ST. PAUL, Minn. – A public awareness campaign is underway to help protect water and prevent fish kills in southern Minnesota by highlighting best management practices for reducing polluted runoff from agricultural lands.
Recent fish kills in trout streams have motivated the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Natural Resources to try and educate residents and owners of farmland.
“Minnesotans treasure our waterways and protecting these vital resources requires collaboration among numerous partners — from residents and agricultural landowners to local partners and state agencies,” says Dana Vanderbosch, MPCA assistant commissioner. “This campaign builds on investments state agencies have been making for numerous years to increase the use of best management practices that prevent runoff and protect our lakes, streams, private wells, and fish.”
MPCA says the geography of southeast Minnesota makes the region especially vulnerable to fish kills from polluted runoff into lakes and streams and understanding the risk factors, such as applying chemicals and manure to lands too close to rain events, may help residents take proactive measures to minimize runoff, which maximizes soil value and reduces fish kill risk.
The public awareness campaign includes direct mail to agricultural landowners, radio spots, and digital media efforts to reach residents in Dodge, Fillmore, Goddhue, Houston, Olmsted, Rice, Wabasha, and Winona counties. This campaign is funded by the Clean Water Fund which enables the protection and restoration of Minnesota's waters. Promotional support from water and agricultural partners will also extend the campaign efforts.
MPCA says the campaign message will encourage landowners to:
- Avoid applying chemicals and manure to lawns and fields when rain is forecast.
- Stay clear of steep slopes and surface water locations.
- Consult the University of Minnesota Extension's manure management website to calculate best application rates for fields.
