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Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources

Featured Project

Each month BWSR highlights a project that demonstrates the outcomes achieved through Minnesota's local-state-federal conservation delivery system.

Targeting BMPs on the Upper South Branch of the Buffalo River

Walk-In Sign Setting Photo
Targeting Conservation with Advanced Geographic Information System Modeling

The Buffalo-Red River Watershed District partnered with the Wilkin and West Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCDs) to develop a method for determining the most effective locations for Best Management Practices (BMP) to be implemented in the upper watershed of the South Branch of the Buffalo River. Two primary waterways in the project area, Deerhorn Creek and the Buffalo River - South Branch, are impaired for turbidity. Additionally, sediment build-up in the channels has resulted in reduced flow capacity which leads to over-bank flooding. This project identifies areas of high sediment contribution. SWCD staff will target their marketing efforts of BMPs to these areas to reduce sediment loads and runoff.

Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques applied across the 154 square miles watershed rank the sediment contributions from ‘catchment areas’ based on Stream Power Index (SPI) and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation. The GIS results were then provided to the SWCDs to aid in marketing BMPs installation within the project area.

News

May 15, 2012

FY 2014-2015 Biennial Budget Request Open Through June 29, 2012

The Biennial Budget Request (BBR) is intended to obtain information on water management projects and activities from local governments that are to be implemented under a program and operations or competitive grant through BWSR. Projects and activities included in a BBR are:

•Priorities of the local government that are directly connected to the local water management plan;
•Targeted to address a water management priority; and
•Can be realistically implemented within a three year grant agreement period

Visit the Biennial Budget Request page for more information.

May 10, 2012

Notice of Intent to Adopt Rules without a Public Hearing

The Conservation Cost-Share and RIM Reserve Rule Amendments (MN Rules Chapter 8400) are moving forward and the Notice of Intent to Adopt Without a Public Hearing was published in the State Register on Monday, May 7, 2012. The comment period will be open for 30 days, until Wednesday, June 6, 2012.

The proposed rule, draft statement of need and reasonableness (SONAR), and draft Conservation Cost Share Policy are posted on the Cost Share web site.

Comments made during the 30 day comment period can result in changes to the rule and SWCDs and other interested persons are encouraged to provide comments. In addition, a public hearing will be held if 25 or more persons request one before the end of the comment period.

If the Rule amendments are adopted as proposed, the intention is for the Board to adopt the final rule on June 27, 2012. Following the completion of additional rulemaking steps, the rule would be effective in August 2012. Finally, if this schedule is met, the FY2013 Conservation Cost-Share Grants will comply with the revised rule and new Board adopted policy.

April 18, 2012

Biennial Budget Request Online Training Scheduled

Please join us for training on the new Biennial Budget Request process that BWSR will utilize to gather information on the future needs for local projects, activities, and programs to deliver conservation and improve water quality in Minnesota. Registration Form

April 13, 2012

NEW PRAP Assistance Grants Now Accepting Proposals

The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) recently authorized a new need-based grant program for local government water management entities that desire to improve their performance or operational effectiveness. Titled, PRAP Assistance Grants, the program is tied to BWSR’s five-year-old Performance Review and Assistance Program (PRAP). Local governments that are the subject of a PRAP Level II performance review usually receive recommendations as part of the review process. In those cases where a recommendation calls for the LGU to engage an out-of-agency specialist or consultant to assist with some aspect of organizational improvement, the LGU may apply for a PRAP Assistance Grant to help with the cost of such resource people. In addition, grants may also be used for help with specialized staff development, conflict resolution, or reorganization. LGUs need not have been the subject of a PRAP review to take advantage of this grant program.

March 30, 2012

The Biennial Budget Request and Your Local Water Management Plan

Local governments will be submitting information to BWSR on the priority projects they want to implement during the State FY2014-15 Biennium. These projects must be water based management priorities contained in local water management plans. This second initiative update provides important information on the connections between local water management plans and the information that should be submitted in a Biennial Budget Request.

March 14, 2012

BWSR Clean Water Fund Legislative Report

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources has prepared a report that outlines the comprehensive strategy used to implement the Fiscal Year 2012 appropriation from the Clean Water Fund. This report meets the requirements of the Laws of Minnesota 2011, 1st Special Session, Chapter 6, Article 2, Section 7.

February 10, 2012

Biennial Budget Request Overview

The Biennial Budget Request is a process to elevate and simplify State funding of local water management priorities. Through this process the connections between local water management plans, state budgeting, and BWSR water management grants will be enhanced. The first in a series of initiative updates has been posted on the grants page. Additional information will be posted at this location in the coming months.

January 19, 2012

Clean Water Fund FY2012 Awardees

The recording and PowerPoint slides from the January 2012 online work plan sessions are now available. Click HERE and go to Self-Directed Learning section.

