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St. Paul, Minn. — Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Executive Director John Jaschke presented the 2020 Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District Employee award today to Pennington Soil and Water Conservation District Water Plan Coordinator Peter Nelson. The recognition ceremony took place during the December Pennington SWCD virtual board meeting.

“Local conservation staff are the driving force behind successful conservation delivery in Minnesota,” Jaschke said. “Peter demonstrates professional excellence alongside a commitment to collaborative planning efforts that benefit water quality within and beyond his district.”

Nelson joined the district in 2012. Taking on the role of plan coordinator, he was a key player in the successful completion of the Thief River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan this year, and previously played a key role developing the Red Lake River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan in 2017. He’s involved in SWCD education events, making classroom visits to promote conservation and playing a major part in annual events like the Northwest Minnesota Water Festival, Pennington SWCD Outdoor Education Day and Envirothon. Nelson administers multiple programs on behalf of Pennington SWCD, secures grant funding and works with landowners to find conservation solutions.

“Peter wears many hats, and wears them well,” said District Manager Bryan Malone. “He doesn’t go about his work looking for accolades, but his efforts make him extremely deserving of them.”

Each year, BWSR celebrates the excellent work accomplished by soil and water conservation district and watershed district staff that advances conservation efforts across the state.

St. Paul, Minn. — The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) approved $12.3 million in Clean Water Fund grants at the Dec. 17 board meeting. The grants will be used to improve water quality in lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater across the state. Most of the grant funding is allocated for voluntary conservation projects across Minnesota, including $646,825 for projects that specifically focus on improving and protecting drinking water. Multipurpose drainage management projects will receive $551,159.

“Throughout Minnesota, local government staff and private landowners are collaborating with the state to make meaningful progress toward improving water quality,” said BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke. “These grants are a key component in ongoing efforts to keep our water clean and our lakes, rivers and streams healthy.”

The $12.3 million will fund 37 separate grants that will be awarded to local government entities (soil and water conservation districts, counties, watershed districts, watershed management organizations, and cities). Grant funding will support projects and practices that reduce erosion, protect and restore surface water quality in lakes and streams, and protect ground water. This includes stormwater treatment, shoreline restoration, and treatments that reduce sediment, bacteria, nitrate and phosphorus.

Learn more about the grant recipients:

• Projects and practices (31 grants)
• Drinking water projects and practices (3 grants)
• Multipurpose drainage management (3 grants)

About the Minnesota Clean Water Fund

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 percent of the sales tax revenue generated by the Legacy Amendment. More information about the Clean Water Fund is available here.