TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

WETLAND CONSERVATION ACT (WCA)

In 1991 the State Legislature passed a law that was aimed at stopping the loss of wetlands in the state. The law states that no wetland will be drained or filled unless the activity is exempt or the wetland is replaced by restoring or creating a wetland of equal public value. Rules for the WCA were developed by the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). Local government units-cities, counties, watershed management organizations, soil and water conservation districts, and townships-implement the act locally. The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources administers the act statewide, and the Department of Natural Resources enforces it.

FEDERAL WETLAND REGULATIONS

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also regulates many wetland alteration activities in Minnesota under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - St. Paul District Regulatory Programs for more information.

ENGINEERING

Through joint powers agreement with other districts in the area, the Carlton SWCD can offer project evaluation to county residents. In some cases the federal agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) may also be used for this engineering assistance. Conservation engineering staff will look at the project and develop options for solutions including cost estimates. Types of projects that this assistance is available for include:

After the project has been evaluated, the Carlton SWCD can often provide financial assistance to install the required conservation practice.

To set up an appointment to have your conservation project evaluated contact the SWCD office at 218/384-3891.

CONSERVATION PLANNING AND PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

Certified Forest Stewardship Planning

A Certified Forest Stewardship Plan entitles its holder to enroll in the Sustainable Forestry Incentives Act (SFIA) Program. After meeting the other program requirements, a landowner is eligible for an annual incentive payment of between $1.50 and $2.50 per acre. This is an incentive paid by the State of Minnesota for practicing sound forest management. The Soil and Water Conservation District ("SWCD") can complete a Forest Stewardship plan for county residents. The base price for a Certified Forest Stewardship Plan is $210. An additional fee is $6.50 per acre will be charged for the field work portion of the plan.

Stewardship Plan Update

Updating your Forest Stewardship Plan is recommended as priorities change. The SFIA program requires a plan of a maximum of ten (10) years old to qualify for the program. A Stewardship Plan update would cost the same base price of $210. The fieldwork charge would be $2.50 per acre.

Conservation Project Planning

Part of the requirements of the SFIA program is that the stewardship plan is actively implemented. Projects like wildlife habitat plantings, tree plantings, windbreaks, soil conserving buffers along streams or lakes, trail development and management, and even timber thinning and harvesting can enhance a forest.

The Carlton County SWCD can provide project planning for implementation of the projects identified in a Stewardship Plan. The project plan includes specific project recommendations, a materials list, a cost estimate and possible funding sources. The charge for a project plan is $90.

Conservation Planting Project Implementation

There are many important components to a successful planting. Depending on the size and location of the planting the SWCD will do the planting or contract with local planters to complete the project and work as your project manager. Either way the project will be completed according to the specifications in the planting plan.

The costs for these projects vary depending on the project type. If you would like the Carlton SWCD to provide project planting and implementation services, please contact us through any of the options listed in contact information.

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