COTTONWOOD SWCD ANNUAL REPORT 2025 Annual Report COTTONWOOD SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT CELEBRATING 81 YEARS www.cottonwoodswcd.org 507-832-8287 210 10th Street Windom The Cottonwood Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a legal subdivision of the State governed by a publicly elected five- member board. The Board of Supervisors provides local leadership and direction in applying conservation practices to the land; and plays an important role in how our county deals with a variety of resource man- agement issues, including wetlands, water quality and soil erosion. The Board of Supervisors meet monthly to discuss the business of the SWCD, including state program allocations, district conservation and legislative priorities and coordination with other local, state and federal partners. From left: Clark Lingbeek, Tom Muller, Cody Duroe, Jeremy Nerem, Daryl Tasler. SWCD Supervisors Nominating District I: Mountain Lake, Midway, Selma Townships and the City of Mountain Lake. CLARK LINGBEEK-4-yr. term ends December 31, 2026. Nominating District II: Lakeside, Carson, Delton Townships and the Cities of Bingham Lake and Delft. CODY DUROE-4-yr. term ends December 31, 2028. Nominating District III: Great Bend, Dale, Amboy, Germantown Townships and the Cities of Jeffers and Windom. DARYL TASLER-4-yr. term ends December 31, 2026. Nominating District IV: Springfield, Amo, Storden, Highwater Townships and the City of Storden. TOM MULLER-4-yr. term ends December 31, 2028. Nominating District V: Southbrook, Rosehill, Westbrook, Ann Townships and the City of Westbrook. JEREMY NEREM-4-yr. term ends December 31, 2028. At the end of 2025, longtime Board Supervisor Clark Lingbeek re- tired from his position with the SWCD. David Bucklin was appointed to finish out the term, which ends December 31, 2026. Greater Blue Earth River Basin Alliance In 2006, the Cottonwood SWCD staff assumed the duties as the GBERBA coordinators. From 2007 through 2025, the total amount of grant funds secured by GBERBA staff and members is $10,360,045 dollars. These dollars are working to improve the environment in the Greater Blue Earth River Watershed. The GBERBA area includes all or parts of nine counties and ten SWCDs in south central Minnesota located in the Blue Earth River, Le Sueur River and the Watonwan River watersheds. GBERBA Coordi- nator responsibilities include grant proposal writing, project oversight, program reporting, and financial oversight. Current GBERBA grants include: CWF GBERBA Soil Health Implementation Grant. 2022-2026 MN Agricultural Water Quality Certainty Program Grant thru 2027 See the Comprehensive Watershed Plans section for more informa- tion about the Watonwan Watershed grants Please look for our website at www.gberba.org Natural Resources Block Grant (NRGB) The State allocation for FY25 totaled $57,233.00. Cottonwood County and the SWCD spent $57,233.00 in grant funds and $37,009.42 as cash and in-kind match. Programs assisted are as follows: Local Water Management (LWM) Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) DNR Shoreland MPCA Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) The LWM funding helped seal 6 wells in Cottonwood County totaling $3,100.00 with landowner contributions of $4,645.00. Other expenses were water testing $340.50. Please see the SSTS, Shoreland and WCA reports throughout the 2025 Annual Report. CREP/RIM (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program) (Reinvest in Minnesota) In January 2017, the Board of Water and Soil Resources announced a CREP agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture. Over $500 million dollars of State and Federal money will be invested in the program in the coming years. The MN CREP will target riparian buffer strips, wellhead protection areas, and wetland restorations. An amendment was approved in 2024 to increase the area of eligible coun- ties for CREP, expand CP2 areas outside of the Wellhead Protection Areas, increase the program acre cap, and extended the deadline from 2026 to 2039. In 2025, 2 RIM Riparian & Floodplain and 2 CREP applications accepted. Other available RIM programs include: RIM Riparian & Floodplain, RIM Grasslands, RIM 1W1P, RIM Wetlands, and RIM Drinking Water for our area. If you are interested in CREP/RIM please contact the SWCD. Agricultural Best Management Practices Loan Program This past year 4 loans were obtained for $288,605.12. The loans funded septic system replacements, conservation tillage equipment, and ag waste handling projects. The AgBMP Loan Program provides low interest loans to Cot- tonwood county residents to resolve pollution concerns and improve water quality. Examples of eligible projects: conservation tillage, manure handling/storage, failing septic systems, contaminated wells, variable rate