Join Amanda Deans, TTCP Engineer, as she runs through a real life pipeline design using the MN NRCS Livestock Pipeline spreadsheet.

Tim Weisbrod, NRCS Geologist for MN and WI, discusses why the four Nutrient Management (590) Groundwater Resource Concerns need to be inventoried and assessed during the planning process. Tim discusses the scientific background on how groundwater and nutrients move through the landscape and how those resource concerns can effect excess nutrient content in groundwater and surface waters.

These supporting practices are only a small part of the designs for waterways, WASCOBs, and other main practices. Fundamentals for following practice standards 620 and 606 are usually briefly covered. This Tech Talk goes deeper into the practice standards, terminology when using these “tile” practices, and explain their connection to their main counterparts like 412 and 638. This session is for those who would like to get a better understanding of the “why” when utilizing and meeting these standards in your design.

Brian Ebel, NRCS Water Resource Engineer, discusses the basic concepts of irrigation. This introduction to irrigation will include:

• Water Availability in Soil for Plant Use
• Types of Irrigation, with specifics for Center Pivot Systems
• Irrigation Scheduling Methods
• EQIP 449 Irrigation Water Management

Attendees will gain insight into why and when irrigation is used and how it is accomplished in Minnesota.

This training covered the planning phase of streambank erosion projects to better equip staff to visit with landowners when asked about this type of project. Topics covered include the following:

1) Defining stream restoration and protection terminology as well as which resources and NRCS standards apply

2) Identifying the cause and scope of stream erosion problems

3) Project goals and objectives of the landowner and agency staff

4) Different types of streambank practices including vegetative, bioengineering, and structural type practices

The MN NRCS’s grassed waterway design spreadsheet uses the same methodology as the EFT waterway program and is an acceptable design tool. In this Tech Talk Elizabeth Oolman, NRCS engineer, will use the design spreadsheet and review data entry for the waterway design tab, data entry for the out-of-bank flow, and how to use the cut sheet tab. The spreadsheet is available for download on MN FOTG  > Section IV > Engineering Tools. This Tech Talk is intended for staff who know how to design a waterway but are looking for training on this particular tool.

Wondering how to get the most out of your next ecological restoration project? Extension and the Legacy Fund Restoration Evaluation Program are teaming up to offer a series of free professional development webinars for ecological restoration practitioners and project managers.

Adam Reed, Regional Agronomist with NRCS, demonstrates the use of the Integrated Pest Management Implementation Requirements worksheet.  The worksheet has been programmed in Excel.  It accepts data files from WIN-PST and is integrated with information from Agronomy Technical Notes 5 and 9.  Watch this webinar recording to see how much easier pesticide planning can be!

Participants in this session will learn why soil is an essential part of the Earth’s ability to feed the world's population and it is key to climate stability. Ninety-five percent of our food supply is dependent upon soil. More than three-quarters of the antibiotics used in the clinical medicine are derived from soil bacteria. And soil stores three to four times as much carbon as the entire atmosphere. Despite the importance of soil to human survival and the health of the Earth, we are letting it slip away. Soil erosion exceeds the rate of soil genesis by at least 10-fold.

Jacob Granfors, Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist, and Garett Christiansen, NRCS Forester, discuss open landscapes, early successional habitat, and young forest/brushland wildlife habitat. During this session Jake and Garett cover the range, population status, habitat needs, and ongoing management for Sharptail Grouse. This session also includes a discussion of other early successional wildlife species that utilize similar habitats and/or adjacent forests, such as Woodcock, Ruffed Grouse, and Golden Winged Warblers.