215 First Avenue South, Suite 104 Long Prairie, MN 56347 TODD SWCD Office: 320-732-2644 Website: www.co.todd.mn.us

Winter 2016 NEWSLETTER Volume 6 Issue 1

DID YOU KNOW? On April 1, 2015, a local newspaper ran an article on the discovery of a dinosaur fossil confirmed by Tim Stieber, Director of Soil and Water Conservation District, which resulted in some inquiry at the office. In truth, very little evidence suggesting any existence of dinosaurs in has been found. But in October 2015, paleontologists in the Mesabi Iron Range did unearth what they surmise to be the claw of a two legged carnivorous dinosaur similar to a Velociraptor, a member of the dromaeosaur family. This claw is only the third piece of dinosaur remains ever documented here in Minnesota. Conservation Opportunities Landowners Are Needed To Utilize Funding To Improve Their Land A Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has been active in Todd County for over 50 years. For that entire period one goal of the SWCD has been to provide opportunities to private landowners to voluntarily apply conservation measures on their land. Todd SWCD’s current mission statement is “To Meet the Public’s Need by Protecting the Land and Safeguarding the Water”. This mission was developed by our board of supervisors elected by YOU the public with the intent of keeping the program focused on natural resource improvement and protection. Working to solve natural resource problems such as soil erosion or degraded water quality takes a long term vision (which the SWCD board provides), technical assistance (which the SWCD staff provide), and money (which is provided through grants). SWCD’s aggressively seek state program and grant funds to provide the opportunity for landowners to make land improvements that also have side benefits to society such as improved water quality, more stable agricultural production, and better wildlife habitat. Technical staff at the SWCD can assist landowners with project design and completion of the necessary paperwork associated with acquiring grant funds. Technical staff also serve the role of certifying that projects are constructed to standard and maintained – ensuring lasting public benefits. What are the conservation opportunities available RIGHT NOW? Reduce Livestock Impacts – Livestock are a big part of Todd County’s economy. Clean Water Legacy funds are in hand for projects that can be shown to reduce nutrients and E.coli in water runoff from animal feeding, production, and pasturing areas. The SWCD Livestock Advisor details exactly what we are looking for on page #4 of this publication. Projects need to be constructed during 2016 to utilize the funding available. Riparian Buffers – The state’s Buffer Initiative is requiring buffers along state protected waters and some ditches. One of our Conservation Technicians (see article page #3) can help design a buffer and develop a state cost share contract or help you enroll in a USDA program. After November 1, 201 buffers along state waters will be mandatory and therefore not eligible for many programs. Shoreline Buffers – Planting a native buffer along your lakeshore property protects water quality. Funds have been acquired to complete projects within the Swan River Watershed, lakes, and streams. Long Prairie River Watershed Protection – Water quality monitoring shows that nutrient levels are a problem in the Long Prairie River. Projects that can be funded relate to reducing nutrient impacts such as Ag waste pond abandonment, grass buffers, exclusion fencing projects, bank stabilization projects, and shoreland projects. District staff can determine if your project can be funded. Restoration – Wetlands provide several benefits including filtering water and wildlife habitat (page #2). Cost share is available for projects that restore the full function of wetlands on your land.

The Central MN Land Use Decision Maker Symposium was hosted by eight county Soil and Water Conservation Districts within the Redeye River and Long Prairie River Watersheds which included Becker, Cass, Crow Wing, Douglas, Morrison, Otter Tail (West and East), Todd and Wadena. It was held on October 7th, 2015 in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. One hundred and fifty local land use decision makers and natural resource managers from eight counties in west-central Minnesota gathered to discuss preserving and enhancing water quality through available watershed tools and the use of local experts. A survey was presented to attendees as part of their packet. Groundwater, Erosion, Drinking Water and Shoreland Zoning were the top four water quality concerns of those who responded. In addition, 80% of respondents said the way they make land use decisions will be altered because of attending the event. Of the “no” responses, several had written in their comments they are already making these decisions with water quality in mind.

