What We Do
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Cost Share & Incentive Program
The Scott Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Scott Watershed Management Organization (SWMO) sponsor a joint cost share and incentive program for water quality improvement projects. For the most recent cost-share information, stay tuned to this page or visit SWCD's page.
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Credit River
The Credit River is being removed from the Impaired Waters List. The River was originally listed in 2002 as impaired based on turbidity. In the Credit River water clarity and turbidity are related to the amount of sediment suspended in the flowing water. Recent data, however, shows that the River no longer exceeds the water quality standard.
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Sand Creek Watershed
Sand Creek Watershed is located in Scott, Rice, and Le Sueur Counties. The water quality was tested in this watershed because of concerned citizens. This page contains the results of those studies.
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Key Partnerships
SWMO believes that strong partnerships are key to getting projects on the ground. Alliances with these agencies has enabled SWMO to complete projects throughout our watersheds and have directly contributed to improved water quality for Scott County citizens. For examples of projects, watch for SWMO's Story Maps and factsheets.
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Funding Clean Water
This page is a list of the partners that have contributed to funding clean water in the SWMO watershed.
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Lakes
The Scott WMO works in partnership with local groups on improving the water quality of lakes prioritized in it's Watershed Management Plan. Lake fact sheets can be found here as well.
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Macroinvertebrate
The Macroinvertebrate program is intended to further monitor water quality of our streams but through the assessment of biological organisms (macroinvertebrates), which are invertebrate microorganisms, i.e. dragonfly larvae, stonefly larvae, etc. The presence or lack thereof certain species can be indicative to the health of the stream.
Project Factsheets
Examples of Projects and Programs
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Capital Improvement Projects: grants may be available for large projects that improve water quality. Contact SWMO about partnering on large-scale projects.
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Shoreline Stabilization Projects (Pictured: staff and volunteers plant native grasses, which have roots up to 15 feet deep!)
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Shoreline Stabilization Projects: native plants lock in soil to stabilize the shores of Cedar Lake.
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Shoreline Stabilization Projects (Pictured: Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park shoreline in 2015, 3 years after volunteers/staff planted it.)
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Shoreline Stabilization Projects (Pictured: cedar trees are used to temporarily halt erosion which helps establish native plants.)
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Native Plant Buffers: native plants buffer Lake O'Dowd from pollutants.
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Native Plant Buffers: keep our waters clean and provide habitat for wildlife, plant native!
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Stormwater Solutions: control stormwater run-off with rain gardens. (Pictured: raingardens installed in 2015 at Cleary Lake Regional Park.)
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Nutrient Management: excess phosphorous causes algae blooms (like in this photo). Contact SWMO for treatment options.
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Nutrient Management: bioswales absorb excess nutrients before they enter our waters.
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Nutrient Management on Croplands: protect your water and reduce soil loss, plant native grass buffers.
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Erosion Control on Croplands: berms can slow stormwater, reducing nutrient and soil loss.
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Water Quality Sampling and Testing: is your lake impaired?
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Aquatic Plant and Animal Surveys (Pictured: Melissa Bokman holds up a large clump of Curly-Leaf Pondweed.)
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Invasive Species Management (Pictured: Cedar Lake Curly-Leaf Pondweed treatment)
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Ravine Stabilization Projects: tired of soil erosion mucking up streams? Contact SWMO.
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Sedimentation Management: erosion causes soil and other materials to be transported downstream. Sometimes culverts and other constricted areas can get plugged up. Contact SWMO for options.