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

Feedlot upgrade project
Groundhouse
River
The SWCD has a very strong
working relationship with the local Watershed
Management Organization. The partnership has enabled the
two organizations to leverage funds for the implementation
of conservation projects, including surface water monitoring
and educational programs. Ten recent projects that were
completed through this partnership accomplished the
following pollution reduction estimates:
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•
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Filter strip
Stacking
slab
Pictured: This feedlot upgrade project borders the
Groundhouse River. Good participation for the Ag BMP Loan
Program has enabled the SWCD to complete many septic
system upgrades and other projects, purchase conservation
equipment and install conservation practices.
85 tons/year of soil loss reduction
106 pounds/year of phosphorus reduction
6,174 pounds/year of chemical oxygen demand reduction
1,661 lineal feet of streambank and lakeshore protection
from erosion
Kanabec SWCD has been cooperating
on an impaired waters study for the Groundhouse River
watershed, called a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).
This study is in the process of being completed in cooperation
with the MPCA, Dept. of Natural Resources, Private
Consultant, Snake River Watershed Management Board and
Kanabec County. A new TMDL study will also begin for the
Ann River Watershed in the near future.
The SWCD has worked well with Kanabec
County to implement the Wetland Conservation Act and
Kanabec Soil & Water Conservation District
to develop and implement the county’s Comprehensive
Local Water Management plan.
A reforestation pilot program is
underway through the SWCD’s involvement with the
DNR Forest Stewardship Program. The SWCD, along
with the Minnesota Forest Resources Council and the East
Central Landscape Committee, promotes reforestation and
provides technical and fi nancial assistance to landowners
in a changing and declining forest landscape.
Top 5 Natural Resource Concerns
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Protecting surface and groundwater quality
near lakes, streams and wetlands, by
implementing conservation practices and
providing technical assistance
Streambank and lakeshore protection and
stabilization
Feedlot runoff control and nutrient
management
Well sealing and abandonment
Ag. BMP Loan program
Future Projects
Ann Lake erosion control project: The SWCD
received a Special Projects Grant from the Board of
Water and Soil Resources for a “cooperative erosion
control and runoff project” to improve the water quality
of Ann Lake in Kanabec County. The project partners
include the local Sportmen’s Club, private landowners,
a business, DNR Trails and Waterways, and the County
Highway Department. This is a very visible project to
the public. The project includes improvements to the
DNR public access and adjoining lands.
Floodplain erosion control project: The SWCD is
working with a local township, Kanabec County, a
private consultant, and landowners to control erosion
and runoff in a fl oodplain area. The project will help
protect a township road and stabilize the river banks
of an impaired stream.
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