Soil and Water Conservation District reports 21 projects in 2024, seeks staffing to manage increased funds

Paul Swanston, district manager for the Pine County Soil and Water Conservation District, told the board the district implemented 21 conservation projects in 2024 — its busiest year in memory — including shoreline restorations, stream‑bank stabilization and wetland restorations, and reported $172,102 in cost-share disbursements. He said much of the work is funded through the watershed-based implementation grants and Clean Water Fund dollars and that the district has leveraged federal partners and NRCS funding for some projects.

Swanston said the district has contracted seven projects for 2025 (four forestry projects, a shoreline hillside restoration, a pollinator planting and a cover-crop agricultural project) and is planning outreach events including a forestry workshop and migratory-bird day. He noted that as watershed-based funding grows, the workload and administrative needs rise and the district is evaluating adding two staff positions — an education/outreach coordinator and a lead technician — over the next five years if funds allow.

Commissioners asked about watershed boundaries and long-term capacity; Swanston said the state and association conversations are ongoing and that districts are working with state partners to align staff capacity to funding levels.