Eight SWCDs expand reach via 4-state climate-smart ag pilot

Nearly 400 producers will receive funding to implement climate-smart agricultural practices following a summer signup period for a federal pilot program administered by BWSR. A second signup period opens Jan. 2 and closes Feb. 14.

Bone Lake delisting indicates watershed-wide improvements

One of six impaired lakes within the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District was delisted this year, and the rest could soon follow. Clean Water Fund-backed phosphorus reduction projects — including sites where manure runoff once entered wetlands — contributed to water-quality improvements. The district’s sequential diagnostic monitoring approach targeted projects with the highest return on investment.

BWSR Academy adapts to meet training needs in conservation

Nearly 500 conservation professionals gathered Oct. 29-31 for the annual BWSR Academy, which offered seven tracks and 63 sessions. Each year, BWSR Academy offers a slate of training opportunities to meet the current training needs of BWSR’s partners.