Check out our Fall Newsletter 2023
Henrichs Farms named Stevens SWCD Outstanding Conservationists 2022!
Click below to read the complete article in our Fall Newsletter!
The Stevens SWCD is hiring a full time Assistant Technician.
Salary $19.24-$25.84 per hour depending on experience.
Click here to read the full position announcement. Click here to access the application online. If you would like to request the application in an alternative format, please message chris.staebler@stevensswcd.org.
Stevens SWCD is an equal opportunity employer.
HELP CONSERVE OUR COUNTY’S SOIL AND WATER
This November, voters in Stevens County will head to the polls to elect a variety of governmental positions, including for supervisors of the Stevens Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). If you live in one of the supervisor districts up for election – and are interested in being involved with local water quality and natural-resource issues – I encourage you to consider running for supervisor. Individuals can file with the county auditor from May 17 to May 31.
SWCDs are local units of government, and supervisors are elected to four-year terms that are staggered to have two or three supervisors up for election every two years. SWCD’s hold monthly business meetings and attend various conferences throughout the year. Supervisors do not receive a salary however they do receive compensation for attending meetings and are reimbursed for expenses.
Supervisors play an important role in addressing a wide variety of resource-management issues aimed at protecting and improving water quality, properly managing wetlands, and enhancing soil health. Our SWCD employees work with landowners and other government units in rural and urban settings to provide financial and technical assistance for conservation efforts.
This year, Stevens SWCD has two supervisor positions up for election. SWCD candidates appear on the ballot for the Nov. 8, 2022, general election. SWCD candidates outside of Minnesota’s metro area are elected countywide but must reside in one of the supervisor districts up for election. Positions on this year’s ballot will include supervisor districts 2 and 3. Supervisor district 2 includes the townships of Eldorado, Everglade, Donnelly, Pepperton and supervisor district 3 includes the townships of Baker, Stevens and Synnes. SWCD supervisors serve four-year terms.
SWCD supervisors meet monthly to discuss business, including state-grant allocations to landowners; district conservation priorities; coordination with other local units of government and state agencies; and legislative priorities.
For more information about the SWCD Board of Supervisors election process, click here for the 2022 election guide.
The Household Hazardous Waste Collections are set in Stevens County for 2022, locations in Morris and Chokio.
For more information or questions please call Stevens County Environmental Services 320-208-6558.
click below for dates/times
Keep our lakes clean from aquatic invasive species! Clean Drain Dry!
Contact: Judy Johnston, Stevens SWCD — judy.johnston@stevensswcd.org
Dane Huinker – Wildlife Forever – Dhuinker@wildlifeforever.org
(Morris, MN) – As fishing and boating seasons officially kick off on Saturday, May 15th, Wildlife Forever, (Stevens SWCD) and leading conservation groups from across the state and country proclaim Saturday, May 15th as Clean Drain Dry Day. Supporting organizations have signed a Conservation Proclamation to highlight the importance of invasive species awareness when boating and angling.
During the pandemic, millions of new boaters and anglers purchased boats, fishing licenses and equipment, in search of safe outdoor activities. Educating this new audience about invasive species and the Clean Drain Dry conservation practices is important to protect the resource and future of outdoor recreation. Invasive species are preventable; their spread can be slowed by giving every craft a thorough inspection before and after entering a waterbody.
“Fishing and boating season is a great time to enjoy the thousands of lakes and waterways that Minnesota has to offer. However, to protect our state’s waters we must be diligent. Invasive species are preventable, and everyone needs to do their part to stop the spread. Every boat, every time,” said Sarah Strommen, MN Department of Natural Resources Commissioner.
Fishing and boating generate 300 billion dollars to the U.S. economy where revenues are used to fund habitat restoration, stocking, and other conservation efforts. Invasive species pose a direct threat to local economies and natural resources by reducing biodiversity, water quality and impeding access for recreation. Clean Drain Dry Day is a moment to remind all recreational users of the simple steps to help prevent invasive species spread.
Organizations supporting May 15th as Clean Drain Dry Day include:
National: American Sportfishing Association, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, Boat US Foundation, CD3, Major League Fishing, Marine Max, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, National Marine Manufacturers Association, National Professional Anglers Association, North American Invasive Species Management Association, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, Rep Your Water, TruFishing, Wildlife Forever, Wired2Fish, Yamaha Rightwaters.
State/Local: North Dakota Game and Fish, Ohio DNR Division of Wildlife, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, Beltrami County, Benton County, Crow Wing County, Nicollet County, North St. Louis SWCD, Red Lake County SWCD, Sibley SWCD, Wright SWCD, The Maine B.A.S.S. Nation, The Michigan B.A.S.S Nation, Upper Sugar River Watershed Association, Voyageurs Conservancy.
“Minnesota is a leader with invasive species prevention. I want to thank (Governor Walz for his support in recognizing the countless partners working together to protect our natural resources. I look forward to working more closely with our industry and community stakeholders,” said Pat Conzemius, President & CEO of Wildlife Forever.
“(Organization) is dedicated to protecting our community from the impacts caused by AIS. I want to thank our local and state partners for working together to educate the importance of Clean Drain Dry,” said (NAME).
Clean Drain Dry Day also kicks off National Invasive Species Awareness Week with activities planned across the country. Contact your local organizations to organize activities such as: public awareness events, invasive species removal projects, or meetings with elected officials to engage them on how they can help better protect local communities from invasive species.
View Governor Walz Clean Drain Dry Day Proclamation here: https://www.wildlifeforever.org/2021/05/11/governor-proclaims-clean-drain-dry-day/
Clean Drain Dry Initiative™ – Designed nationally, implemented locally, it is the national campaign to educate outdoor recreational users on how to prevent the spread of invasive species. Coordinated messaging focuses on consistency, professional marketing, communication tools, and educational materials.
About Wildlife Forever: Our mission is to conserve America’s fish and wildlife heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat and management of fish and wildlife. Wildlife Forever is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to investing resources on the ground. Recent audits reveal that 96% of every dollar supports our award-winning conservation programs. Join Today. To learn more about Wildlife Forever membership and conservation programs, visit: www.WildlifeForever.org.
Stevens SWCD:
The mission of Stevens Soil and Water Conservation District is to work with county landowners in putting conservation practices on the land and to help all citizens be good stewards of our natural resources. www.stevensswcd.org
Join us next Saturday April 17 at the Stevens SWCD shop, 10:00-11:30, for a Rain Garden Workshop. We will cover, planning for a rain garden, planting, native plants and maintenance. Now is your chance to see if a rain garden would be beneficial for your landscape.
