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In This Issue

Vermillion River Watch

Calling all wader lovers! In 2016, the Vermillion River Watch program is teaming up with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to engage individuals, school groups, and other community members in monitoring the health of the Vermillion River!

The Vermillion River watershed is a popular place for nature enthusiasts, whether they prefer to recreate with hiking boots or a fishing pole, due to its close proximity to the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and a self-sustaining brown trout population. In recent years, the watershed has been threatened by rapid urban development and changes in rural land uses leading to growing concerns as to how to best maintain the ecological integrity of the river and its tributaries.
Volunteers participating in the Vermillion River Watch program will be asked to visit their stream monitoring site once per week to monitor water transparency (using a Secchi tube), as well water level and appearance. Data will be submitted to the MPCA and used to assess the water quality of rivers and streams in Minnesota.

For more information about how you can become involved with the Vermillion River Watch program, please contact Lindsey Albright at 651.480.7783.

Water Quality Certification Program Now Available

Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District is now accepting applications for a state program that recognizes and enhances protection of our water resources. With the help of a five-year, $9 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and legislation enacted earlier this year, the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) is formally transitioning from four pilot areas to being available to any agricultural producer statewide.
The program is a voluntary opportunity for farmers and agricultural landowners to take the lead in implementing conservation practices that protect our water. Farmers and landowners who implement and maintain approved farm management practices are certified and in turn obtain regulatory certainty under State and Federal laws for a period of 10 years. Compliance with any existing or new local ordinances is required.
The MAWQCP certifies farmers and landowners for managing their land in a way that protects water quality through a whole-farm assessment that evaluates:
  • Physical field characteristics
  • Nutrient management factors
  • Tillage management factors
  • Pest management factors
  • Irrigation and tile drainage management
  • Conservation practices
Producers interested in becoming certified also receive priority status for technical and financial assistance through Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Anyone interested in learning more about MAWQCP, the assessment process, or becoming certified should contact Ashley Gallagher at 651.480.7781.

Landscaping for Clean Water Workshops

Attend an introduction workshop to learn about creating beautiful gardens that help keep water clean. Creating landscaped areas with native plants or gardens that soak up rainwater is the secret to leisurely living in great looking yards. Attend a Landscaping for Clean Water workshop to see how others in your city have created great looking landscaped areas that benefit local lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Pre-registration for the free workshop is required. 
To register, please call the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District at 651.480.7777 or register here!

After seeing dozens of affordable designs that have transformed bland urban landscapes to beautiful retreats, participants can attend a Landscaping for Clean Water design workshop where you can receive help to create a design specifically for your yard!!

Nominations Open for Farm Family of the Year

The Dakota County Extension Committee would like your nominations for the 2016 Dakota County Farm Family of the Year. The Farm Family Recognition Program has existed for over two decades and honors farm families from Dakota County and throughout Minnesota for their contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities.
 
If you know of an individual or family who has not received this recognition already and is a Minnesota food producer that demonstrates a commitment to enhancing and supporting the field of agriculture and is involved in their community and/or related organizations, please complete the following form by March 1: http://z.umn.edu/dcfarmfam

We encourage nominations of producers that are new to this country; have been innovative in solving an environmental problem; and/or explored production outside of the usual agricultural endeavors in vegetable, fruits, berries, aquaculture, agriforestry, and renewable energy supplies. 

If you have questions, contact Tammy McCulloch, Extension Regional Director at tammym@umn.edu or 612.735.6161.

Dakota County Withdraws from the
MPCA Feedlot Program

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) “County Feedlot Program” is a cooperative arrangement between the MPCA and county governments to delegate oversight of state feedlot rules to the county. Dakota County has participated in the County Feedlot Program since 1996, with the SWCD providing a majority of the administration.

On December 15th, 2015 the County Board of Commissioners voted to withdraw from the program.
The program funding had not kept pace with increasing program requirements, and the County felt that their resources could be more effectively used to provide feedlot assistance outside of the agreement.

The SWCD will continue to provide technical assistance to feedlot owners and operators, including manure management, feedlot runoff improvement, and the necessary procedures for feedlot construction or expansion. For questions on the feedlot program, please contact Brad Becker at 651.480.7782.

Upcoming Extension and Partner Events

Tuesday, February 9
Crop Nutrient Management Conference 
Jackpot Junction Hotel, Morton
This annual event is organized by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center. It will feature speakers from across Minnesota and the rest of the Midwest bringing updates on the latest in crop nutrient management.

Tuesday, February 23
Nitrogen: Minnesota’s grand challenge and compelling opportunity 
International Event Center, 7333 Airport View Drive SW, Rochester
This 2nd annual meeting will focus on the challenges and opportunities of efficiently managing nitrogen fertilizer.

Friday, February 26
Private Pesticide Applicator recertification training
Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St W, Farmington

Wednesday, March 16
Dakota County Crops Day 
Dakota Electric Association, 4300 220th St W, Farmington
This annual meeting will feature talks on the Minnesota Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan, the latest in Extension research, updates on NRCS and SWCD programs, and more. Lunch is sponsored by the Dakota Electric Association. After lunch, the Southeast Irrigators Association will hold their annual meeting.

For updates as these events approach, check http://z.umn.edu/dakota or call Neith Little at 651.480.7723. 

Equipment for Rent

Please call the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District at 651.480.7777 to inquire about renting any of the equipment listed below!

No-Till Drill:
  • Able to plant seed for native prairie restoration, new pastures or hayfields, or rejuvenating old pastures or hayfields without plowing up existing vegetation. 
  • Drill has three separate seed boxes that allow for simultaneous planting of multiple seed types at varying rates.
  • Planting width is 10.5-feet.
  • A tractor with at least 45 horsepower and two hydraulic rear-couplers is required.
  • Rent is $15 per acre, plus a $100 setup fee.
  • Delivery to and from the planting site is included.
Crimper:
  • Used to reduce erosion potential by anchoring straw into exposed soils. Straw is spread over the area and grass seed is planted beneath the straw. 
  • Has sharp disks that roll over the straw, cut it into the soil and stand it straight up to keep the soil in place until the grass seed emerges and stabilizes the area.
  • A tractor with at least 45 horsepower and two hydraulic rear-couplers is required.
  • There is no charge for the crimper if it is being used as part of an erosion control practice.
Hand seeder:
  • Perfect for broadcast seeding native prairie on 2 acres or less.
  • Distributes the seed in 10-foot swathes. 
  • After planting, the seed typically needs to be incorporated into the soil with a cultipacker, harrow, or weighted piece of chain link fence.
  • Can also be used to “frost seed” legumes into existing pastures. Frost seeding involves broadcasting seed across pastures during late winter. The freeze and thaw cycle works the seed into the soil, allowing it to germinate in the spring. 
  • There is no charge for using the hand seeder if it is being used as part of a conservation practice
Copyright © 2016 Dakota County Soil & Water Conservation District, All rights reserved.


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