Pine County Soil & Water Conservation District reports record project activity, seeks staff capacity for watershed work
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Summary
Paul Swanson, district manager, told commissioners the Soil & Water Conservation District implemented 21 conservation projects in 2024, leveraged watershed funding, and is planning additional projects in 2025 while evaluating the feasibility of adding two staff positions to handle growing implementation workloads.
Paul Swanson, district manager of the Pine County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), briefed the board on 2024 accomplishments and 2025 plans, emphasizing an increase in project implementation and the need for additional staff capacity to manage watershed‑driven work.
Highlights from 2024:
- Implemented 21 conservation projects across the county, including eight shoreline projects, a streambank/channel stabilization, wetland restorations, forestry projects and well sealing; the SWCD reported approximately $171,172 in cost‑share payments administered from state and watershed funds. - Outreach and education events expanded (Cookout on the Farm, school lessons, conservation conversations) and the district is working with watershed partners on lake assessments and alum feasibility studies (Pine and Big Pine lakes).
Looking ahead: Swanson said seven projects are contracted for 2025 (forestry, shoreline restoration, pollinator planting, and other agricultural practices) and the district plans three outreach events, including a forestry workshop and a watershed bus tour.
Staffing and funding: The SWCD is exploring the feasibility of adding two positions—an education/outreach specialist and a lead technician/project coordinator—to handle growing implementation and administrative workload tied to watershed funding. Swanson noted that watershed‑based implementation funding is the dominant source for conservation work and stressed the need to secure staff capacity to deliver projects successfully.
Commissioner questions focused on the economic benefit of conservation investment, and Swanson agreed to provide a study showing a statewide return (the district cited a state study indicating $1.81 generated for each $1 invested in conservation projects).
Why it matters: The SWCD’s work delivers conservation practices that reduce erosion, improve water quality and support agricultural resilience. The district’s ability to scale implementation depends on funding continuity and staff capacity to administer projects.
Documentation: Swanson provided year‑end accomplishments and a summary of watershed partnership activities, and he offered to share the referenced economic study with commissioners.
