NEW CRP General Signup Announced for March
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced they will conduct a four-week Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup, beginning on March 12th and ending on April 6th, 2012. Click here for more information.
Aquatic Invasive Species Mandatory Permit Training
Help Spread the Word!
Dear Friends and Partners,
We need help to notify all lake service providers in your region about the mandatory statewide AIS training and permitting for people who install and remove water related equipment, required by new state laws passed in 2011. The upcoming training in your region is the perfect opportunity to reach out to all lake service businesses in your community and to remind them that according to the law, service providers are individuals or businesses hired to install or remove water-related equipment, such as boats, docks, boat lifts or structures, from waters of the state. And they are now required to obtain a permit from the DNR before providing any of those services. The DNR will begin to implement and enforce this during the 2012 open water season.
Please take a few minutes to contact the lake service providers in your community to let them know about the upcoming training opportunities in your region:
St. Cloud
March 15, 1-4 pm
Atwood Memorial Center
Please find training directions, additional details and all of the statewide training dates/locations on the Minnesota Waters' website.
Important SWCD Supervisors Election Option Information
Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors can be elected from the 2 options presented below:Option 1 : Supervisors are elected at large
Option 2: Supervisors elected by districts
Click here for more information on these options
Local Conservationists Honored at State Soil and Water Conservation District Convention
Dan and Jolene Schlangen were recently honored as Outstanding Conservationists of the year at the 75th Annual Meeting of the Minnesota
Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts, December 6, 2011 in Bloomington, Minnesota. In addition, they were recognized as one of eight Area Finalists in the Outstanding Conservationist Award Program.
The Schlangens, who own and operate a dairy farm near Eden Valley, were selected by the Stearns County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) for the award. Each year, Minnesota SWCDs recognize individuals and organizations for outstanding accomplishments in implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota's natural resources. The award program is conducted with support from The Farmer magazine and MN Corn Growers Association.
Office Remodel
The Waite Park Service Center (FSA, NRCS, SWCD) offices are currently being remodeled. Althought things are currently little bit louder all the offices are still open and we are available to assist you as always. The project is expected to continue through February. Thank you for your understanding.
SWCD is now taking tree orders
The Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District tree program was developed to provide landowners with an affordable and convenient way to purchase trees and shrubs for conservation practices, such as windbreaks, shelterbelts, living snowfences and wildlife habitat.
The tree program is on a first come, first serve basis. Payment in full is due with your order. You will be notified of the scheduled tree pickup days in April 2012.
Trees are sold in bundles of 25 with a minimum order of 2 bundles (50 trees). To view which trees are available this year. click here for more info.
The MN DNR is also currently accepting tree orders (min purchase is 500 trees). more info.
High Water Shoreline Damage
Many area lakes experienced above normal water levels as a result of above average summer rainfall. This year erosion was much more significant due to the high water levels and wave action (from wind and boat traffic). There are a number of things that can be done to address these erosion concerns and to minimize future impacts. click here for more info.
Current Releases:
- New CRP General Signup Announced for March
- Conservationist of the Year 2011
- High Water Levels
- USDA Assistance Available to Irrigators
- Take a Day OFF Event
- Stearns Co SWCD 2010 Annual Report Overview
- State Envirothon Results
- Middle Spunk Lake Project
Past Press Releases Click here...
Other News Click here...
29th Annual Stearns County Pheasants Forever Banquet
Saturday March 10, 2012
Click here for more info
FREE posters available!
Click here
The On-Farm Network® is here.
The Stearns County SWCD is partnering with the On-Farm Network® to assist farmers in implementing stalk nitrate evaluations to help them fine tune Nitrogen management in corn production. Click here for more information.
Learn about Pheasants Forever.
Check out the video at the bottom of the Pheasants Forever page. Click here...
Want to learn about the soil on your property?
Check out the Web Soil Survey Click here...
Department of Natural Resources is taking tree orders (minimum order 500 trees). Click here for more information.
Mississippi River Basin Initiative Program
The Stearns SWCD and partners have been awarded over $4 million for projects that will protect and restore the waters of the Sauk River. Working with many partners, the SWCD will provide assistance to producers to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus while supporting agricultural productively and wildlife habitat. Learn more...