Pope Soil & Water

Providing Quality Conservation Resources since 1949

Providing Quality Conservation Resources Since 1949

Pope Soil and Water Conservation District Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Pope Soil and Water Conservation District was recognized on September 17th by the Board of Water and Soil Resources for 75 years of bringing water management and conservation to the people and lands of Pope County 1949-2024.

In attendance during this recognition are pictured left to right below:

Jeff Hellermann (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service District Conservationist), Jason Weinerman (Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources Board Conservationist), D. Gary Reents (Pope SWCD Board Member), Randy Pederson (Pope SWCD Board Member), Keith Nygaard (Pope SWCD Board Member), Randy Mitteness (Pope SWCD Board Member), Holly Kovarik (Pope SWCD District Manager), Tom Talle (Pope SWCD Board Member), Nicole Brede (Pope SWCD Habitat Resource Specialist), Senator Torrey Westrom, Dave Iverson (City of Glenwood Administrator), Representative Paul Anderson, and Alex Fellbaum (USDA Farm Service Agency Pope and Douglas County Offices Executive Director)

Pope SWCD Staff not pictured unable to attend the recognition: Christopher Borash (Pope SWCD Conservation Technician), Kimberly DeMorett (Pope SWCD Resource and Outreach Technician), and Mason Stewart (Pope SWCD Conservation Technician)

Photo Credit: Tim Douglass Pope County Tribune

POPE SWCD’S FIRST ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST IN CELEBRATION OF 75 YEARS AS A DISTRICT

Pope Soil and Water began nearly 75 years ago on October 31 of 1949. This year, 2024, marks the 75th year of Pope SWCD (Soil and Water Conservation District) being recognized as an organization within the state.

We’ve had the privilege of working with and assisting generations of Pope County citizens. As a district, we are very thankful for the camaraderie of the community and its commitment to successful conservation over the years. In celebration of the district and in recognition of the community, Pope SWCD is hosting a photo contest. The intention of this contest is to highlight our county and its many picturesque views—From the lakes and wildlife to the farms and community life. The place we call home can’t be captured in just one image.

We ask for your help in providing images for a chance to be featured in our 2025 calendar, which will be created later this year. The top three image submissions have the opportunity to win a rain barrel (1st place) or a gift certificate to the Minnewaska House (2nd and 3rd place). Please fill out the attached form found in the QR code or visit us out on Facebook at Pope Soil & Water Conservation District. The contest begins now and runs until November 12, 2024 outlining the timeframe for the first annual photo contest of Pope SWCD. We will contact all finalists following the November deadline.

For more information, please contact Pope Soil and Water Conservation District: 320-634-5327

calendar photo contestDownload

Nitrate Clinic To Be Held At Pope Co Fair

Pope Soil and Water Conservation District (Pope SWCD) will be hosting a free water testing clinic Friday, August 2nd from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Pope County Fair. Bring your water sample to the Pope SWCD booth in the Industrial Building at the fairgrounds for a free nitrate analysis. To receive best results, collect a minimum of one-half cup of room temperature water in a clean container within two hours of testing.

Nitrogen exists in the environment in both organic and inorganic forms. When in its inorganic form, ammonium (NH4) or nitrate (NO3), it is an essential element to plants. However, when considering water quality, nitrogen becomes a concern when in its nitrate form. Excessive nitrate concentrations in groundwater can be hazardous to human and environmental health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set 10 mg/L as the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that private wells receive nitrate testing at least once every two to three years. If nitrates have been previously detected or if an infant under six months will be consuming the water, testing should be conducted more frequently.

Nitrates most commonly enter groundwater through leaching or draining. Because nitrate does not attach to soil particles, it is easily moved by water. Therefore, as water filters through the soil, so do present nitrates. Some primary factors that have an effect on nitrogen leaching include: nitrogen rate, application timing, nitrogen sources, irrigation practices, age of site, and soil texture. The contamination can result from both anthropogenic (human caused) and natural sources. Although both can lead to hazardous conditions, it is often anthropogenic sources that force nitrate concentrations into dangerous levels. These sources include but are not limited to: fertilizer application, manure storage, and sewage disposal. There are available treatments used to rehabilitate contaminated water. However, prevention of nitrogen loss is the favored method in reducing nitrate concentrations in groundwater.

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