Native grasses replacing row crops have shown the most dramatic results in efforts by Rock SWCD, Rock County, Rock County Rural Water, BWSR, state health and ag departments
Seeing was believing for a Clay County farm family who worked with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to try no-till and cover crops with EQIP assistance. Despite setbacks, they’ve continued those practices, added more on their own, and come out ahead in the long run.
St. Paul, Minn.—Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Executive Director John Jaschke presented the 2018 Outstanding Watershed District Employee award on Friday, Nov. 30 to Okabena-Ocheda Watershed District Administrator Dan Livdahl. The recognition ceremony took place during the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts’ (MAWD) annual conference in Alexandria.
“Local partners are the driving force behind successful water quality improvement projects,” Jaschke said. “Dan Livdahl’s commitment to preserving our water resources is commendable, and we appreciate all he does to further conservation efforts in Southwest Minnesota.”
Livdahl is the sole employee of the watershed district, where his primary duties involve groundwater and surface water protection efforts. His achievements are proof that a small office can accomplish big goals: In 2016, he helped secure a $428,000 Clean Water Legacy Projects and Practices grant to construct in-stream phosphorus treatment filtration structures on a retired golf course owned by the city of Worthington. Livdahl also coordinates with collaborating agencies, monitors flood prevention structures, and conducts public outreach efforts to increase support for water quality improvement initiatives throughout the southwest region.
In addition to his work for the watershed district, Livdahl is the lead member and coordinator of the Missouri River Watershed One Watershed, One Plan planning effort. He also serves as chair of the Prairie Ecology Bus Center Board of Directors, a non-profit that provides a mobile nature center and ecology lab to residents of southwest Minnesota.
Each year, BWSR celebrates the excellent work accomplished by local government staff to advance conservation efforts across the state. An award for Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District Employee will be presented Dec. 10 at the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ annual conference in Minneapolis.
Photo caption: Okabena-Ocheda Watershed District Administrator Dan Livdahl accepted the Watershed District Employee of the Year award from Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources Executive Director John Jaschke, left, during the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts’ annual conference on Nov. 30 in Alexandria. Casey Ingenthron, right, of the watershed district’s board of managers, joined Jaschke in congratulating Livdahl after Friday’s awards presentation. Photo Credit: Ann Wessel, BWSR