Fillmore SWCD
Promoting Natural Resource Stewardship
Proposals DUE: September 18th, 4:00 PM
Total Project Budget: Not to Exceed $250,000
I. Project Description
Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is soliciting proposals from qualified agricultural retailers, cooperatives, crop consulting firms, and related agricultural service providers to deliver conservation agronomy services and promote enrollment in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) within Fillmore County, Minnesota.
The Root River Watershed Partnership has initiated a plan renewal amendment of the Root River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for the next 10-year planning cycle and invites all interested stakeholders to participate in this process.
About the Root River Watershed Planning Area
The Root River Watershed (RRW) is located in southeastern Minnesota and spans portions of Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, and Winona Counties. The watershed encompasses a diverse landscape of agricultural lands, forests, karst features, cold water streams, and thriving communities. The planning area for the RRW Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (CWMP) includes portions of the Upper Iowa and Mississippi-Reno watersheds for a total drainage area of over 1.3 million acres (see map below).
Purpose of the Plan Renewal Amendment
The original RRW CWMP was approved by the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) in December 2016, with an expiration date of December 2026. The watershed partnership is amending the plan to reflect updated science and data, local needs, and evolving state and federal policies by clarifying priorities, goals, and actions. This process provides an opportunity to:
The amended plan will be submitted to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for approval in Fall 2026 and will be valid for 10 years from the approval date.
Invitation for Public Input on Formal Review
As part of this plan amendment process, all stakeholders – local government units, state agencies, landowners, nonprofit organizations, and members of the public – are invited to submit comments on the draft amended CWMP.
Comments and input should be submitted within the 60-day formal review period ending August 9th, 2026.
How to Submit Comments
Please send your input in writing to:
Nikki Wheeler, C/O Fillmore SWCD
PO Box 45, Preston, MN 55965
nikki.wheeler@fillmoreswcd.org
Electronic submissions via email are encouraged. All feedback received will be considered in the plan amendment process.
We appreciate your engagement in ensuring that the next 10-year Root River Watershed Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan continues to support a resilient and sustainable watershed for all its communities and residents.
Come join us for a public field day highlighting 30+ years of land stewardship, wildlife habitat, and native restoration.
Features include extensive buckthorn removal, cedar hillside clearing, and native re-establishment efforts. Learn about hardwood establishment through both seedling plantings and direct seeding, herbicide use and best practices, prescribed burning for savanna restoration, and conservation programs. The site supports abundant wildlife—including pheasants, deer, turkeys, and bluebirds—thanks to diverse food plots, pollinator habitat, and intentional habitat improvements. The tour will also showcase bee hives, seed collection for native plants, and other unique side projects. Ideal for landowners, hunters, and anyone interested in forestry, wildlife, and conservation.
Please RSVP to:
Aaron Mathison
aaren.mathison@fillmoreswcd.org
507-887-0240
Thursday, April 23rd from 10am to 7pm
AND
Friday, April 24th from 10am to 4pm.
Pickup at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds located on East Fillmore Street in Preston, MN.
We are not responsible for trees that are not picked up by the end of the day on April 28th.
Bring in one cup of water in a clean container for a FREE nitrate test!
If you have any questions or would like to rent the tree planter, please call the Fillmore SWCD at 507-887-0240, opt. 1.
2026 Plat books have been released and are available for sale for $35.00.
You can purchase and pick one at the office: 912 Houston Street Preston, MN.
We can also mail one out for the $35 fee plus $7 postage – Just call the office 507-887-0240.
