Current Projects and Events
There are several new projects that we are working on in conjunction with the MPCA. The MPCA has adopted a Watershed Approach. Hubbard County SWCD is comprised of three different watersheds, Crow Wing, Leech Lake River, and Mississippi River (Headwaters). The Crow Wing Watershed is now in its second phase. In this phase, we will be looking at the data that was compiled during Phase 1 and identify Priority Management Zones for areas of protection and/or restoration. We are planning public meetings on the findings, check back often for time and place.
The Leech Lake River Watershed is in Phase 1. In this phase, we are addressing planning and coordinating efforts as well as preliminary stressor identification (stressor ID) work. We are also working on watershed citizen awareness. There is a Leech Lake Watershed Healthy Waters Event on May 10, 2012. Click here for more information.
Hubbard County adopted an Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force to do everything possible to eliminate all opportunities and pathways for the spread of AIS to Hubbard County lakes. Mark Sommer (District Manager) is one of the task force members. If you have any questions about AIS or how you could help, please contact Mark.
Our 2012 Tree Program is in progress. Click on the link to take you to the tree program page.
SWCD Supervisor Election
The filing period to run for Hubbard County SWCD Supervisor is open from May 22 to June 5, 2012. Anyone concerned about environmental issues in Hubbard County should consider filing to run for the position of Supervisor of the Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District. Supervisors play an important role in bow our community deals with a wide variety of resource management issues, including wetlands, water quality, and soil erosion. Serving as a supervisor is a terrific opportunity for people who want a voice in how we use our environment.
Districts 1, 2 and 3 are open for election in 2012. Please view the map of Hubbard County to see which District you live in.
Anyone interested in filing to run for supervisor should contact us at 218-732-0121. Candidates may file at the Hubbard County Auditor's office by June 5, 2012.
Central MN Irrigation Workshop
Hubbard and Wadena County hosted an Irrigation Workshop at the Menahga VFW on Wednesday, March 14, 2012. We discussed methods to estimate plant water use, field verification of current soil water conditions, access to local and regional climatic information, and opportunities to test irrigation water for nitrogen crediting. The Adaptive Nitrogen Management Program offers participants guided stalk sampling at no cost. Contact our office or click on the link for more information.
Summer Conservation Apprentice Opportunity
Our SWCD was chosen again this year to receive an apprentice through the Conservation Corp. The apprentice will be funded through the MN Environment and Natural Resource Trust Fund and LCCMR. The goal of this program is to train and mentor future conservation professionals by providing apprenticeship service opportunities to Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Apprentices will serve as AmeriCorps members and will receive a monthly living stipend and an education award of $1,468 to use towards qualifying education and student loan expenses. The member will serve from May 21st through August 17th.
Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Inspectors
With Aquatic Invasive Species infestations surrounding our beautiful county, the lake associations wanted to take a proactive approach to the issue. This year, Hubbard County SWCD along with area lake associations, have teamed up to provide AIS Watercraft Inspectors on area public accesses.
