Erasing erosion

Mower SWCD leads field projects in Cedar, Root

2022 Field Structures

A dozen projects were built to control the ongoing erosion issues at the sites either in the crop field or in an adjacent area. The map of Mower County to the right shows the project locations from 2022 with black dots.

Out of those projects, Mower SWCD led the construction of eight grassed waterways totaling the length of three miles overall. Staff also oversaw the creation of several gradestabilization structures and water-andsediment control basins.

Two of the projects were built just on the other side of the Mower County line, with one near Hickory Lake in Freeborn County and one in Fillmore County. Mower SWCD got involved with those projects as part of the collaborative “One Watershed, One Plan” work with other SWCDs in the Cedar River (western Mower) and Root River (eastern Mower) watersheds.

In 2023, Mower SWCD has plans ready for constructing about double the number of field projects than in 2022. The main focus areas for those projects are the headwaters of Dobbins Creek (Cedar River watershed) and the North Branch of the Root River.

With an expected, major increase in federal EQIP funding, even more projects are expected to be built in 2024.

Landowners and farmers who have erosion concerns on their land are encouraged to contact Mower SWCD to start discussions about options for addressing the issue and possible cost-share funding for the work.

Mower SWCD watershed conservationist Paul Hunter is the main contact for those with resource concerns in their fields located in Mower County.