Champions of Open Space
by Amy ButlerIt is becoming more and more apparent that the goal of protecting Minnesota's remaining open spaces is dependent upon the dedication and determination of individuals and communities who commit themselves to the sometimes lengthy process that is involved in saving these natural areas. This guide is filled with such instances.
In an effort to honor those people who have gone the distance and continue to "watch over" specific parcels of land or important land use policy, the McKnight Foundation and ten environmental partners including Sierra Club are involved with the Embrace Open Space Campaign, and established the Champions of Open Space Awards. These awards are presented to individuals and groups who have made extraordinary contributions to open space protection in the seven-county Twin Cities. Visit www.embraceopenspace.org for more information.
The Champions of Open Space Awards are presented a few times each year and nominations for the awards are being sought from the public. So far, the awards have been presented in April, July, and October 2003, and February 2004. The McKnight Foundation has recognized outstanding citizens who remind us that preserving our natural and historic green space is a realistic and attainable goal. These individuals have reminded us that the consistent commitment of a few people can make a lasting impression, not only on the shape of our landscape, but in inspiring others to become involved.
APRIL 2003 AWARDS
Riley Creek
In April 2003, four Dakota County residents were recognized for their role in protecting Minnesota's open spaces. Rick Hansen, Joe Harris, Nancy Schouweiler, and Beverly Topp were presented with The McKnight Foundation's first Champions of Open Space Award for their active involvement in the "Vote Yes on 1" referendum and the development and implementation of the Dakota County Farmland and Natural Areas Protection Plan. That plan could ultimately protect 5,000 to 10,000 acres of natural areas and farmland over the next ten years.
In November 2002, Dakota County voters passed the first successful open space preservation referendum in Minnesota. This Farmland and Natural Areas Program makes Dakota County the only county in the state with an open space preservation program. It is also Minnesota's first project eligible to receive funding from the national farm bill used for protecting natural areas. The McKnight Foundation has recognized these four citizens for their outstanding commitment and participation throughout the extensive process that has led up to development of this plan.
- Joe Harris
Commissioner Harris has served Dakota County for 23 years. His work with open space and land use issues dates back to the early 1990s, when the Metropolitan Airports Commission was considering relocating the airport to the Dakota County area. Harris says the "Vote Yes on 1" referendum effort evolved out of many years of work, and that his motivation for becoming involved was the citizens' deep desire to protect and sustain local open spaces and agricultural land. - Nancy Schouweiler
Commissioner Schouweiler has lived her entire life in northern Dakota County. She tells a story about touring her district with her father shortly after her first election in 1998. Her dad, who was remarried in a garden there in the 1970s, couldn't recognize his wedding site because of all the development that had occurred in the intervening years. Because of countless stories like hers from constituents, Schouweiler knew "Vote Yes on 1" was worthy of being put before citizens for a vote. - Beverly Topp
A co-chair of the "Vote Yes on 1" referendum campaign, Bev Topp is no newcomer to community activism. After 20 years of experience in the business world, Topp became the chairperson of Eureka Township. Her work to save Chub Lake from 1998 to 2000 convinced her of the effect concerned citizens can have on local decision-making. For "Vote Yes on 1," Topp managed the mobilization of what she calls "a true grassroots effort." - Rick Hansen
Another co-chair of "Vote Yes on 1," Rick Hansen was born and raised on a Minnesota farm, and today owns and operates a 160-acre certified organic Minnesota farm. As an employee with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, a past chair of the Dakota Soil and Water District Board, and current chair of the Metropolitan Soil and Water District Board, Hansen brought extensive knowledge of and passion for agricultural issues to the effort. He considers the success of "Vote Yes on 1" a "truly multi-partisan success."
Pilot Knob from Fort Snelling State Park looking east
photo: Bruce White
For more information about the Dakota County Farmland and Natural Areas Protection Plan, visit www.co.dakota.mn.us/planning/farmland/farmland_project.htm.
JULY 2003 AWARDS
Three Washington County land owners were presented with the Champions of Open Space Award for their commitment to protecting open space. John Baird, Connie Otis, and David Hartwell chose to commit their financial and environmental resources toward the preservation of land rather than giving way to development. By partnering with local and state organizations and using various land protection tools, these three citizens were able to ensure the conservation of various parcels of land totaling over 1,500 acres.
- John Baird
Baird grew up in the Twin Cities area and has been an active community member and land owner in Washington County. Mr. Baird and his wife own 190 acres in northern Washington County and have two conditions for any buyers who may be interested in purchasing land. The first is that the land carries a conservation easement; the second is that the parcels adjacent to the planned Gateway Bike Trail be dedicated for that purpose. Mr. Baird and his wife have always wanted to preserve the land because, as Mr. Baird states, "You'll never get open space back if you don't protect it." - Connie Otis
Otis currently owns a 140-acre parcel of land in southern Washington County, which her parents first purchased in 1918. In the 1980s, the Washington County Land Trust was developed to help preserve the County's remaining natural areas. Ms. Otis's family joined the Trust in 1990 and the land now bears a conservation easement to, as she says, "preserve the land for generations to come." - David Hartwell, on behalf of the Bell Family
Hartwell is the president of Belwin, the private estate of Charlie Bell, his wife Lucy, and their daughter Lucy Hartwell. The Bells originally purchased 67 acres of land in the Afton area in 1958 and gradually acquired adjoining parcels thereby increasing their acreage to 500 during the 1960s. At this time, 225 acres of land were dedicated for educational purposes, which today stands as the Belwin Outdoor Educational Laboratory. Belwin is also involved with habitat restoration, environmental research, and a number of community enrichment projects. Hartwell has been the president of Belwin for approximately 18 years and under his leadership the acreage owned by Belwin has grown to over 1,200 acres.
OCTOBER 2003 AWARD
The Friends of Birch Island Woods were recognized for their contributions in preserving open space as they received the Champions of Open Space Award. "Birch Island Woods is a non-profit citizens' organization working to promote the protection and enhancement of the Birch Island Woods and its associated environmental, recreational, historic, scenic, educational, and social service resources." The Friends of Birch Island Woods were the catalyst in negotiations between the City of Eden Prairie, Hennepin County, and state legislators, which ultimately led to the sale of the land to the city and its designation as a protected conservation area. For more information, see Birch Island Woods in this guide.
FEBRUARY 2004 AWARD
The fourth award was given to residential developer Robert Engstrom who has spent his 45-year career working to create development that sustains natural landscapes. He is best known for Fields of St. Croix in Lake Elmo, a 241-acre site that combines clustered development and protection of the area's shoreline and restoration of the site's Civil War-era barn.