Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) are political subdivisions of the State established under Minnesota Statute 103C. Each SWCD is governed by a board of elected supervisors. Click here to learn more.
Mission Statement:
The Root River Soil and Water Conservation District's purpose is to provide assistance to cooperators in managing the natural resources on their land. In addition the district will continue to educate people on local conservation issues and concerns, in order to fortify and perpetuate the conservation movement
Regular Board Meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of the month
January - April at 1 p.m.
May - December at 10 a.m.
The meeting is located at:
Ag Services Center
805 N. Hwy 44/76
Caledonia, MN 55921
NEW Winona/La Crescent One Watershed, One Plan
NEW Safe Drinking Water for Private Well Users Assistance Program
MDA Township Nitrate Test Program Results
Crooked Creek Watershed District
Regular Board Meetings are held the 3rd Friday of the month at 9:00 a.m.
The meeting is located at:
Ag Services Center
805 N. Hwy 44/76
Caledonia, MN 55921
Conservation Highlights Newsletter - Fall 2023
Conservation Highlights Newsletter - Fall 2022
Conservation Highlights Newsletter - Fall 2021
Conservation Highlights Newsletter - Fall 2020
Conservation Highlights Newsletter - Fall 2019
AmeriCorps crews improve trout streams, gain work experience via Root River SWCD
A Rochester-based Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa crew worked on an ongoing cedar revetment project in Riceford Creek. The crew included, from left: Lakota Kirst, 23, of Osage, Iowa; Cole Wentworth, 25, of Preston, Iowa; Alexis Schwanz, 18, of Polk City, Iowa; and Andrea Dormer, 19, of Owatonna. (Photo by Ann Wessel, BWSR)
Minnesota Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (MN CREP) Resumes enrollment
Starting June 3, landowners in 54 southern and western Minnesota counties can once again submit applications to enroll in the Minnesota Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (MN CREP), a voluntary program that pays landowners to retire marginal cropland to create permanent conservation easements to protect environmentally-sensitive land.
“Thanks to the dedication of local conservation staff who serve as the bridge between landowners and the state, MN CREP’s first enrollment period saw robust landowner interest and participation,” said BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke. “We look forward to seeing the benefits this next enrollment period will create for both agricultural producers and water quality.”
MN CREP is a state-federal program designed to improve water quality and conserve habitat. It aims to protect and restore up to 60,000 acres of marginal cropland using buffer strips, wetland restoration and drinking water wellhead area protection. Native plantings on those acres filter water, prevent erosion and provide critical habitat for grassland species including badgers, meadowlarks and monarch butterflies. Landowners have enrolled approximately 12,000 acres to date.
Enrollment was first available in May 2017. Enrollment was put on hold in late 2018 to await passage of the new federal farm bill and associated program development by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) and the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) oversee the program. Landowners simultaneously enroll land in a 14 to 15-year federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract and a permanent Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Reserve program conservation easement. Landowners receive payments to restore native vegetation on enrolled acres, which maximizes water quality and habitat benefits.
Landowners wanting to learn more about MN CREP can contact their local FSA/Natural Resources Conservation Service/SWCD office, 507-724-5261. To learn more, visit www.bwsr.state.mn.us/crep.
Earth Team Volunteer Recognized – Caledonia Field Office
Thurman Tucker, an Earth Team Volunteer (ETV) at the Caledonia Field Office, was presented with a Certificate of Recognition, signed by Minnesota State Conservationist Troy Daniell, and a roadside emergency kit at the Annual Quail Forever Banquet that was held on March 31,2019. Over 100 attendees clapped and cheered for Thurman as Gary Larson, District Conservationist, presented him with the award. To date, Thurman has donated 2,920 hours as an Earth Team Volunteer, he was also nominated for a National Earth Team Award in 2018.
Thurman has been a key player in promoting conservation programs, getting conservation on the ground, and ensuring additional habitat for bobwhite quail is established in southeastern Minnesota. In the last year he has contacted approximately 50 Houston County landowners promoting bobwhite quail habitat opportunities. Thurman’s efforts have directly led to over 30 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) habitat applications in 2018. Thurman promoted the CP-33 practice which resulted in almost 60 Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts in Houston County cumulatively. He was instrumental in working with the NRCS Biologist, and a plethora of others, in establishing the CP-33 opportunity with CRP in many Minnesota counties.
