The following actions were taken at the Jan. 27, 2026, Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting at the Government Center in Stillwater, Minnesota.

County to restore 15 acres of prairie at Pine Point Regional Park

The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a grant agreement with the Washington Conservation District (WCD) Jan. 27 to restore 15.5 acres of prairie at Pine Point Regional Park.

The Pine Point Regional Park prairie enhancement project will restore the land to a diverse native plant community that supports pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Washington County staff will oversee implementation, including development of a contract for prescribed fire and overseeding with native prairie species.

The WCD serves as the fiscal agent for the $24,275 grant awarded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund.

This grant program focuses on creating and sustaining interconnected habitats for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Its priorities include restoring and enhancing breeding and migration habitat with abundant milkweed and diverse nectar plants, improving overwintering habitat, and increasing the availability of native seed sources to support long-term habitat restoration.

 Under the terms of the agreement, the grant will reimburse up to 90% of eligible project costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $21,843.51. Washington County will provide the required 10% match through in-kind contributions, such as project management, seed mix procurement, and contract administration.

The county is responsible for operating and maintaining the restored prairie for at least 10 years, ensuring long-term ecological success and compliance with grant requirements.

Contact: Dan MacSwain, Public Works Natural Resources Coordinator II, 651-430-4323

James Honsvall recognized for service on the county’s Audit Advisory Committee

The Washington County Board of Commissioners recognized James Honsvall for his service on the county’s Audit Advisory Committee Jan. 27.

Honsvall has served on the committee for 15 years. The Audit Advisory Committee reviews the county’s financial controls, audits, and internal processes to help ensure transparency, accountability, and proper use of taxpayer resources. 

Commissioners thanked Honsvall for his dedication to the county’s fiscal responsibility.

Contact: Tina Elam, Office of Administration Communications Manager, 651-430-6004 (office), 651-592-5989 (after hours)

Photo: https://wcmn.canto.com/b/JFDQS

Photo Cutline: James Honsvall, center, holds a certificate recognizing his service on the Washington County Audit Advisory Committee. Honsvall was joined, left to right, by Commissioners Stan Karwoski, Karla Bigham, Fran Miron, Bethany Cox, and Michelle Clasen.

County Board accepts donations and gifts for fourth quarter of 2025

The Washington County Board of Commissioners accepted $6,440.38 in donations and gifts for the fourth quarter of 2025 at its Jan. 27 meeting.

The following departments received cash donations:

• $2,014.30 to the Library Department.
• $1,596.48 to the Public Works Parks Division in support of the Parks and Trails Fund, Historic Courthouse Restoration Fund, Living Forest Fund, Milkweed for Monarchs Fund, and Bench Program.
• $815.00 to the Sheriff’s Office in support of the Sheriff’s Office Employee Appreciation Event and Explorer Nationals.

Several departments received in-kind donations. Community Services staff collected $1,705.00 in clothing, toys, hygiene products, and gift cards supporting families in the community during the department’s holiday gift drive. The Sheriff’s Office received $150.00 in goods. Public Works Parks Division received $159.60 in material goods for its Spooky Stories program.

Contact: Tina Elam, Office of Administration Communications Manager, 651-430-6004 (office), 651-592-5989 (after hours)