Appreciation award highlights conservation effectiveness
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has presented its annual Ecological and Water Resources Division Appreciation Award to the Stearns County Conservation District. EWR’s Division Director Katie Smith presented the award at the annual Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts convention in December.
“Stearns Conservation District is a great environmental stewardship partner,” Smith said. “Their commitment and innovation are making a real difference for the environment and the community.”
Through initiatives like the Lawns to Legumes Program and by securing Clean Water Fund grants, Stearns Conservation District has helped farmers in the Sauk River watershed reduce nutrient runoff and adopt beneficial practices such as cover crops and no-till farming. By encouraging farmers to enroll in the Conservation Reserve Program, they helped create wildlife habitat and improve water quality.
Additionally, their collaboration with Stearns County Environmental Services to co-host the annual Stearns County Shoreland Workshop helps contractors, lake associations, real estate professionals and others understand best practices for healthy shorelands. The district's work to help achieve the goals of the Stearns County Comprehensive Water Management Plan showcases their dedication to protecting natural resources.
“Soil and water conservation districts play a vital role in helping to protect Minnesota’s lands and waters. In collaboration with local and state government, and the demonstrated commitments of landowners and businesses, SWCDs are making a difference that benefits our environment, our wildlife and, ultimately, all Minnesotans,” Smith said.