Protecting Pine Needles: A Step Towards Preserving Nature

The Science Museum of Minnesota is considering a big move to protect the land around the Pine Needles cabin. This cabin, located by the St. Croix River, could soon be part of a conservation easement. This means most of the 27-acre property would be off-limits to development, keeping it natural and open. The cabin has a rich history. It was once owned by James Taylor Dunn, a well-known historian. Now, it's used for an artist-in-residency program. The land around it is special. It has beautiful forests and big white pine trees. Many artists and locals have enjoyed this place for years. Washington County and the Minnesota Land Trust are working together on this project. They want to pay the Science Museum to protect the land. The county has money set aside for this kind of thing. They got it from interest earnings and leftover funds.The conservation easement would limit what can be done on the land. No commercial or industrial buildings would be allowed. The natural features would stay untouched. The Science Museum would still own the land but wouldn't be able to develop it. This isn't the first time Washington County has done something like this. They've already protected over 1, 900 acres. The Pine Needles project is just one more step in their efforts to preserve nature. The plan still needs approval from different groups. It will go to the parks and open space commission and the Marine on St. Croix City Council. After that, the county board will vote on it. If everything goes well, the land will be protected forever.