NEXT WISE STEPS FOR ENGAGING PEOPLE IN SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA WATERSHED RESTORATION & PROTECTION

In 2013, 2014 and 2015, while hosting meetings for the Mississippi River-Winona Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS) process, I noticed agriculture retail partners were rarely, if ever, at the table. We knew large numbers of farmers worked primarily with retail crop advisors to make agronomic decisions, so I started asking, "Why aren't they involved in this process?" This led to conversations with senior area crop advisors who understand southeast Minnesota's water dynamics, as well as ag retail suppliers who are closely tied to details of products and application, but typically not connected to conservation staff in the area or involved in water quality conversations.