Shell Rock River Watershed District (Image Credit: www.shellrock.org)A habitat program takes shapeThree properties protectedWetlands and prairie restoredMore acres than plannedA longer-term conservation effortIn 2020, Minnesota approved $1.918 million for the Shell Rock River Watershed Habitat Restoration Program - Phase IX. The projects were selected using conservation planning and monitoring intended to identify areas where habitat improvements could provide significant benefits.The Shell Rock River Watershed is a shallow-lake system that supports fish, waterfowl and other wildlife. The Shell Rock River Watershed District relies on multiple funding sources, including a local option sales tax, local levy and public funding, to maintain conservation projects. Rather than focusing on one habitat type, Phase IX combined several projects across the Shell Rock River watershed. By 2025, the program had moved beyond its original target, with the final report recording 588 acres protected, enhanced or restored.