Pope Soil & Water

Providing Quality Conservation Resources since 1949

Providing Quality Conservation Resources Since 1949

POPE SWCD PROMOTES SOIL AND WATER STEWARDSHIP WEEK

The Pope Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) wants to remind you that each of us has a connection to natural resources. The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is celebrating the 64th year of Stewardship Week April 28 – May 5, 2019. The 2019 Stewardship Week hinges around the theme “Life in the Soil: Dig Deeper.” Soil provides us with a multitude of benefits and services including, but not limited to: clean water, produce we grow, fuel, jobs, and more.

Holly Kovarik acts as the District Manager for Pope SWCD. The District was formed in 1969 to assist people in Pope County with technical assistance for conservation of land and water through project implementation. During Stewardship Week, Pope SWCD has provided materials to 25 churches and has presented this year’s poster contest theme to three schools within the County.

Your local conservation district can assist you in learning more about soil and the types native to your area of the county. They can also provide insight on conservation practices you can use to help protect your soil. Districts have a long-standing history of working with landowners in helping improve their soil health.

Pope SWCD is a member of NACD which oversees the Stewardship Week program. Stewardship Week is one of the largest national annual programs to promote conservation. NACD represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, which were established to encourage resource conservation across the country.

Pope SWCD encourages you to participate in conservation activities through the entire year. For information about Stewardship Week and conservation, contact Nicole Brede at (320) 634-5327 or Nicole.brede@mn.nacdnet.net.

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The National Association of Conservation Districts is the non-profit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, their state associations and the 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. For almost 70 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. NACD’s website is at www.nacdnet.org.

 

Special Weed of the Week Edition-Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive beetle from Asia that infects and kills all native species of ash trees in North America. The larvae create tunnels under the bark as they feed. As these tunnels accumulate the ash tree begins to show signs of infestation. Once a tree shows symptoms of infestation it usually dies within 1-3 years.

The Spread:

Emerald Ash Borer was first found in North America in Michigan in 2002. Since then it has spread to numerous other states and Canadian provinces including Minnesota. In 2009, it was found in St. Paul and spread through the metro area. By 2016, the beetle had found its way to Duluth and most recently in 2019 it was found in 10 trees in Sauk Centre, MN.

The Threat:

With an estimated 1 billion ash trees throughout the state, emerald ash borer poses a substantial environmental and economic threat. EAB infestations are difficult to identify in the early stages and spread by both natural and artificial means; therefore, quarantines are enacted when an infestation is discovered. A map of the current EAB status can be found at the following website https://mnag.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=63ebb977e2924d27b9ef0787ecedf6e9.

The Fight:

EAB’s active period is from May 1st to September 30th so it is best to avoid any removal or pruning of ash trees during this time. If you must prune or remove ash trees during this time due to health hazards have at least 1” of the outer bark and wood chipped onsite before transporting it to a removal site. It’s also important to not transport firewood to help control the spread of EAB. Landowners can also help control the spread of EAB by looking for systems of infestation.

Symptoms to look for include:

  • Canopy thinning – branches will progressively start dying each year after infestation
  • Increased woodpecker activity – these birds like to feed on the larvae, particularly downy and hairy woodpeckers
  • D-shaped exit holes – the adults leave distinct D-shaped exit holes about 1/8” wide when they emerge from the tree
  • Serpentine tunnels/bark splits – the larvae create meandering S-shaped tunnels as they feed on the vascular tissue of the tree which is only visible when the bark is peeled away. These tunnels can cause a split in the bark.

If you suspect one of your trees to have Emerald Ash Borer please call the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Arrest the Pest hotline at 888-545-6684. Also note the exact location of the tree and take a digital photo if possible. Landowners can also contact the local Pope County Ag Inspector- Barry Bouwman at 320-634-7791 or the Swift County Ag Inspector- Tom Orr at 320-843-4910.

TREE PICKUP TIME HAS ARRIVED

The Trees/shrubs you ordered from Pope SWCD will be ready to pick up between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3rd and 8:00 a.m. and Noon on Saturday, May 4th. We will know if we have additional trees/shrubs right away. These will be available at pick up times.

Pick up will be at the Kelly and Audrey Erickson Farm 33125 State Hwy 28, Starbuck, MN 56381. A map of the pickup location printed below. We ask that you arrange to pick up your trees/shrubs at this time.

If you have an outstanding balance please pay for your trees/shrubs now, preferably by check. If you must pay on pick up day, please pay by check. Please note if you have paid in advance you will be able to go through the pickup process in an express line. Those who have a balance may have a longer wait time. If you have any questions or comments, you can call our office at (320) 634-5327.

From Glenwood/Starbuck: Take Hwy 28 W toward Morris go approximately 12 miles watch for tree pickup signs on South side of road. It is located about 4 more miles west of Starbuck on HWY 28, south side of the road.