Inside This Issue *Thank You * Thank You * Thank You* CALENDAR

 Thank you to everyone who came out to our open house TH Wetlands...... 2 to celebrate our 50TH anniversary at Thunder Lodge!  Feedlot Meeting— March 16 SWCD Tree Order ...... 2  Thank you to landowners providing tour location stops!  Contractor Meeting— March 30TH ST Buffers– Water Quality Protectors ...... 3  Thank you to our 21 annual Enviro-Fest sponsors!  Spring – Start of township nitrate testing for private well owners in: New Employee ...... 3  And a Big Shout out to Delvin Durheim and Jim Lunemann; Pete Berscheit; Central MN Credit Union, MN National Stowe Prairie, Ward, Burleene, Hartford, MN Ag Water Quality Certification...... 3 Bank, & Ag Star for joining in the Brainstorming session Gordon, Round Prairie, Burnhamville, West Union, and Kandota. December 1 , 2015 for our upcoming Annual Feedlot Drug Drop Boxes ...... 3 Meeting. Thank You!  Tree pick up—Late April or Early FSA Newsletter Information ...... 3 May Precipitation Amounts (inches) Todd County Barn Talk ...... 4  River and Lake Day—May 27TH 2015 Monthly Average GIS Update ...... 4  SWCD Board Meetings—Open to June 3.82 Feedlot Meeting ...... 4 the Public Second Thursday of the July 3.75 each Month at 8:30 AM (except Feb, August 4.60 May, Nov) September 2.44 October 2.53

CAUTION: NRCS mapping of wetlands has no connection to what WCA considers . It is not unusual for WCA to identify jurisdictional wetlands in areas not considered wetland by NRCS. If you are not sure if you have wetlands affecting your project, you can hire a certified wetland delineator or request a site visit from Todd SWCD. Wetlands project might involve wetlands you should get an application for Todd County SWCD’s goals are to protect and enhance soil and water approval from the Todd SWCD office. For additional information resources. Wetlands provide many environmental and societal benefits. regarding the WCA please visit the Board of Water and Soil Resources The Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) signed into law in 1991 by legisla- wetland website at: www. wsr.state.mn.us/wetlands ture, finds that the wetlands of Minnesota provide public value by Since there are many regulations that cover wetlands, there are two conserving surface waters, maintaining and improving water quality, other major regulations that landowners should be aware of before preserving wildlife habitat, providing recreational opportunities, doing any project in or near wetlands: reducing runoff, providing for floodwater retention, reducing stream 1. The Clean Water Act of 19 2, Section 404, regulates the placement of sedimentation, contributing to improved subsurface moisture, helping dredged or fill material into wetlands, lakes, streams, rivers, moderate climatic change, and enhancing the natural beauty of the estuaries and certain other types of waters. The goal of Section 404 is landscape, and are important to comprehensive water management, and to avoid and minimize losses to wetlands and other waters and to that it is in the public interest to: compensate for unavoidable loss through mitigation and restora- (1) achieve no net loss in the quantity, quality, and biological diversity of tion. This is administered by the Army Corps of Engineers. Minnesota's existing wetlands; 2. The Food Security Act of 1985, as Amended, denies USDA farm (2) increase the quantity, quality, and biological diversity of Minnesota's program benefits to participants who drain wetlands or plant wetlands by restoring or enhancing diminished or drained wetlands; commodity crops on wetlands converted since December 23, 1985. (3) avoid direct or indirect impacts from activities that destroy or dimin- For additional information on USDA wetland conservation ish the quantity, quality, and biological diversity of wetlands; compliance check with NRCS. (4) replace wetland values where avoidance of activity is not feasible Remember to plan ahead because if there are any potential wetland and prudent. impacts, WCA and other regulations may apply. The application process WCA states that wetlands must not be impacted unless (1) the drain, fill could take up to 60 days to complete. If wetlands are impacted without or excavation activity is exempt or (2) wetlands are replaced by re- a replacement plan, or don’t qualify for an exemption, then it is a storing or creating wetland areas of at least equal public value. If your violation of WCA. Violations are enforced by the DNR and can be costly to the landowner to fix.

