News

September 09, 2025 by Darren Newville

Minnesota farmers now have an exciting opportunity to improve their land while strengthening their bottom line through the Minnesota Soil Health Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This program provides financial and technical assistance to producers who want to implement soil health practices that build resilience, reduce erosion, and improve water quality. Whether you’re interested in cover crops, reduced tillage, or nutrient management, the RCPP is designed to support practices that benefit both your farm and the environment.

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.

December 30, 2024 by Alyson Levig

Official press release:

The East Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) was named SWCD of the Year at the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District’s (MASWCD) annual two-day convention held in Bloomington, Minnesota, in early December.

April 13, 2023 by Alyson Levig

East Otter Tail and Wadena SWCD staff assist farmers with becoming Water Quality Certified.

September 01, 2020 by Annette Drewes, Clean Water Specialist, MN DNR

Lakeshore owners in recent years are finding new ‘weeds’ growing near their docks. Wild rice, a native grass that grows in shallow lake and river areas has re-emerged in locations where some say it hasn’t been seen in years. For some people that is cause for celebration, for others, a headache.