1. Fertilizing management plans supply landowners the information necessary to provide adequate
fertilizer for their crops, without polluting water sources. Nutrients not utilized by crops may leach into
groundwater via runoff or agricultural drainage systems, reducing water quality.
If you would like additional information on fertilizing management plans or would like to speak to a
conservation specialist, contact the Carlton SWCD at 218-384-3891.
Environmental Benefits
Protects local and regional water
sources.
Improves air quality.
Enhances nutrient and water retention
of soil.
Landowner Benefits
Optimizes crop growth and yields.
Farmers spend less money on
fertilizer.
Enhances farm profitability.
Improving Fertilizing Practices
By creating a fertilizer management plan based on crop
history, expected yield, and soil testing, farmers can
reduce the amount of fertilizer applied to fields,
decreasing runoff into lakes and streams. Applying more
nutrients than recommended can be expensive, and have
harmful environmental consequences. On average,
farmers participating in fertilizer management plans
have been able to cut fertilizer by 25% without affecting
crop yields, saving an average of $16/acre. By reducing
fertilizer quantity and applying blended fertilizers in
spilt or multiple applications, farmers can cut
phosphorus pollution and increase farm profitability.
Did You Know?
About 50% of crop fertilizer applied
nationwide is never taken up by crops.
Less-fertilized soil is able to retain water
and nutrients better than over-fertilized
soil.
Conservation Practice Fact Sheet
Fertilizing Management Plan

2. Forested riparian buffers are plantings of trees, shrubs and grasses designed primarily for water
quality and wildlife habitat purposes. Planted along rivers, streams, lakes and some wetlands, riparian
buffers help to prevent pollutants from reaching surface waters. Establishing trees, shrubs and grasses in the
zone adjacent to streams or creeks can sustain or enhance water quality.
If you would like additional information on riparian buffers or would like to speak to a conservation specialist
contact the Carlton SWCD at 218-384-3891.
Environmental Benefits
Protects water quality.
Helps stabilize stream banks and
shorelines.
Provides shade, shelter and food for fish
and other aquatic species.
Provides habitat and travel corridors for
diverse plants and animals.
Establishing trees in riparian buffers is
widely recognized as a significant tool
for stabilizing stream temperatures and
improving sturgeon habitat.
Improving Sturgeon and Wildlife Habitat
Carlton County is home to several hundred miles of
designated trout streams. Trout, a cold water species,
are sensitive to warm stream temperatures. Planting
trees in the riparian buffer limit how much solar
radiation reaches the stream surface. As a result, water
temperatures are lower and fluctuate less during the day
compared to the non-shaded areas of the stream. Trees
also provide woody debris for the stream, another
important component of trout habitat.
Depending on the landowner’s objectives, plant
materials can also be selected to provide food, shelter
and nesting areas for various wildlife species. Wider
buffers are needed to enhance wildlife habitat while
narrow buffers may provide a travel corridor.
Did You Know?
Eroding stream banks contribute sediment
that clogs lakes and destroys spawning
habitat for fish and other aquatic life.
Conservation Practice Fact Sheet
Forested Riparian Buffer

3. Off-stream watering and livestock exclusion fencing keep livestock away from streams, reducing
or eliminating the time that livestock spend in or near streams while providing a cleaner, alternative source of
drinking water. Watering livestock away from streams decreases erosion from animal traffic, and moves
manure deposits farther from the stream.
If you would like additional information on off-stream watering, livestock exclusion fencing or would
like to speak to a conservation specialist, contact the Carlton SWCD at 218-384-3891.
Environmental Benefits
Protects water quality.
Helps stabilize stream banks,
channels and shorelines.
Eliminates physical damage and soil
compaction due to livestock traffic.
Landowner Benefits
Cleaner drinking water promotes
healthier and more productive
livestock.
Improving Riparian Areas
Livestock are naturally drawn to riparian areas because
of their rich food and water resource. However, because
of the abundant water resource, livestock may remain in
this area too long, resulting in phosphorus pollution
from urine and manure deposition in or near streams.
Grazing and soil compaction also keep vegetation sparse
in these areas, meaning that runoff can easily carry
phosphorus-laden sediments into the river, further
increasing phosphorus pollution.
By controlling livestock access to streams, and
providing them with an alternate water source, livestock
avoid riparian areas, lowering phosphorus pollution in
streams by 80%, while also enhancing stream bank
stability.
Did You Know?
Eroding stream banks send sediment
downstream which clogs lakes and
destroy spawning habitat for fish and
other aquatic life.
Above: Cattle use frost-free nose-powered water pumps.
Conservation Practice Fact Sheet
Off-stream Watering and Livestock Exclusion Fencing

