Watershed Based Implementation Funding Program (WBIF) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Revised August 2025
- General Information
Q: How are WBIF dollars allocated?
A: WBIF dollars are allocated statewide using a formula of 90% private (non-federal, non-state, non-tribal) lands and 10% public waters (lakes, streams, wetlands, ditches). The formula also includes a base amount for each watershed planning area.
County Grants
The Natural Resources Block Grant (NRBG) is a composite of grants available to Minnesota Counties to implement programs designed to protect and improve water resources.
Current NRBG Programs
The three core programs of the NRBG - LWM, WCA, and Shoreland – are funded through the state’s general fund in an annual appropriation to BWSR. The SSTS portion of the NRBG is funded through an interagency agreement between the MPCA and BWSR and may include one or more SSTS programs in a given year.
Watershed Management Organizations
History
In 1982, the Minnesota Legislature approved the Metropolitan Area Surface Water Management Act which requires local units of government in the seven-county Metro Area to prepare and implement watershed management plans through membership in a Watershed Management Organization (WMO).
Watershed Governance Structures
This page provides a comparison of governance structures for watershed authorities in Minnesota.
Watershed districts (WD) are established by petition (Minnesota Statutes §103D.201-225) and may occur within or outside of the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Tech Talk: Soil Mechanics
During this session Miranda Berge (NRCS) discusses the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), essential laboratory procedures for determining soil classification, and practical techniques for identifying soils in the field when lab equipment isn’t available.
Subject TTCP
Soil
Skill
Soil Mechanics
Format
Webinar
Source
TTCP
Time
30
Training Type
Online Learning
Online Location
Training Subject (new 2025)
Reporting Profile: Keep it Clean
Grant Description
The Keep it Clean Grant Program, as administered by
Financial Management
This chapter was developed to provide guidance for a uniform system of budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting for the soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) in Minnesota to aid in preparing financial reports in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). As of its release date, the chapter represents best practices for SWCDs which have been identified by stakeholders across the state. BWSR does not provide accounting or legal advice. Please consult with your accountant or legal counsel for further information.
Standard Reviews and Checklists
Annual Statewide Summary
Each year, BWSR tabulates required plans and the required or voluntary reports submitted to BWSR, other units of government, and the public about fiscal status, plans, programs and activities. Specific performance standards can be found on the Performance Standards Checklists below.