Wadena Soil & Water Conservation District
Established in 1958, the Wadena Soil & Water Conservation District was organized by local farmers, with help from the Agricultural Extension Service.
Advancing Markets for Producers
The third, and final, sign-up period is open now for the Advancing Markets for Producers (formerly the Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture) pilot program.
Producers in eight Minnesota counties may be eligible to receive $100 per acre or animal unit for integrating climate-smart agricultural practices into their farming operations. Climate-smart practices are those that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase soil health, and improve water quality.
2025 Feedlot Registration
Minnesota feedlot owners must update their feedlot registration once every four years by submitting either an MPCA feedlot registration form or a feedlot permit application. The upcoming deadline for maintaining a current feedlot registration is December 31, 2025. Information needed to update a feedlot registration includes location, type of operation, and the number of livestock.
Because of this, feedlot owners in Wadena County are encouraged to stop by our office between 8:00am and 4:30pm on Thursday, July 24th, to update their feedlot information. Complementary refreshments will also be available during this time.
Free Nitrate Water Testing Clinics
Homeowners who rely on private wells for their drinking water supply should test for nitrates on a regular basis. Visit us at one of our free nitrate testing clinics to have your well water tested.
Next clinic dates:
August 8, 2025 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Lions Community Center, 109 1st Ave SE, Verndale MN
August 21, 2025 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Menahga City Hall, 115 2nd St NE, Menahga MN
Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment
On November 4th, 2008, Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to the state constitution. The Amendment increases the sales and use tax rate by three-eighths of one percent, starting July 1, 2009 and continuing through 2034.
Amendment dollars are dedicated to four funds:
- Outdoor Heritage Fund
- Parks and Trails Fund
- Cultural Heritage Fund
- Clean Water Fund
Local Soil and Water Conservation District offices may apply for money from the Clean Water Fund to fund local projects. The Clean Water Fund was created to:
- Protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater
- Protect drinking water sources
The Clean Water Funds are distributed through the Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR). BWSR grants provide the funding to local units of government to deliver soil and water conservation services to their communities. Grant funds support and increase local capacity to implement programs and provide cost-share to landowners who install conservation practices on the land to benefit state water and soil resource.
The Legacy Logo (above) identifies projects funded by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.
