In 2016, Charlie worked with WCD and the Valley Branch Watershed District to create a grassed waterway on his land that reduces phosphorus loading to the St. Croix River by 42 pounds per year (equivalent to 21,000lb of algae!).

He went on to become certified through the MN Ag Water Quality program in 2019, with an Integrated Pest Management Endorsement. He utilizes cover crops, perennials, and no-till practices on his land and is a strong advocate for conservation. He has also encouraged neighbors to implement practices and connected them with the WCD.