TREE PICKUP TIME HAS ARRIVED 2019

Sincerely,

Kelly Erickson, Sales Program Manager

Pope-Swift Cooperative Weed Management Area Cost-Share Assistance

The Pope-Swift CWMA program has funding available to assist landowner that have a plumeless thistle stand on their pasture ground. Eligible landowners enter into a contract with the Pope SWCD for 75% reimbursement, not to exceed $500, to offset the cost of herbicide and labor in treatment of plumeless thistle on the pasture. If you are interested in this program or know someone that is, you can refer to the CWMA Cost-share flyer (attached) and/or contact Jessica Hoheisel at 634-5327 ext. 114 for more details.

CWMA Pasture Cost-share Fact Sheet_FINAL

 

POPE SWCD MEETS WITH LOCAL LEGISLATORS

Holly Kovarik and Kelly Erickson from Pope Soil and Water Conservation District, attended a legislative briefing and meetings at the State Capitol March 5-6 in St. Paul.

They joined a group of other officials from the state’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) who met in St. Paul to gather support for conservation districts’ programs and issues.

“It is important for us to get the conservation message out to our elected officials in St. Paul,” said Holly Kovarik, of Glenwood. The 2019 Legislative Session is critical to the future of conservation districts in the state, noted Kelly Erickson. “This year, included in the many issues legislators and the Governor are addressing is state funding for SWCDs as well as funding for the programs and projects they deliver. We have to work hard to make sure the state’s commitment to sharing in the funding needs of SWCDs doesn’t fall by the way-side. Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts play an integral role in enhancing Minnesotan’s quality of life through conservation on private lands, which yields environmental, wildlife and aesthetic benefits to the public.

During the visit to St. Paul, Kovarik and Erickson met with local legislators: Representative Paul Anderson, Representative Jeff Backer, and Senator Torrey Westrom.

The event was sponsored by the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

SWCDs fill the crucial niche of providing land and water conservation services to owners of private lands. For more information on the Pope Soil and Water Conservation District, please call 320-634-5327.

Irrigation Clinic to Be Held March 21st

Irrigators mark your calendars to attend an Irrigator’s Clinic to be held at the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center on Thursday, March 21, 2019.  This event will be of interest to anyone who is actively engaged in irrigation on agricultural lands.

A great line-up of speakers has committed to participating in the event representing: University of Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Discovery Farms.

Topics to be addressed during the day include: Cover Crops and Soil Health Under Irrigation, Precision Irrigation Soil Moisture Sensing Technology (Panel Discussion with Ag Sense, John Deere Field Connect, and Hortau Simplified Irrigation), Groundwater Usage Permitting and Surface Water Impacts, and Gorans Family Farm Subsurface Water Quality Research.

Event registration begins at 9:00 AM, with the program commencing at 9:30 AM and concluding at 2:30 PM.  Lunch is included in the registration cost. Pre-registration is requested by sending $10 to Pope SWCD Attention Holly Kovarik, 1680 Franklin Street North, Glenwood, MN  56334 by Friday, March 15, 2019.  Registration at the door will increase to $20 and a meal cannot be guaranteed.

The event location is at the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, 12718 10th Street, NE Spicer, Minnesota 56288.

The event is sponsored by: Grand Irrigation, AgSense LLC., West Central Irrigation Inc., Klimek Bros Well Drilling, CHS, Nutra Drip Irrigation, Ag Country Farm Credit Services, and Bonanza Valley State Bank.

The event is organized by Pope, Stearns, Kandiyohi, and Douglas Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

 

 

Pope SWCD MONITORING PLAN FOR BUFFER COMPLIANCE TRACKING

§103F.48 RIPARIAN PROTECTION AND WATER QUALITY PRACTICES

1. COMPLIANCE TRACKING OF ALL PARCELS SUBJECT TO THE BUFFER LAW

All parcels in the county are to be reviewed within a 3‐year timeframe. The SWCD will review all parcels once every 3 years. This will coincide with the new aerial imagery received by the Farm Service Agency. Google Earth may also be utilized or the Counties Pictometry Imagery.

2. RANDOM SPOT CHECKS

Random spot checks will be done in addition to the tracking of all parcels within a 3‐year span. These checks may be conducted via aerial photo review or on‐site review depending on availability of updated aerial photos and the practice that is being checked/access to farms. A combination of both aerial and on‐site review may also be used.

a. The SWCD will conduct 25‐50 parcels on a random spot check each year outside of the scheduled area.

Note: ** There are 4,445 applicable parcels in Pope County.

b. Additionally, the SWCD should review parcels of emphasis more frequently.

