Agroforestry

I have been working in conservation and land management since 2014. Throughout my time, I have helped manage thousands of acres of our forest and prairies throughout the state and upper Midwest region. I have been privy to participate in many innovative projects that have taught me so much about what “Best Management Practice,” truly means. Currently we live in such an uncertain world, where food supply chains are being challenged, the climate is changing, wildlife is being pressured to the brink and we are constantly facing environmental catastrophes. I truly believe our great state can lead the way to a better world through stewardship.

One of the ways to do this is through agroforestry and regenerative agriculture.

I think that restoring a fair portion of our centuries long tilled agriculture fields back into native prairie and forestland through CREP programs and similar incentive programs is a start. This helps sequester carbon, retain topsoil, and keep our water table stable. I believe we need to continue to push and expand on that. While the west is drying up, it would behoove us to prevent such happenings here, as we are likely to be a lifeline for this nation in the future due to our large supply of fresh water.

I also recognize the detriment that invasive species like buckthorn, oriental bittersweet, and honeysuckle are having in our forestlands ability to naturally propagate as well as provide for wildlife.

I think implementing something like a rotational “free grazing” type of program that would give farmers incentive to obtain permits to graze various types of livestock throughout various designated biomes of state land could go a long way to help us sustainably manage our lands for invasives that wreak havoc, while reinforcing our food supply chains and the health of our population.

This would also reduce the use of and need for herbicides and pesticides, keeping our waters, fish, fowl and countless species healthier.

Imagine goat farmers getting a tax incentive to graze timber stands after an initial understory clearing of invasives.
Imagine turning our endless monocultures of soy beans and corn into a canvas of prairie and direct seeded forests that are rotationally home to grazing livestock that simulate the Buffalo and native lands that once made the soil so fruitful.
Imagine the drift less region forests providing a healthy bounty for the wildlife habitat which is very much a part of our food supply.
Imagine intentionally managed perennial food forests.

Imagine land bridges that reconnect soil biomes and mycelium mats that have been separated for generations.

Localized intentional agriculture that supports food security in our region.

Deep winter greenhouses.

Lawns converted to food systems or pollinator habitat.

Aquaculture, including expanded research in aquaponics with native fish species.

Algae and mycelial tracks to make biofuel.

Implementing these types of practices would put money and power back into the hands of struggling farmers, as well as create many many job opportunities in the state.

I believe when we talk about conservation for the future generations, these are some of the implementations that are necessary for a truly sustainable Minnesota. A state of stewardship.