Dakota County Soil & Water Conservation District
4100 220th St. West, Suite 102 Farmington, MN 55024
Phone (651) 480-7777 FAX (651) 480-7775
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Extension & Conservation Center
4100 220th St. W., Suite 102
Farmington, MN 55024

Phone: (651) 480-7777
fax: (651) 480-7775


Frequently Asked Questions


  • Where are you located? The visit us section of our website contains driving directions and a map to our location.

  • Where can I get a Dakota County Plat Book? Purchasing a Dakota County Plat Book

  • Where can I get a Dakota County Soil Survey? Old Soil Survey Books are available at the SWCD Office for viewing or photocopying. Limited requests can be made by phone to have copies mailed. NRCS has updated the Dakota County Soil Survey which is now available online at: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/.

  • How do I get my soil tested? Soil Test Kits are available from the University of MN Extension Office for both Lawn and Garden or Farm Field use. There is a $15 fee for standard tests. Contact the Extension Office at 651-480-7749 for more information.

  • What should I know before purchasing land in Dakota County? You should know what types of soils are present and whether hydrology of some kind (wetlands, wet soils, waterways) is present. These factors can impact the suitability of property for building and may be associated with local ordinances.

  • Can you recommend a consultant or contractor? We have assembled a reference list of local contractors and consultants. The Dakota County SWCD does not promote or endorse any of the included businesses or services. All work must meet SWCD standards and specifications to receive approval and/or cost share assistance. This contractor list is not exclusive, there may be additional contractors not listed that are capable of completing your project. Contractors and Consultants

  • Do I need to register my feedlot? Please refer to the Feedlot Program Fact Sheet for more information on registration requirements.

  • I have a lowland area on my property. Is this a wetland? Lowland areas may be wetlands. For more information refer to the Wetland Conservation Act Fact Sheet.

  • How do I get my water tested? Water Test Kits can be picked up at the University of Minnesota Extension and Conservation Center Office. Basic tests cost $32. Kits can be dropped off at the Extension and Conservation Center on Tuesdays before 10 am. For more information call 651-480-7749.

  • Are we monitoring any creeks, ponds, lakes, streams or rivers in Dakota County? Many waterways and waters of Dakota County are monitored to some degree by various organizations. The SWCD actively monitors portions of the Vermillion River and Chub Creek for water quality, among other factors. Please refer to the watershed management section of the website for more information.

  • How do I get rid of unwanted plant or algal growth on the surface of my pond?
    There really are no solutions other than to get water moving by installing a fountain or adding a plant herbicide to kill the growth. Herbicides need to be approved by the EPA for surface water use. You can research the use of herbicides online or by visiting your local nursery or garden store. Prior to any course of action, ensure all landowners or easement owners (if applicable) over the entire pond approve any method chosen to reduce vegetation growth. You should also check with your local community to make sure no permits are needed.

  • Who should I contact with questions regarding the planting and care of trees and shrubs? You can contact the University of Minnesota Master Gardener's Program or call the University of Minnesota Extension Office at 651-480-7749 to speak directly with a master gardner.

  • Do you sell trees? Plants? or Shrubs? The SWCD has an annual tree sale where we sell a variety of trees and shrubs for conservation. You can visit our Tree Sale for more information. We do not sell seeds or plants.

  • Do you have historical photography available?
    The SWCD has a large amount of aerial photography available for a sampling of years from 1937 to the present in two formats. Some years are available as CONTACT PRINTS to view or copy in our office but the bulk of our aerial photography is available in a digital format. Please see the Aerial Photography page for more information or visit our interactive mapping feature, SWCD Viewer now to see what's available.

  • What GIS data do you have available? Please see the GIS Projects & Data page for more information on what data layers are available.

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©2002 Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District
All rights reserved.

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OR PROGRAM

Waterways
Agricultural Erosion Control
Community Cost Share
Community Cost Share
Feedlots
Feedlots
GIS
Geographic Information Systems
Native Prairie
Native Plantings
Shoreline Stabilization
Shoreline Stabilization
Urban Erosion Control
Urban Erosion Control
Watershed Management
Watershed Management
Wetlands
Wetlands