technology, erosion control practices, etc. County Feedlot Program This program assists livestock operators to ensure that their farms meet the current water quality discharge standards and feedlot rules of the State of Minnesota. It is essential that all feedlot registrations are updated in order to meet Minnesota Rule Chapter 7020 registration requirements. In 2025, 14 feedlot inspections were conducted. As a delegated County by the State, we are required to inspect 7% of our registered feedlots every year. It is an opportunity to ensure that you are still in compliance with State rules standards and address any concerns regard- ing construction or expansion of your feedlot. Cottonwood County has 248 feedlots required to register every 4 years. Planning and Zoning The calendar year of 2025 was a busy year for the Cottonwood County Environmental Office. During this time, the County issued 75 new Building Setback Permits, including 7 newly constructed houses with an estimated total of 2.71 million dollars. We also issued 5 Con- ditional Use Permits, and 2 Variances. 0 rezoning permits were issued. If you have any questions or future permitting needs, please stop by our office State Cost Share Program And Other Funding Sources The State Cost-Share Program provides a source of funding for landowners to install conservation practices on the land. The SWCD received $16,880 for FY2026 Conservation Contracts and $16,880 for FY2027 Conservation Contracts. Projects completed under the FY2025 Conservation Contracts allocations in 2025 include: .950 LF of Farmstead Windbreak Renovation 2,833 LF of Farmstead Windbreak Renovation 1,000 LF of Farmstead Windbreak Renovation 300 LF of Farmstead Windbreak Renovation 1,250 LF of Farmstead Windbreak Renovation 80 ac of Cover Crops Soil Health Grants In 2025, BWSR was awarded a $25 million RCPP (Regional Conservation Partnership Program) grant that is funneled down through the SWCDs to implement eligible soil health practices on the landscape. Districts were eligible for an initial $180,000 base grant in 2025 and then additional monthly grants for $120,000 each as they are encumbered. Cottonwood SWCD has received $660,000 in grant funds as of February 2026. If you are interested in trying a new soil health practice on your farm, contact the office for more information. Special Projects Minnesota Department of Agriculture- Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program The District continues to partner with the MN Department of Agri- culture in promoting the MN Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. This voluntary program offers farmers and agri- cultural landowners' opportunity to assess their farm's risk to water quality, address any resource concerns, & receive practice implementation assistance and regula- tory certification for ten years. Also available through the program are extra endorsements for wildlife, pest management, soil health, & climate smart. Cottonwood County Through 2025: Landowner Applications 57 Landowner Completed Assessments 55 Landowners Certified 25 MINNESOTA WATER QUALITY Cottonwood SWCD staff also assist landowners in South Central MN in becoming water quality certified. South Central MN (11 county area) Landowner Applications 248 Landowner Completed Assessments 197 Landowners Certified 131 Interested in becoming certified or applying for one of the new endorsements? Stop by our office and we will connect you with our SW MN Area Certification Specialist Danielle Evers or S MN Area Cer- tification Specialist Herman Bartsch. You can also reach them by email at danielle.evers@pcmn.us or hermanbartsch@outlook.com Receive $100 incentive just to sit down and run through the assessment and receive an additional $200 incentive after certification! Southwest Prairie Technical Service Area The Southwest Prairie Technical Service Area (SWPTSA) is a Joint Powers Board of 11 SWCDs in Southwest Minnesota with the purpose of providing increased engineering and technical services to member Districts. The Cottonwood SWCD has been the host District since 2016 with oversight and Administrative duties to the organiza- tion. The Financial Coordinator position is held with the Murray SWCD. At this time we have an Engineer, Senior Engineering Technician and one Engineering Techni- cian housed throughout the 11-county area, a half-time 11-county Soil Health Mentor, and a contract Soil Health/ Training Coordinator supporting our area staff with train- ing support and soil health instruction. CLEAN WATER LAND & LEGACY AMENDMENT SWPTSA received a Soil Health Staffing Grant in 2024 for $1,100,500.00 through the Board of Water and Soil Resources to further soil health efforts in the 11-county area. The individual Districts have contracted with agricultural professionals and farmer mentors to work with