Minnesota Department of Transportation

state.mn.us

BWSR is the state soil and water conservation agency charged with helping to meet Minnesota's goals for clean water, clean air, and abundant fish and wildlife. The 78% of land in Minnesota held in private ownership—farms, forests, and urban areas—contribute greatly to the production of environmental goods and benefits including cleaner air and water, fish and wildlife habitat, and preservation of open spaces. Staff members provide grants, technical assistance, and training to local entities for projects with landowners and conservation groups to: * Prevent sediment and nutrients from entering the lakes, rivers, and streams of Minnesota * Enhance fish and wildlife habitat * Protect wetlands The local-state conservation delivery system ensures that state policy is implemented with local issues and problems in mind—and our work together has improved and protected Minnesota’s water and soil resources in spite of intensified agriculture, greater demands for forest products, and rapid urbanization in many parts of the state.