Thurman has been collecting data and tracking sightings of bobwhite quail in Minnesota for over 30 years. In addition to working to rebuild Minnesota’s quail population, Thurman also conducts Christmas bird counts with local students and gives educational lectures. He has assisted with conservation educational field trips with local high school students from Spring Grove, Houston, Caledonia, and La Crescent schools and has had many bird posters printed for a contest with students in the SE and Metro North High School regarding bird identification.
Minnesota NRCS extends our deepest gratitude to Thurman Tucker for his many hours of volunteer service and dedication to conserving Minnesota’s natural resources.
Above: Thurman receiving his award! Foreground from L to R, Gary Larson, USDA NRCS District Conservationist, Caledonia Field Office; Thurman Tucker, Quail Forever; Dave Walter, District Manager, Root River SW.
Living Soil: A Documentary for All of Us. Our soils support 95 percent of all food production, and by 2060, our soils will be asked to give us as much food as we have consumed in the last 500 years.
Living Soil Film from Soil Health Institute.
Root River Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors
Chair - Glenn Kruse
Vice Chair - Ken Anderson
Secretary - Matt Feldmeier
Treasurer - Joe Driscoll
Reporter - Jerry Wielke
Click here for board member information and map
Regular Board Meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of the month
January - April at 1 p.m.
May - December at 10 a.m.
The meeting is located at:
Ag Services Center
805 N. Hwy 44/76
Caledonia, MN 55921
Can't find what you are looking for? Older minutes and agendas can be viewed at the Soil & Water Conservation office.
Root River SWCD Staff 2024
David Walter - District Manager
Janice Messner - Administrative Assistant
Dan Wermager - Technician
Jean Meiners - Technician
Jason Rochester - Engineering Technician, JPB Staff
NRCS Staff 2024
Ryan Hytry - District Conservationist
Chris Papenfuss - Soil Conservation Technician
Pheasants Forever Staff 2024
TJ Bottcher - Farm Bill Biologist
Can't find what you are looking for? Budget reports that are older than listed here can be viewed at the Soil and Water Conservation home office.
Current Open Grants
RRSWCD FY25 Conservation Contracts Grant
RRSWCD FY25 Conservation Delivery Grant
RRSWCD FY24 Conservation Contracts Grant
RRSWCD FY24 Conservation Delivery Grant
RRSWCD FY23 Soil Health Cost Share
RRSWCD FY23 Local Capacity Grant
Closed Grants in 2023
RRSWCD FY23 Conservation Delivery Grant
RRSWCD FY22 State Cost Share Grant
RRSWCD FY 22 Local Capacity Grant
RRSWCD FY21 Local Capacity Services Grant
RRSWCD FY20 Cover Crop Demonstration Grant
Closed Grants in 2022
RRSWCD FY18 Watershed Conservation Planner Initiative
RRSWCD FY20 State Cost Share Grant
RRSWCD FY22 Conservation Delivery Grant
Closed Grants in 2021
RRSWCD FY19 Local Capacity Services Grant
Closed Grants in 2020
RRSWCD FY19 State Cost Share Fund
RRSWCD FY18 Local Capacity Grant
Closed Grants in 2019
RRSWCD FY18 Cooperative Weed Management Area Grant
RRSWCD FY18 State Cost Share Grant
RRSWCD Local Capacity Services Grant 2017
RRSWCD Cost Share Base Grant 2017
RRSWCD FY18 Buffer Cost Share Grant
RRSWCD FY19 Conservation Delivery Grant
Closed Grants in 2018
RRSWCD Local Capacity Services Grant 2016
RRSWCD FY18 Conservation Delivery Grant
Closed Grants in 2017
RRSWCD Cost Share Base Grant 2016
Annual Plan of Work
This annual plan of work is provided to assist in the implementation of the upcomming year's activities of the Root River Soil and Water Conservation District. This document is intended to provide guidance in planning and scheduling in a manner consistent with district policy, in order to achieve the long range goals of the district.
Root River One Watershed One Plan Policy
Root River 1W1P Interactive Update
Root River 1W1P Assessment and Evaluation Technical Memo
Watershed Inventory of Partner Projects (WIPP)
(Click the link then click on the dot next to the title of the project for a brief description of the project)
Services Provided by Root River SWCD
Assist landowners with planning and design of approximately 100 Best Management Practices (BMPs).
- Grassed Waterways
- Grade Stabilization Structures
- Sediment Control Basins
- Terraces
- Windbreaks
- Contour Strips
- Push-Up Ponds
- and others
Assist livestock producers with planning and design of feedlot runoff control practices.
- Clean water diversions
- Filter strips
- Clean and dirty water abatement
- Picket fences
- and others
Offer various items for purchase or rent.
