 acres of highly erosive bluff land in the Riley Creek and Minnesota River valleys. In addition, the acquisition will allow for targeted education and outreach opportunities, will add one of two remaining properties needed to complete a contiguous natural corridor from Lake Riley to the Minnesota River, will aid in meeting the TMDL for both waterways, and will provide opportunity for research. The area may also be used to house the RPBCWD offices in the future. 

Fee title for the land was acquired on December 30, 2025. Funding for the acquisition came from a $1.98 million grant from Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and $2.96 million bonding. The RPBCWD is working with the University of Minnesota and Hennepin County Land and Water to develop a restoration plan and restore the site beginning in 2026. The time will be contingent upon a number of factors including funding, phasing, and weather conditions.

Board resolutions related to the project 

Proposed restoration

On March 18, 2026, University of Minnesota grad student Margaret Milligan and advisor Dan Shaw introduced a proposed restoration plan for the Spring Road property.  Click links below to review the plan and presentation.

Site photos

The 27-acre site is currently a mix of pasture and woods with steep topography. The RPBCWD plans to restore the site to native habitat including prairie.

A sunny landscape with green grass, trees, and two people walking on a hill under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A scenic view of green grassy hills under a blue sky, with patches of yellow flowers and some trees in the background.
Lush green trees line a pathway with vibrant grass and foliage, creating a serene, natural landscape on a sunny day.
A scenic landscape featuring tall grasses and bare trees against a cloudy sky, with distant hills visible on the horizon.
A scenic landscape with bare trees, a grassy field, a few evergreen trees, and a house in the background under a cloudy sky.
A tranquil landscape featuring a field with tall grass and a row of evergreen trees against a backdrop of distant hills.
A snowy landscape with scattered trees and tracks in the snow, revealing a serene, wintry scene.
A sunny landscape with green grass, trees, and two people walking on a hill under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A scenic view of green grassy hills under a blue sky, with patches of yellow flowers and some trees in the background.
Lush green trees line a pathway with vibrant grass and foliage, creating a serene, natural landscape on a sunny day.
A scenic landscape featuring tall grasses and bare trees against a cloudy sky, with distant hills visible on the horizon.
A scenic landscape with bare trees, a grassy field, a few evergreen trees, and a house in the background under a cloudy sky.
A tranquil landscape featuring a field with tall grass and a row of evergreen trees against a backdrop of distant hills.
A snowy landscape with scattered trees and tracks in the snow, revealing a serene, wintry scene.
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