Pope Soil & Water

Providing Quality Conservation Resources since 1949

Providing Quality Conservation Resources Since 1949

Pope SWCD Board Meeting October 19, 2021

The Pope SWCD Board of Supervisors will meet at their monthly meeting time on October 19, 2021 at 7 a.m. at Keith Nygaard’s shop at 27820 180th Street, Starbuck, MN 56381. The pandemic declaration has now expired in Minnesota however USDA is still not allowing public into the building per their Federal policy. The Pope SWCD is meeting at this site to be able to allow the public to attend the meeting. There will not be a virtual option per the Minnesota Open Meeting Law requirements now that the Emergency Declaration has expired.

Plantskydd For Purchase

Plantskydd is a non-toxic, chemical free organic repellent used to deter deer, elk, moose, rabbits, voles, squirrels and chipmunks from browsing on vegetation.  It is not harmful to pollinators, animals or the environment.  It is safe for use in protecting vegetables, fruits, legumes and other food crops as well as trees, bushes and flowers.  Its active ingredient (porcine or bovine dried blood) is also an organic fertilizer.  Plantskydd works by releasing an order that browsing animals associate with predator activity.  These browsing animals will avoid the plants before they take a bite.

Plantskydd should be applied in above freezing temperatures before browse begins in spring and the liquid formulation can last up to 4 months during the growing season.  It should be reapplied to new growth every 2-4 weeks.  It is rain resistant if allowed to dry first for 24 hours.  Plantskydd should not be applied directly to the edible parts of fruits and vegetables.  It can be sprayed on fruit tree foliage but avoid treatment while buds are forming.  Plantskydd can last up to 6 months on winter dormant plants.

If interested in this product, the Pope SWCD has the liquid, soluble-powder concentrate and granular formulas available for purchase.

TREE PICK UP DATES SET

The trees and shrubs that were ordered from Pope Soil and Water Conservation District will be ready to pick up between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 30th and 8:00 a.m. till Noon on Saturday, May 1st. 

Pick up will be at the Karen Erickson Farm 19381 270th Ave, 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.

2021 Tree Pickup Information and mapDownload

WALK IN ACCESS PROGRAM ENROLLMENT OPEN

Landowner enrollment has now begun for the Walk-In Access (WIA) program. The 2021 sign-up goes from March 15 to May 14. Since 2011 its purpose has been to pay private landowners for allowing the public to hunt on their land. The land must be a minimum of 40 acres with high-quality natural vegetation cover. Similar vegetation cover can be found on land already enrolled in conservation programs such as Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) or Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM). The use of the land is only allowed for hunting from Sept. 1 through May 31.

Walk-In Access has expanded through Minnesota and now includes 50 counties and covers 30,000 acres for hunters. If you are interested in using WIA land, you must pay the $3 permit when purchasing your hunting license.

Benefits for enrolling include:

  1. 2021 sign-up has an increased payment rate of $18/acre.
  2. Contracts are only 1 to 3 years long.
  3. MN DNR Conservation Officers enforce hunting laws.
  4. Can be an additional pay to existing conservation programs such as CRP or RIM.
  5. DNR will set up and provide signs around property enrolled in the program.
  6. Access to additional habitat for hunters to enjoy. Also giving an opportunity for new hunters to go to.

Pope County has been able to be a part of this program for many years and we hope to continue this partnership. Our office provides Minnesota DNR Walk-In Access mapping books if anyone is looking for a location to hunt. If you have any questions about the WIA program please contact Pope SWCD and ask for Nicole Brede at 320-634-5327.