Watch CBS News

New Initiative Aims To Clean Up Streams In Minn.

EXCELSIOR, Minn. (AP) -- A new farmer-to-farmer cooperative effort is aiming to clean up and protect streams in Minnesota.

The MN FarmWise initiative seeks to improve the health of local waters by supporting the voluntary adoption of conservation practices that reduce sediment and nutrient runoff in vulnerable areas.

It's a partnership between the Freshwater Society, the National Park Service, the Cannon River Watershed Partnership, local farmers and other agricultural professionals. It's sponsored by The Mosaic Company Foundation. It will recruit farmers to work with local technicians to design farm-specific projects to improve conservation on their fields and to protect local waterways.

Beginning this month, farmers from the Rice Creek sub-watershed of the Cannon River will gather to discuss and develop a plan to protect Rice Creek, the only remaining trout stream in Rice County.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.