Swan River Watershed

*319 – Clean Water Partnership Grant *

Hooray, hooray, the Swan River has been “de-listed” from the state’s Impaired Waters list.

After nearly a decade of study and implementing some Best Management Practices on sites known to be polluting, in 2006 the Swan River was delisted as being considered impaired. 

However, it was still felt by MPCA (MN Pollution Control Agency) and the local agencies that the watershed is vulnerable to becoming contaminated again unless the educational and on the land efforts continued to be emphasized.  A $70,000 319 grant was awarded to Morrison and Todd SWCD’s upon application to complete the process.

These funds are available to assist landowners in nutrient management planning, erosion control practices, and to conduct educational opportunities to reach the residents living and operating in the Swan River Watershed.

Several practices are being done in 2008 summer including some terraces, sediment basins, ag waste management, and nutrient management practices.  Since phosphorus was one of the elevated components of concern, and due to the vast number of poultry producers within the watershed, direct mailings have been sent to all operators encouraging them to participate.

Poultry manure is high in phosphorus and farmers are encouraged to have their soils tested and a crop rotation plan that will best utilize the nutrients and end over application.  Application of all manures and fertilizers should meet the setbacks from streams, ditches, or wetlands of 300’ unless there is a well established 100’ buffer of vegetation.

More can be learned by calling Alan Ringwelski at Morrison SWCD at (320)616-2479 or Greg Ostrowski at Todd SWCD at (320)732-2644.