Pope SWCD monitors 19 observation wells located throughout the County for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The results are used to measure the fluctuation of the water table in the counties’ irrigated sand plains.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency initiated a project entitled the “Pope County 8 Lake TMDL Study”. The lakes identified that do not meet state’s standards for water quality are: Ann, Emily, Gilcrest, Leven, Malmedahl, Pelican, Reno, and Strandness.
This is the guiding document that includes the monitoring and assessment completed in the 8 Lake TMDL Study and what implementation efforts will need to be accomplished to make improvements in water quality.
Pope SWCD acts as the local contact for the Minnesota Climatology Working Group to gather daily rainfall information provided by dedicated volunteers as they complete rainfall and weather condition forms that track MN climate.
Soil scientists use this 40 acre site in eastern Pope County with the required uniform soil type, soil depth, level, topography, and adequate water for irrigation research.