DEPARTMENT: Physical Development Administration
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
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Presentation Of Dakota County Soil And Water Conservation District Annual Report
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Present an annual report from the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
SUMMARY
Description of SWCD: Soil and Water Conservation Districts are local units of government that manage and direct conservation programs. Districts receive their authority from Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103C, and their function is to assist landowners and authorized agents in protecting soil and water resources. A board of five elected supervisors governs the SWCD (Attachment: SWCD Supervisors 2026). The SWCD has a long-standing relationship with local, state, and federal partners, including Dakota County, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Funding: The primary sources for SWCD operational funding are County funding, joint powers agreement charges for services, state aid, and grant revenues. County funding allocations were $388,928 in 2025 and $368,719 in 2026. The SWCD currently manages 23 state grants and 18 local agreements for services. Through partnerships, the SWCD leverages nearly $4.16 for each County dollar received to implement land conservation and water quality improvement projects.
Joint Powers Agreements Between Dakota County and SWCD: Some form of joint powers agreement has been in place between the County and SWCD since 2004. The current agreement was executed in 2024 and goes through 2028. The agreement outlines both the services the County provides to the SWCD (e.g., legal services, human resources assistance, and office facilities) and the services that the SWCD provides for the County (e.g., Wetland Banking, Land Conservation Program, Wetland Conservation Act, and Ag Inspector services), as well as the general outcomes, roles, responsibilities, and financial terms.
2025 Accomplishments and 2026 Workplan: The SWCD District Manager, Ashley Gallagher, will provide a presentation on accomplishments (Attachment: 2025 Annual Report) and 2026 activities. Topics will include:
• Technical assistance to private landowners, residents, cities, schools, and businesses
• Conservation project contracts, benefits, and trends
• Education and outreach programs
• Assisting the County with plans, goals, and regulatory programs
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only; no action requested.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: 2025 Annual Report
Attachment: SWCD Supervisors 2026
Attachment: Presentation Slides
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☒ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Stwora
Author: Robb Finnigsmier