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Water

Can you name it? It sustains life, helps to regulate climate, and supports biodiversity.

It’s water! We’re committed to providing you with the tools and knowledge you need to help contribute to sustainable water management and conservation practices.

Lake Monitoring

We track and observe the health of the lakes by studying their trophic state. Long-term lake data sets can be used for trend analysis, allowing our team to interpret a lake’s health over time. Over 1,000 Minnesota lakes have chosen to participate in RMB’s Volunteer Lakes Monitoring Program.

Our lake monitoring program involves volunteers collecting water samples once a month from May through September for phosphorus and chlorophyll analysis. Following laboratory analysis, the data is available on RMB Labs website and shared with the MPCA’s statewide database. If you’d like to learn more, contact us at 320.763.3191 ext.3

Avoiding Aquatic Invaders

What are Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)?

They are non-native plants, animals, insects, or bacteria that can harm local ecosystems. When they enter a new environment, they can cause serious damage.

How to avoid Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)?

It’s actually easier than you might think— and it makes a big difference in the quality of water at the local level and across the state.

Before you leave a body of water, follow these simple steps:

  1. Thoroughly clean and drain your boat, trailer, and any equipment used during your time afloat.
  2. Properly disposing of bait is another crucial step—always throw unwanted bait in the trash, never in the water.
  3. And if you spot an invasive species, don’t hesitate to report it to local authorities.

One Water Shed One Plan

Our “One Watershed, One Plan” initiative focuses on comprehensive water resource management. By addressing the entire watershed, we aim to enhance water quality, reduce flooding risks, and support sustainable land use practices. This collaborative approach ensures that every drop of water is effectively managed from its source to its final destination, benefiting both the environment and our communities. Join us in protecting and preserving our precious water resources.

Programs

Walk-In Access

Walk-In Access

Do you enjoy public hunting on private lands? This program opens up private land, that is already a part of conservation programs or has high-quality natural cover, for public hunting.
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

If you’re an agricultural producer, you can earn payments for your conservation efforts—the better your performance, the higher the reward! Learn how you can grow and maintain conservation practices to tackle priority resource concerns.
Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP)

Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP)

Our program offers our local farmers and landowners to protect our state's beautiful waters with the opportunity to become MAWQ certified. You just have to implement and maintain our management practices!
Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM)

Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM)

You have the opportunity to receive payment through enrolling in land conservation easement! Once you’re enrolled, the land becomes managed under an official plan of conservation, and includes practices to better support your land.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

We’re proud to offer a program that allows agricultural producers to receive financial and technical assistance! We just ask that you implement conservation practices that optimize the benefits of our local environment.
Conservation Reserve Program

Conservation Reserve Program

The Conservation Reserve Program pays a yearly rental payment in exchange for farmers removing environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and planting species that will improve environmental quality. Learn More

Grants

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2018 Watershed Conservation Initative

Minnesota Board of Soil Water Resources (MN BSWR) eLINK Reports:   2018

Minnesota Legacy Projects Reports: 2018

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Buffer Law

Minnesota Board of Soil Water Resources (MN BSWR) eLINK Reports:  2023 | 2022 | 2021 2020 | 2019 |

Minnesota Legacy Projects Reports: 2018 | 2019 | 2022

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Clean Water Fund (CWF) Grants

Minnesota Board of Soil Water Resources (MN BSWR) eLINK Reports:  2020 Lake Ida HUC 12 AIG Projects Phase I | 2019 Upper Chippewa River Watershed Groundwater Protection | Lake Ida HUC 12 AIG Projects Phase II

 

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Conservation Delivery

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Lake Ida Subwatershed / Ditch 23

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State Cost-Share

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SWCD Local Capacity/Aid Funding

Minnesota Board of Soil Water Resources (MN BSWR) eLINK Reports:  2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018

Minnesota Legacy Projects Reports: 2019 | 2022

SWCD Aid Guidelines: 2025 

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Surface Water Assessment Grant (SWAG)

Minnesota Board of Soil Water Resources (MN BSWR) eLINK Reports:  Long Prairie SWAG |

Minnesota Legacy Projects Reports: 2019-2020 Chippewa River SWAG | 2022 Long Prairie River SWAG

Swag Reporting: 2022 SWAG Interim

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Other

Minnesota Legacy Projects Reports: Soil Investigation for liquid manure storage

Cost Sharing

Curious about Cost-Share?
A cost-share is a financial assistance program that strives to mitigate the effects of erosion and water quality issues across the county. Every year we apply for grants to provide our local land-owners struggling with erosion and water issues with the necessary resources and practices to enhance the quality of their land.

Does your Project Qualify?
Our funding covers critical areas like active erosion sites, stormwater management, and more to help property owners increase the quality of their land. Here are some of our key qualifications:

  • Active erosion sites
  • Storm water impacting surface waters
  • Must be a property owner *no renting or leasing
  • Your property is indicated within the priority are on the map. (No actual photos posted, because each watershed has their own priority area)

Apply Today!
Get in touch with our office—our staff will assess your property to determine your eligibility for cost-share funding. If you qualify, we’ll work with you to create a project that cleans up and corrects any active and future erosion issues! *Even if you don’t qualify, our team members can still provide recommendations to better support your land.

Seasonal Service

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Enhance your land’s vitality this season with our specialized seed mixing service. By combining a variety of seeds tailored to your soil’s unique needs, we ensure robust growth and sustainable conservation. Contact us today to nurture a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.