Pollinators at Risk
Larger wildlife species such as moose, wolves, deer and ducks have historically received much attention in conservation - but recently bees and other pollinators have been taking center stage. Click here to learn more.
Opening the Door to Conservation
Crow Wing Soil and Conservation District staff understand the importance of maintaining communication with landowners, and they use all the tools in their toolbox to keep those channels open. Click here to learn more.
Siting of Wetland Mitigation in NE Minnesota – The Way Forward
An interagency staff team is working hard to make Minnesota’s wetland replacement system more effective. Click here to learn more.
A Record Flood Demonstrates the Power of Partnership
On September 24 and 25, 2010 the Zumbro River was making history. At the Zumbro Falls USGU gauge station, the river hit a crest of almost 36 feet – five feet above the historical record and nearly ten feet above Major Flood Stage. The flood’s effect on the river impacted more than just the record books. Click here to learn more.
March Featured Plant of the Month: Liatris
Widely used in stormwater and shoreline plantings as well as perennial gardens, Liatris are some of Minnesota best known wildflowers. Click here to learn more.
Read past stories
Announcements
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.
January 6, 2014
1W1P Request for Comments Open
BWSR requests comments on the One Watershed, One Plan Draft Suggested Boundary Map, which outlines future planning areas for initiating and developing plans through the One Watershed, One Plan program. Comment period is open until February 28, 2014. For more details: http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/planning/1W1P/index.html
December 20, 2013
Targeted Watershed Demonstration Program
BWSR held the first "Request for Interest" process for the Clean Water Funded Targeted Watershed Demonstration Program and the numbers are in. Response was overwhelming with over $46 million in requests. Read more about the response the next steps for the program.
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.
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.