Bill would increase funding for soil and water conservation districts

Prior to 2023, soil and water conservation districts were frequently praised around the State Capitol for their work overseeing the health of water, soil and natural resources on private land. But finding a funding source for them was an annual struggle.

Then a dedicated source at last emerged with soil and water conservation district aid, similar in structure to the kind of distributions sent by the state to counties and local governments. And now Rep. Liz Reyer (DFL-Eagan) is out to give their budgets a bump.

She’s the sponsor of HF1066, which would increase the annual appropriation for soil and water conservation district aid from $12 million to $22 million, beginning with aids payable in 2025.

“As elected officials, the SWCD supervisors are accountable for a wide range of statutory duties,” Reyer said. “However, unlike many other elected bodies, SWCDs do not have levying authority.

“The $22 million came from a bottom-up assessment of the funding needed for all SWCDs to deliver on their mission of conservation implementation with private landowners. Each SWCD provided their data into a benchmark analysis, and I think it’s important to set them up to succeed.”

On Thursday, the House Taxes Committee laid the bill over, as amended, for possible omnibus bill inclusion.

“This is critical for us to accomplish our mission in working with private landowners on water quality and soil health efforts,” said Sheila Vanney, assistant director of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, who spoke of the many responsibilities such supervisors have.

“You’ll see lakeshore stabilization projects, cover crop seed mix expertise, working with livestock owners on nutrient management guidance, monitoring our lake water quality, working with urban residents on projects like rain gardens to help infiltrate water on the urban landscape. As well as providing agricultural producers with guidance on irrigation management so they’re not using more water than their crops need.”

“This is voluntary with willing landowners,” said the committee chair, Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston). “To me, that’s a big deal.”