Previously non‐compliant

No‐till/Conservation tillage or cover crop alternative practice plans

Variable width buffers (i.e. Land O’ Lakes buffer tool, Decision Support Tool)

Other Alternative Practice Plans

Cost‐share funded projects (years 1,5,9 of contract)

Parcels of further emphasis (potential violators)

3. PROCESS TO HANDLE COMPLAINTS

  • Pope SWCD will investigate public complaints related to buffer law compliance but documenting the compliant including, location, landowner, potential violation, etc. Pope SWCD will then further investigate the compliant by aerial review, landowner calls, and field site checks.
  • If a violation of buffer law non‐compliance is found Pope SWCD will inform the enforcing agency (Pope Land and Resource Management, North Fork Crow River Watershed District or Sauk River Watershed District) and the Board of Water and Soil Resources. A non‐compliance form will be filled out along with a map of the parcel and will be provided to the enforcing entity for follow up with the landowner.
  • Appeals will be handled by the regulatory entity with Pope SWCD staff providing technical information regarding the buffer law and the project site as requested.

For more information contact Pope SWCD at 320-634-5327.

Rosholt Research Farm Celebrates 50 Years in 2018

Rosholt Research Farm celebrates its 50 year anniversary of existence in May this year. Rosholt Research Farm located near Westport in Pope Country was purchased by Pope, Kandiyohi and Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) on May 27, 1968. The motivation to purchase property was to conduct soil and water research.
The 40 acre research farm, now solely owned by Pope SWCD, has the necessary uniform soil type, soil depth, topography and adequate water for irrigation research.
Research at the farm has involved many partners over the years including: USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS), University of MN Pope County Extension, US Forest Service, WesMin RC&D, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, University of Minnesota, Prairies Lakes Co-op, and Pope and Stearns County SWCDs.
Nitrogen and water quality research is presently being conducted at Rosholt. The goal is to evaluate the management of nitrogen fertilizers and cover crops in irrigated crop production systems and their impacts on groundwater resources. The objective is to quantify the impact of living mulch (kura clover), cover crop (cereal rye), or no cover crop on nitrate leaching and nitrogen management for irrigated row crops. The project is intended to provide local information to help improve fertilizer management in irrigated row crop production systems.
Data collection for the current research began in 2016 and is designed to be collected through 2020. However, Clean Water funding from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is only secure through 2018. Pope and Stearns County SWCD’s are currently collecting input on updating Rosholt Research Farm’s long term vision plan. This plan will assist in securing funding to continue the current research project and future research at Rosholt Research Farm.
For more information on the Rosholt Research Farm please visit Pope SWCD’s website at http://popeswcd.org/program/rosholt-research-farm/.

Rain Barrels Can Be Used For Water Conservation

By Dalton Herrboldt, Pope SWCD Intern

Want a way to utilize all that rain water that runs off of your roof and goes out your down spout? A rain barrel is your solution. It is a perfect way to capture soft water and help to reduce runoff. In the event of a rain shower rain washes chemicals, excess fertilizer, and sediment into storm sewers. You can help reduce this through the process of catching rain water in a rain barrel.

Rain water contains no chlorine, lime, or calcium making it perfect for any flowers around the house or potted plants. Being that is has no minerals in it, rain water is perfect for washing your car and will not leave the streaks that are left behind from hard water.

Rain Barrel Facts

  • Can save 1300 gallons of water throughout the growing season
  • Garden and lawn irrigation accounts for about 40% of residential water use during the summer
  • ½ inch of rain on 200 square feet of a roof is enough to fill a 60 gallon rain barrel
  • Reduces amount of water you pay for from the municipal for watering gardens and lawns

With a 32 square foot garden it is recommended to use 20 gallons of water per week. If you saved 1300 gallons of water with a rain barrel you would be able to water a 32 square foot garden for 65 weeks.

To maximize your rain water potential you can connect multiple rain water barrels together. Once the first one fills up to the overflow level it will start filling the second one, or you can hook them together from the bottom of the barrel and they will fill up at the same time. There are several different exterior designs for barrels now to match with your house or garage to your liking.

Now is the time to consider purchasing a rain barrel as the gardening season is fast approaching. The cost is $65.00 plus tax and we do have a limited supply available.  If you have an interest in collecting rain water and would like to purchase a rain barrel contact the Pope Soil and Water Conservation District at 320-634-5327.

 

 

Pope SWCD Recognized Chamber Business of the Month

chamberbusinessofthemonth2017

Front row: Kay Blaurert, Dean Peterson, Tom Talle, Holly Kovarik, Nicole Brede, Kelly EricksonBack row: Scott Formo, Randy Pederson, D. Gary Reents, Mike Billehus, Keith Nygaard, and Jessica Oldkowski

Photo credit: Pope County Tribune/Marta Johnson

 

Pope SWCD Recognized as 2016 SWCD of the Year

Pope SWCD 2016 MASWCD District of the Year Paul and Barb Koubsky 2016 Pope SWCD Conservationists of the Year

Pope SWCD board and staff attended the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Conference December 4-6 in Bloomington, Minnesota.  Pope SWCD nominated Paul and Barb Koubsky as this year’s Outstanding Conservationist for Pope County.  They were recognized at the convention during a luncheon on Tuesday, December 6th.

Pope SWCD was also named as the 2016 District of the Year.  This award is given to only one SWCD in the state that has shown leadership and has gone above and beyond in its programs and activities.