Pope Soil and Water Conservation District each year along with other SWCD’s from across the state of Minnesota recognize landowners for implementing conservation projects or conducting work of an exemplary nature that helps improve and protect our lakes, rivers, streams, and land.

This year we are pleased to select Kevin Lundebrek as the 2025 Pope County Outstanding Conservationist. He operates a 1,700-acre MDA Water Quality Certified farm raising corn and soybeans.  Working closely with Pope SWCD and NRCS he has implemented: cover crops, a shelterbelt, 63 water and sediment control basins, wildlife and pollinator plantings, grid sampling, nutrient management plan, and reduced till and no-till.  He applies below the University of Minnesota recommendations for phosphorus and nitrogen on all acres.  His practices are estimated to reduce 2,535 pounds of phosphorus and 3,911 tons of soil saved annually from gully and sheet and rill erosion. Implementing this work, we are making improvements to nearby high priority lakes and streams.  This is lifetime work, and Kevin has had a far-reaching impact.  Kevin exemplifies the definition of an Outstanding Conservationist and Pope SWCD is proud to recognize him for his efforts. Congratulations Kevin!

We will present Kevin his award and recognition at the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District’s Annual Conference December 3rd in St. Paul and on December 16th at the Pope County Commissioners Meeting.

Congratulations again to Kevin Lundebrek. We are proud to select him as this year’s recipient for this recognition and his conservation efforts.

Pope SWCD has partnered on this event. Landowners in the Sauk River Watershed in Pope County should have received a postcard in the mail with details about this well water screening event. We encourage you to participate. This event will be held on August 27th from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Stearns County Fairgrounds. All are welcome to participate in this event. Please register by visiting the link below.

https://www.stearnscd.org/privatewell

REGISTER HERE AT THIS LINK, BY CALLING 320-634-5327, OR EMAIL KATHERINE.DISRUD@MN.NACDNET.NET:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjEmHwPNeo5sAD9RXOtJN6eMPmHlG45bkgaWYD7xGVWn1LEw

Pope Soil and Water Conservation District will be hosting a free water testing clinic Friday, August 1st 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 the best results, collect a minimum of one-half cup of water in a clean container within two hours of testing.  Water should be at room temperature for testing.

Nitrogen exists in the environment in both organic and inorganic forms. When in its inorganic form, 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. High levels of nitrates can affect how blood carries oxygen in the body. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set 10 mg/L as the maximum contaminant level for nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that private wells are tested for nitrates every 1-2 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 filtering through the soil. The contamination can result from both human causes and natural sources. Although both can lead to hazardous conditions, it is often human caused sources that force nitrate concentrations into dangerous levels. Sources include fertilizer application, manure storage, and sewage disposal.  Some primary factors that have an effect on nitrogen leaching include nitrogen rate and sources, application timing, irrigation practices, age of site, and soil texture. There are home water treatment units that can help remove nitrates from your drinking water.  However, prevention of nitrogen loss is the preferred method of reducing nitrate concentrations in groundwater.