Kanabec Soil & Water Conservation District

We areĀ dedicated to promoting the wise and sustainable use

of our land and water related resources; to work with and empower

landowners and groups on conservation options; work in partnership

with other agencies; educate the public, provide technical assistance,

administer state programs and serve as a county wide soil and water

conservation and natural resource information and referral center.

What is the SWCD?

A LOCAL unit of government with 5 elected supervisors who:

  • Provide local leadership and direction for applying conservation practices on the land
  • Coordinate the activities of federal, state, and local agencies to administer conservation services and funding
  • Develop conservation plans, educational programs, technical information, and demonstrations utilizing the expertise of its own employees
  • Work with landowners, other agencies, associations, corporations, cities, townships, and the county to plan and install conservation measures.

Services and Programs Available

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Aquatic Invasive Species – Coalition of Lake Associations (AIS-COLA)
Collaborate with the six member COLA to utilize state funds for education
of AIS in the County for the control and prevention of the spread of AIS.
Low Interest Loans

Provides loans through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for upgrading

septic systems, manure handling equipment, tillage equipment,Ā or any other

conservation practice that improves water quality.

Conservation Practice Funding

ProvidesĀ state cost-shareĀ funding for various conservation best management practices.

Snake River Watershed Management Board & Citizens Advisory Committee

Provides technical and advisory duties for various conservation practices for water quality improvements.

Assists the state and Snake River Watershed Management Board with the Impaired Waters Program

and helps in the development of a total maximum daily load (TMDL) study and implementation.

RIM – Reinvest in Minnesota

Administers the RIM Reserve for the state, which requires perpetual easements on property

within the county to protect natural resources.

Other Programs & Activities

Maintains rainfall observation network and groundwater well monitoring. Staff assistsĀ the

Coalition of Lake Associations with Aquatic Invasive Species prevention and

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Engineering and Vegetation Restoration Management

Assists landowners with design, survey, and construction inspections for feedlot

runoff control, animal waste systems, lakeshore erosion control, grassed waterways, sediment

basis and rain gardens, wetland restorations, vegetation buffers, and infiltration systems.

Trees

Assists landownersĀ by offering trees and tree-related specialty items for sale for

conservation purposes. Assists with design of windbreaks, shelter belts, and wildlife habitat plantings.

Forest Stewardship Plans

Provide resources on how and where to acquire a plan for the management of forest resources.

Wetland Conservation Act

Assists the county in implementing the state’s Wetland Conservation Act and provides

technical assistance to landowners for wetland activities.

Water Plan

Assists the county in the development and implementation of the Comprehensive

Local Water Management Plan to maintain and improve water quality and quantity

of the waters throughout Kanabec County.
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Comprehensive Plan

2006-2016 Kanabec County Water Plan