Featured Project
Each month BWSR highlights a project that demonstrates the outcomes achieved through Minnesota's local-state-federal conservation delivery system.
Targeting BMPs on the Upper South Branch of the Buffalo River
The Buffalo-Red River Watershed District partnered with the Wilkin and West Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCDs) to develop a method for determining the most effective locations for Best Management Practices (BMP) to be implemented in the upper watershed of the South Branch of the Buffalo River. Two primary waterways in the project area, Deerhorn Creek and the Buffalo River - South Branch, are impaired for turbidity. Additionally, sediment build-up in the channels has resulted in reduced flow capacity which leads to over-bank flooding. This project identifies areas of high sediment contribution. SWCD staff will target their marketing efforts of BMPs to these areas to reduce sediment loads and runoff.
Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques applied across the 154 square miles watershed rank the sediment contributions from ‘catchment areas’ based on Stream Power Index (SPI) and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation. The GIS results were then provided to the SWCDs to aid in marketing BMPs installation within the project area.
News
January 19, 2012
Clean Water Fund FY2012 Awardees
The recording and PowerPoint slides from the January 2012 online work plan sessions are now available. Click HERE and go to Self-Directed Learning section.
January 17, 2012
Governor Dayton, USDA Secretary Vilsack and EPA Administrator Jackson team up on groundbreaking water quality certification program
January 5, 2012
BWSR's Train Tracks
Training news and updates, including training, partners' training, and news. If you are interested in receiving Train Tracks, please click on the "subscribe" link in the newsletter.
December 14, 2011
BWSR Board Approves Grants for Fiscal Year 2012
Today, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) announced over $16 million dollars in grants to 130 local governments for projects across Minnesota to achieve cleaner water. The Clean Water Legacy funds are targeting polluted and at-risk waters throughout the state. Read the Press Release and then visit our Clean Water Fund page to see recipients and learn more about the funds.
December 12, 2011
Request for Proposals - Web Based Grants Management System
The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) requests proposals from qualified vendors to design, build, and install a web-based grant management and project tracking system (System) which includes GIS mapping components. The response deadline has passed.
November 28, 2011
New Reinvest In Minnesota (RIM) Signups
BWSR is pleased to annouce two new RIM signups, made possible through appropriations from the Clean Water Fund and Outdoor Heritage Fund:
• CWF Wellhead Protection Easements in areas where the vulnerability of the drinking water supply management area is designated as high or very high by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Participating landowners receive a payment to permanently retire land in agricultural production, and to establish buffers of native vegetation.
• CWF/OHF Riparian Buffer Conservation Easements to keep water on the land in order to decrease sediment, pollutant and nutrient transport, reduce hydrologic impacts to surface waters and increase infiltration for groundwater recharge. Additionally, through an appropriation from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, buffers may be extended for wildlife habitat purposes.
July 21, 2011
BWSR Update
Read the latest BWSR Update for a summary of the BWSR budget, including appropriations from the General Fund, Clean Water Fund, Outdoor Heritage Fund, Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, and bonding. The update also contains summaries of policy changes for aquatic invasive species control, Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) administration, and other policy changes that relate to BWSR and partner organizations.
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.
- View FY2012 Grant Recipients
- Read more about the Legacy Amendment
- Explore the Clean Water Fund Stories
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.
- BWSR Meetings and Events Calendar
- Click "BWSR Meetings and Events Calendar" above for the calendar or choose a date to view BWSR Board and Committee Meetings, grant program dates, and other BWSR and partner events.
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, and other training-related information.
Maps
The BWSR Map Portal contains maps that BWSR staff and partner agencies use to administer conservation programs.