Washington County begins to preserve landscapes
August 9, 2008 | Pioneer Press (MN)
By Shannon Prather
David Rowe's kin settled along the St. Croix River in 1848. He grew up playing in the wooded bluffs along the river and lives there today. Rowe, 72, said he has had plenty of opportunities to develop his real estate in Denmark Township, but he wants to preserve his family plot and all the creatures that call it home.
"I wouldn't want to see any development knocking down the trees," Rowe said. "I would like to see the wildlife have a playground, too."
His land is one of 15 ecologically significant properties selected by Washington County for its Land and Water Legacy Program. In fall 2006, voters approved a 10-year property tax increase to raise $20 million to help buy and preserve land such as Rowe's.
