DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Award Bid And Execute Contract With RES Great Lakes, LLC For Restoration And Enhancement Of County Conservation Easement On Benjamin Property
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the award of bid and execute contract with RES Great Lakes, LLC for restoration and enhancement at the Benjamin Conservation Easement in Nininger Township (Attachment A: Benjamin Easement Project Map).
SUMMARY
Background:
The 2020 Land Conservation Plan identified 24 Preliminary Conservation Focus Areas and directed staff to pursue conservation easements with willing landowners within these Focus Areas. On December 19, 2023, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners approved the acquisition and restoration of a conservation easement on the Benjamin Property in Nininger Township.
Funding for this restoration work will be derived from the Minnesota Legislature’s 2022 Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF) Grant and the Federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program. By Resolution No. 22-334 (August 23, 2022) and by Resolution No. 24-079 (February 6, 2024), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized the execution of these grant contracts.
Contract information:
A request for proposals was prepared and released on July 1, 2025, to seven vendors. Three proposals were received, as follows:
Bidder Total Proposal Amount
RES Great Lakes, LLC $298,484.20
Native Resource Preservation, LLC $372,088.37
Minnesota Native Landscapes $385,299.00
The best value proposal was from RES Great Lakes, LLC for $298,484.20
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorizing the execution of a contract with RES Great Lakes, LLC for the Benjamin (Nininger Township) Conservation Easement Natural Resource Management Plan Implementation for a contract maximum of $298,484.20.
end
EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Funding for this contract is derived from the Minnesota Legislature’s 2022 Outdoor Heritage Fund Grant and the Federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, the 2020 Land Conservation Plan identified 24 Preliminary Conservation Focus Areas and directed staff to pursue conservation easements with willing landowners within these Focus Areas; and
WHEREAS, on December 19, 2023, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of a conservation easement on the Benjamin property; and
WHEREAS, funding for this work will be derived from the Minnesota Legislature’s 2022 Outdoor Heritage Fund Grant and the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program; and
WHEREAS, a request for proposals was prepared and released on July 1, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the best value proposal was submitted by RES Great Lakes, LLC.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Parks Director to execute a contract with RES Great Lakes, LLC, for the Benjamin Conservation Easement Natural Resource Management Plan Implementation Project for a contract maximum of $298,484.20, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
end
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
22-334; 8/23/22
23-582; 12/19/23
24-079; 2/6/24
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Benjamin Easement Project Map
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☒ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Niki Geisler
Author: Meghan Manhatton