4. Lakeshore buffers are plantings of trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers designed primarily for water
quality and wildlife habitat purposes. Lakeshore buffers help to prevent pollutants like soil and phosphorus
from reaching surface waters. Establishing trees, shrubs and grasses in the zone adjacent to a lake can sustain
or enhance water quality.
If you would like additional information on lakeshore buffers or would like to speak to a conserva-
tion specialist contact the Carlton SWCD at 218-384-3891.
Environmental Benefits
Protects water quality.
Helps stabilize shorelines.
Provides food and shelter for ducks,
songbirds, fish and other wildlife.
Landowner Benefits
Low–maintenance
Drought-resistant landscaping
Attracts wildlife
Privacy from lake-users
Lakeshore Restorations
Buffer zones are the core of lakeshore restoration. Buffer
zones are unmowed strips of deep-rooted native
vegetation, which protect lakes from nutrient runoff,
erosion and sedimentation, in order to maintain water
quality and wildlife habitat. Buffer zones extending 25-
50 ft are preferable, but zones of 10-15 ft still provide
some benefits. Lake shore restorations provide habitats
for fish and turtles as well as attract birds and insects to
the area. Lakeshore restorations not only help the
environment, but also add to a property’s scenic beauty.
Did You Know?
Buffer zones can stop 85% of sediment
runoff and phosphorus pollution from
entering lakes and streams.
Buffer zones discourage traffic in yards
by nuisance animals like Canada Geese
and burrowing muskrats.
Conservation Practice Fact Sheet
Lakeshore Buffers

5. Tree Establishment aims to plant trees as a means to reduce erosion and restore native vegetation cover
for habitat restoration and protection, erosion control and flood control. Trees provide food, shelter and
nesting areas for various wildlife species and serve as a barrier for sun and wind.
Environmental Benefits
Cools water temperature along streams.
Helps stabilize stream banks and
shorelines.
Spreads snow melt out over longer period,
reducing runoff and peak stream flows
capable of floods.
Provides habitat and travel corridors for
diverse plants and animals.
Improves water quality.
Improving Wildlife Habitat
Depending on objectives, landowners may choose different
plants and areas for tree planting. Trees reduce soil and
storm water runoff into streams, decreasing phosphorus
pollution and erosion. In winter, trees can control drifting
snow and protect livestock from cold and wind. Plantings
may also enhance habitats for species like sharp-tailed
grouse and golden-winged warbler, or they may simply
provide a travel corridor for migration.
Getting Started
Carlton SWCD has access to various
programs for individual landowners. The first
step in getting started on your tree
establishment is to schedule a free site visit
with the Carlton SWCD conservation
technician to discuss the goals and objectives
for your land. Call 218-384-3891 to get
started today!
Did You Know?
Eroding stream banks send sediment downstream to
clog lakes and destroy spawning habitat for fish and
other aquatic life. Trees along streambanks provide
shade that cools the water temperature.
Conservation Practice Fact Sheet
Tree Establishment

6. A Forest Management Plan is a specific kind of woodland management plan prepared by a natural
resource professional, available to landowners with 20 or more wooded acres. Landowners with forest
stewardship plans that are more than 10 years old are encouraged to update their plans with a qualified
natural resource professional The plan provides technical advice and long-range forest management
planning to interested landowners. A qualified natural resource professional will meet with you, conduct a
field inventory, assess specific land factors and complete the plan. Plans are designed to meet your goals
while maintaining the sustainability of the land.
Why have a plan?
A Forest Management Plan helps you plan
for the future condition of your forest.
You will meet with a qualified natural
resource professional to discuss your goals.
Your plan will be registered with the
Minnesota DNR.
Funding may be available for some
programs such as wildlife habitat
improvement or soil erosion control.
What will my plan look like?
The plan provides a comprehensive overview of your
land including an aerial photo, a map of the timber
types and plant communities. The plan outlines your
goals, the resources on your land and recommends
management options such as:
Planting trees
Building trails
Enhancing habitat
Thinning and release cutting
Harvesting timber
These recommendations are built around your goals
and the natural capacity of the land.
A sample plan is shown to the left.
Did You Know?
Landowners with forest stewardship plans
are eligible for cost-share and tax reduction
programs. Some of the programs can
provide funds for wildlife habitat
improvement or erosion control. Ask your
plan preparer for details.
Sample Plan
If you would like additional information on forest
management plans or would like to speak to a
conservation specialist, contact the Carlton SWCD
at 218-384-3891.
Conservation Practice Fact Sheet
Forest Management Plan

