- All program applications are accepted year-round with project prioritization and planning that aligns with the SLWD's Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP).
- Most SLWD programs are cost-shared with 60% funding by the District and 40% funding by the landowner (i.e. 60:40). Should external funding be available, this contribution is subject to change.**
- All applicants must fill out an Application Form in order for the District to review the project.
- *All applicants are willing to complete an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). Come and talk to the staff about assistance in completing your EFP!*
- Many programs listed below would not be made possible if it wasn't for external funding sources. These include, but not limited to: Manitoba Habitat Conservancy (MHC) GROW and Conservation Trust programs, Ag Action Manitoba, Resilient Agricultural Landscapes Program (RALP), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Lake Winnipeg Basin Program (LWBP), Eco Action, Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund (FWEF).
Environmental Farm Plan (EFP)
The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program is currently supported through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) and is delivered in partnership with the Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP).
The EFP is a voluntary, confidential, self-assessment of a producer's farm. Completing the EFP identifies risks on farms in order to develop Action Plans to address those risks. By implementing these Action Plans, producers are able to:
*By completing an EFP, the producer is eligible for additional funding opportunities through Provincial grants and the Watershed District. If the producer is requiring assistance, contact us and we can help walk you through completing the EFP, receiving your 5-year Certificate of Completion (SoC), and get you in touch with the most up-to-date funding available!
The EFP process takes a total of 1-2 hours depending on your farm operation (i.e. cropland, livestock, forage, horticulture, etc.)!
Click on the button below to create an account or sign in:*
The EFP is a voluntary, confidential, self-assessment of a producer's farm. Completing the EFP identifies risks on farms in order to develop Action Plans to address those risks. By implementing these Action Plans, producers are able to:
- Improve air, water and soil quality;
- Conserve biodiversity on Manitoba farmland;
- Contribute to environmental protection and conservation;
- Make Manitoba-grown commodities more marketable to environmentally-conscious consumers around the world; and
- Demonstrate due diligence by identifying environmental risks on their farm and implementing actions to reduce those risks.
*By completing an EFP, the producer is eligible for additional funding opportunities through Provincial grants and the Watershed District. If the producer is requiring assistance, contact us and we can help walk you through completing the EFP, receiving your 5-year Certificate of Completion (SoC), and get you in touch with the most up-to-date funding available!
The EFP process takes a total of 1-2 hours depending on your farm operation (i.e. cropland, livestock, forage, horticulture, etc.)!
Click on the button below to create an account or sign in:*
2022-2025 Funding Opportunity for Farmers -
Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (limited funding) *Lower funding limits may be in place and not reflected on the application forms. Please be aware of this change.*
Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP)
Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) has launched the PWCP delivered by Watershed Districts - an up-to $40 million project in Manitoba and Saskatchewan that focuses on Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) uptake and awareness and is funded by Agriculture Agri-Food Canada's On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF). OFCAF is an initiative designed to assist producers in addressing climate change.
For more information, also visit Manitoba Association of Watersheds - PWCP.
PWCP takes a grassroots, regional approach to addressing issues related to climate change in agriculture and supporting producers to implement BMPs that have a positive impact on Canadian agriculture.
Up to 85% of funding towards adoption of certain BMPs and BMP education/awareness activities for agricultural producers are available, who are the Ultimate Recipients of the program.
*Some eligibility requirements (please visit the links below for all requirements in each category)*:
Ultimate recipients (farmers) can seek registration and offset credits under voluntary offset credit programs for GHG emissions reductions generated with the support of the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program. The ability of ultimate recipients to participate in these markets will be subject to eligibility requirements set up by voluntary offset programs.
Ultimate recipients (farmers) cannot apply to any regulatory carbon offset program for the GHG emissions reductions generated between the Project Eligibility Date (“February 7, 2022 “) and the Project Completion Date (“March 31, 2025“) including those dates.
MAW will be preparing and submitting annually to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) AGR-1 forms for each PWCP payment to Ultimate Recipients.
