Tree Program
The Murray SWCD offers a Tree Program available to landowners in Murray County. Conservation grade trees can be purchased from the district.
Farmstead shelterbelts, field windbreaks, living snow fences, and other wildlife plantings can be designed by SWCD staff.
Murray SWCD has a tree matting machine and tree planter available for rent. The Matting machine lays a continuous layer of six-foot-wide black fabric over new tree rows. The fabric resists tearing, puncturing, and weed penetration while allowing air and water to reach the tree roots. this allows for better growing rates.
Tree Price Sheet
Call 507-836-6990 ext. 3 for more tree planting information
State Cost-Share
The state cost-share program was created to provide funds to Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) for the implementation of conservation practices that protect and improve water quality by controlling soil erosion and reducing sedimentation.
Through the cost-share program, landowners can request financial and technical assistance from their local SWCD for the implementation of the Board of Water and Soil Resources approved conservation practices. This program can provide up to 75% of the total eligible costs of a practice.
Any project to receive State Cost-Share funding will be required to maintain the project a minimum of 10 years unless noted otherwise.
Conservation Practices Eligible for State Cost-Share
- Critical Area Plantings
- Cover Crop
- Diversions
- Grass Waterway
- Wastewater and Feedlot Runoff Control
- Filter Strips
- Sediment Basins
- Stream bank and Shore land Protection
- Strip-cropping
- No-till
- Terraces
- Unused Well Sealing
CREP/RIM
In 1986, the Reinvest in Minnesota Resources Act was enacted to restore certain marginal and environmental sensitive agricultural land to protect soil and water quality and support fish and wildlife habitat. To-date over $200 million state dollars has resulted in over 6,000 easements covering more than 250,000 acres. The program currently focuses on permanent wetland restoration, adjacent native grassland wildlife habitat complexes and permanent riparian buffers.
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) acquires, on behalf of the state, conservation easements to permanently protect, restore and manage critical natural resources without owning the land outright. The land remains in private ownership and the landowner retains responsibility for maintenance and paying applicable real estate taxes and assessments. BWSR provides statewide program coordination and administration and implementation at the local level is done by county Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs).
Contact: Craig Christensen (Program Manager) at cchristensen@co.murray.mn.us or 507-836-8567 ext. 3
Wetland Conservation Act
The Minnesota Legislature in 1991 enacted the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), which aims for a no-net-loss of wetlands. This law regulates drainage and filling of wetlands. Murray Soil and Water Conservation District staff provides technical support for local governments, county departments, and citizens with wetland regulation and water related issues. If you plan to work in or near a wetland, please contact the Murray Soil and Water Conservation District office before construction.
Contact: Danielle Kuball (District Technician) at danielle.kuball@co.murray.mn.us or 507-836-6990 ext. 114
Engineering - SWPTSA
The Southwest Prairie Technical Service Area is an entity created by the11 SWCD's located in SW MN. Its purpose is to provide increased technical capacity to its SWCD members. It currently employs 2 staff (Professional Engineer, and a technician) who's workload is prioritized by the SWCD members.
Southwest Prairie Technical Service Area V Southwest Prairie Technical Service Area V is a joint powers organization and provides engineering services to: Cottonwood, Jackson, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Nobles, Murray, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock and Yellow Medicine Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Soil and Water Conservation Districts tasked with providing conservation engineering assistance to member SWCDs and Southwest Minnesota land users. The Murray SWCD serves as the Host District for this program. Funds to support this program come from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources Nonpoint Engineering Assistance Program. Project assistance is requested through the local SWCD.
TSA Staff:
Russel Hoogendoorn: Engineer - Rock SWCD
Mike Skoglund: Technician - Murray SWCD