Pope SWCD is taking orders now for spring 2017 delivery. You can find a copy of this year’s order form by following this link. 2017-tree-order-form Kelly Erickson with the Pope SWCD is available to discuss tree plantings. Stop by today to schedule an appointment. Trees ordered by December 10th will receive a 10% discount.
2016 Poster Contest Results
The Pope SWCD staff presented this year’s poster contest theme “We All Need Trees” to three schools Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, Minnewaska, and Glacial Hills. The contest was open to 5th and 6th grade students. The winners are:
BBE and Overall Poster Contest Winners:
1st Place-Aynsley Preble
2nd Place-Lydia Mitchell
3rd Place-Ryli Laage
Glacial Hills Poster Contest Winners:
1st Place-Devin Mikel
2nd Place-Miranda Longtin
3rd Place-Dominic Maijala
Minnewaska Poster Contest Winners:
1st Place-Dakota Holder
2nd Place-Berkley Steffen
3rd Place-Lily Anderson
Landowner Comments Sought On Buffer Maps Through May 31st
Comment Period Open on Statewide Buffer Mapping Project
In the previous year, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has been creating a Buffer Protection Map, based on the current public waters inventory, distinguishing the public waters requiring a buffer. Buffers are defined as “an area consisting of perennial vegetation, excluding invasive plants and noxious weeds, adjacent to bodies of water within the state and that protects the water resources of the state from runoff pollution; stabilizes soils, shores and banks; and protects or provides riparian corridors”. The Minnesota DNR has produced a preliminary buffer map. This map is currently open for public viewing, review, and has an open comment period. The buffer protection map can be found online at http://arcgis.dnr.state.mn.us/gis/buffersviewer/. The comment period will be close May 31, 2016.
After the comment period is closed, the Minnesota DNR will begin finalization of the Buffer Protection Map’s public waters and ditches. Public waters will be required to have a 50 foot average with a 30 foot minimum buffer by November 1, 2017. County Ditches will be required to have a 16.5 foot buffer by November 1, 2018. Please be aware that Pope County has a shoreland ordinance. The counties shoreland ordinance requires a 50 foot, no variable width, buffer on multiple water bodies, including some county ditches. This information can be found at the Pope County Land and Resource office, Pope Soil and Water Conservation District office and online at http://gis.co.pope.mn.us/link/jsfe/index.aspx?defaultRole=Public.
Pope Soil and Water Conservation District is able to assist each landowner with identifying areas of interest, determining requirements, technical assistance, and compliance verification. We can also review the DNR buffer map with you and submit the comments directly. If you have questions or concerns about what may be required, technical assistance, or other guidance about the Buffer and Soil Loss Statute, please stop by the office or make an appointment with Jessica Oldakowski.
Pope SWCD Promotes Soil and Water Stewardship Week
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 61st year of Stewardship Week April 24 – May 1, 2016. The 2016 Stewardship Week hinges around the theme “We All Need Trees.” Trees provide us with a multitude of benefits and services including, but not limited to: clean air and water, healthy soil, shade, wood products, fuel, and jobs.
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.
“Educating the public about the importance of trees in our daily lives is an essential part of what NACD advocates for through natural resource conservation and is the essence of this year’s Stewardship theme,” said NACD President Lee McDaniel. “Trees and forests are critical to providing clean air and water, healthy soil, abundant wildlife habitat, and valuable products we use every day.”
Your local conservation district can assist you in learning more about trees and the species native to your area of the country. They can also provide insight on tree planting, care and maintenance as well as information for how to protect tress from invasive species. Districts have a long-standing history of working with state and private forest owners in helping promote and safeguard our nation’s forested lands.
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 Holly Kovarik at (320) 634-5327 or holly.kovarik@mn.nacdnet.net.