Keeping Lakes Clean in Cook County
Cook County is known by many as the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a pristine treasure of natural resources. The reputation is well-earned, as demonstrated by the thousands of people who visit the area on an annual basis. Minimizing developmental impact on those resources is a priority, and Cook County and the Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) are working hard to keep the lakes, rivers and streams that crisscross the land in top shape. Click here to learn more.
Restoring a Rustic Gem in Dakota County
When runoff from two major storm events caused severe flood damage to Miesville Park, risks to public health and safety called for human intervention. The Dakota County Parks had their work cut out for them. Click here to learn more.
Flood Recovery Continues in Northeast Minnesota
On February 27, BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke was joined by Duluth Mayor Don Ness at Duluth City Hall to announce an additional wave of disaster relief funding as the region continues to recover from the historic flooding of June 2012. Click here to learn more.
Where Soil and Water Meet
The past few years have seen a renewed interest in Soil Health from Federal, State and local conservation partners as well as a growing number of agricultural producers. Soil Health practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage or no-till, and crop rotation, not only improve soil tilth, productivity, and reduce erosion, but also provide an array of benefits that are rooted in improving soil biology and increasing soil organic matter. Click here to learn more.
April Featured Plant of the Month: Dicentra cucullaria
After a long, cold winter, the early blooming flowers of Dutchman’s breeches and other spring ephemerals will be a welcome sight. These species provide an important early season source of pollen and nectar for pollinators. Click here to learn more. Click here to learn more.
Read past stories
Announcements
April 15, 2014
Nonpoint Priority Funding Plan
The draft Nonpoint Priority Funding Plan is now available for review. Deadline for comments is May 2.
March 27, 2014
Train Tracks Newsletter
Training news and updates, including training, partners' training, and news.
March 26, 2014
BWSR launches Targeted Watershed Demonstration Program, announces $5.7 million in new grants
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources announced today $5.7 million in Clean Water Fund grants to help improve Minnesota’s waters through its Targeted Watershed Demonstration Program, a new funding approach for addressing water pollution. Read the news release.
March 17, 2014
BWSR Begins Accepting FY 2016-17 BBRs
Beginning Monday, March 17, 2014 the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) will begin accepting Biennial Budget Requests (BBR). The last day to submit a BBR is Friday, May 2, 2014. The BBR is requesting information on targeted local actions already identified in existing water resource management plans that local governments and citizens will implement to protect and restore priority waters. The BBR information and process will support the development of the State biennial budget and support local government budgets and their projects and activities. The BBR spreadsheet and guidance documents are available by clicking here.
February 27, 2014
BWSR issues $4.6 million in flood relief grants
As part of its strategic, phased approach to flood relief, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) announced additional funding today to enable Northeast Minnesota to continue recovery efforts from the devastating floods of June 2012. Read the news release.
February 18, 2014
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103F Soil Erosion Law: History, Perspectives and Recommendations
This paper was intended to frame questions and comments in relation to the Minnesota’s present soil erosion law. Click here for the discussion paper.
February 10, 2014
BWSR seeks interest in One Watershed, One Plan Pilot Watersheds
The Board of Water and Soil Resources is seeking nominations for the purpose of selecting One Watershed, One Plan Program pilot watershed areas in 2014. Complete Request for Information can be found by clicking here.
February 3, 2014
2014 Clean Water Fund Performance Report
The 2014 report is now available, please click here. This interagency report tracks progress on Clean Water Fund expenditures through reporting on investments, actions, and outcomes for 25 difference measures.
February 3, 2014
Notice of Request for Proposals for Update of the Minnesota Public Drainage Manual
The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) requests proposals from qualified vendors to update and web-publish the Minnesota Public Drainage Manual (MPDM) and the associated Understanding Minnesota Public Drainage Law – 2002 Overview for Decision-makers (UMPDL) and conduct outreach with the updated documents. To download a copy of the RPF, please click here.
January 23, 2014
Performance Review and Assistance Program (PRAP) Report to the Legislature
Each year BWSR is required to prepare and submit to the Legislature by February 1st a report describing the performance of the local water management entities for which BWSR has oversight responsibility. To read the 2014 PRAP Report please click here.
January 22, 2014
Board of Water and Soil Resources awards $14 million in Clean Water Fund grants
St. Paul, Minn.— Water. It’s so essential to Minnesota’s identity that our state’s very name comes from a Dakota word for the same and caring for it has become a statewide priority. The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) awarded more than $14 million in grants today to its local government partners that will help protect and restore Minnesota’s streams, rivers, lakes and groundwater.
Read the news release or visit the Clean Water Fund page for more project-specific information.
December 17, 2013
December offers us a time to reflect on the past year's activities and accomplishments - including the annual outstanding conservation awards. BWSR is pleased to announce the 2013 winners!
2013 Outstanding SWCD Employee of the Year:
Jerad Bach, Blue Earth SWCD
2013 Outstanding Watershed District Employee of the Year:
Cliff Aichinger, Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District
2013 Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) County Conservation Award:
Washington County's "LAND AND WATER LEGACY PROGRAM"
Announcements Archive
To view previous announcements, visit the archive
Legacy Amendment
Information For Citizens: How These Dollars Are Being Spent and How You Can Participate
BWSR receives appropriations from the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment to pay for on-the-ground conservation projects that provide multiple benefits for water quality and wildlife habitat.
One Watershed, One Plan
One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P) is an important planning initiative, conceived by local governments, passed by the legislature, and being developed by BWSR.
Click here to learn more about the program and opportunities.
Nonpoint Priority Funding Plan
The Nonpoint Priority Funding Plan (NPFP) will describe a systematic process for utilizing Clean Water Fund (CWF) nonpoint implementation money to fund prioritized, targeted and measureable strategies and actions.
Click here to learn more about the program and opportunities.
BWSR Media Center
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About BWSR
BWSR Mission: Improve and protect Minnesota's water and soil resources by working in partnership with local organizations and private landowners
BWSR is the state soil and water conservation agency, and it administers programs that prevent sediment and nutrients from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams; enhance fish and wildlife habitat; and protect wetlands. The 20-member board consists of representatives of local and state government agencies and citizens.
Partners
BWSR works in partnership with local government units, state and federal government agencies, and other organizations.
Local Government Units and Partner Agencies -- Overview of BWSR's conservation partners, includes directories, maps, guidance documents and publications.
Performance data for local government units -- Through the Performance Review and Assistance Program (PRAP), BWSR staff evaluate water management entities, and, where necessary, provide assistance.
Training
The BWSR Training page has dates and locations of training sessions conducted by BWSR staff as well as other training-related information.
Maps
The BWSR Map Portal contains maps that BWSR staff and partner agencies use to administer conservation programs.