producers through the SWPTSA counties on cover crops, tillage management, and other soil health practices. As of the end of 2025, the mentors have completed 739 contacts with local producers to assist with soil health practices on 314,258.50 acres. Please look for our website at www.swptsa.org MN Wetlands Conservation Act In Cottonwood County the Cottonwood SWCD has technical responsibilities for the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act. The purpose of the Act, which was established on January 1, 1992, is, "To maintain and protect Minnesota's wetlands and the benefits they provide. To retain the benefits of wetlands and reach the legisla- tion's goal of no-net-loss of wetlands, the Wetland Conservation Act requires anyone proposing to drain, fill, or excavate a wetland first to try to avoid disturbing the wetland; second, to try to minimize any impact on the wetland; and, finally, to replace any lost wetland acres, functions, and values. Certain wetland activities are exempt from the act, allowing projects with minimal impact or projects located on land where certain pre-established land uses are present to precede without regulation. In 2025, the Cottonwood SWCD made 25 landowner contacts in Cottonwood County pertaining to wetlands. Six exemptions were is- sued in 2025: 4 agricultural exemptions, 1 drainage, and 1 de minimis. One complaint was investigated and was eligible for an agricultural exemption. Landowners! Please check first before working near rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands. Restoring wetland or shore land is an expensive lesson to learn! Comprehensive Watershed Plans The State of Minnesota has been moving towards watershed-based planning instead of by county boundaries since 2013. In Cottonwood County, we are part of three watershed plans: Watonwan, Des Moines, and the Cottonwood-Middle Minnesota watersheds. Watonwan River One Watershed One Plan The Watonwan One Watershed One Plan (1W1P) Planning Project completed the planning process with an approved Watonwan River Comprehensive Watershed Plan that involves parts of six counties and SWCDs including Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Jackson, Martin, and Watonwan. The following grants were awarded to the Watonwan Watershed: FY24-26 Watershed Based Implementation Funds (WBIF) 2.0-$1,136,479 FY24 CRP State Incentives Pilot Program-$100,000-Com- pleted 2025 FY25 CRP State Incentives Program-$100,000 Watershed Based Implementation Funds are used to facilitate and implement best management practices focusing on agricultural, urban, shoreline, and groundwater projects. These projects must be located within the Watonwan Watershed to be eligible and meet a minimum ranking score. The CRP State Incentives Program incentivizes landowners to enroll and re-enroll land into the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Des Moines One Watershed One Plan The Des Moines One Watershed One Plan completed the planning process with an approved Des Moines River Comprehensive Watershed Plan that involves parts of six counties and SWCDs including Cot- tonwood, Jackson, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nobles, and the Heron Lake Watershed District. The following grants were awarded to the Des Moines Watershed: FY23-25 Watershed Based Implementation Funds (WBIF) 1.0-$1,414,031 FY25-27 Watershed Based Implementation Funds (WBIF) 2.0-$1,736,891 FY25 CRP State Incentives Program-$100,000 Watershed Based Implementation Funds are used to facilitate and implement best management practices focusing on agricultural, urban, shoreline, and groundwater projects. These projects must be located within the Des Moines Watershed to be eligible and meet a minimum ranking score. The CRP State Incentives Program incentivizes landowners to enroll and re-enroll land into the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Cottonwood-Middle Minnesota Watershed One Plan The Cottonwood-Middle Minnesota (CWMM) One Watershed One Plan completed the planning process with an approved Cotton- wood-Middle Minnesota Comprehensive Watershed Plan that involves parts of five counties and SWCDs including Brown, Cottonwood, Lyon, Murray, Redwood, and the RCRCA-Area 2 and the City of Springfield. The following grants were awarded to the Cottonwood- Middle Minnesota Watershed: FY25-27 Watershed Based Implementation Funds (WBIF) 1.0-$1,958,370 FY25 CRP State Incentives Program-$135,000 Subsurface Sewage Treatment Program (SSTS) In 2025, 21 compliance inspections on existing systems were com- pleted by private business; 32 construction and repair permits were issued in Cottonwood County - 6 permits for new systems and 26 permits for replacement systems. 