** Important change to the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program **
As of April 1st, 2024:
The PWCP works with producers to increase the implementation of select BMPs on farms in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The BMPs eligible under the PWCP focus on three categories:
1. Rotational Grazing
2. Nitrogen Management
3. Cover Cropping
The following links are Educational Factsheets, whose purpose are to provide practical information about each BMP funded by PWCP.
1. Rotational Grazing Educational Fact-sheet
2. Nitrogen Management Educational Fact-sheet
3. Cover Cropping Educational Fact-sheet
Application Forms *NEW* - download, fill out the form online, and bring back to the office
*(Verification (before, during, and after pictures) and payment receipts of projects implemented are required for program approval)*
1. Cover Crops
2. Nitrogen Management - *New funding criteria for 2024/25 fiscal year
(PCU Fertilizers, Inhibitors, Soil Testing & Mapping, Legumes, Equipment Upgrades, Split Fertilizer Application, Manure Injection, Synthetic Substitutes)
*BMP criteria for Nitrogen Management that must be met by the Canola 4R Advantage (Canola Council of Canada’s Inhibitors list)*
3. Rotational Grazing
Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) has launched the PWCP delivered by Watershed Districts - an up-to $40 million project in Manitoba and Saskatchewan that focuses on Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) uptake and awareness and is funded by Agriculture Agri-Food Canada's On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF). OFCAF is an initiative designed to assist producers in addressing climate change.
For more information, also visit Manitoba Association of Watersheds - PWCP.
PWCP takes a grassroots, regional approach to addressing issues related to climate change in agriculture and supporting producers to implement BMPs that have a positive impact on Canadian agriculture.
Up to 85% of funding towards adoption of certain BMPs and BMP education/awareness activities for agricultural producers are available, who are the Ultimate Recipients of the program.
*Some eligibility requirements (please visit the links below for all requirements in each category)*:
- All activities must have commenced on or after February 7, 2022, and be completed on or before June 30, 2025;
- All invoices must be dated after February 7, 2022, and before March 31, 2025 (including those dates);
- Be new practices for an operation;
- Be expanded from what has been practiced in prior years on new land or new acres;
- Invoices and Proof of Purchase must accompany program rebate applications;
- Producers must contribute at least 15% of the total project cost as an in-kind contribution to the project; and
- *Verification (before, during, and after pictures) of projects implemented are required for program approval, and payment.*
Ultimate recipients (farmers) can seek registration and offset credits under voluntary offset credit programs for GHG emissions reductions generated with the support of the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program. The ability of ultimate recipients to participate in these markets will be subject to eligibility requirements set up by voluntary offset programs.
Ultimate recipients (farmers) cannot apply to any regulatory carbon offset program for the GHG emissions reductions generated between the Project Eligibility Date (“February 7, 2022 “) and the Project Completion Date (“March 31, 2025“) including those dates.
MAW will be preparing and submitting annually to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) AGR-1 forms for each PWCP payment to Ultimate Recipients.
** Important change to the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program **
As of April 1st, 2024:
- Single use inhibitors will no longer be eligible for funding (i.e. Centuro + Anhydrous ammonia)
- Dual inhibitors (i.e. SuperU and Tribune) will be continue to be eligible
- Combined Nitrification and Urease Inhibitors (i.e. Centuro + Anvol) will continue to be eligible
- Dual Inhibitors (i.e. SuperU) and Poly Coated Urea (i.e. ESN) cannot be used on the same acres
- Soil Mapping, Soil Testing, and Equipment Upgrades need to have another Greenhouse Gas Reduction activity implemented
The PWCP works with producers to increase the implementation of select BMPs on farms in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The BMPs eligible under the PWCP focus on three categories:
1. Rotational Grazing
2. Nitrogen Management
3. Cover Cropping
The following links are Educational Factsheets, whose purpose are to provide practical information about each BMP funded by PWCP.
