Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Learn about Best Management Practices by exploring the Ag BMP Handbook for Minnesota. The updated handbook includes a definition for each BMP; estimates of the effectiveness of each practice based on existing literature; costs and other economic considerations for each BMP; and potential barriers to BMP adoption.  The updated handbook includes a definition for each BMP; estimates of the effectiveness of each practice based on existing literature; costs and other economic considerations for each BMP; and potential barriers to BMP adoption. 

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Financial Assistance Programs for BMPs
 

Cost Share

Landowners can request financial and technical assistance for the implementation of approved conservation practices that protect and improve water quality. The program provides up to percent of total or a flat rate of the total eligible costs of a practice. The SWCD Board of Supervisors approves or denies all cost share contract requests. A contract between the SWCD and landowner needs to be approved before the project can begin.
 

For example, Faribault County Cost Share 

• Cover Crops

• Grade Stabilization Structures

• Grass Waterways

• Strip Till

• Water and Sediment Control Basins

• Unused Well Sealing (50%)

Conservation Easements

CREP, Wetland Bank, and other easements involve the acquisition of limited rights in land for conservation purposes. Landowners who offer the state a conservation easement receive a payment to stop cropping, and in turn establish conservation practices such as native grass or wetland restorations. The easement is recorded on the land title with the county recorder and transfers with the land when the parcel is sold.

For example, Faribault County Conservation Easements
 

Additional Programs

Additional financial assistance may be available through state or federal programs. These competitive grants are applied for and administered through the SWCD for implementation of specific targeted projects in a priority area. 

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Contact

Contact your local SWCD or NRCS or more information