Cass SWCD Partnerships
Implementing volunteer conservation practices is a collaborative effort. Cass SWCD partners with individuals and organizations to enhance soil productivity and protect clean water resources throughout Cass County.
Cass SWCD collaborates closely with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement conservation programs that promote soil health, water quality, and sustainable land use. Both Cass SWCD and NRCS can provide technical expertise and financial assistance to help producers be more productive.
Cass SWCD works with Cass County to address local environmental challenges by developing conservation plans that align with county land use policies. Cass SWCD can help implement practices like erosion control, stormwater management, and habitat restoration through partnerships by seeking grant opportunities.
Cass SWCD collaborates with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to manage natural resources through projects such as shoreline restoration, wetland protection, and invasive species control. The DNR provides technical support and regulatory guidance, while Cass SWCD works with interested landowners and organizations to implement conservation practices that align with state goals for habitat preservation and water quality improvement.
Cass SWCD partners with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to implement statewide conservation programs, such as the the One Watershed, One Plan soil and water quality program, the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) program, and wetland protection initiatives.
Cass SWCD is a member of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD), to access shared resources, training, advocacy, and funding opportunities. State-level organizations also provide a unified voice on policy issues, facilitate collaboration among districts, and ensure consistency in implementing conservation programs across the state of Minnesota.
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Cass SWCD partners with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe to protect against aquatic and terrestrial invasive species by sharing resources and coordinating management strategies, such as early detection and rapid response efforts. We work on projects that align with tribal values and conservation goals.
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The Minnesota Association of Conservation districts belongs to the National Association of Conservation Districts. The association was founded on the philosophy that decisions should be made at the local level with funding assistance from federal, state, and local governments.
Cass SWCD works with the Association of Cass County Lakes to educate community members on shoreline best practices, aquatic invasive species management and prevention, and water quality concerns. The district also works with the association on implementing projects to preserve water quality in Cass County.
Cass SWCD implements conservation easements within the Mississippi Headwaters region to protect water quality, preserve sensitive habitats, and limit development in critical areas. These easements, often supported by state programs like Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM), help ensure sustainable land use while maintaining the ecological health of forests, wetlands, and riparian zones
Cass SWCD works with the Gull Chain of Lakes Association to educate community members on shoreline best practices, aquatic invasive species management and prevention, and water quality concerns. The district also works with the association on implementing projects to preserve water quality in Cass County.