This past year was exciting and eventful for the Chisago Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Together, the two agencies worked to install 12 new rain gardens, 10 water and sediment control basins or grade stabilizations, 10 grassed waterways or diversions, 2 lined waterways or gully stabilizations, and [...]
In June of 2015, Governor Dayton signed into law a new buffer initiative aimed at enhancing protection of Minnesota’s waters. The buffer initiative will help protect the state’s water resources from erosion and run off pollution by establishing roughly 110,000 acres of buffer along waterways while providing flexibility and technical support to landowners for installation [...]
Chisago SWCD would like to inform you about a unique opportunity to evaluate how your farming practices are protecting local water quality. The MN Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) is a voluntary opportunity for farmers and agricultural landowners to take the lead in implementing conservation practices that protect our water. The MAWQCP certifies farmers [...]
Last year, the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes watershed was selected as one of the targeted watersheds to receive grant funding for implementing prioritized water quality projects. The program includes targeting the highest priority areas and implementing projects where they will provide the most benefit for the cost of the project. Within the Chisago Lakes [...]
The Chisago SWCD has been working intently on stabilizing the bluff that once was the bank of the glacial St. Croix River. With the water level much lower today, the old bank has become a steep hillside and has been subject to severe erosion as land use has changed over the past 150 years. The [...]
Have you been to the Chisago County Courthouse lately? If so, you may have noticed the construction work that was going on late this summer as the employee parking lot was reconfigured and resurfaced. Within this parking lot is a very exciting water quality practice that you might not even notice. A portion of the [...]
LOCAL CONSERVATIONISTS HONORED AT STATE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONVENTION Dale and Barb Fredrickson of Chisago County were recently honored as outstanding conservationists at the annual meeting of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, December 6-8, 2014 in Bloomington, Minn. They were selected by the Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District [...]
The Chisago SWCD's spring newsletter was sent out in late January. If you missed it, click the link to read the newsletter! Spring 2016 Newsletter with Tree Order Form
This years’ leaves have not even finished falling and you can already order trees and shrubs for next year! The Chisago Soil & Water Conservation District’s annual Tree and Shrub Sale order form is ready and available for download on our website (www.chisagoswcd.org). You can also pick one up at our office in North Branch. [...]
As publicity about various invasive species, both aquatic and terrestrial, grows, it is important to understand exactly what an invasive species is. There is a plethora of words used in the media to describe problematic plants and animals, including invasive, exotic, non-native, noxious, alien, and weed. These words are often used interchangeably as if they [...]