- Trees: Bare root stock are available for sale from October into April
- Survey flags: $11.00/bundle of 100
- County maps: $3.21 each
- Crimper rental: $50.00/day
- Inter-Seeder rental: $5.00/acre
Broadcast Inter-seeder Information - Water Test Kits at no charge
Windbreaks benefit your soil health management system
The most common practices that benefit your soil’s health include conservation crop rotation, cover crop, no-till, mulch tillage, nutrient and pest management. Implementation of other conservation practices, such as field windbreaks also improves soil health and provides long-term environmental and economic benefits.
A field windbreak offers a variety of benefits
* Alters wind flow and microclimate
* Protects wind sensitive crops
* Controls wind erosion
* Increases bee pollination and pesticide effectiveness
* Results in a net increase in crop production
* Positively influences soil health on protected cropland acres
* Improves water-use efficiency by lowering soil evaporation rates across protected areas
The size of the area protected by a windbreak is determined by its height and density. Generally its influence extends into fields about 20 times the height of the windbreak (20H) and affects crops and soil environment. Windbreaks with properly-spaced tree and shrub row reduce erosion across the field and keep organic materials on fields where it benefits both the crops and soil biology.
The Root River SWCD is currently taking orders for conservation trees. Feel free to stop in to the office at 805 N. Hwy. 44/76 in Caledonia, MN or contact us at (507) 724-5261 ext. 3. Availability may be limited.
Trees are available to landowners for conservation purposes at a low cost. Select the species and quantity (multiples of 25) and enclose a check with your order. Trees are bare root stock, and will be available for pick-up in early spring.
Crabapple, Red Splendor
Dogwood, Red Osier
Fir, Balsam
Lilac, Common Purple
Maple, Sugar
Nannyberry
Oak, Red
Oak, White
Pine, Norway
Pine, White
Plum, American
Shelterbelt
Spruce, Colorado
Spruce, Norway
Spruce, White
Walnut, Black
Envirothon
Each year the Root River SWCD, along with nine partnering SWCDs, sponsor this educational, competitive event designed for teams of junior high school students and high school students in SE Minnesota.
At each station, teams composed of five students answer questions on the subject. Since the event takes place outdoors, questions involve actual contact with natural resources, rather than a “paper and pencil” approach. After finishing at one station, the team moves on to the next station, approximately 25 minutes is spent at each station.
An oral presentation is also part of the day’s activities. A situation is given to the students approximately two months prior to the event. This allows them ample time to research the situation and answer the questions asked in the form of a presentation. The day of the Envirothon the students will have seven to ten minutes to make their oral presentation. The oral presentation problem is the same as the one used at the State Envirothon.
The top three teams from the Area VII competition advance to the State Envirothon.
Sixth Grade Environmental Day
Annually, Houston County’s public and parochial sixth graders look forward to their outing to Winnebago Springs (formerly Camp Winnebago) for the 6th Grade Environmental Day.
This educational day, hosted by the Root River SWCD, is held in an outdoor environmental classroom setting covering topics such as water quality/ground water, ATV safety, rattlesnakes, aquatic invasive species, soil, wildlife, forestry and electro stream shocking. The volunteer presenters provide the students with a fun and memorable hands-on learning opportunity focusing on our natural resources and conservation.
Root River SWCD
Monitoring Plan For Buffer Compliance Tracking
Conservation Programs
State Programs
Buffer Law Implementation Grant
This grant provides funding and assistance for buffer law implementation. It allows SWCDs to offer landowner technical assistance and outreach services. Grant dollars may also be used for any necessary equipment purchases and drainage system mapping and map reviewing as needed. Funding for this grant is provided through the Clean Water Fund.
Conservation Contracts
Through the Conservation Contract Program, landowners or occupiers can request technical assistance from the SWCD office to implement best management practices. Eligible practices include: grassed waterways, terraces, grade stabilization structures, and water & sediment control basins.
CWL - Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment Cost-Share
The Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment Cost-Share funding has been made available for select projects that will accelerate the protection or restoration of water quality. SWCDs and other local units of government (LGUs) submit application requests for specific projects. Click here for more information: Legislative Coordinating Commission
Clean Water Fund Stories http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/cleanwaterfund/stories
Local Capacity Grant
This non-competitive Clean Water Fund grant invests in building the capacity of local soil and water conservation districts. The grant targets four resource concern areas—Soil Erosion, Riparian Zone Management, Water Storage and Treatment, and Excess Nutrients—and supports increased capacity by funding expenses in the following categories: Staffing, Cost Share/Incentives, Technology/Capital Equipment, and Operations.