Todd Soil & Water Conservation District 2016 Tree Order Form *** Bare Root Nursery Stock: 18-24 inches *** 25 TREES IN A BUNDLE *** # of Name:______Drought Mature Price/ Species Growth Rate Bun- Tolerance Height Bundle dles Cost Address:______

Balsam Fir Fair 40-60' Moderate/Rapid $ 31.25 Conifers Colorado Spruce Fair/Good 30-65' Slow $ 31.25 Norway Pine Good 60-80' Moderate/Rapid $ 31.25 City:______Norway Spruce Fair 40-60' Rapid $ 31.25 White Cedar Good 50-60' Slow/Moderate $ 31.25 State/ Zip:______White Spruce Fair 40-60' Moderate/Rapid $ 31.25 Aspen, Quaking Poor 25-65' Rapid $ 31.25 Tall Trees Buckeye Poor/Fair 20-40' Slow/Moderate $ 31.25 Phone: (______) ______—______Paper Birch Fair 50-70' Moderate/Rapid $ 31.25 Red Good 40-60' Rapid $ 31.25 Email:______Red Oak Poor 40-60' Rapid $ 31.25

Silver Maple Fair 100' + Rapid $ 31.25

Sugar Maple Poor 80' + Slow/Moderate $ 31.25 Short Short Trees American Plum Fair 20-30' Rapid $ 31.25 All orders must be pre-paid. Chokecherry Good 10-15' Moderate/Rapid $ 31.25 Make checks payable to: Common Lilac Good 8-15' Moderate $ 31.25 American Hazelnut Fair/Good up to 12' Moderate $ 31.25 Todd Soil & Water Elderberry Poor 6-8' Moderate $ 31.25 &

High Bush Cranberry Fair 10-15' Moderate $ 31.25 Shrubs Nanking Cherry Fair/Good 6-10' Moderate $ 31.25 Return to: Red Splendor Flowering Crab Fair 15-20' Moderate/Rapid $ 31.25 215 1ST Ave South, Suite 104,

Redosier Dogwood Poor 7-10' Moderate $ 31.25 Long Prairie, MN 56347 *** PACKETS 15 TREES/PACKET *** Packets Shoreland Packet: 5 Paper Birch, 5 Redosier Dogwood, 5 White Spruce $ 22.50 Wildlife Packet: 5 Red Oak, 5 High Bush Cranberry, 5 White Cedar $ 22.50 Phone: (320) 732-2644 Pollinator Packet: 5 American Plum, 5 Chokecherry, 5 Nanking Cherry $ 22.50

Homeowners Packet: 5 Aspen, 5 Red Splendor, 5 Colorado Spruce $ 22.50 Email: [email protected]

*** ONE GALLON POTTED STOCK *** Potted 15-18" 1 Gallon Potted White Spruce $8.00/Tree 15-18" 1 Gallon Potted Colorado Spruce $8.00/Tree

15-18" 1 Gallon Potted Norway Spruce $8.00/Tree **Kits include 36 plant plugs--6 of each species. Each kit covers 50-80 square feet (1.5 foot spacing)** KITS Pollinator Kit $45.00/Kit Lakeshore/Rain Garden Kit $45.00/Kit

Woodland Edge/Shade Kit $45.00/Kit Subtotal: Need Help? Todd SWCD can work with THANK YOU FOR YOUR ORDER! you to design a field windbreak or Tree Pick up will be end of April or beginning of May in Sales Tax: 7.375 % combat a wind erosion problem. Long Prairie at the fairgrounds. Grand Total:

Buffers– Water Quality Protectors In June of this year, Governor Dayton signed into law a new buffer initiative aimed at enhancing protection of Minnesota’s waters. The buffer initiative will help protect the state’s water resources from erosion and runoff pollution by establishing roughly 110,000 acres of buffer along waterways while providing flexibility and technical support to landowners for installation and maintenance. What is a buffer? A buffer, also known as a riparian filter strip, is vegetated land adjacent to a stream, river, lake or wetland. Buffers help filter out phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment, and are an important conservation practice for helping keep water clean. Why buffers? Studies by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency show that buffers are critical to protecting and restoring water quality and healthy aquatic life, natural stream functions and aquatic habitat due to their immediate proximity to the water. What is required? Grass Buffer Strip at Dairy Ridge On public waters:  An average of 50 feet, minimum of 30 feet  In place by November 1, 201 On public drainage systems:  A minimum of 16.5 feet  In place by November 1, 2018 How will I know if buffers are required? The Department of Natural Resources is in the process of mapping all waters subject to the new requirements. The buffer protection maps are expected to be completed by July 2016. For more information on the new buffer law, please contact Todd SWCD or visit: http://www.co.todd.mn.us/departments/soil_water/buffers

Did you know? The SWCD can provide technical & financial assistance for conservation projects on the farm or at the lake home!

