Contact: Mary Juhl; mary.juhl@state.mn.us, 612-358-5733
St. Paul, Minn. — The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is offering grants to soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) to support soil health programming.
BWSR will fund supplemental staffing and expertise related to local soil health programs and initiatives. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 8. Click here to apply and learn more.
“A need has emerged in recent years for SWCDs to add additional staff time and expertise for soil health related activities, positions and partnerships,” BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke said. “This is one part of a multi-phase approach to support local governments as they strive to enhance understanding and adoption of soil health practices and systems by ag producers and their advisors.”
These grants are part of a large-scale effort to work with landowners to improve soil health. BWSR received $21 million from the state’s general fund and $12 million from the Clean Water Fund during the 2023 legislative session to support soil health programming across the state. Soil health is a priority identified in the Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework.
Upcoming federal funding for soil health
BWSR was selected earlier this month to receive $25 million in Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) funds from the USDA’s Natura Resources Conservation Service for soil health initiatives. This funding will support soil health practices such as no-till, strip-till, rotational grazing and cover crops. Stay tuned for more information about how to apply for these funds.
