To combat chloride pollution in the watershed, South Washington Watershed District will provide free grit this winter. Chicken grit or grit, is a chloride free, non-chemical alternative to salt for deicing roads, sidewalks, and driveways during the winter. How does grit work? Grit works physically to provide traction on top of ice, unlike deicers which […]
The South Washington Watershed District celebrated the conclusion of the 2024 SWWD Artist in Residence program with an artist exhibition, Connecting at the Confluence. A first time program for the District, hosting a resident artist to capture the natural resources of South Washington. Beginning in 2023, SWWD sought to incorporate something unique into its programming […]
SWWD is continuing AIS management in fall 2024 and will be treating several bodies throughout the district for aquatic invasive species (AIS), including: Colby Lake, La Lake, Ravine Lake, and Wilmes Lake (south basin). Serval lakes have extensive infestations of Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) and curlyleaf pondweed (CLP). Treatments will be conducted using herbicides to address […]
The South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) is excited to announce John Loomis as District Administrator, following the retirement of Administrator Matt Moore. John has dedicated 15 years to ensuring water quality in the South Washington Watershed District and is an esteemed member of the SWWD team. Have a question for the Administrator? Contact John by […]
The South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) is excited to introduce Abby Tekiela as the Water Resources Program Coordinator. In this new program for the District, Abby will coordinate with partners on all things outreach and education, work to grow our Campus Greening and Experiential Education programs, and support the District to engage with all who […]
SWWD is continuing efforts started in 2022, and will be treating Colby Lake, Markgrafs Lake, Ravine Lake, and La Lake for aquatic invasive species (AIS). All lakes have extensive AIS infestations of curly-leaf pondweed (CLP). Colby Lake also is extensively infested with Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM). Colby, Ravine and La lakes are infested lake wide and […]
The State of Minnesota has updated fish consumption guidance for Mississippi River Pools 2, 3, and 4. This area extends from Ford Dam Parkway in Saint Paul to Wabasha, including all of the Minnesota lakes and backwaters. Minnesota Department of Health recommends: For more information on safe-eating guidelines for fish in Minnesota, refer to the […]
By state law, South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) is required to prepare a Watershed Management Plan every ten years. The new plan will cover the years 2026–2035 and establish the goals and programs that will guide our work over this time. While the plan due date is more than a year away, we’re excited to […]
The Minnesota Association of Watershed Administrators presented to Matt Moore the Outstanding Watershed Administrator at the 2023 Minnesota Watersheds Annual Conference.
SWWD’s Trout Brook Project was awarded Project of the Year at the 2023 Minnesota Watersheds Annual Conference. Trout Brook is a cold water stream in Denmark Township, Washington County tributary to Lake St. Croix. The stream is fed by a 5500 acre watershed made up primarily of forest and agricultural lands. In the 1800s and […]