MASWCD DEVELOPS VIDEO HIGHLIGHTING THE STATE'S SWCDS |
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In 2018, the Minnesota Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) created an educational video that showcases the important and diverse range of work that SWCD supervisors and staff do each day in partnership with landowners across their beautiful state.
MASWCD Executive Director LeAnn Buck says the reason for creating the video was two-fold. The first reason was to acknowledge that all the districts in the state were the “same, but different.” Geography and needs vary across the state, including working lands, wetlands, urban areas and more; so the association wanted to highlight that diversity and the great work its districts are doing in their own unique areas.
“The thought process [for “same, but different”] is that all of the SWCDs have the same statutory functions in Minnesota,” Buck said. “But at the same time, we wanted to acknowledge the diversity of what the districts do.”
The second reason that MASWCD decided to pursue this video was to elevate district capacity.
“We wanted to have something that was visible and shows what this infrastructure does across the state,” she said. “We wanted to be able to explain to state partners and leaders how shared local and state investments for SWCDs enhance our natural resources.”
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DELAWARE COUNTY SWCD IMPROVES RIVER FLOW, AQUATIC HABITAT AND RECREATION ON THE WHITE RIVER |
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In Muncie, Indiana, where there are numerous dams that are either degraded or no longer needed, the Delaware County SWCD found partners to help fund the removal of two low-head dams and the modification of a third along the White River.
The two dams removed with this project were no longer functional. The first once served a barbed wire factory that was no longer operational and the second simply no longer had a purpose. The third dam included in this project was an encased wastewater interceptor that had become a low-head dam due to its scour on the downstream side of the encasement.
According to David Heilman of FlatLand Resources, a consultant to the SWCD, there were four reasons that this project was necessary:
- Low-head dams are a barrier to fish passage and prevent them from reaching historic spawning grounds. Removing them opens miles of river and stream passages for fish.
- Aquatic habitat is also degraded by low-head dams, because they reduce water and habitat quality for aquatic species. Removing them allows the streams or rivers to return to a natural state and can even reintroduce the ripple and pool structure of the stream or river.
- Low-head dams can be dangerous for recreational activities because of the back current that can be created during high water instances. Removing dams that are no longer necessary or improving the safety of dams that are in place can make the river safer and remove some liability and drowning hazards from the area.
- Taking into account the first three reasons for dam removal or modification, the project could provide an economic opportunity for cities that will now have water flowing through them. The increased safety of recreational activities can spur the growth of sectors for river sports and activities like paddle boarding and kayaking.
The project was completed in 2019, and individuals across the county are thrilled with the results.
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WESTMORELAND CONSERVATION DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS BMPS IN SPECIAL WEB PORTFOLIO |
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In Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, the Westmoreland Conservation District has been working diligently to install best management practices and green infrastructure in the community. These projects, implemented with the help of local partners including local municipalities, school districts, watershed organizations, farmers and the Westmoreland County Community College, have made great strides in preventing water and erosion issues.
To showcase the phenomenal work completed, the district created a BMP portfolio that highlights 45 of the many projects. The portfolio organizes the projects within four categories – watershed restoration, stormwater management, agriculture and dirt, and gravel and low volume roads.
“We stress all of these types of best management practices and wanted to show that these practices are on the ground throughout the county,” said Jen Novak, the district’s education program coordinator.
The projects within the portfolio can also serve as an education tool for individuals and organizations considering implementing these practices. “Some of these projects have become very good examples, so we can send people out to go see them,” Novak said.
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One example of such a project is the Westmoreland County Community College riparian buffer and stormwater retrofit project (pictured right). The implemented buffer and retrofit captures and retains stormwater runoff from the parking lot, reducing the volume of runoff and providing water quality improvements. Novak says that this project has been highlighted in many presentations to district officials, engineers, architects and more because its before and after photos and impacts are dramatic.
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NACD'S PRESIDENTS
ASSOCIATION VIDEO SERIES:
STEVE ROBINSON, MARYSVILLE OH
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As part of our 75th Anniversary celebration, NACD is proud to present our Presidents Association Video Series. In early 2020, we sat down with Presidents Association members, who reflected on their time with the national association, the importance of conservation districts and locally-led conservation, their vision of NACD's legacy and more.
This edition features Steve Robinson of Marysville, Ohio. Robinson has served on the board for Union SWCD for over 30 years and has served NACD in many leadership roles, including being a board member, region chair and national president (2010-2011).
"I think NACD has evolved quite a lot," he said. "I think we have more respect in D.C. than we did 25 years ago. I think there are, you know, folks that appreciate what we bring to the table."
"Really, we're working to get programs back to the states and back to local conservation districts," he said.
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Interested in submitting a story? We're still accepting stories for this special 75th Anniversary newsletter all year round!
You can submit stories as many times as you want. Please provide a short summary of what you are submitting, your contact information and your district/state association's information, and NACD will reach out to you for further information.
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