The Clearwater River Watershed District (CRWD) is offering to assist farmers in the Kimball and Watkins area with replacing their open tile intakes with alternatives that maintain drainage and protect water resources.

In cooperation with Meeker and Stearns Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), the CRWD will provide technical assistance and cost-share to design replacements of open tile intakes that maintain drainage and remove direct surface connections. Cost-share of up to 75% of installation cost for each replacement is available, up to $750 per intake. Technical assistance includes oversight to ensure replacements are installed such that drainage is maintained and replacements function properly. Enrollees have the option to work with their own contractor.

In conjunction with this open intake replacement assistance, enrollment in the new statewide Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) is encouraged for CRWD landowners and operators. MAWQCP participants receive priority technical and financial assistance as need to become certified, if desired. MAWQCP certified farms receive regulatory certainty and recognition to use their certification status to promote their business as proactive for water quality. See MAWQCP website at: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/protecting/waterprotection/awqcprogram.aspx.
To enroll, download the enrollment form below, and review the corresponding responsibility and protocol memo. You can also contact the CRWD officer at (320) 274-3935. Cost-share is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each submitted enrollment is reviewed by the CRWD before being selected. Preference is given to intakes that: 1) are easily viewable by the public (e.g. near roadways, parks, paths, etc.), 2) are near waters (e.g. lakes, Clearwater River), and 3) have small drainage areas. The map below depicts the project enrollment boundary. If you are not sure of your eligibility, contact the CRWD at (320) 274-3935 for a free determination

Fig. 1: Alternative Tile Intake Project Enrollment Boundary

Project Documents

Alternative Tile Intake Enrollment Form
Alternative Tile Intake - Memo on Responsibilities and Protocols

View Clearwater River Channel Stabilization (CCM) Riparian Project