COTTONWOOD SWCD ANNUAL REPORT 2024 Annual Report COTTONWOOD SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT CELEBRATING 80 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. Greater Blue Earth River Basin Alliance In 2006, the Cottonwood SWCD staff assumed the duties as the GBERBA coordinators. From 2007 through 2024, the total amount of grant funds secured by GBERBA staff and members is $9,735,505 dollars. These dollars are working to improve the environment in the Greater Blue Earth River Watershed. The GBERBA area includes all or parts of ten counties in south central Minnesota located in the Blue Earth River, Le Sueur River and the Watonwan River watersheds. GBERBA Coordinator responsibili- ties include grant proposal writing, project oversight, program reporting, and financial oversight. Current GBERBA grants include: CWF GBERBA Soil Health Implementation Grant. 2022-2025 MN Agricultural Water Quality Certainty Program Grant thru 2025 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 FY24 totaled $57,233. Cottonwood County and the SWCD spent $57,233 in grant funds and $63,914.73 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 17 wells in Cottonwood County totaling $8,650 with landowner contributions of $12,088.98. Other expenses were water testing $613.45. Please see the SSTS, Shoreland and WCA reports throughout the 2024 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 2024, we had 4 RIM Riparian & Floodplain, 3 RIM Wetland, and 1 CREP application accepted. Other available RIM programs include: RIM Riparian & Floodplain, RIM Grasslands, RIM 1W1P, RIM Wetlands, and RIM Wellhead for our area. If you are interested in CREP/RIM please contact the SWCD. Agricultural Best Management Practices Loan Program This past year 7 loans were obtained for $275,420.22. The loans funded septic system replacements, conservation tillage equipment, shutoff/spray technology, and a well replacement. 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. To date Cottonwood County and the SWCD have loaned over $3.75 million through the AgBMP Loan Program. 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 2024, 12 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. 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. Changes to MN Statute 103C.501, which governs our State Cost- Share program (now called Conservation Contracts), expanded the projects and practices we can help landowners implement that are eligible for cost-sharing. The SWCD received $16,880 for FY2024 Conservation Contracts and $16,880 for FY2025 Conservation Contracts. Work completed in 2024 included the following practices: 0.27 acres of Riparian Forest Buffer-$759.52 43 acres Cover Crops-$4,515.00 2,890 LF Farmstead Renovation-$2,500.00 0.26 ac Pollinator Habitat-$609.41 0.03 ac Pollinator Pocket Planting-$455.65 3,503 LF Wildlife Habitat Tree Planting-$1,360.80 1,120 LF Farmstead Renovation-$3,500.00 1,230 LF Farmstead Renovation-$1,937.60 1,730 LF Farmstead Renovation-$686.40 2,598 LF Farmstead Renovation-$1,680.00 0.97 ac Pollinator Habitat-$308.91 2,800 LF Farmstead Renovation-$2,500.00 Planning and Zoning The calendar year of 2024 was a busy year for the Cottonwood County Environmental Office. During this time, the County issued 73 new Building Setback Permits, including 8 newly constructed houses with an estimated total of 5 million dollars. We also issued 14 Condi- tional Use Permits, and 4 Variances. O rezoning permits were issued. If you have any questions or future permitting needs, please stop by our office. Special Projects Minnesota Department of Agriculture- Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program The District continues to partner with the MN Department of Agriculture in promoting the MN Agri- cultural 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 2024: Landowner Applications 55 Landowner Completed Assessments 48 Landowners Certified 22 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 226 Landowner Completed Assessments 185 Landowners Certified 115 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! District Capacity-Clean Water Legacy Non-competitive grant investing in building the capac- ity of local soil and water conservation districts. The grant targets four resource areas - Soil Erosion, Riparian Zone Management, Water Storage and Treatment and Excess Nu- trients and supports increased capacity by funding expenses in the following categories: Staffing, Cost-Share/Incentives, Technology/Capital Equipment and Operations. FY23 Funding Allocation $129,209-Completed 2024 Expenditures $114,742.21 Southwest Prairie Technical Service Area CLEAN WATER LAND & LEGACY AMENDMENT 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 organization. The Financial Coordinator position is held with the Murray SWCD. At this time we have an Engineer, Senior Engineering Technician and one Engineering Technician housed throughout the 11 county area and a contract Soil Health/Training Coordinator supporting our area staff with training support and soil health instruction. SWPTSA received a Soil Health Staffing Grant in 2024 for $1,100,500 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 throughout the SWPTSA counties on cover crops, till- age management, and other soil health practices. 