Darren Newville
Watersheds, Runoff, and the Impact of Rain Deficits on the River-fed Lakes in Otter Tail County
August 28, 2025 by Darren Newville
When we think about healthy lakes and rivers, most of us picture clear water, good fishing, and recreation opportunities. What we don’t always see is the invisible system that supports them—the watershed. Understanding watersheds and runoff helps explain why a lack of rain during the growing season (April through October) has such a direct effect on lake levels in river-fed systems, like many of the lakes in the Otter Tail River Watershed.
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What the heck is an SWCD?
October 31, 2023 by Darren Newville
Soil and Water Conservation District, Soils Office, Soil Conservation Service, Soil and Water, what….? What is a Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) other than a mouthful, and why should you care? I’ve been working for SWCD’s for over 25 years and I believe that 90% of the general public does not know what a SWCD is or what we do. So, what the heck is an SWCD?
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Lakeshore Owners Loving Their Lakes to Death to Live the Perfect #Lakelife
June 28, 2020 by Darren Newville
I get it, we want our lake homes or cabins larger enough to accommodate all our family and friends. We want to have patios and decks that allow us to enjoy an unobstructed view of the lake. We want perfect, golf course-like, manicured lawns with sandy beaches that allow the kids or grandkids access to the lake for swimming. We want the lake in front of our lots to be weed free so the kids can swim without anything touching their feet or legs. We want a perfectly clear lake free of any aquatic invasive species, and we need to have a garage or shed conveniently placed and large enough to store all the toys we use on the water. We want the lake to be abundant with desirable fish so that we can catch one on almost every cast. We want to live the perfect #LakeLife experience. Sounds great, but is it great for the lake?
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What the Heck is an SWCD?
March 04, 2020 by Darren Newville
Soil and Water Conservation District, Soils Office, Soil Conservation Service, Soil and Water, what….? What is a Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) other than a mouthful, and why should you care? I’ve been working for SWCD’s for over 25 years and I believe that 90% of the general public does not know what a SWCD is or what we do. So, what the heck is an SWCD?
