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 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.
Local Leaders to Attend Conservation Conference
Keith Nygaard of Starbuck, D. Gary Reents of Glenwood, and Randy Peterson of Glenwood, supervisors and staff of the Pope Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will learn about the latest conservation programs at the 80th annual meeting of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD). The meeting will be held Dec. 4-6 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bloomington.
“This is a great chance for us to learn more about some of the current natural resource issues in the state,” said Nygaard. The conference will feature grassroots initiatives to conserve soil and water resources in Minnesota. “The convention always provides us with new ideas that we can use locally,” Nygaard stated.
A plenary session on December 5 will feature Charles Marshall, Humorous Motivational Speaker & Author of “The Seven Powers of Success.” Mr. Marshall’s keynote presentation will show how implementation of The Seven Powers™ can create success in the life of any individual or organization. Through the use of humor and real-life examples, Charles relates inspirational stories of everyday underdogs who have used The Seven Powers™ to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Later that morning, there will be a presentation and discussion with representatives from SWCDs and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources on ways the efforts of SWCDs have been enhanced and accelerated throughout the state.
In addition to a variety of sessions on conservation topics, the annual meeting will include the MASWCD business meeting, with discussions and votes on natural resource resolutions. Several awards will be presented at a December 5 luncheon. These include the MASWCD/MPCA Outstanding Community Conservationist Award, MASWCD/DNR Division of Forestry Outstanding Forest Steward Award, Minnesota DNR Division of Waters Appreciation Award, the Outstanding SWCD employee award (presented by the Board of Water and Soil Resources), and awards for teacher, and SWCD supervisor. The convention also features a December 6 luncheon, where the SWCD of the Year Award recipient will be announced and recognition given to outstanding conservationists from SWCDs across the state, with support from The Farmer magazine.
Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) sponsors the annual meeting. This year’s event is receiving support from the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Additional information on the event is available on the MASWCD web site at www.maswcd.org.
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.