1. Rotational Grazing Educational Fact-sheet
2. Nitrogen Management Educational Fact-sheet
3. Cover Cropping Educational Fact-sheet
Application Forms *NEW* - download, fill out the form online, and bring back to the office
*(Verification (before, during, and after pictures) and payment receipts of projects implemented are required for program approval)*
1. Cover Crops
2. Nitrogen Management - *New funding criteria for 2024/25 fiscal year
(PCU Fertilizers, Inhibitors, Soil Testing & Mapping, Legumes, Equipment Upgrades, Split Fertilizer Application, Manure Injection, Synthetic Substitutes)
*BMP criteria for Nitrogen Management that must be met by the Canola 4R Advantage (Canola Council of Canada’s Inhibitors list)*
3. Rotational Grazing
GRowing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW)
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Through GROW, SLWD will provide financial incentives to help producers implement projects that conserve, restore and enhance ecological goods and services originating from their lands.
What activities are eligible?
For a full list of activity descriptions in our District, please see our Program Activity Booklet. For further information, please visit Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development's webpage! Please review the GROW GUIDE for a complete overview of the GROW Program and project eligibility. There is also a Landowner's Agreement that will be required to sign after project approval by the Local GROW Committee. If you are interested in this program and think that you may qualify, fill out a GROW Application and contact us! |
GROWing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW) is a new initiative that recognizes the valuable role farmers play in improving the health of the agricultural landscape. GROW is a made-in-Manitoba approach to encourage and support the delivery of ecological goods and services (EG&S) in Manitoba. Identified under the Water Pillar in Manitoba’s Climate and Green Plan, GROW focuses on watershed health, management and resiliency.
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Surface and Groundwater Management
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Abandoned Well Sealing
The SLWD is committed to protecting and enhancing human health/safety and groundwater quality by sealing abandoned wells to reduce the risks of groundwater contamination within the Swan Valley. This program is offered during the Fall/Winter season, the SLWD will seal all unused and/or abandoned wells brought in to the office by application year-round. |
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Alternate Watering Systems**
Alternate Watering Systems (AWS) such as a solar watering system is beneficial because it removes livestock from watering in surface water sources. Removing livestock from waterbodies will positively improve water quality and riparian zones by allowing natural vegetation to filter nutrients and hold streambanks together, as well as improving livestock health with access to clean water. AWS may be used from streams, dugouts, or a well. |
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Erosion Control Structures
The SLWD will design and construct a new low-level field crossing or make improvements to an old field crossing over a waterway for use by farm equipment that would otherwise negatively affect water quality. Properly constructed field crossings help minimize soil erosion and sedimentation, while properly bridging over a water body. |
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Pasture Pipeline *(NEW)* - coming soon
The SLWD assist producers in water source development for their livestock in the form of pipelines. This practice will result in increased environmental benefits such as improved soil and water quality, reduce streambank degradation, and improve nutrient and water retention. |
Photo Credit: https://www.pasturepipeline.com/installation-process
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Urban Rain Garden
Utilizing a low depression to intercept drainage into one catchment area can be used to define a rain garden. Having a rain garden reduces runoff energy over land from roof tops, surface flows, lawns, driveways, and storm water. By developing a rain garden project, it is part of storm-water runoff management and removes pollutants from storm water and roof tops and restores natural infiltration. It also helps protect and enhance surface water quality and nutrient loading.
Utilizing a low depression to intercept drainage into one catchment area can be used to define a rain garden. Having a rain garden reduces runoff energy over land from roof tops, surface flows, lawns, driveways, and storm water. By developing a rain garden project, it is part of storm-water runoff management and removes pollutants from storm water and roof tops and restores natural infiltration. It also helps protect and enhance surface water quality and nutrient loading.
