FAQs/Who Do I Call?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Although SWCDs are independent local units of government, they have a unique relationship with county government. Since SWCDs do not have taxing authority, they must rely on county government to supplement their operating expenses. SWCDs must submit an annual budget to the county board. Some county boards treat their SWCD like other county departments and fund it on a relative scale with other county departments. The level of county support depends on the strength of the relationship between the two boards. From a planning standpoint and a resource protection standpoint, it makes sense that SWCDs and counties work closely toward common goals. By using the county’s taxing authority and ordinance functions, the SWCD is able to accomplish some things it would be unable to do alone.
Counties often delegate state programs to the SWCD such as administering the Wetland Conservation Act, local water planning program, Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention program, or county agricultural inspector program. The county provides the funding to implement those programs.
[credit: BWSR]
The Kanabec Soil and Water Conservation District was established by a majority vote of the people in the district on August 11, 1950. The State of Minnesota certified the status of Kanabec SWCD as a governmental subdivision of the state and a public body on September 21, 1950. The Kanabec SWCD Board of Supervisors first met on January 1, 1951, and the first work program was adopted on May 25, 1951.
No, we do not charge a fee for an initial site visit to discuss your goals or concerns related to soil, water, or conservation on your property. While our staff is happy to meet with landowners, the number of visits we can accommodate for a single property each year may be limited based on staff availability. Rest assured, you will never be asked to pay for a visit without prior agreement. Our main constraint is the amount of time our staff can dedicate to site visits.
Additionally, we frequently have full or partial cost-share funding available for projects that support watershed health in our community, but we always need folks to partner with us to make it happen, so please reach out to inquire about your goals or concerns!
Absolutely! Kanabec SWCD is here to help you address your resource concerns. Our team specializes in leveraging available technical, financial, and educational resources—regardless of their source—and tailoring or coordinating them to meet the specific needs of local landowners for the conservation of soil, water, and other natural resources.
While this is not an exhaustive list, you're encouraged to call us about any concerns or goals you have for:
- Water quality (e.g., contaminants to drinking water in your well)
- Soil erosion
- Flooding
- Agricultural productivity
- Preservation of natural resources
- Maintaining the navigability of rivers and streams
- Pollinator and wildlife habitat improvements
- Development of your property
- Well closures
- Forestry and tree projects
- Septic systems
- Manure pit closures
- Prevention of impairment of dams and reservoirs
- Anything else regarding soil, water, and related resources
We work on a variety of conservation efforts throughout the year and frequently have funding available for partial or full cost-share on watershed-friendly projects, so please don't hesitate to reach out and chat with our staff!
Who Do I Call?
Aquatic Invasive Species
- Aquatic plant mangement permitting: Little Falls office, (320) 616-2450 ext. 235
- General questions/topics: Central Region - North District (St. Cloud) office
Terrestrial Invasive Species (general)
- View the contacts for the Central Region office
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/index.html
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Kanabec SWCD
(320) 679-1391
2008 Mahogany Street, Suite 3, Mora, MN 55051
Call the USDA Farm Service Agency (320) 679-2080
Local Drinking Water Testing
Call Kanabec County Community Health (320) 679-6330
Pick up is every Tuesday & Thursday at 10:00 AM.
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Well Testing and Evaluation (Nitrate)
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s groundwater nitrate testing and evaluation program is targeted to sensitive areas of the state. An area is considered sensitive if the groundwater is prone to contamination. The goal is to develop a broad knowledge of nitrate in drinking water wells (public and private).
Nitrate data is collected from public and private wells in sensitive areas. The samples are tested and the results are summarized.
Private Wells
Private wells are voluntarily tested through the Township Testing Program and the Private Well Network. The MDA does follow-up visits, if necessary, to confirm the results from the Township Testing Program.
Next, the results are evaluated. The MDA reports the overall pattern of nitrate levels in wells within defined areas. The testing results are the basis for taking action as described in the Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan.
Public Wells
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is responsible for monitoring pollution in public wells within wellhead protection areas (WHPAs), including nitrate. The MDA coordinates with the MDH to obtain monitoring data from public water suppliers that collect nitrate samples.
The MDA and the MDH evaluate the nitrate results to determine if they meet the screening criteria and are the most representative of the raw water. The samples could include raw water, finished water, or water from other area wells; however raw water is more appropriate for understanding actual nitrate conditions. If the opportunity exists, nitrate data from private wells within WHPAs will be considered as well.
Kanabec SWCD
(320) 679-1391
2008 Mahogany Street, Suite 3, Mora, MN 55051
OR
MN Department of Natural Resources (320) 679-3683
Call the Kanabec County Auditor-Treasurer's Office (320) 679-6466
Call the Kanabec County Assessor's Office (320) 679-6420
Shoreline Restoration/Management
Shoreland Zoning Permits
Building within 1,000 feet of a lake, or 300 feet of a river? Call Kanabec County Environmental Services (320) 679-6456
Soil Testing for Landowners and Agricultural Producers
Call the University of Minnesota Soil Lab (612) 625-3101
Call the Natural Resources Conservation Service (320) 679-3781
OR
Kanabec SWCD
(320) 679-1391
2008 Mahogany Street, Suite 3, Mora, MN 55051
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Forestry Tax Programs
Kanabec SWCD
(320) 679-1391
2008 Mahogany Street, Suite 3, Mora, MN 55051
Kanabec County Environmental Services (320) 679-6456
Call your local government office (County or Township).
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City of Mora (320) 679-1511
City of Ogilvie (320) 272-4822
Township Clerks
- Ann Lake (320) 364-0117
- Arthur (320) 679-1347
- Brunswick (320) 679-3643
- Comfort (320) 237-3919
- Ford (320) 679-2425
- Grass Lake (763) 464-4674
- Haybrook (320) 364-0517
- Hillman (320) 583-8691
- Kanabec (320) 272-0146
- Knife Lake (320) 679-2408
- Kroschel (218) 766-6529
- Peace (320) 679-4644
- Pomroy (320) 384-0474
- South Fork (320) 515-1938
- Whited (320) 679-9243