36 systems were installed in 2025: 3-At-grade; 29 Mound; 2 holding tanks; 1 Trench and 1 Pressure Bed. Several of these replacement systems helped replace numerous non-complying systems that were potentially polluting groundwater, discharging to surface water, or posed an imminent public health threat by discharging sewage to the ground surface. 2025 marked the 10th year of the County Maintenance Reminder program. After the first 3 years of a new/replacement system operation, homeowners will receive a letter, brochure, and magnet to help them with system maintenance (tank pumping). 27 letters and magnets were sent out to homeowners in 2025 marking their SSTS's first 3 years of operation. Environmental Education Educating the public is an important part of the SWCD office. 2025 Environmental Fair In 2025 we were pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to area schools once the event hosted by SWCD's in Area 5 was a again. Held at the Lyon County Fairgrounds, huge success. Over 1,500 students & educa- tors attended this year's event. There was something for everyone. 2025 Cottonwood County Fair Cottonwood SWCD was very pres- ent at the 2025 County Fair and hosted a variety of demonstrations, including the Rainfall Simulator and Trees.. SWCD Staff KAY GROSS SWCD Administrator and GBERBA and Southwest Prairie TSA Administrative Coordinator Programs: NRBG, 1W1P, Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans ANNITRA MOODY SWCD Administrative Program Assistant Programs: Well Sealing, Environmental Education, Rain Gauge Monitoring, Planning and Zoning BECKY BUCHHOLZ Senior Technician Programs: Conservation Easements, Ag BMP Loan Program, SSTS, GBERBA & DMRWP, Buffer Program, Cost-Share, Wetland Conservation Act HERMAN BARSTCH GBERBA Area 6 Certification Specialist Programs: Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) NATHAN HARDER SWCD Program Technician Programs: Cost-Share, Tree Program, Soil Health, GBERBA, 1W1P and Environmental Education BREANNA WAGNER SWCD Program Technician Programs: Cost-Share, Tree Program, Soil Health, GBERBA, 1W1P, Shoreline Restoration Projects and Environmental Education County Staff ALEX SCHULTZ Planning and Zoning Technician Programs: Ag Inspector, Shoreland, Zoning, Invasive Species, Feedlots, Setback Permits, Buffer Enforcement DYLAN OELTJENBRUNS Drainage Inspector COTTONWOOD SWCD ANNUAL REPORT 2025 Annual Report COTTONWOOD SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT CELEBRATING 81 YEARS www.cottonwoodswcd.org 507-832-8287 210 10th Street Windom The Cottonwood Soil and Water Conservation District ( SWCD ) is a legal subdivision of the State governed by a publicly elected five- member board . The Board of Supervisors provides local leadership and direction in applying conservation practices to the land ; and plays an important role in how our county deals with a variety of resource man- agement issues , including wetlands , water quality and soil erosion . The Board of Supervisors meet monthly to discuss the business of the SWCD , including state program allocations , district conservation and legislative priorities and coordination with other local , state and federal partners . From left : Clark Lingbeek , Tom Muller , Cody Duroe , Jeremy Nerem , Daryl Tasler . SWCD Supervisors Nominating District I : Mountain Lake , Midway , Selma Townships and the City of Mountain Lake . CLARK LINGBEEK - 4 - yr . term ends December 31 , 2026 . Nominating District II : Lakeside , Carson , Delton Townships and the Cities of Bingham Lake and Delft . CODY DUROE - 4 - yr . term ends December 31 , 2028 . Nominating District III : Great Bend , Dale , Amboy , Germantown Townships and the Cities of Jeffers and Windom . DARYL TASLER - 4 - yr . term ends December 31 , 2026 . Nominating District IV : Springfield , Amo , Storden , Highwater Townships and the City of Storden . TOM MULLER - 4 - yr . term ends December 31 , 2028 . Nominating District V : Southbrook , Rosehill , Westbrook , Ann Townships and the City of Westbrook . JEREMY NEREM - 4 - yr . term ends December 31 , 2028 . At the end of 2025 , longtime Board Supervisor Clark Lingbeek re- tired from his position with the SWCD . David Bucklin was appointed to finish out the term , which ends December 31 , 2026 . Greater Blue Earth River Basin Alliance In 2006 , the Cottonwood SWCD staff assumed the duties as the GBERBA coordinators . From 2007 through 2025 , the total amount of grant funds secured by GBERBA staff and members is $ 10,360,045 dollars . These dollars are working to improve the environment in the Greater Blue Earth River Watershed . The GBERBA area includes all or parts of nine counties and ten SWCDs in south central Minnesota located in the Blue Earth River , Le Sueur River and the Watonwan River watersheds . GBERBA Coordi- nator responsibilities include grant proposal writing , project oversight , program reporting , and financial oversight . Current GBERBA grants include : CWF GBERBA Soil Health Implementation Grant . 