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 2024, the Cottonwood SWCD made 20 landowner contacts in Cottonwood County pertaining to wetlands. There were two official applications to the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act in 2024. Both landowners received positive decisions, enabling them to stay in compliance with the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act. Two other projects in 2024 were restorations of unpermitted projects that impacted wetlands. Both were completed successfully. Landowners! Please check first before working near rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands. Restoring wetland or shore land is an expense 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/Little Cottonwood 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: FY21-23 Watershed Based Implementation Funds (WBIF) 1.0-$700,477 Completed 2024 FY24-26 Watershed Based Implementation Funds (WBIF) 2.0-$1,136,479 2025 FY24 CRP State Incentives Pilot Program-$100,000-Completed 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/Little Cottonwood One Watershed One Plan The Cottonwood/Little Cottonwood One Watershed One Plan was completed in 2024 and approved by the State in January 2025. Partners are currently working on watershed policies outlining the eligible practices and activities for implementation grant funds. We expect implementation funds to be available for this watershed plan mid to late-2025. The Cottonwood SWCD turned 80 this year! On November 17, 1944 a petition for the organization of the Cot- tonwood County Soil and Water Conservation District was signed and the Cottonwood SWCD was officially organized on February 5, 1945. The Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a legal sub- division of the State governed by a five member Board of Supervisors, elected by the public. They provide leadership and direction for applying conservation practices to the land. The original Board of Supervisors were Gregory Wagner, Walter Schmotzer, Vernon Immer, Sam Franz and Clarence Knutson. There have been 29 supervisors, including our current Board. SWCD Staff KAY GROSS SWCD Administrator and GBERBA and Southwest Prairie TSA Administrative Coordinator Programs: NRBG, 1W1P, Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans DAVE BUCKLIN SWCD District Technician and GBERBA Technical Coordinator Programs: Tree Program, Wetland Conservation Act, Cost-Share, Environmental Education KARI CLOUSE SWCD Administrative Program Assistant and GBERBA Finance Coordinator Programs: Well Sealing, Environmental Education, Rain Gauge Monitoring, Planning and Zoning ANNITRA MOODY SWCD Administrative Program Assistant Programs: Well Sealing, Environmental Education, Rain Gauge Monitoring, Planning and Zoning BECKY BUCHHOLZ Farm Bill Assistant/District Program Technician Programs: Conservation Easements, Ag BMP Loan Program, SSTS, 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 District Technician Programs: Cost-Share, Tree Program, Soil Health, GBERBA, 1W1P, Shoreline Restoration Projects and Environmental Education BREANNA WAGNER SWCD District 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 2024 Annual Report COTTONWOOD SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT CELEBRATING 80 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 . Greater Blue Earth River Basin Alliance In 2006 , the Cottonwood SWCD staff assumed the duties as the GBERBA coordinators . From 2007 through 2024 , the total amount of grant funds secured by GBERBA staff and members is $ 9,735,505 dollars . These dollars are working to improve the environment in the Greater Blue Earth River Watershed . The GBERBA area includes all or parts of ten counties in south central Minnesota located in the Blue Earth River , Le Sueur River and the Watonwan River watersheds . GBERBA Coordinator responsibili- ties include grant proposal writing , project oversight , program reporting , and financial oversight . Current GBERBA grants include : CWF GBERBA Soil Health Implementation Grant . 2022-2025 MN Agricultural Water Quality Certainty Program Grant thru 2025 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 FY24 totaled $ 57,233 . Cottonwood County and the SWCD spent $ 57,233 in grant funds and $ 63,914.73 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 17 wells in Cottonwood County totaling $ 8,650 with landowner contributions of $ 12,088.98 . Other expenses were water testing $ 613.45 . Please see the SSTS , Shoreland and WCA reports throughout the 2024 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 2024 , we had 4 RIM Riparian & Floodplain , 3 RIM Wetland , and 1 CREP application accepted . Other available RIM programs include : RIM Riparian & Floodplain , RIM Grasslands , RIM 1W1P , RIM Wetlands , and RIM Wellhead for our area . If you are interested in CREP / RIM please contact the SWCD . Agricultural Best Management Practices Loan Program This past year 7 loans were obtained for $ 275,420.22 . The loans funded septic system replacements , conservation tillage equipment , shutoff / spray technology , and a well replacement . 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. To date Cottonwood County and the SWCD have loaned over $ 3.75 million through the AgBMP Loan Program . 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 2024 , 12 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 . 