Soil & Water Conservation District Guidebook 2008 - Minnesota ...

The Chippewa River Watershed Project
local work group meets monthly to discuss which conservation
projects to fund in the watershed. The Swift SWCD technician
is a member of the work group. In 2005-2007, wetland
restoration and enhancements were completed as well as buffer
strip incentives in the East Branch of the Chippewa River.
Water quality and quantity monitoring
has been done by the SWCD from 2004-2007 in the Pomme
de Terre River. In 2007, the local work group applied for a
grant to continue monitoring work in the Pomme de Terre
River Watershed and to provide incentives to landowners for
implementation projects.
Construction of 123 wetland restorations
has been completed by the Swift SWCD through the
Minnesota River CREP program. These 123 wetland
restorations restored about 1,115 acres.
The third annual water festival was held
September 14, 2007. The Swift SWCD has been one of the
sponsors of the annual water festival since its initiation in
2005. Other collaborating groups include the City of Benson,
DNR, Chippewa River Watershed Project, KSAX Channel
5 TV, Swift County Environmental Services, Swift County
Pheasants Forever, Shakopee Creek Watershed Project,
Prairie Country Resource Conservation and Development,
and many other local businesses and volunteers. Continued
community support has made the water festival a success.
Through various activities, students learn what they can do
to conserve our water and soil resources, reduce pollution,
and learn about wildlife and the environment.
Top 5 Natural Resource Concerns
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Water quality: Clean up the Chippewa and
Pomme de Terre Rivers by reducing the amount of
sediment and excess nutrients entering the rivers.
Soil Erosion: Restore wetlands and associated
upland buffers along drainage ways leading to the
river. Increase the level of conservation tillage in
the county by encouraging no-till, mulch till, and
strip tillage.
Nutrient Management: Work with livestock
producers to implement Best Management
Practices on the land and follow Nutrient
Management Plans for their farm. Educate the
public on the effects of over-applying fertilizer
and water quality degradation.
Wildlife Habitat: Work with producers to install
buffer strips, tree and shrub plantings, wetland
restorations, and native grass seeding through the
various programs available such as CRP, WRP,
FWP, EQIP, etc. Work with local conservation
organizations to use program funds along with
local dollars for projects.
Economic development: Promote conservation
practices and hunting and fi shing opportunities in
the county. Encourage the public to invest money
into green space and restoring open spaces for
public use.
Future Projects
Swift Soil & Water Conservation District
The Swift SWCD is working closely with
the Chippewa River Watershed to get manure
management plans installed. Incentive funds are
available to producers who qualify.
The SWCD is working the Pomme de Terre River
Watershed and WES MIN RC&D to secure funds for
projects to improve water quality. Currently, there is
an application in to secure funds for implementation
projects as well as continued monitoring.
Another goal of the Swift SWCD is to work with
livestock producers in the county to become
permitted feedlots.
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