United States
United States
United States
December 13, 2021
St. Paul, Minn. — Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Executive Director John Jaschke presented the 2021 Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District Employee award to Rock Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Assistant Director Doug Bos. The recognition took place during the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) annual convention.
“Local staff is the driving force behind successful conservation delivery in Minnesota,” Jaschke said. “Doug Bos’ dedication to preserving our water resources and promoting soil health practices is commendable, and we appreciate all he does to further conservation implementation in Rock County.”
Bos wears many hats at the district, serving as a county feedlot officer, conservation technician, Disaster Recovery Assistance Program coordinator and Rock County Comprehensive Local Water Plan coordinator. He also handles competitive grant writing for the district and coordinates surface and groundwater monitoring and modeling programs, among other duties. This year, Bos sought and received funding from several sources including the National Wildlife Federation to promote the benefits of soil health and cover crops.
“Doug Bos is a model technician, coordinator, and conservation district employee,” said BWSR Board Conservationist Doug Goodrich, who frequently works with Bos. “He takes personal pride in the job and truly wants to help landowners find conservation methods that work for them.”
Each year, BWSR celebrates the excellent work accomplished by local government staff to advance conservation efforts across the state.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary Juhl (612-358-5733)
St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) approved $12.7 million in Clean Water Fund grants today to improve water quality in streams, lakes and groundwater across the state. Most of the grant funding is allocated for voluntary conservation projects across Minnesota, including funding for projects that focus on improving and protecting drinking water.
“Clean water is fundamental to the health and well-being of the people who call Minnesota home,” said BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke. “These grants will improve water quality throughout the state, advancing the Clean Water Fund’s goal to make more of our waters fishable, swimmable and drinkable.”
The $12.7 million will fund 31 grants dedicated to specific projects and practices. Four grants will support multi-purpose drainage management, and four grants will focus on projects that specifically address drinking water issues.
For example, the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District will use a projects and practices grant to protect Forest Lake by restoring approximately 1.5 acres of wetlands. Forest Lake is one of the top recreational lakes in the metro area and supports a diverse and healthy fishery and three public accesses. Forest Lake is very near the water quality standard and protecting it is a high priority for the region.
Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008 to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat; to preserve arts and cultural heritage; to support parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater. The Clean Water Fund receives 33% of the sales tax revenue generated by the Legacy Amendment. More information about the Clean Water Fund is available here.