Funding available for conservation in local watersheds

To continue protecting and preserving our county’s land and water resources, the Scott SWCD has been awarded funds from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources and local funding partners to carry out conservation-minded projects for local landowners. Funds go directly towards implementing voluntary projects that will improve local water quality.

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What types of projects are eligible for funding?

The Scott SWCD helps protect local watersheds by helping you install conservation projects on your land that will improve our local water quality. Conservation projects include:

And more! For a full list of applicable projects, call the Scott SWCD office at 952-492-5425.

While financial incentives are available for the implementation of projects that enter into a cost-share agreement with the Scott SWCD, free technical assistance is always available to landowners for any soil and water saving initiative.

Conservation projects can be accomplished by anyone—regardless of experience—with the resources and support from the Scott SWCD and its partners!

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What does conservation cost share look like?

Conservation technical assistance and cost share is the Scott SWCD's bread and butter program. As a local unit of government, the Scott SWCD provides free site visits to Scott County residents to discuss water quality and erosion concerns and natural habitat expansion opportunities.

Staff provide free technical assistance for things like construction plans, supply vendors and contractors, and project planting and maintenance.

If a resident is interested in implementing a conservation improvement project on their land, they can choose to enter into a contract with the Scott SWCD. Contracts will allow for residents to receive cost share for their work. Contracts specify the work that is to be done, making sure the projects are installed to State natural resource standards. Typically, contracts last five to nine years to ensure that the project installed provides long-lasting benefits to the land.

Types of cost share:

There are two types of cost share within the Scott SWCD's program. Cost share type is dependent on the project that is being installed and will be clarified by SWCD as they work with residents to put together a project application.

1. Percent Based

   1. Reimbursement to help offset conservation project establishment costs. Ranges from 50% to 90% of eligible project expenses depending on practice type.

   2. Eligible project expenses can include but are not limited to:

      1. Contractor fees

      2. Construction materials (i.e. native plants/seeds, grading material, erosion control supplies)

      3. Construction equipment rental

      4. Excavation labor

2. Flat Rate

   1. Reimbursement based on dollar amounts per unit installed (e.g. $/acre). 

      Flat Rate can be one-time or multi-year installments.

Typical Conservation Project Timeline

This diagram gives a generalized overview of the SWCD grant and construction project timelines. Please know that processes vary by project type. 

It should be noted that all cost share projects with the Scott SWCD are reimbursement-based. All projects will be certified complete with paid invoices provided (when applicable) before payment is distributed.

And as a reminder, residents may always choose to utilize the Scott SWCD for technical assistance without entering into a cost share contract.

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What areas of Scott County are eligible for project funding?

Because of the numerous state-wide programs the Scott SWCD partners with, conservation funding is available to all interested landowners in Scott County! Areas that fall within special Watershed District boundaries (See below map for boundary areas) may be eligible for additional funding sources for certain projects.

Watershed district boundaries in Scott County include:

• The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD)

• The Prior Lake Spring Lake Watershed District (PLSLWD)

• The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO)

For those that live outside of watershed districts, substantial funding is made available at the county level thanks to partnerships with the Scott Watershed Management Organization (SWMO).

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What is a watershed?

Watersheds refer to any area of land where rain and snow drains off into a common location, such as a river, lake, or wetland. These watersheds, and all other watersheds in Scott County, direct water that will flow into the Minnesota River, which drains to the Mississippi, and continues flowing south past our State borders.

All residents of Scott County live within a watershed. Every part of the land we live, work, and relax on has impacts on our nearby lakes, rivers, and streams down the line. Protection of our local watersheds is essential to protecting larger water systems downstream.