January 17, 2012

Governor Dayton, USDA Secretary Vilsack and EPA Administrator Jackson team up on groundbreaking water quality certification program 

December 14, 2011

BWSR Board Approves Grants for Fiscal Year 2012

Today, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) announced over $16 million dollars in grants to 130 local governments for projects across Minnesota to achieve cleaner water. The Clean Water Legacy funds are targeting polluted and at-risk waters throughout the state. Read the Press Release and then visit our Clean Water Fund page to see recipients and learn more about the funds.

December 12, 2011

Request for Proposals - Web Based Grants Management System

The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) requests proposals from qualified vendors to design, build, and install a web-based grant management and project tracking system (System) which includes GIS mapping components. The response deadline has passed.

November 28, 2011

New Reinvest In Minnesota (RIM) Signups

BWSR is pleased to annouce two new RIM signups, made possible through appropriations from the Clean Water Fund and Outdoor Heritage Fund:

CWF Wellhead Protection Easements in areas where the vulnerability of the drinking water supply management area is designated as high or very high by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Participating landowners receive a payment to permanently retire land in agricultural production, and to establish buffers of native vegetation.

CWF/OHF Riparian Buffer Conservation Easements to keep water on the land in order to decrease sediment, pollutant and nutrient transport, reduce hydrologic impacts to surface waters and increase infiltration for groundwater recharge. Additionally, through an appropriation from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, buffers may be extended for wildlife habitat purposes.

July 21, 2011

BWSR Update

Read the latest BWSR Update for a summary of the BWSR budget, including appropriations from the General Fund, Clean Water Fund, Outdoor Heritage Fund, Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, and bonding. The update also contains summaries of policy changes for aquatic invasive species control, Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) administration, and other policy changes that relate to BWSR and partner organizations.

Legacy Amendment

Legacy Amendment logoInformation For Citizens: How These Dollars Are Being Spent and How You Can Participate

BWSR receives appropriations from the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment to pay for on-the-ground conservation projects that provide multiple benefits for water quality and wildlife habitat.

Subscribe to Topic Updates

Click on the icon below to subscribe to updates regarding a variety of BWSR topics

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About BWSR

BWSR Mission: Improve and protect Minnesota's water and soil resources by working in partnership with local organizations and private landowners

BWSR is the state soil and water conservation agency, and it administers programs that prevent sediment and nutrients from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams; enhance fish and wildlife habitat; and protect wetlands. The 20-member board consists of representatives of local and state government agencies and citizens.

About BWSR

BWSR Meetings and Events Calendar
Click "BWSR Meetings and Events Calendar" above for the calendar or choose a date to view BWSR Board and Committee Meetings, grant program dates, and other BWSR and partner events.

Partners

BWSR works in partnership with local government units, state and federal government agencies, and other organizations.

Local Government Units and Partner Agencies -- Overview of BWSR's conservation partners, includes directories, maps, guidance documents and publications.

Performance data for local government units -- Through the Performance Review and Assistance Program (PRAP), BWSR staff evaluate water management entities, and, where necessary, provide assistance.

Training

The BWSR Training page has dates and locations of training sessions conducted by BWSR staff, and other training-related information.

Maps

The BWSR Map Portal contains maps that BWSR staff and partner agencies use to administer conservation programs.

MN/DOT District Wetland Contacts

Water and Soil Resource Management - Current Issues

Clean Water Fund
The BWSR Clean Water Fund page has information about the dollars that BWSR has received through the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. On Dec. 14, 2011, BWSR approved over $16 million in competitive state grants for projects that will protect and restore Minnesota’s streams, rivers, lakes and groundwater. Information about grants available through BWSR are available on the Grants page.  
Flood Response
Brief Analysis of Flooding in Minnesota - Report produced by BWSR in consultation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (March 2011)
Rural Preserves
The Rural Preserve Property Tax Program provides incentives for natural areas on agricultural lands, and a new law signed April 15, 2011 repeals a requirement to develop a conservation plan that is approved by a soil and water conservation district (SWCD). Read more about Rural Preserves (updated April 18, 2011).
Carbon Sequestration
BWSR staff prepared a series of fact sheets on conservation practices that provide carbon storage benefits. BWSR is also in the process of developing a carbon storage calculator for conservation practices.
Drainage
The Drainage Work Group, facilitated by BWSR, prepared a Study of Riparian Buffer Areas (posted Feb. 26, 2010). The report was required by the Legislature, and it required the group to prepare a study of the condition of riparian buffer areas across the state, and report on the extent to which the buffer areas are being maintained in a natural state, and the extent to which the buffer areas are being used in a way that risks environmental damage to public waters.
Outcomes
BWSR is working in partnership with other agencies to develop reporting guidelines for recipients of grants through the constitutionally dedicated funds for clean water and outdoor heritage. BWSR tracks pollution reduction estimates and other information on all projects through eLINK4Web, an online reporting system and database.
Envirothon
The Envirothon is an environmental learning competition for high schools, coordinated locally and statewide by SWCDs. Students compete by answering questions about aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and wildlife, plus a current events topic.

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Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources

520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155 | (651) 296-3767 | Fax (651) 297-5615 | TTY (800) 627-3529

An Equal Opportunity Employer