Cost share dollars are available to fix existing conservation practices or install new practices as a result of the June 11 through July 11, 2014, rain events and subsequent flooding, according to a press release.

Freeborn Soil and Water Conservation District will receive cost share funds to help fix some of the erosion events from the June 2014 storm events. The funding is becoming available now because the Minnesota State Legislature just passed it as part of a bill during the special session about a month ago. The funding is somewhat unique because it can be used to fix existing conservation practices that were damaged during those raise. The funding can also be used for new conservation practices to fix gullies and other problems associated with those storms on private lands. Practices that control erosion, reduce sediment transport and protect water quality like water and sediment control basins, grassed waterways, side inlet pipes and drop inlet structures are all examples of conservation practices that would be eligible for the program.

A sign-up for the ReInvest in Minnesota program is also expected in the near future. This will likely target cropland that is prone to flooding. RIM is a permanent retirement program that compensates landowners to restore floodplains, restore wetlands and plant native grass and wildflowers. Contact the Soil and Water Conservation District at any time to see if your land would be a good candidate for RIM by July 22. The Freeborn County SWCD can be contacted at 507-373-5607, extension 3; or 1400 W. Main St.in Albert Lea.