TSA 5 Accelerated Implementation of priority sub-watersheds

The Southwest Prairie Technical Service Area 5 (SWPTSA), located in the southwest corner of Minnesota, encompasses 11 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs): Cottonwood, Jackson, Lac Qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Yellow Medicine. This project will protect natural resources within the three major river basins of Minnesota, Missouri and Des Moines Rivers. The SWPTSA will assist member SWCDs in locating and identifying priority subwatersheds that have soil erosion and water quality issues using terrain analysis.

This project will also hire a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist to develop Stream Power Indexes, Wetness Index and RUSLE spatial analysis from the terrain analysis. This information will enable the SWCDs to identify options and cost estimates that will allow them to prioritize their conservation work with landowners.

An essential element of this project's success is buy-in from these landowners. This project will also include contracting with the University of Minnesota Extension for civic training for the SWCDs to help them be more effective in promoting needed best management practices and educating and engaging landowners about the resource concerns on their land.