7. A Rain Barrel is any type of container used to catch water flowing from a downspout and store it for later
use. Rain naturally contains pollutants, including phosphorus and mercury. When these pollutants flow over
impermeable surfaces like roofs and other hard surfaces, they are much more likely to enter lakes and streams,
where they can become a detriment to water quality. Diverting rainwater off roofs and into rain barrels, allows
rain water to be used later for watering plants, so that it can infiltrate naturally into the soil instead of polluting
lakes and streams.
Environmental Benefits
Reduces water pollution.
Conserves groundwater.
Reduces chances of flooding by releasing
rainwater over a longer period of time.
Alleviates stressed water systems.
Landowner Benefits
Improves garden, lawn and tree health.
Low maintenance and construction cost.
Reduces water consumption costs.
Controls moisture levels around building
foundations.
Rain Barrel Installation
A rain barrel is placed under a shortened down spout,
and can have a spigot attached to the end for watering
flower gardens, lawns and house plants. It’s a natural
way to fertilize, and conserves groundwater use,
reducing peak water demands during summer months.
During winter months, barrels can be taken out of
operation by simply turning them upside down.
Did You Know?
For every inch of rain that falls on one square foot of
your roof, you can collect just over a half gallon of
rainwater (0.6 gallons).
Rainwater is naturally “soft,” oxygenated, and devoid
of minerals, chlorine and other chemicals found in
treated water. For this reason, plants respond very
well to rainwater.
Reference:
Rain Barrel Fact Sheet, Crow Wing County
Extension, 2007
Getting Started
Carlton SWCD has access to various programs for
financial assistance to individual landowners. The first
step in getting started is to schedule a free site visit
with the Carlton SWCD conservation technician to
discuss the goals and objectives for your property.
Call 218-384-3891 to get started today!
For more information on this project
and others, visitcarltonswcd.org/watersheds/kettle-
river/kettle-ebi/
Conservation Practice Fact Sheet
Rain Barrel

8. Rain Gardens are depressed landscape areas of perennial flowers and other native plants designed to
capture runoff from roofs and streets. Planted near impermeable surfaces such as driveways, streets, and
compacted soils, a rain garden mimics the pollutant removal and water absorption of a natural forest or
meadow by filtering water through the soil.
If you would like additional information on rain gardens or would like to speak to a conservation specialist
contact the Carlton SWCD at 218-384-3891.
Environmental Benefits
Reduces water pollution.
Prevents flooding.
Provides habitat for birds and insects
Recharges groundwater.
Landowner Benefits
Drought-resistant landscaping.
Attracts wildlife.
Aesthetically beautiful.
Low maintenance and construction
cost.
Rain Gardens
As development replaces forested and agricultural lands,
runoff carrying sediments, fertilizers, pesticides and
other harmful chemicals increases with the growth of
impervious areas like roofs, streets, and driveways.
Instead of letting storm water flow fast and unfiltered,
directly into lakes and streams, rain gardens filter
pollutants and slow water flow, lessening flood
potential, while reducing erosion and runoff into lakes
and streams. Because the gardens typically only require
6-8 inches of digging, and utilize local vegetation, rain
gardens are inexpensive to implement and low-tech for
easy maintenance.
Did You Know?
Rain gardens maintain the natural hydrology
of the watershed, transferring surface water
to groundwater so that streams continue to
flow even during dry spells. Rain gardens
absorb 30% more water than traditional
lawns.
Conservation Practice Fact Sheet
Rain Garden