2022-2026 MN Agricultural Water Quality Certainty Program Grant thru 2027 See the Comprehensive Watershed Plans section for more informa- tion about the Watonwan Watershed grants Please look for our website at www.gberba.org Natural Resources Block Grant ( NRGB ) The State allocation for FY25 totaled $ 57,233.00 . Cottonwood County and the SWCD spent $ 57,233.00 in grant funds and $ 37,009.42 as cash and in - kind match . Programs assisted are as follows : Local Water Management ( LWM ) Wetland Conservation Act ( WCA ) DNR Shoreland MPCA Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems ( SSTS ) The LWM funding helped seal 6 wells in Cottonwood County totaling $ 3,100.00 with landowner contributions of $ 4,645.00 . Other expenses were water testing $ 340.50 . Please see the SSTS , Shoreland and WCA reports throughout the 2025 Annual Report . CREP / RIM ( Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program ) ( Reinvest in Minnesota ) In January 2017 , the Board of Water and Soil Resources announced a CREP agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture . Over $ 500 million dollars of State and Federal money will be invested in the program in the coming years . The MN CREP will target riparian buffer strips , wellhead protection areas , and wetland restorations . An amendment was approved in 2024 to increase the area of eligible coun- ties for CREP , expand CP2 areas outside of the Wellhead Protection Areas , increase the program acre cap , and extended the deadline from 2026 to 2039 . In 2025 , 2 RIM Riparian & Floodplain and 2 CREP applications accepted . Other available RIM programs include : RIM Riparian & Floodplain , RIM Grasslands , RIM 1W1P , RIM Wetlands , and RIM Drinking Water for our area . If you are interested in CREP / RIM please contact the SWCD . Agricultural Best Management Practices Loan Program This past year 4 loans were obtained for $ 288,605.12 . The loans funded septic system replacements , conservation tillage equipment , and ag waste handling projects . The AgBMP Loan Program provides low interest loans to Cot- tonwood county residents to resolve pollution concerns and improve water quality . Examples of eligible projects : conservation tillage , manure handling / storage , failing septic systems , contaminated wells , variable rate technology , erosion control practices , etc. County Feedlot Program This program assists livestock operators to ensure that their farms meet the current water quality discharge standards and feedlot rules of the State of Minnesota . It is essential that all feedlot registrations are updated in order to meet Minnesota Rule Chapter 7020 registration requirements . In 2025 , 14 feedlot inspections were conducted . As a delegated County by the State , we are required to inspect 7 % of our registered feedlots every year . It is an opportunity to ensure that you are still in compliance with State rules standards and address any concerns regard- ing construction or expansion of your feedlot . Cottonwood County has 248 feedlots required to register every 4 years . Planning and Zoning The calendar year of 2025 was a busy year for the Cottonwood County Environmental Office . During this time , the County issued 75 new Building Setback Permits , including 7 newly constructed houses with an estimated total of 2.71 million dollars . We also issued 5 Con- ditional Use Permits , and 2 Variances . 0 rezoning permits were issued . If you have any questions or future permitting needs , please stop by our office State Cost Share Program And Other Funding Sources The State Cost - Share Program provides a source of funding for landowners to install conservation practices on the land . The SWCD received $ 16,880 for FY2026 Conservation Contracts and $ 16,880 for FY2027 Conservation Contracts . Projects completed under the FY2025 Conservation Contracts allocations in 2025 include : .950 LF of Farmstead Windbreak Renovation 2,833 LF of Farmstead Windbreak Renovation 1,000 LF of Farmstead Windbreak Renovation 300 LF of Farmstead Windbreak Renovation 1,250 LF of Farmstead Windbreak Renovation 80 ac of Cover Crops Soil Health Grants In 2025 , BWSR was awarded a $ 25 million RCPP ( Regional Conservation Partnership Program ) grant that is funneled down through the SWCDs to implement eligible soil health practices on the landscape . Districts were eligible for an initial $ 180,000 base grant in 2025 and then additional monthly grants for $ 120,000 each as they are encumbered . Cottonwood SWCD has received $ 660,000 in grant funds as of February 2026. If you are interested in trying a new soil health practice on your farm , contact the office for more information . Special Projects Minnesota Department of Agriculture- Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program