Water Retention and Small Dams**
The SLWD will design and construct small dry dams/water retention structures in order to create short term (temporary) retention sites with a goal of reducing peak flow rates and minimizing subsequent erosion and infrastructure damages. Water retention and small dry dams are designed to temporarily hold water for up to two weeks and completely drain out, while offering many other additional benefits such as groundwater infiltration and recharge, capturing of nutrients within the watershed, and the reduction of damage to downstream infrastructure. Larger water retention projects may seek to be funded at a 100:0 ratio.
The SLWD will design and construct small dry dams/water retention structures in order to create short term (temporary) retention sites with a goal of reducing peak flow rates and minimizing subsequent erosion and infrastructure damages. Water retention and small dry dams are designed to temporarily hold water for up to two weeks and completely drain out, while offering many other additional benefits such as groundwater infiltration and recharge, capturing of nutrients within the watershed, and the reduction of damage to downstream infrastructure. Larger water retention projects may seek to be funded at a 100:0 ratio.
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Water Quality Testing*
The SLWD offers and encourages landowners to annually test their well-water for bacteria. Bottles for bacteria sampling and extensive water quality analysis can be picked up at the office. Staff will educate on the proper sampling techniques and paperwork involved. Groundwater testing for bacteria samples and other analyses are covered by the landowner at a 0:100 ratio, with potential for District subsidy. The SLWD works with Horizon Lab, which is an accredited water quality testing lab based in Winnipeg. Prices are subject to change annually. Below is a link to the Well Aware Booklet, informational material, that was complied in Manitoba that defines construction, maintenance, and protection of wells. On page 32 of the booklet, there is also information on what your water test results mean. |
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Well Shock Chlorination
The SLWD offers and encourages landowners to annually test their well water for bacteria.
Shock chlorination is a relatively inexpensive and straightforward procedure used to control bacteria in wells.
If a landowner sends a water sample through our office and the test results come back positive for E. Coli or Total Coliform, you are welcome to come into the office for a bottle of bleach to disinfect the well with *(proof required)*.
The process involves adding chlorine to the water in the well and pumping it through the water distribution system (all household taps) until the smell of bleach is present. The chlorinated water is then left in the system long enough to ensure complete disinfection, 12 hours or 24 hours for best results. Ensure that you have enough potable water for that amount of time. Make sure to disconnect or by-pass water filters and treatment equipment, such as water softeners, reverse osmosis (RO) systems and carbon filters. Then flush the lines thoroughly by running every tap in the house until no smell of bleach is present, then resample the well water.
The SLWD offers and encourages landowners to annually test their well water for bacteria.
Shock chlorination is a relatively inexpensive and straightforward procedure used to control bacteria in wells.
If a landowner sends a water sample through our office and the test results come back positive for E. Coli or Total Coliform, you are welcome to come into the office for a bottle of bleach to disinfect the well with *(proof required)*.
The process involves adding chlorine to the water in the well and pumping it through the water distribution system (all household taps) until the smell of bleach is present. The chlorinated water is then left in the system long enough to ensure complete disinfection, 12 hours or 24 hours for best results. Ensure that you have enough potable water for that amount of time. Make sure to disconnect or by-pass water filters and treatment equipment, such as water softeners, reverse osmosis (RO) systems and carbon filters. Then flush the lines thoroughly by running every tap in the house until no smell of bleach is present, then resample the well water.
Soil Management Programs
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Cover Cropping
The SLWD will provide an incentive rebate back to the landowner. A cover crop is grown for the protection and enhancement of the soil, while providing ecological goods and services. Some of these services include: 1. reducing greenhouse gas emissions 2. providing nitrogen to the next crop 3. reducing erosion 4. reducing nutrient runoff 5. carbon sequestering 6. preventing weed growth 7. increasing biodiversity 8. increasing moisture retention 9 increasing soil organic matter 10. enhance soil nutrient levels |
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Grassed Waterways
The SLWD will assist in the design and construction of a grassed waterway with proper sloping and channel size based on the project site. Following construction, the SLWD will seed the waterway with grasses to establish a vegetated cover including suitable buffer strips from cropped farmland. The design of this controlled waterway provides benefits such as minimizing soil erosion, reducing nutrient movement downstream, preventing water breaking out, and providing forage for wildlife habitat. |
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Hay and Silage Feed Testing for Livestock *(NEW)* - coming soon
Feed testing is an undersubscribed practice that has implications on animal health and welfare, farm profitability, and manure management. This program is in partnership with Manitoba Beef Producers.