RCPP - Regional Conservation Partnership Program
The Lower Mississippi River Feedlot Management in Minnesota project is leveraging State funding from BWSR to provide match for a United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project. BWSR provides technical and financial assistance to plan and design projects to mitigate feedlot run-off from smaller open lot feedlots in southeastern Minnesota.
RIM – Reinvest in Minnesota
The Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Reserve Program, one of the first such programs of its kind in the country, began in 1986 and is administered by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. Landowners are compensated for retiring environmentally sensitive lands into easements that protect and improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat on privately owned lands. Managed through a conservation plan, practices are established by planting native vegetation and restoring wetlands. Other benefits include flood control and groundwater recharge.
Root River One Watershed, One Plan Program
Root River, Olmsted, Fillmore, Winona, Mower and Steele counties’ and SWCDs along with the Crooked Creek watershed district have joined together to work cooperatively as one watershed rather than individual counties and SWCDs to protect water quality as the Root River Watershed as a whole. Project specific funding has been awarded to the Root River One Watershed, One Plan group.
Safe Drinking Water for Private Well Users Assistance Program
Private well owners in Houston, Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Wabasha and Winona counties are eligible for financial assistance to address drinking water quality concerns in their private wells. Phase II of the Safe Drinking Water for Private Well Users’ Assistance Program offers free certified testing results for arsenic, bacteria, lead, manganese and nitrate testing. It also provides funding to eligible landowners or renters to repair an existing well, drill a new well or install a water treatment system by a licensed well driller and/or licensed plumber. The SWCDs in these counties were provided funding through the MN Department of Health’s Clean Water Funds to facilitate the program.
Well owners that meet the financial hardship criteria, and the well eligibility requirements will be prioritized for funding. The private water supply must be used as a source of potable drinking water for the residence to qualify for financial assistance. Funding is available on a first come, first served basis.
SWCD Aid
Root River Soil and Water Conservation Aid Resolution
Southeast MN Volunteer Nitrate Monitoring Network
This program is a continued partnership with the SE MN Water Resources Board. Funding assistance has been awarded by the state of Minnesota through a Minnesota Department of Agriculture grant. The program is a study of long-term trend monitoring for nitrates in drinking water from private wells. Volunteer participants from various nodes throughout the county provide samples of their well water for nitrate testing. These samples are submitted to a certified lab. Through testing, the nitrate level is determined. The Root River SWCD acts as the county well network coordinator. An up-to-date database is maintained with well locations of the volunteer participants along with their contact information. The SWCD works with a certified lab by providing them the volunteer participants’ information and serves as a local contact for the volunteer participants. They also distribute newsletters to well owner participants semi-annually and provide written reports of activity to the SE Minnesota Water Resource Board and participates in organizing an annual volunteer appreciation event.
WCA - Wetland Conservation Act
The purpose of the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) of 1991 is to maintain and protect Minnesota's wetlands and the benefits they provide. The Root River SWCD recognizes the importance of the wetlands and partners with Houston County (LGU).
An SWCD representative serves on the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP), reviews various wetland conservation applications, provides guidance and technical assistance to consultants, developers and private landowners while mitigating and verifying that projects will be in compliance with the Wetland Conservation Act. They also write restoration plans for violations or provide exemptions where they apply.
Win/LaC (Winona/La Crescent) One Watershed, One Plan
Root River SWCD (Pine Creek subwatershed), Houston County, Fillmore SWCD, Olmsted SWCD & county, Wabasha SWCD & county and City of Winona, Winona County & SWCD along with TSA7 (Technical Service Area 7) have joined together to work cooperatively as one watershed rather than individual entities to protect water quality as the Win/LaC Watershed as a whole. Project specific funding has been awarded to the Win/LaC One Watershed, One Plan group.
Federal Programs
CREP - Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a voluntary land retirement program that helps agricultural producers protect environmentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, restore wildlife habitat, and safeguard ground and surface water.
Click here for more information on the CREP program.
CRP - Conservation Reserve Program
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides technical and financial assistance to eligible farmers and ranchers to address soil, water, and related natural resource concerns on their lands in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner. The program provides assistance to farmers and ranchers in complying with Federal and State environmental laws, and encourages environmental enhancement.
Click here for a CRP Fact Sheet.
CSP – Conservation Stewardship Program
The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a voluntary conservation program that supports ongoing stewardship of private agricultural lands by providing payments for maintaining and enhancing natural resources.
