East Otter Tail SWCD - Blog

November 4, 2021 by Kristi Rorah

Rondi Ulmer, eighth grade science teacher at Prairie Wind Middle School, has been selected for the 2021 Teacher of The Year Award by the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD). Each year the MASWCD selects an outstanding teacher who actively engages students in the betterment of natural resources in partnership with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

September 1, 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.

July 15, 2020 by EOT SWCD

It is a well-established fact that weather is the most influential and impactful variable in water and nutrient management decision making. In an effort to bring more local weather information to our producers, the EOT SWCD installed its first weather station in Perham in the early 90's. This station brought hourly data to the fingertips of our producers and helped guide management decisions that were profitable for the producer and better for the environment. The only problem? This was one weather station in a county that encompasses over 2,000 square miles, and as we all well know, weather can be different right across the road!

July 6, 2020 by MAWQCP

Congratulations to Arlin Wanderi!  His farms are now Water Quality Certified in Minnesota’s Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).  

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?