Clanton Family Receives Award for Outstanding Conservation Efforts
October 7, 2014—Dakota County, Minnesota. The Clanton family of Hampton was recently acknowledged by the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (DCSWCD) for their efforts in protecting our soil and water resources. The Clanton’s will also be recognized for their dedication to conservation on December 8-9, 2014 at the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Convention. Over the past 27 years the Clanton family has installed an array of practices that reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss and protect groundwater and surface waters on their farm.
Chuck and Cynthia, along with their children Katy and Dan, have been selected by the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (DCSWCD) to receive the 2014 Outstanding Conservationists Award for their dedication to conservation. As a faculty member of the University of Minnesota Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering Department, Chuck Clanton practices what he teaches (and researches.) The Clanton’s use their farm as demonstration tool to ecological and engineering students on various conservation practices and general farming operations; most students do not have an agricultural background.
The Clanton’s projects are too numerous to list individually, but include everything from a field windbreaks (with over 800 trees and shrubs planted,) no-till practices to promote stable and healthy soil, installing nearly two miles of grassed waterways to accommodate surface water runoff during high water events, and diversifying crop production which helps to mitigate pests and naturally replenish nitrogen. Chuck also has served as Chair of the Planning Commission for the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board and stays involved in local watershed issues.
“The Clanton’s are a great example of installing conservation practices both with long-term and short-term benefits to our soil and water resources,” said Brian Watson, Manager at the DCSWCD. “The Clanton’s have shown the willingness to look at new ideas, research the possibilities and apply knowledge on the land with a conservation approach.”
Each year the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District honors a landowner, business, or organization for their contributions to conserve or restore natural resources in Dakota County. The DCSWCD commends the Clanton family for their dedication to conservation.
