SERVICES
The Big Stone SWCD offers a variety of conservation services. Contact the SWCD office for further information regarding the following:
TREE PROGRAM
The District offers tree planting design and planning. We also
have tree stock available for purchase for individual plantings.
The District Technician will work with landowners to access program
funding for tree plantings. To view trees available or submit
an order, please see
order form.
FABRIC WEED BARRIER
The SWCD sells and applies fabric weed barrier to be
placed on newly planted trees. The SWCD has a fabric laying
machine that can be incorporated into your new tree or shrub
planting. The District Technician can design your planting
with or without fabric. The District also has tree tubing
available for animal browse.
Contact the SWCD office for further information and pricing.
GRASS DRILL
Native grasses require a specially designed drill for
successful establishment. The District assists landowners with
grass seeding programs. The SWCD has a no-till grass drill and
operator for your native grass seedings. Starting in the 2011
planting season, the District will be able to handle all your grass
seed orders, also. Contact the SWCD office for further
information and pricing.
STATE COST-SHARE PROGRAM
Big Stone SWCD receives funding for cost-share tree
planting through the Board of Water and Soil Resources in
cooperation with the State of Minnesota. The SWCD is able to
cost-share field windbreaks, farmstead windbreaks, and other
eligible practices. Contact the SWCD office for further
information.
CONSERVATION PLANNING AND CONTRUCTION
The SWCD partners with Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) to provide technical assistance to all landowners in
Big Stone County. Any landowner in Big Stone County interested
in conservation ideas and/or practices, are encouraged to contact
the SWCD office for further information.
OBSERVATION WELL PROGRAM
The SWCD contracts with the State of Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources to measure the water level of designated wells
throughout the County. See map of
current observation wells.
Click here
to see ground water levels and information.
RAIN GAUGE MONITORING
The SWCD maintains a network of volunteers who monitor
and report precipitation in the Big Stone County. This
information is recorded at the District office and sent to the
Minnesota Office of Climatology. If you would be interested in
becoming a rain gauge monitor for Big Stone County, please contact
the SWCD office.
SOILS INFORMATION
The SWCD has soils information available to landowners.
Data may also be accessed at
Soil Survey.
TRANSECT TILLAGE SURVEY
A survey of tillage and the amount of residue remaining
after planting is conducted every few years. The District
completed a survey in 2007. The survey route transects the
County in 1 mile increments, with data recorded at set points along
a designated route.
UNUSED WELL SEALING The Big Stone SWCD is currently taking applications for cost share that is available for sealing unused wells. the District has state cost share and water plan cost share money available for help funding to seal unused wells throughout Big Stone County. Inquire with the District about application process and funds available. Well Sealing Contractors - click here Well Sealing Application - click here