Avid sportsman works locally to build pheasant habitat and stronger community

In every community, there are citizens content to leave leadership roles to “someone else.” Mark Henry, owner of Henry’s Excavating, Dakota County Fair Board member, and wildlife habitat advocate, is that “someone else.” He was appointed to his first three-year term on the Vermillion River Watershed Planning Commission (WPC) in February 2014 and has served ever since, including presently as Chair.

He has worked for more than 30 years doing road construction and maintenance, currently as road maintenance contractor for Castle Rock Township. His knowledge of the local landscape ensures he is familiar with issues that are on his neighbors’ minds. And his commitment to improving habitat and water quality promises to benefit the Vermillion River Watershed’s fish and wildlife populations.

Mark played a key role in transforming a 210-acre former agricultural site at the headwaters of the Vermillion River’s South Branch into a permanently protected, restored native prairie.  The Dakota County Agricultural Society property was farmed until 1999, when the land was enrolled into the Federal Conservation Reserve Program. In 2000, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) partnered with the Fair Board and local chapters of Pheasants Forever, Minnesota Waterfowl Association, and Southern Dakota County Sportsmen’s Association to secure a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to transform the farmland into wildlife habitat and establish the site as an outdoor education facility. Mark then joined the Dakota County Fair Board, which agreed to place a permanent conservation easement on the property in 2012.

When the VRWJPO sought people with special skills, expertise, and knowledge for the Watershed Engagement Team (WET), Mark agreed to serve. The WET developed strategies to get individuals, groups and communities to become aware of the impacts of impaired waters, get engaged, and take action to restore water resources. The VRWJPO is implementing ideas developed by the WET and building relationships with new organizations and groups.

Mark belongs to Pheasants Forever and other sportsmen’s organizations, coaches high-school students in trap shooting, and still finds time to serve on the WPC and advise the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board on land and water quality issues. His ongoing engagement in the watershed makes him a great “someone else” for the job.