Learn about mower swcd's 2023 field projects

New project signs and online story map show what's being done for conservation work with farming cooperators in Mower County.

Follow this link to view the new Mower SWCD online story map for before and after photos of various conservations projects underway or planned for later in 2023.

Learn about prairie strips and the cost-share opportunities available to farmers and landowners in Mower County.

CIP upland-storage projects surpass goal

After five years and 14 projects, Mower SWCD-Cedar River Watershed District has topped its original goal for reducing peak stormwater flows in Austin.

WATCH a new, short video on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), including drone footage of projects at work with stormwater and snowmelt.

With its biggest project yet finished in summer 2020, Mower SWCD-CRWD has achieved a 10 percent reduction at the Cedar River's confluence with Dobbins Creek.

The original goal was 8 percent when the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was launched in 2015 with a $3.2 million grant from The Hormel Foundation. Those funds since have been matched with $3.4 million in state and local funds.

View all media releases from Mower SWCD and Cedar River Watershed District.

Mower SWCD seeks to meet with landowners about conservation planning

More than four miles of grassed waterways were built during 2020 in the headwaters of the Root River in eastern Mower County in coordination with Mower SWCD staff.

Landowners interested in a possible grassed waterway or other conservation practices are encouraged to connect with Mower SWCD to look at needs and potential sources for funding assistance.

Mower SWCD's Paul Hunter (pictured below) and James Fett recently became certified conservation planners through the USDA-NRCS.

Those interested in conservation planning should contact Paul Hunter at paul@mowerdistrict.org or 507-434-2603, ext. 5.

Stay informed on Mower SWCD.

Subscribe to our Conserve Mower monthly e-newsletter and view our 2021 Annual Report.

Mower SWCD Use of SWCD Aid Funds

Mower SWCD will utilize SWCD Aid funding to continue and enhance conservation delivery within our county. As landowners' needs for conservation programs have increased, so has the staffing required to fulfill those requirements. Mower SWCD remains committed to delivering the highest service to our community. SWCD Aid will allow us to deliver these programs at the highest level possible. Click here to see the resolution on the Use of SWCD Aid Funds.

Sustainable Answer Acre

Learn about a farmer-led, collaborative research project focused on the economic and environmental effects of applying nitrogen to crop fields.

The Sustainable Answer Acre project is led by Mower SWCD, Northern Country Coop, Minnesota Corn Growers, The Nature Conservancy, University of Minnesota and Riverland Community College.

LEARN more about the Sustainable Answer Acre research.

sustainable answer acre drone pic fall 2019

Cost-share available for well sealing

Mower SWCD is partnering with Austin Utilities to provide cost-share assistance to landowners interested in sealing an unused or abandoned well. Cost-share is 50% of the sealing cost (up to $1,000 per well) and focused on high-priority areas of Mower County (see colored areas of map below) on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

Those interested should contact Mower SWCD's Tim Ruzek at 507-460-4577 or tim@mowerdistrict.org.