This session covers how to prepare for and complete the I&E step, and some basics of construction inspection. There's also a quick demonstration of a preliminary design using LiDAR and EFT-TDT.

This is a recording of the RIM easement applica

During this session Dean Thomas, Fillmore SWCD, discusses the basic grazing management principles, benefits of prescribed grazing, and considerations for planning a grazing system.

Join Amanda Deans, TTCP Engineer, as she runs through a real life pipeline design using the MN NRCS Livestock Pipeline spreadsheet.

Tim Weisbrod, NRCS Geologist for MN and WI, discusses why the four Nutrient Management (590) Groundwater Resource Concerns need to be inventoried and assessed during the planning process. Tim discusses the scientific background on how groundwater and nutrients move through the landscape and how those resource concerns can effect excess nutrient content in groundwater and surface waters.

These supporting practices are only a small part of the designs for waterways, WASCOBs, and other main practices. Fundamentals for following practice standards 620 and 606 are usually briefly covered. This Tech Talk goes deeper into the practice standards, terminology when using these “tile” practices, and explain their connection to their main counterparts like 412 and 638. This session is for those who would like to get a better understanding of the “why” when utilizing and meeting these standards in your design.

Brian Ebel, NRCS Water Resource Engineer, discusses the basic concepts of irrigation. This introduction to irrigation will include:

• Water Availability in Soil for Plant Use
• Types of Irrigation, with specifics for Center Pivot Systems
• Irrigation Scheduling Methods
• EQIP 449 Irrigation Water Management

Attendees will gain insight into why and when irrigation is used and how it is accomplished in Minnesota.

This training covered the planning phase of streambank erosion projects to better equip staff to visit with landowners when asked about this type of project. Topics covered include the following:

1) Defining stream restoration and protection terminology as well as which resources and NRCS standards apply

2) Identifying the cause and scope of stream erosion problems

3) Project goals and objectives of the landowner and agency staff

4) Different types of streambank practices including vegetative, bioengineering, and structural type practices

The MN NRCS’s grassed waterway design spreadsheet uses the same methodology as the EFT waterway program and is an acceptable design tool. In this Tech Talk Elizabeth Oolman, NRCS engineer, will use the design spreadsheet and review data entry for the waterway design tab, data entry for the out-of-bank flow, and how to use the cut sheet tab. The spreadsheet is available for download on MN FOTG  > Section IV > Engineering Tools. This Tech Talk is intended for staff who know how to design a waterway but are looking for training on this particular tool.

Wondering how to get the most out of your next ecological restoration project? Extension and the Legacy Fund Restoration Evaluation Program are teaming up to offer a series of free professional development webinars for ecological restoration practitioners and project managers.