SWCD Local Capacity Services
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.
shoreline restoration funded in part with Local Capacity Grant funds
shoreline restoration after construction was complete
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shoreline restoration after grasses have been established
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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.
Native Grass Drill and Seed Sales
Native grasses and wildflowers require a specially designed drill for successful establishment. The District assists landowners with grass seeding programs and can also order the required seed for various grassland or food plot seedings. The SWCD has a new 15 foot no-till grass drill for your native grass seeding needs.
"before" - planting cover crops
Big Stone SWCD no-tilled a 7 species cover crop mix directly into wheat stubble on the field the week of August 8th, 2016. This site was chosen for cover crops to increase soil organic matter, alleviate compaction and for grazing. Species included sorghum Sudan grass, turnip, radish, sun hemp, field peas, oats and red clover. Big Stone County received an abundant amount of rain during the months of August and September to allow these species to successfully germinate and grow into dense forage for cattle consumption.
Contact the Big stone SWCD for more information on establishing cover crops and suitable seed mixes. |
"after" - planted cover crops
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Mowing and Spraying
The District has equipment available for use in controlling noxious weeds and managing habitat.
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.
State Cost-Share
Each year the SWCD receives a State Cost-Share grant from the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), to be used on conservation practices. Some of the practices eligible for this program include: field windbreaks, grassed waterways, terraces, sediment basins, strip-cropping, well sealing and critical area plantings.
The practices funded with this program are subject to change, depending on annual funding and the availability of other programs. We have also used this program in conjunction with the federal EQIP program to improve cost share funding for shelterbelt renovations. If you are interested in implementing any of the conservation practices, contact the SWCD office for further details.
The practices funded with this program are subject to change, depending on annual funding and the availability of other programs. We have also used this program in conjunction with the federal EQIP program to improve cost share funding for shelterbelt renovations. If you are interested in implementing any of the conservation practices, contact the SWCD office for further details.
Conservation Planning and Construction
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 available programs to enhance conservation on your land.
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.
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 online through the USDA.
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 takes 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.