The District continues to partner with the MN Department of Agri- culture in promoting the MN Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program . This voluntary program offers farmers and agri- cultural landowners ' opportunity to assess their farm's risk to water quality , address any resource concerns , & receive practice implementation assistance and regula- tory certification for ten years . Also available through the program are extra endorsements for wildlife , pest management , soil health , & climate smart . Cottonwood County Through 2025 : Landowner Applications 57 Landowner Completed Assessments 55 Landowners Certified 25 MINNESOTA WATER QUALITY Cottonwood SWCD staff also assist landowners in South Central MN in becoming water quality certified . South Central MN ( 11 county area ) Landowner Applications 248 Landowner Completed Assessments 197 Landowners Certified 131 Interested in becoming certified or applying for one of the new endorsements ? Stop by our office and we will connect you with our SW MN Area Certification Specialist Danielle Evers or S MN Area Cer- tification Specialist Herman Bartsch . You can also reach them by email at danielle.evers@pcmn.us or hermanbartsch@outlook.com Receive $ 100 incentive just to sit down and run through the assessment and receive an additional $ 200 incentive after certification ! Southwest Prairie Technical Service Area The Southwest Prairie Technical Service Area ( SWPTSA ) is a Joint Powers Board of 11 SWCDs in Southwest Minnesota with the purpose of providing increased engineering and technical services to member Districts . The Cottonwood SWCD has been the host District since 2016 with oversight and Administrative duties to the organiza- tion . The Financial Coordinator position is held with the Murray SWCD . At this time we have an Engineer , Senior Engineering Technician and one Engineering Techni- cian housed throughout the 11 - county area , a half - time 11 - county Soil Health Mentor , and a contract Soil Health / Training Coordinator supporting our area staff with train- ing support and soil health instruction . CLEAN WATER LAND & LEGACY AMENDMENT SWPTSA received a Soil Health Staffing Grant in 2024 for $ 1,100,500.00 through the Board of Water and Soil Resources to further soil health efforts in the 11 - county area . The individual Districts have contracted with agricultural professionals and farmer mentors to work with producers through the SWPTSA counties on cover crops , tillage management , and other soil health practices . As of the end of 2025 , the mentors have completed 739 contacts with local producers to assist with soil health practices on 314,258.50 acres . Please look for our website at www.swptsa.org MN Wetlands Conservation Act In Cottonwood County the Cottonwood SWCD has technical responsibilities for the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act . The purpose of the Act , which was established on January 1 , 1992 , is , " To maintain and protect Minnesota's wetlands and the benefits they provide . To retain the benefits of wetlands and reach the legisla- tion's goal of no - net - loss of wetlands , the Wetland Conservation Act requires anyone proposing to drain , fill , or excavate a wetland first to try to avoid disturbing the wetland ; second , to try to minimize any impact on the wetland ; and , finally , to replace any lost wetland acres , functions , and values . Certain wetland activities are exempt from the act , allowing projects with minimal impact or projects located on land where certain pre - established land uses are present to precede without regulation . In 2025 , the Cottonwood SWCD made 25 landowner contacts in Cottonwood County pertaining to wetlands . Six exemptions were is- sued in 2025 : 4 agricultural exemptions , 1 drainage , and 1 de minimis . One complaint was investigated and was eligible for an agricultural exemption . Landowners ! Please check first before working near rivers , streams , lakes and wetlands . Restoring wetland or shore land is an expensive lesson to learn ! Comprehensive Watershed Plans The State of Minnesota has been moving towards watershed - based planning instead of by county boundaries since 2013. In Cottonwood County , we are part of three watershed plans : Watonwan , Des Moines , and the Cottonwood - Middle Minnesota watersheds . Watonwan River One Watershed One Plan The Watonwan One Watershed One Plan ( 1W1P ) Planning Project completed the planning process with an approved Watonwan River Comprehensive Watershed Plan that involves parts of six counties and SWCDs including Blue Earth , Brown , Cottonwood , Jackson , Martin , and Watonwan . The following grants were awarded to the Watonwan Watershed : FY24-26 Watershed Based Implementation Funds ( WBIF ) 2.0- $ 1,136,479 FY24 