DANIELLE KUPERUS Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Danielle came to us from Certification Program TH Renville SWCD where she was On October 20 , 2015 Tyler Carlson became the first Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certified Farm in Todd County. Tyler was an apprentice with the presented his certification on November 6TH by Grant Pearson, Minnesota Conservation MAWQCP Certification Specialist, and Tim Stieber, Todd SWCD Director, Corps. She graduated with her at his beef farm in Kandota Township. Tyler flash grazes his cattle, and BA from Minnesota State to cut down on soil disruption while planting cover crops Tyler uses a no University Moorhead. She will till grain drill. be handling the state’s new The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program buffer law through outreach, (MAWQCP) is a voluntary program designed to accelerate adoption of answering questions and on-farm conservation practices that protect Minnesota’s lakes and providing technical support. rivers. Farm owners and operators who implement and maintain approved farm management practices will be certified and in turn Danielle will also be working assured that their operation meets the state’s water quality goals and with landowners who wish to apply for the Minnesota standards for a period of ten years. Agricultural Water Quality Program. Why should you participate? In her free time Danielle enjoys hiking, boating, painting,  Protect & improve water in local lakes, rivers & streams. traveling and spending time with family and friends. She is  Achieve greater stability to plan for & invest in conservation practices. looking forward to working with landowners on a variety of  Earn priority access to financial & technical assistance (think EQIP!). conservation practices, improving their land and farm  Track management practices over time & improve record keeping. productivity. If you would like to speak to Danielle feel free to  Demonstrate leadership call 320- 32-2644. and stewardship.  Receive recognition. FREE confidential household pharmaceutical/drug drop  Gain regulatory boxes. Keep it out of the trash and sewer! certainty for the next 10 Douglas and Pope counties now have drug drop boxes where years you can safely dispose of unused pharmaceutical drugs.  To be part of the water Osakis Police/City Hall - located in the lobby area quality solution! For a list of more locations or to learn more please visit: Contact the SWCD today! http://www.popedouglasrecycle.com/hazardous_what.php Tyler Carlson (middle) receiving his MAWQCP farm signage from Grant Pearson (left) and Tim Stieber (right).

Farm producers and landowners in Todd County now have a more efficient timely option for receiving important Farm Service Agency (FSA) program eligibility requirements, deadlines and related information. We are now offering free online communications through our GovDelivery electronic news service. News will now be sent via e-mail right to your F home or farm office or to your Smartphone – affording you immediate notification of farm program news pertinent to your agricultural operation. GovDelivery is your one-stop shop for the most up-to-date USDA program information. GovDelivery will enable us to keep you better informed S AND allow us to conserve resources and reduce taxpayer expenses associated with the preparation, printing and distribution of hardcopy newsletters. For more information on receiving FSA GovDelivery Bulletins, please contact the Todd County FSA Office at 320-732-6618 Ext #2. A Director

Tim Stieber Todd Soil & Water Sarah Katterhagen

Shannon Wettstein Deja Anton Barn Talk: Did Ya Hear? Matt Danzl Farmer Ole in southern Todd was told by that spindly little Feedlot Officer that his milkhouse waste Danielle Kuperus handlin’ system was outdated and he needs to come up with a new system. She had Lena move her stock- (320) 32-2644 pile back 300 feet from the road ditch- Don’t she know the trucks can’t back in that far without gettin’ Pheasants Forever Farm Bill mired? Then she picked on a guy west of me because his silage pile was too close to a wetland- “Needs Biologist treatment” she said. Bah! Sabin Adams I was gettin’ really fired up when the SWCD Livestock Advisor stepped in with some real good news! Did (320) 32-6618 you know there are monies available to help install “the LATEST and GREATEST, up to date, legal- smegal” Wadena SWCD Irrigation Specialist stuff that the Feedlot Officer rambles on about? You don’t even need Ms. Feedlot to write you up! The Wade Salo guys and gals at the SWCD office worked real hard to get grants totalin’ over $200,000 in cost share (218) 631-3195

