Agriculture
North St. Louis Soil & Water Conservation District refers persons with agricultural land to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. For assistance with federal agriculture based cost-share programs, please contact the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services at 218-720-5209.
Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program
The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) is a voluntary opportunity for farmers and agricultural landowners to take the lead in implementing conservation practices that protect our water. Those who implement and maintain approved farm management practices will be certified and in turn obtain regulatory certainty for a period of ten years. Contact our office for more information. We are proud to welcome Helstrom Farms as the first Water Quality Certified Farm in our district.
Urban Agriculture Conservation
Across the country, there is increased interest in urban farms, community gardens, and using urban spaces to grow food locally. Through the National Association of Conservation Districts, we received funding to support Urban Agriculture Conservation on the Iron Range through a partnership with the North St. Louis County 4-H and with support from the City of Virginia, the Rutabaga Project, The Minnesota Discovery Center, the Friends of the Olcott Greenhouse, and Viking Coca-Cola. We have worked with 4-H to engage youth in gardening programs that supports conservation and support other organizations with supporting pollinator habitat, capturing rainwater, composting, and urban gardening.