HLWD takes a multipronged
approach to fulfilling mission
approach to fulfilling mission
The Heron Lake Watershed District offers its residents a smorgasbord of cost-share programs, loans and grants as it seeks to fulfill its mission of protecting and improving the water resources within its boundaries.
Established in February 1970 at the request of commissioners in Cottonwood, Jackson, Murray and Nobles counties, the district exists to conserve and make provident use of its waters and natural resources, promote flood control, stabilize the banks of streams, inform people in the watershed of issues and protect the health and welfare of the watershed. The district has the authority to levy taxes to fund water quality projects, financial assistance programs and educational opportunities for its residents.
The list of programs, loans and grants the district administers in support of its mission is extensive.
Qualifying landowners can apply for low-interest loans for septic system replacements through the district. Loans are to be repaid over seven years with an interest rate of 3 percent through property taxes. Loan funds are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis and landowners or contractors must contact the HLWD office before construction begins to qualify for this program.
The district offers start-up cost assistance to landowners looking to plant cover crops, which improve soil health and water quality, as well as ways to help landowners implement best management practices.
Grant funds are also available for what district officials term “multi-year projects,” including wetland and prairie restoration and pond construction geared toward wildlife habitat support.
The district also has a long history of securing grant funding for research that informs best management practices, as well as for the implementation of those practices.
Past research grants have focused on soil health and the effects of cover crops on soil temperature and soil moisture. Previous implementation grants have funded the installation of water and sediment control basins and additional wetland restoration work on local drainage ditches.
A current grant is allowing the district to partner with the Minnesota Land Trust, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever to acquire land for wildlife management.
The HLWD is overseen by a five-member board of managers. Wayne Rasche of Jackson County serves as board chair, with Randy Lubben of Nobles County serving as vice chair and Cory Reith of Murray County serving as board secretary. Other board members include Travis Sievers of Nobles County and Phil Kruger of Jackson County. The HLWD office is located in the city of Heron Lake.
Established in February 1970 at the request of commissioners in Cottonwood, Jackson, Murray and Nobles counties, the district exists to conserve and make provident use of its waters and natural resources, promote flood control, stabilize the banks of streams, inform people in the watershed of issues and protect the health and welfare of the watershed. The district has the authority to levy taxes to fund water quality projects, financial assistance programs and educational opportunities for its residents.
The list of programs, loans and grants the district administers in support of its mission is extensive.
Qualifying landowners can apply for low-interest loans for septic system replacements through the district. Loans are to be repaid over seven years with an interest rate of 3 percent through property taxes. Loan funds are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis and landowners or contractors must contact the HLWD office before construction begins to qualify for this program.
The district offers start-up cost assistance to landowners looking to plant cover crops, which improve soil health and water quality, as well as ways to help landowners implement best management practices.
Grant funds are also available for what district officials term “multi-year projects,” including wetland and prairie restoration and pond construction geared toward wildlife habitat support.
The district also has a long history of securing grant funding for research that informs best management practices, as well as for the implementation of those practices.
Past research grants have focused on soil health and the effects of cover crops on soil temperature and soil moisture. Previous implementation grants have funded the installation of water and sediment control basins and additional wetland restoration work on local drainage ditches.
A current grant is allowing the district to partner with the Minnesota Land Trust, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever to acquire land for wildlife management.
The HLWD is overseen by a five-member board of managers. Wayne Rasche of Jackson County serves as board chair, with Randy Lubben of Nobles County serving as vice chair and Cory Reith of Murray County serving as board secretary. Other board members include Travis Sievers of Nobles County and Phil Kruger of Jackson County. The HLWD office is located in the city of Heron Lake.