What the producer is responsible for:
Feed testing is an undersubscribed practice that has implications on animal health and welfare, farm profitability, and manure management. This program is in partnership with Manitoba Beef Producers.
What the producer is responsible for:
- temporarily use testing equipment supplied by the SLWD office
- sampling what is required for hay and/or silage feed
- paying for lab feed testing, and $5 per sample to cover shipping cost
- recording when a producer has checked out the sample probe(s)
- collecting payment, and send the sample(s) to the lab
- having the producer leave a blank cheque as security for the equipment, which is then filled in with the test cost and an fee to cover shipping costs to the lab
- purchasing and supplying producers with feed testing equipment
- creating resource packages (electronic and/or hard copy) including, info on how to take a sample, which tests are best for which feeds, sample bags, lab price list, and resources on ration balancing (including how to interpret results and who to contact for assistance)
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Livestock Crossing
The SLWD will design and construct a new low-level livestock crossing or make improvements to an old crossing over a waterway for use by livestock that would otherwise negatively affect soil and water quality. Properly constructed livestock crossings help minimize soil erosion and sedimentation, while safely bridging over a water body. |
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Portable Windbreaks for Livestock *(NEW)* - coming soon
The SLWD will support NEW portable windbreaks that reduces stress on animals from winter winds, etc. This project offers windbreak for livestock away from waterways and align with rotational grazing paddocks. The SLWD encourages and assists producers to implement alternative practices on their land while improving soil health. This project does not assist in the replacement or repair of existing portable windbreaks. Landowners need to provide before and after pictures as proof of project implementation. |
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Riparian Fencing
The SLWD will provide assistance for installation of NEW riparian fencing only. This project is dedicated to protecting and enhancing riparian areas from erosion and surface water quality from nutrient loading. It further increases riparian area health by limiting livestock access to surface water.
The SLWD always encourages and assists producers in implementing alternative practices on their land. However, this program does not assist landowners in the replacement of existing fencing or perimeter fencing.
Landowners need to provide before and after pictures as proof of project implementation.
The SLWD will provide assistance for installation of NEW riparian fencing only. This project is dedicated to protecting and enhancing riparian areas from erosion and surface water quality from nutrient loading. It further increases riparian area health by limiting livestock access to surface water.
The SLWD always encourages and assists producers in implementing alternative practices on their land. However, this program does not assist landowners in the replacement of existing fencing or perimeter fencing.
Landowners need to provide before and after pictures as proof of project implementation.
Rotational Grazing Fencing
The SLWD will provide assistance in support of rotational grazing plans and beneficial management practices. This program seeks to support NEW fencing infrastructure and grazing management plans that benefit both the land and livestock. The SLWD encourages and assists producers in implementing alternative practices on their land. However, this program does not assist landowners in the replacement of existing rotational grazing fencing, but can be temporary or permanent fencing.
Landowners need to provide before and after pictures as proof of project implementation.
The SLWD will provide assistance in support of rotational grazing plans and beneficial management practices. This program seeks to support NEW fencing infrastructure and grazing management plans that benefit both the land and livestock. The SLWD encourages and assists producers in implementing alternative practices on their land. However, this program does not assist landowners in the replacement of existing rotational grazing fencing, but can be temporary or permanent fencing.
Landowners need to provide before and after pictures as proof of project implementation.
