I+S Group co-sponsors agricultural drainage workshop

Mankato, Minn. — I+S Group (ISG) is co-sponsoring a workshop examining agricultural drainage and the future of water quality in Minnesota on Thursday, June 26, at the Verizon Wireless Civic Center. According to senior civil engineer and agricultural drainage expert Chuck Brandel, “The workshop will showcase innovative drainage concepts that provide “win-win” solutions for farmers and the environment. The implementation and results of these concepts will be highlighted during the event.”

The full-day seminar is designed for producers, landowners, environmental professionals, government officials and non-profit organizations. It will feature agricultural drainage experts — in academia, government and private practice — who will speak on critical topics including multi-purpose drainage, drainage law and best practices. Sessions will also focus on what is currently being implemented on our landscape and how these practices are working.

Featured projects include the Mapleton Area Agricultural/Urban Runoff Water Quality Treatment Analysis and Blue Earth County Ditch 57. Breakout sessions will focus on drainage water management, landowner tax ramifications, restoration and protection strategies, as well as soil health and cover crops. The workshop will include an optional tour of the Blue Earth County Ditch 57 located in Mapleton.

Cost to attend is $25 and includes breakfast and a working lunch with panel discussion. Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).