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 . Changes to MN Statute 103C.501 , which governs our State Cost- Share program ( now called Conservation Contracts ) , expanded the projects and practices we can help landowners implement that are eligible for cost - sharing . The SWCD received $ 16,880 for FY2024 Conservation Contracts and $ 16,880 for FY2025 Conservation Contracts . Work completed in 2024 included the following practices : 0.27 acres of Riparian Forest Buffer- $ 759.52 43 acres Cover Crops- $ 4,515.00 2,890 LF Farmstead Renovation- $ 2,500.00 0.26 ac Pollinator Habitat- $ 609.41 0.03 ac Pollinator Pocket Planting- $ 455.65 3,503 LF Wildlife Habitat Tree Planting- $ 1,360.80 1,120 LF Farmstead Renovation- $ 3,500.00 1,230 LF Farmstead Renovation- $ 1,937.60 1,730 LF Farmstead Renovation- $ 686.40 2,598 LF Farmstead Renovation- $ 1,680.00 0.97 ac Pollinator Habitat- $ 308.91 2,800 LF Farmstead Renovation- $ 2,500.00 Planning and Zoning The calendar year of 2024 was a busy year for the Cottonwood County Environmental Office . During this time , the County issued 73 new Building Setback Permits , including 8 newly constructed houses with an estimated total of 5 million dollars . We also issued 14 Condi- tional Use Permits , and 4 Variances . O rezoning permits were issued . If you have any questions or future permitting needs , please stop by our office . Special Projects Minnesota Department of Agriculture- Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program The District continues to partner with the MN Department of Agriculture in promoting the MN Agri- cultural 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 2024 : Landowner Applications 55 Landowner Completed Assessments 48 Landowners Certified 22 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 226 Landowner Completed Assessments 185 Landowners Certified 115 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 ! District Capacity - Clean Water Legacy Non - competitive grant investing in building the capac- ity of local soil and water conservation districts . The grant targets four resource areas - Soil Erosion , Riparian Zone Management , Water Storage and Treatment and Excess Nu- trients and supports increased capacity by funding expenses in the following categories : Staffing , Cost - Share / Incentives , Technology / Capital Equipment and Operations . FY23 Funding Allocation $ 129,209 - Completed 2024 Expenditures $ 114,742.21 Southwest Prairie Technical Service Area CLEAN WATER LAND & LEGACY AMENDMENT 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 organization . The Financial Coordinator position is held with the Murray SWCD . At this time we have an Engineer , Senior Engineering Technician and one Engineering Technician housed throughout the 11 county area and a contract Soil Health / Training Coordinator supporting our area staff with training support and soil health instruction . SWPTSA received a Soil Health Staffing Grant in 2024 for $ 1,100,500 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 throughout the SWPTSA counties on cover crops , till- age management , and other soil health practices . 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 2024 , the Cottonwood SWCD made 20 landowner contacts in Cottonwood County pertaining to wetlands . There were two official applications to the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act in 2024 . Both landowners received positive decisions , enabling them to stay in compliance with the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act . Two other projects in 2024 were restorations of unpermitted projects that impacted wetlands . Both were completed successfully . Landowners ! Please check first before working near rivers , streams , lakes and wetlands . Restoring wetland or shore land is an expense 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 / Little Cottonwood 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 : FY21-23 Watershed Based Implementation Funds ( WBIF ) 1.0- $ 700,477 Completed 2024 FY24-26 Watershed Based Implementation Funds ( WBIF ) 2.0- $ 1,136,479 2025 FY24 CRP State Incentives Pilot Program- $ 100,000 - Completed 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 / Little Cottonwood One Watershed One Plan The Cottonwood / Little Cottonwood One Watershed One Plan was completed in 2024 and approved by the State in January 2025. Partners are currently working on watershed policies outlining the eligible practices and activities for implementation grant funds . We expect implementation funds to be available for this watershed plan mid to late - 2025 . The Cottonwood SWCD turned 80 this year ! On November 17 , 1944 a petition for the organization of the Cot- tonwood County Soil and Water Conservation District was signed and the Cottonwood SWCD was officially organized on February 5 , 1945 . The Soil and Water Conservation District ( SWCD ) is a legal sub- division of the State governed by a five member Board of Supervisors , elected by the public . They provide leadership and direction for applying conservation practices to the land . The original Board of Supervisors were Gregory Wagner , Walter Schmotzer , Vernon Immer , Sam Franz and Clarence Knutson . There have been 29 supervisors , including our current Board . SWCD Staff KAY GROSS SWCD Administrator and GBERBA and Southwest Prairie TSA Administrative Coordinator Programs : NRBG , 1W1P , Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans DAVE BUCKLIN SWCD District Technician and GBERBA Technical Coordinator Programs : Tree Program , Wetland Conservation Act , Cost - Share , Environmental Education KARI CLOUSE SWCD Administrative Program Assistant and GBERBA Finance Coordinator Programs : Well Sealing , Environmental Education , Rain Gauge Monitoring , Planning and Zoning ANNITRA MOODY SWCD Administrative Program Assistant Programs : Well Sealing , Environmental Education , Rain Gauge Monitoring , Planning and Zoning BECKY BUCHHOLZ Farm Bill Assistant / District Program Technician Programs : Conservation Easements , Ag BMP Loan Program , SSTS , 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 District Technician Programs : Cost - Share , Tree Program , Soil Health , GBERBA , 1W1P , Shoreline Restoration Projects and Environmental Education BREANNA WAGNER SWCD District 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