Shelterbelt & Tree Planting*
The SLWD will assist landowners in shelterbelt development, tree planting areas, by obtaining trees and/or shrubs, working in conjunction with the annual tree program. Shelterbelts and tree planting areas provide many benefits including to help reduce wind and soil erosion, surface runoff, create wildlife habitat, and much more.
The SLWD provides a selection of deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs for purchase by the public annually. This program operates on an ordering basis rather than an application. Tree planting helps communities, landowners, and other groups interested to effectively manage and care for our environment and community beautification. Community trees help with property aesthetics, reducing wind and soil erosion, carbon sequestration, increasing crop yields, improving soil moisture, and creating wildlife habitat. Tree order forms are available in the late Fall season and are due at the beginning of February each year. Stop by the office and pick up a form or print the online form.
Shelterbelt and Tree Plantings can also be eligible for GROW Incentives. Stop by and talk with our staff or visit our GROW Guide and Information above.
The SLWD will assist landowners in shelterbelt development, tree planting areas, by obtaining trees and/or shrubs, working in conjunction with the annual tree program. Shelterbelts and tree planting areas provide many benefits including to help reduce wind and soil erosion, surface runoff, create wildlife habitat, and much more.
The SLWD provides a selection of deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs for purchase by the public annually. This program operates on an ordering basis rather than an application. Tree planting helps communities, landowners, and other groups interested to effectively manage and care for our environment and community beautification. Community trees help with property aesthetics, reducing wind and soil erosion, carbon sequestration, increasing crop yields, improving soil moisture, and creating wildlife habitat. Tree order forms are available in the late Fall season and are due at the beginning of February each year. Stop by the office and pick up a form or print the online form.
Shelterbelt and Tree Plantings can also be eligible for GROW Incentives. Stop by and talk with our staff or visit our GROW Guide and Information above.
External Funding Programs
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Environmental Education
The SLWD considers education as the forefront in helping protect aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, while minimizing impacts on the environment. The District is actively involved in providing/sponsoring environmental education programs to students and other groups such as Envirothon, Water Festival (annually), Surface Water Quality Monitoring, the Oak Hammock Marsh Wetland EcoVan (school visits), and more. |
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Fisheries Enhancement
The SLWD undertakes projects that improve fish habitat, water quality, and angling opportunities across the Swan Valley, some of which include partnership with the Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement Inc. Projects include fish ladder design and restoration, and habitat protection. |
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Wildlife Habitat & Land Protection - Conservation Agreement
The SLWD will work with landowners to form a Conservation Agreement (easement) with the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC). The agreement is a legal contract registered on the land’s title, designed to provide long-term protection of wildlife, land and/or fish habitat. For more information on Conservation Agreements, visit the MHHC website at www.mhhc.mb.ca or contact the SLWD. |
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Equipment Rental*
The SLWD has various equipment available for rent including a tree planter, plastic mulch applicator, and seeder. A damage deposit is held and refunded when the equipment is returned in good working condition and meets inspection. The District also offers an RTK survey service and drone photography and videography both operated by SLWD staff.
The SLWD has various equipment available for rent including a tree planter, plastic mulch applicator, and seeder. A damage deposit is held and refunded when the equipment is returned in good working condition and meets inspection. The District also offers an RTK survey service and drone photography and videography both operated by SLWD staff.
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Battery Recycling
Don't throw your batteries in the garbage! The SLWD has partnered with call2recycle and is now offering a battery recycling program! Any used rechargeable and single-use household batteries (weighing less than 5 kg) can be brought to the office to be recycled. |
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Recycle Your Line
Attention Anglers!! Reel in and Recycle! Please help keep our waterways tangle-free. The SLWD has partnered with Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement to bring you a local recycling program. You can now bring in your used fishing line and spool to be recycled at the office. You can also contact Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement for more information or visit their website at swanvalleysportfishing.com for all the neat work they are currently doing! |
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* Inquire within the Watershed District office for more information and rates*
** Funding ratio varies based on external funding and subject to change**
** Funding ratio varies based on external funding and subject to change**
