East Otter Tail SWCD - Blog
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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Wadena SWCD Board Supervisor Achieves Water Quality Certification
June 26, 2025 by Alyson Levig
Ken Berg, who has served as a board supervisor for the Wadena Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) since 2000, has recently become water quality certified under the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). The decade-old program offers a voluntary opportunity for farmers to become certified by implementing conservation-minded practices that protect water quality. Berg’s farm achieved certification in April of 2025, accompanying over 1,500 producers farming over one million accredited acres throughout the program.
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Third Generation Rancher Achieves Water Quality Certification
June 26, 2025 by Alyson Levig
Elizabeth and Matt Kahlstorf have joined the rising number of producers becoming water quality certified through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). This voluntary program certifies producers using conservation-minded practices to protect water quality by requiring an in-depth examination of field characteristics, crop rotation, tillage, nutrients, and pesticide management techniques, depending on the operation. For the Kahlstorfs, cattle are their primary focus. Still, they also raise meat and laying hens, hogs, and goats throughout their diversified farm, 211 Ranch LLC.
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Grazing to Promote Water Quality
January 06, 2025 by Alyson Levig
Judy and Harry Worm have joined the rising number of producers becoming water quality certified through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).
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East Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District Named SWCD of the Year
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.
