East Otter Tail SWCD - Blog

March 26, 2024 by Alyson Levig

Two years ago, Glenn Hjelle’s farming operation joined the continuously rising number of producers becoming certified as stewards of water quality through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). At the time, the voluntary program that certifies farming operations implementing conservation-minded practices garnered over 950,000 certified acres. Today, that number has risen to over one million along with over 1,400 Minnesota producers—a well-earned milestone for the almost decade-old program.

November 1, 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?

September 5, 2023 by Anne Oldakowski

“What is happening to my trees?” is the most common question that I’ve been hearing over the past month. 

August 7, 2023 by Alyson Levig

With roughly 11,842 lakes in the state, it’s no wonder Minnesotans spend a lot of their summer free time out on the water. Because of this, individuals have easily and unknowingly spread aquatic invasive species (AIS) when moving their boats and other water-related equipment around to different waterbodies, leading to eight percent of Minnesota’s water becoming impaired with aquatic invasive species.

August 1, 2023 by Liz Wiese

If you’re driving around Otter Tail County these bright summer days, it’s very likely that you’ll notice some patches of airy purple flowers with greyish-green leaves growing in road ditches and fields. Blooming June through August, spotted knapweed is especially noticeable this time of year. And because it likes our sandy soils, it is pretty well-spread throughout Otter Tail County.