Published on June 16, 2025

RJ Landworks Maximizes Uptime in Minnesota’s Wetlands

NORWOOD YOUNG AMERICA, Minn. — RJ Landworks, a Minnesota-based environmental contractor, is making a name for itself in wetland restoration and conservation work across the state. The company partners with organizations such as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to create and enhance wildlife habitats on both public and private lands.

RJ Landworks was founded by Riley Slathar, who got his start operating skid steers while helping his father, a custom home builder. That early hands-on experience led to the creation of RJ Landworks, which began with motocross track projects and later shifted to environmental work like wetland restoration and solar field development across western and central Minnesota.

“A lot of our work is out in the middle of cornfields,” Slathar said. “We’re either building new wetlands or improving existing ones to support wildlife.”

For its environmental and habitat work, RJ Landworks focuses on restoring or enhancing areas back to their original state. On larger sites, the team often removes thousands of feet of drain tile to help the land retain more water—an important factor for mating ducks. Using historical imagery and soil samples, they locate natural depressions in the earth and excavate sediment to restore them. These shallow basins are especially valuable in spring, when they are filled with water and become a vital food source for waterfowl.

The company’s daily operations begin with equipment checks and site calibration using GPS technology. RJ Landworks recently adopted GPS systems to improve efficiency and accuracy on job sites. Earthmoving is a major part of the work, with projects often requiring the relocation of 10,000 to 15,000 cubic yards of material.

RJ Landworks operates a fleet that includes a Cat 265, Cat 272, Cat 330 and various Caterpillar skid steer attachments. The company plans to expand its fleet in the next two years with the addition of a D6T dozer to better handle the demands of wetland restoration.

Ziegler CAT plays a key role in supporting RJ Landworks’ operations. The company rents a wide range of Caterpillar equipment and attachments through Ziegler, including specialized tools like forestry mulchers and scrapers. This flexibility allows RJ Landworks to take on diverse projects without the need for large capital investments.

“Ziegler has been awesome,” Slathar said. “Whatever we need, they help us find it. Whether it’s a big machine or a specialized attachment, they’ve got us covered.”

Slathar credits Corey Knuppel of Ziegler CAT for providing reliable support. Knuppel assists with rentals, sales and service, ensuring that RJ Landworks experiences minimal downtime.

“If a machine needs repair, Corey makes sure we’re never without one,” Slathar said. “He’s always quick to respond.”

One example of Ziegler’s service came during a pool demolition project at an apartment complex. When a rented jackhammer lost its charge, Ziegler dispatched a service technician the next morning to resolve the issue and keep the project on schedule.

Spring and fall are the company’s busiest seasons, with projects ramping up as soon as road restrictions lift and the ground dries. RJ Landworks is typically booked out for the year, transitioning from winter snow removal to dirt work as weather permits.

“By August, we’re in a groove,” Slathar said. “It’s still busy, but we can focus on maintenance and keep everything running smoothly.”

With a strong focus on conservation and a reliable partnership with Ziegler CAT, RJ Landworks continues to grow as a trusted name in environmental restoration across Minnesota.