6.3. SR 10-15-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Forestry Programs The gravel bed tree program has been providing plant materials for urban tree planting since 2014. Trees have been used in Elk River Parks, Blvds and ROWs – helping to mitigate stormwater, save energy and improve aesthetics. In 2018, 37 trees were provided. The Citizen Pruner Program has been assisting in the maintenance of trees since 2014, performing structural pruning to increase the long-term structural integrity of this important green infrastructure. Volunteers are trained through the U of M Urban Forestry Department and are led by SWCD staff at organized events. In 2017 volunteers pruned at 10 Elk River locations, giving 78 hours to prune 182 trees. Private onsite consultations for tree health are performed at no charge to County Residents by the SWCD Forest Resource Specialist. In 2018, 31 Elk River Properties received technical assistance with tree and forest management/pest and disease control. Healthy trees and forests can infiltrate stormwater, reduce erosion, and reduce rainfall-soil impact velocity which means less polluted runoff making its way into lakes and streams. In fact, SWCD staff have estimated that the Elk River tree community mitigates 4.3 million gallons of stormwater each year, along with providing over $85,000 in economic value. Agricultural Programs Cover crops are beneficial plants that are put in place on a field either between crop rows or at times when crop are not planted (following harvest, prior to planting). These cover crops may be harvested for use of some type, but their main benefit is the role they play in nutrient retention and soil erosion reduction. This is a reoccurring program in which the SWCD and federal partners implement roughly 340 acres of cover crops each year. SWCD staff work with the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to oversee compliance related to the Minnesota Buffer Law (MN Statutes section 103B.101), along with providing technical and financial assistance to landowners needing to install buffers. Minnesota Buffer Initiative requires a 16.5 foot buffer from all public drainage ditches and a 50 foot average buffer on public waters. Sherburne SWCD has worked with landowners to reach 99.9% county-wide compliance ahead of the November 1st, 2018 deadline. BWSR will be overseeing enforcement matters if any arise. Prairie Program The SWCD assists landowners with design and financing to establish diverse, native prairie on our sandy soils. Prairies reduce soil erosion, reduce greenhouse gases, increase pollinator habitat, are low maintenance and drought tolerant. Special funding is available to projects which incorporate plant species that are preferred by monarch butterflies. In 2018, Sherburne SWCD assisted 14 county property owners with prairie establishment projects. 9