opportunities for livestock farms wishing to update practices. East Otter Tail SWCD Adaptive - Got milkhouse washwater dumpin’ out through a pipe right onto the ground? Go to the SWCD to apply! Nitrogen Specialist Nathan Wiese - Need a permanent stockpile pad for field storage of manure that trucks can actually access and meets setbacks? Apply now! (218) 346-4260 - Tired of spinnin’ your tires in mud to feed cattle? Small farms (under 500 animal units) that want to catch/treat Todd SWCD Board runoff from a silage pile, can apply. SWCD is ready and waitin’! Norman Krause - Have an old manure pit to close? SWCD pens are poised! Kenneth Pesta - How about a feedlot fence and buffer? Call SWCD! Dale Katterhagen - Thinkin’ a stream/ditch livestock crossin’ would help or you want to keep cattle from trampin’ down the Leland Buchholz edges of a wetland or lake? The SWCD can cost-share fencin’, limited livestock access- to- water setups, Tom Williamson and even waterin’ systems to help keep livestock out of lakes, wetlands, streams, and ditches. Todd Commissioners And guess what? David Kircher (Chair) They REALLY REALLY want to cost-share your project! Other opportunities may include but are not limited Barb Becker to: Gary Kneisl Rod Erickson  Manure stacking slabs Randy Neumann  Re-seeding and mulching areas once blackened by livestock  Grazing systems  Grass Treatment Areas for feedlot runoff With winter in full swing, an in-  Roof gutters on livestock barns and sheds draining to a lot crease of damaged E911 address signs from weather related accidents.  Carcass disposal/ compost buildings Todd County GIS is asking for the  New or updates to manure basins and pits. public’s help to report damaged, knocked down, or missing E911 While projects must relate to livestock sites, feedlots aren’t the only sites that can apply! Any livestock address signs which are crucial for emergency responders. site under 500 animal units can qualify as long as it is involves an environmental improvement. Larger sites Please contact Todd County GIS at may contact NRCS for funding opportunities– 320-732-6618. 320-732-4248 if you have any questions or need to report damaged Jumpin’ Jiminies! I always thought a guy had to jump through a dozen hoops to get cost-share. But, not road sign(s). You may also report with the SWCD. Simply walk in to the Todd County SWCD office located in the Historic Courthouse, 1st missing or damaged signs using our Ave, Long Prairie, fill out a one page form, and gather two estimates for your project. The SWCD Board online at: http://www.co.todd.mn.us/content/ meets nearly every month to review/approve applications. If approved, your project can begin. Have report_911_address_sign_problems questions? I suggest you talk to the SWCD Livestock Advisor at 320- 32-2644. Psst! Don’t bother askin’ for the Feedlot Officer. Submitted by: Deja Anton- SWCD Livestock Advisor/doubling as the Todd County Feedlot Officer when necessary

Producer Requested Topics: * Electrical Pollution and the Effect on Livestock; * Don’t Treat Your Soil like Dirt- Soil Health for Todd County * The 2015 Avian Flu Pandemic- A Need for Biosecurity/Emergency Response for ALL Livestock * Land Application of Manure Records Plus: Representatives on Farm Business Management, Local Buffers, Ag Boot Up! Quality Certification, Feedlot Well Permits, Nitrogen Management Rule; FSA Updates; Local Funding Sources, Livestock Advisory Council, for the Wetlands/WACA, F.A.R.M. program, Dept. of Ag, Veterinary Feed Di- 2016 Annual Feedlot Meeting and rective and Local Banks Appreciation Buffet Come and join the comradery with area farmers, good eats, and new fantastic door prizes throughout the day! When: March 16, 2016- Starting at 10:00 am (Cinnamon bun and coffee social starting at 9:30am) Please RSVP by March 7, 2016 by calling 320-732-2644 Where: Hub Supper Club, Burtrum, MN

To learn more about opportunities for your potential project, please contact Todd SWCD by calling 320-732-2644