CRP State Incentives Pilot Program- $ 100,000 - Com- pleted 2025 FY25 CRP State Incentives Program- $ 100,000 Watershed Based Implementation Funds are used to facilitate and implement best management practices focusing on agricultural , urban , shoreline , and groundwater projects . These projects must be located within the Watonwan Watershed to be eligible and meet a minimum ranking score . The CRP State Incentives Program incentivizes landowners to enroll and re - enroll land into the federal Conservation Reserve Program ( CRP ) . Des Moines One Watershed One Plan The Des Moines One Watershed One Plan completed the planning process with an approved Des Moines River Comprehensive Watershed Plan that involves parts of six counties and SWCDs including Cot- tonwood , Jackson , Lyon , Martin , Murray , Nobles , and the Heron Lake Watershed District . The following grants were awarded to the Des Moines Watershed : FY23-25 Watershed Based Implementation Funds ( WBIF ) 1.0- $ 1,414,031 FY25-27 Watershed Based Implementation Funds ( WBIF ) 2.0- $ 1,736,891 FY25 CRP State Incentives Program- $ 100,000 Watershed Based Implementation Funds are used to facilitate and implement best management practices focusing on agricultural , urban , shoreline , and groundwater projects . These projects must be located within the Des Moines Watershed to be eligible and meet a minimum ranking score . The CRP State Incentives Program incentivizes landowners to enroll and re - enroll land into the federal Conservation Reserve Program ( CRP ) . Cottonwood - Middle Minnesota Watershed One Plan The Cottonwood - Middle Minnesota ( CWMM ) One Watershed One Plan completed the planning process with an approved Cotton- wood - Middle Minnesota Comprehensive Watershed Plan that involves parts of five counties and SWCDs including Brown , Cottonwood , Lyon , Murray , Redwood , and the RCRCA - Area 2 and the City of Springfield . The following grants were awarded to the Cottonwood- Middle Minnesota Watershed : FY25-27 Watershed Based Implementation Funds ( WBIF ) 1.0- $ 1,958,370 FY25 CRP State Incentives Program- $ 135,000 Subsurface Sewage Treatment Program ( SSTS ) In 2025 , 21 compliance inspections on existing systems were com- pleted by private business ; 32 construction and repair permits were issued in Cottonwood County - 6 permits for new systems and 26 permits for replacement systems . 36 systems were installed in 2025 : 3 - At - grade ; 29 Mound ; 2 holding tanks ; 1 Trench and 1 Pressure Bed . Several of these replacement systems helped replace numerous non - complying systems that were potentially polluting groundwater , discharging to surface water , or posed an imminent public health threat by discharging sewage to the ground surface . 2025 marked the 10th year of the County Maintenance Reminder program . After the first 3 years of a new / replacement system operation , homeowners will receive a letter , brochure , and magnet to help them with system maintenance ( tank pumping ) . 27 letters and magnets were sent out to homeowners in 2025 marking their SSTS's first 3 years of operation . Environmental Education Educating the public is an important part of the SWCD office . 2025 Environmental Fair In 2025 we were pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to area schools once the event hosted by SWCD's in Area 5 was a again . Held at the Lyon County Fairgrounds , huge success . Over 1,500 students & educa- tors attended this year's event . There was something for everyone . 2025 Cottonwood County Fair Cottonwood SWCD was very pres- ent at the 2025 County Fair and hosted a variety of demonstrations , including the Rainfall Simulator and Trees .. SWCD Staff KAY GROSS SWCD Administrator and GBERBA and Southwest Prairie TSA Administrative Coordinator Programs : NRBG , 1W1P , Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans ANNITRA MOODY SWCD Administrative Program Assistant Programs : Well Sealing , Environmental Education , Rain Gauge Monitoring , Planning and Zoning BECKY BUCHHOLZ Senior Technician Programs : Conservation Easements , Ag BMP Loan Program , SSTS , GBERBA & DMRWP , Buffer Program , Cost - Share , Wetland Conservation Act HERMAN BARSTCH GBERBA Area 6 Certification Specialist Programs : Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program ( MAWQCP ) NATHAN HARDER SWCD Program Technician Programs : Cost - Share , Tree Program , Soil Health , GBERBA , 1W1P and Environmental Education BREANNA WAGNER SWCD Program Technician Programs : Cost - Share , Tree Program , Soil Health , GBERBA , 1W1P , Shoreline Restoration Projects and Environmental Education County Staff ALEX SCHULTZ Planning and Zoning Technician Programs : Ag Inspector , Shoreland , Zoning , Invasive Species , Feedlots , Setback Permits , Buffer Enforcement DYLAN OELTJENBRUNS Drainage Inspector