News Release
For Immediate Release:
April 15, 2025
Contact:
Alex Scurto
651-480-7779
Alex.Scurto@co.dakota.mn.us
MNDNR Walk-In Access Program
Farmington, MN – April 15, 2025 – Dakota County landowners can now apply and enroll in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Walk-In Access Program!
The Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Supervisors recently authorized a Joint Powers Agreement with MN Department of Natural Resources for the Walk-in Access Program at their January 2025 board meeting. That agreement has since been executed, allowing the DCSWCD to begin accepting applications for enrollment in 2025.
Walk-In Access (WIA) provides public recreational opportunities, such as hunting, birdwatching, nature photography and similar compatible uses, on private land that is already enrolled in existing conservation programs or lands with high quality natural cover. The WIA program is voluntary for landowners and includes financial incentives for enrolled parcels, including extra liability protection under existing recreational use laws. This program will provide increased opportunity for community engagement and connectivity with natural areas in the county, especially for those located in the greater metro area. More information about the WIA program, including enrollment eligibility, can be found by visiting the DNR’s website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/walkin.
The 2025 enrollment period began on Monday, March 3rd and will close on Friday, May 2nd. If you are interested in enrolling land, please visit our website at www.dakotaswcd.org/walk-in-access and complete the online request for information form. For any additional requests or questions, please contact Alex Scurto, DCSWCD Resource Conservationist at (651) 480-7779 or at alex.scurto@co.dakota.mn.us.
The SWCD provides education, technical assistance, and incentive for the protection of land and water resources. More information about current SWCD programs and activities can be found at www.dakotaswcd.org.
