Farmers owning or operating land in the Cobb River watershed area in Freeborn County are reminded that another cost-sharing opportunity now exists to install best management practices on their land. Seventy-five percent of the project cost will be paid by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency grant funds.

This funding is available because an effort is under way to reduce sediment in the Cobb River. It has been listed as an impaired waterway by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Studies have shown that the Cobb is a major contributor to sediment and resulting pollution in the LeSueur and Minnesota rivers downstream.

Cost share is available for several types of projects including grass buffer strips, grass waterways, water and sediment control basins, grade stabilizing structures, alternative tile inlets (rock inlets) and animal feedlot improvements. This is a good opportunity for someone who may have an existing waterway with grass established that needs work. A waterway with existing grass cover is not eligible for the Conservation Reserve Program because the area is considered non-cropland. However, it is eligible for this cost share program.

This watershed area covers much of Freeborn, Carlston and Manchester townships, along with a smaller part of Alden and Hartland townships. If you have a problem area on your farm, contact the Freeborn County Soil and Water Conservation District and

a field visit will be made this winter to evaluate needs and begin planning of a possible future project. These projects must be completed by June of 2009. After that time, unused funds must be returned to MPCA.

Contact the SWCD/NRCS office for any soil and water resource concerns. There&8217;s no cost or obligation for an on-farm visit.