Gully Control and Wildlife Habitat CRP
This project included WASCOBs, native tree and grass plantings, and wildlife and wetland restorations through CRP.
After one of the Basins was Installed
Year Completed:
2017
Major Watershed:
Sauk River
The landowners operated a cash grain farm on steep, loamy, glacial till. With little success,
the landowners attempted to solve soil erosion problems on areas of their farm on their own. In
2006, they turned to the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Stearns Conservation District for technical and financial assistance. They then enrolled some land into the Federal CRP (Conservation Reserve) program.
The landowners liked how the CRP program helped solve erosion issues and allowed them to view wildlife while at the same time generated income from the property. So, in 2010, they enrolled more land into the CRP. In 2015 the landowners installed four basins on the remaining cropland. In 2017 they decided to enroll the remaining cropland into CRP and planted native grasses and wildflowers. The landowners also achieved certification under the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program in 2015. In addition to the gully control and wildlife habitat practices, they applied nutrient management BMPs to qualify for this program.
Components:
Underground Outlet
Subsurface Drain
Critical Area Planting
Native Grass Planting
Hardwood Planting
Benefits:
Ephemeral and Classic Gully Control
Sheet and Rill Erosion Control
Wildlife Habitat
Improved Farmability
Partners on this project included USDA NRCS, MAWQCP Project Funds, Stearns CD, and USDA Farm Service Agency.
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