Since 1953, RSWCD has worked with landowners in both rural and urban settings to carry out a program for the conservation, use, and development of soil, water, and related resources.

 

History of Minnesota Area Soil & Water Conservation Districts

The Redwood Soil and Water Conservation District is a local unit of government that manages and directs natural resource management programs at the local level.  It was established on January 3, 1953.  At that time citizens of Redwood County were concerned about soil erosion by wind and water and its effect on water quality. The district was authorized as a result of the state legislature passing the Minnesota Soil Conservation District Law in 1937. The law enabled farmers to organize for conservation purposes and gave them the power to enter into legal agreements and provide financial aid to landowners. Other powers and duties granted to districts include:

  • Legal subdivisions of the state which can exercise public powers.

  • May implement soil and water conservation measures on any lands in the district with the consent of the landowners.

  • May cooperate or enter into agreements with any governmental agency or individual landowner for the purpose of conservation. 

 

 Sources of Funding

Redwood SWCD receives funding from a variety of sources. There is a core series of grants from the state that make up the bulk of our operating budget, as well as a yearly allocation from Redwood County. Baseline funding only gets the District so far though, and we are always actively seeking competitive sources of grant funding to expand our impact and provide additional resources to landowners. In addition to providing financial assistance to our landowners in order to implement conservation practices, we are always here to lend our technical knowledge as well. 

Clean Water Funding

Clean Water Funds protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams and protect groundwater from degradation.

Ag Best Management Practices (BMP) Loans

The AgBMP aims to encourage agricultural Best Management Practices that prevent or reduce runoff from feedlots, farm fields and other pollution problems.

Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM)

RIM’s mission is to restore certain marginal and environmental sensitive agricultural land to protect soil and water quality and support fish and wildlife habitat.

Farm Bill

New Farm Bills are approved by congress every five years. The most recent Farm Bill was approved in 2018.