By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

Lake property owners make efforts to preserve and protect lakes and rivers in Otter Tail County. They work closely with soil and water conservation employees in east and west Otter Tail County.

Speaking to members of the county Coalition of Lake Associations (COLA) on Thursday evening, Aug. 21 at the Ottertail City Community Center was Darren Newville, district manager for the East Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District. 

The purpose of soil and water conservation districts all across the state of Minnesota is to help conserve soil, water and natural resources on private land.

In 2024 the East Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District received the SWCD of the Year Award. They were recognized for leadership and outstanding regional conservation efforts.

“We are governed by a board of locally elected supervisors,” Newville said. “Our staff members work on a one-on-one basis with landowners to ensure conservation practices. Some of our work includes assistance with groundwater management, shoreline protection, soil health and sealing abandoned wells.”

Newville, while speaking to COLA members on Aug. 21, referred to the Minnesota Clean Water Legacy grants with the goal to restore water quality and shoreline stabilization “all the while protecting and restoring the quality of Minnesota lakes and rivers.”

Native grasses are promoted for land close to lakes. This stabilizes soils and improves water quality. Minnesota conservation efforts also include voluntary farm practices such as nutrient management, crop rotations and wise use of fertilizer applications.

“We also modify dams when needs arise, make culvert repairs and work on other enhancements to protect our lakes and rivers,” Newville said.

Also addressed at the COLA meeting Aug. 21 in Ottertail City was the Otter Tail Watershed that includes Otter Tail County and sections of three adjoining counties. Efforts are being made to look at all issues and protection needs in the watershed and prioritize them. 

The goals of Minnesota watersheds are to manage and improve surface and groundwater quality, control floods and erosion, enhance habitats and provide for public health, recreation and water supplies.