CSP identifies and rewards those who meet the highest standards of conservation and environmental management on their operations. It also creates a powerful incentive for other producers to meet the same standards of conservation performance, while providing benefits to the public for generations to come.
EQIP - Environmental Quality Incentive Program
The Root River Soil and Water Conservation District in partnership with the local USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service annually conducts an Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) Local Work Group Meeting.
The local input helps determine what practices or systems should receive priority for EQIP funds in Houston County. Parameters are set in order to prioritize funding to the most critical environmental problems in our county.
Brush Management has previously been funded through state funding. Currently, only federal funding is available for this best management practice (BMP). This BMP provides financial assistance to landowners interested in controlling invasive plant species including woody invasives such as Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, honeysuckle, buckthorn and biennials and/or perennials such as Queen Ann’s Lace, Canada Thistle and wild parsnip.
County Programs
AIS – Aquatic Invasive Species Program
The Legislature provides Minnesota counties a County Program Aid grant for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) prevention. Houston County has designated the oversight of the county’s AIS prevention efforts to the Root River SWCD. Funds are to be used to educate the public of this resource impairment and to prevent the introduction or limit the spread of aquatic invasive species at all access sites within the county.
Building Site Inspections
The Root River SWCD technical staff assists the Houston County Zoning Department with the review of various building site applications. On-site visits as well as technical assistance are provided.
MPCA Feedlot Program Contact Houston County Planning & Zoning Dept. (507) 725-5800
The Houston County feedlot officer conducts annual feedlot compliance spot checks and provides technical assistance to county landowners/operators with their feedlot needs.
Ag BMP Loan Program Contact Houston County Planning & Zoning Dept. (507) 725-5800
The AgBest Management Practices (AgBMP) Loan Program provides low interest financing to farmers, agriculture supply businesses and rural landowners to encourage agricultural best management practices that prevent or reduce non-point source pollution identified in the local water plan. The plan reduces existing water quality problems caused by agricultural activities, helps the County implement the local water plan and can be used to fund the private portion of projects partially funded by state or federal cost-share or other sources of funding.
The AgBMP Loan Program allows local governments the flexibility needed to address specific local water quality concerns and provides financing at below-market rates. The 3% low-interest loan saves you money, making it more economical to implement practices.
Loans for:
* Feedlot improvements, manure storage basins and spreading equipment
* Conservation tillage equipment
* Terraces, waterways, sediment basins
* Septic systems
* Variable Rate Technology
* Well Relocation & Sealing
* Secondary fuel containment
* Other projects that improve water quality
Local Water Management Plan
The purpose of the local water management plan is to protect the water resources in the county from point and non-point sources of pollution. Coordination of these protection efforts between the various local, state, and federal agencies and organizations reduces duplication and eliminates gaps in implementation strategies aimed at a common goal of water protection.
The SWCD provides educational and technical assistance in the implementation of Houston County’s Comprehensive Water Plan. Each year the Houston County Water Plan Committee allocates funds as an incentive to landowners for the installation of push-up ponds and pond cleanouts. Additional funds are allocated to reimburse individuals in the testing of their well water if they are pregnant or a toddler is in the home. Also, in conjunction with Houston County Public Health the SWCD sponsors free nitrate testing clinics periodically.
Other Cooperative Programs
Crooked Creek Watershed District
The SWCD partners with the Crooked Creek Watershed District by providing technical and administrative assistance to meet various conservation needs in their watershed.
Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP)
This program is a voluntary opportunity for farmers and agricultural landowners to take the lead in implementing conservation practices that protect our water. Those who implement and maintain approved farm management practices are certified and in turn obtain regulatory certainty for ten years. The program will help address concerns about changing regulatory requirements from multiple state and federal agencies. Certainty is a commitment provided by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Root River SWCD acts as an affiliate for the MAWQCP program. Please contact Greg Klinger gregory.klinger@olmstedcounty.gov 507-328-7924 (office) 507-910-8943 (cell) for additional information or interest in the program.
Rain Monitoring Program
This program coordinates with the Minnesota Climatological Network. Volunteers throughout Houston County measure and record precipitation on a daily bases. The SWCD acts as a local point of contact, provides the volunteers with the necessary materials and provides the State Climatology Department with the collected recordings on a monthly bases.
Click here to go to the Legislative Coordinating Commission website
Partners, Agencies & Links
Conservation Corp of Minnesota (CCM)
Farm Service Agency – Minnesota (FSA)
Minnesota Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils, Inc. (MARCD)
Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD)
Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District Employees (MACDE)
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
Minnesota State Climatology Office
Minnesota Soil & Water Districts on the Web