Sherburne County Targeted Nitrate Reduction BMP Implementation
The goal of the project is the reduction of nitrates in the groundwater by promoting and implementing best management practices and alternative management tools in the priority areas of Sherburne County. Practices included in the application are: Cover crops, irrigation water management , and nutrient management. Additional incentives included are for the Conservation Reserve Program. District Staff will also plant at least one acre of demonstration plots which will be highlighted at an annual field day.
The goal of the project is the reduction of nitrates in the groundwater by promoting and implementing best management practices and alternative management tools in the priority areas of Sherburne County. Private well testing was conducted and analyzed in 6 townships: Clear Lake, Haven, Palmer, Santiago, Becker, and Big Lake Townships. In Clear Lake and Haven, 11.3% and 13.8% of the wells tested were above the health limit of 10 mg/L respectively. Palmer, Santiago, Becker, and Big Lake Townships ranged from 2.1%-8.6% above the health limit. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has also identified Wellhead Protection Areas and Drinking Water Management Areas for the cities of Clear Lake and Becker, which are included in the project area. Practices included in the application are: Forage and Biomass Planting 512, Conservation Cover 327, Conservation Crop Rotation 328, Irrigation Water Management 449, Cover Crops 340, and Nitrate Nutrient Management 590. Additional incentives included are for the Conservation Reserve Program. District Staff will also plant at least one acre of demonstration plots which will be highlighted with an annual field day. Practices demonstrated will be Irrigation Water Management, Cover Crops, and Nitrogen Source comparisons.
Annie Felix-Gerth
(b) $6,882,000 the first year and $12,618,000 the second year are for grants to protect and restore surface water and drinking water; to keep water on the land; to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams; and to protect groundwater and drinking water, including feedlot water quality and subsurface sewage treatment system projects and stream bank, stream channel, shoreline restoration, and ravine stabilization projects. The projects must use practices demonstrated to be effective, be of long-lasting public benefit, include a match, and be consistent with total maximum daily load (TMDL) implementation plans, watershed restoration and protection strategies (WRAPS), or local water management plans or their equivalents. A portion of these funds may be used to seek administrative efficiencies through shared resources by multiple local governmental units.
Outcomes will be measured by adoption of BMPs at a rate of 80% of acreage (proposed Nitrate Rule rate). This will be the District's benchmark regardless of the adoption of the proposed Nitrate Rule or not.
The Nitrate rule passed and the LGU was able to assist with 6 irrigation practices and 13 costshare projects for implementing the Nitrogen Fertilizer plan.
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS