Straddling three major watersheds, Kandyohi County in central Minnesota provided a variety of water quality demonstrations for the annual summer tour of the Board of Water and Soil Resources. Wednesday, Aug. 23, they visited sites including the "Squashed Frog" RIM project, water quality improvement at Diamond Lake, Rasmus Lake RIM/WRP project, and Grass Lake restoration.

Surrounded by rural residential and cropland areas, the projects show how water management practices in agricultural areas can support ag production and water quality objectives. The watersheds on the tour included Middle and South Fork Crow, Hawk Creek, and Chippewa.

As the state's soil and water conservation agency, BWSR administers programs that prevent sediment and nutrients from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams; enhance fish and wildlife habitat; and protect wetlands. The 20-member board consists of representatives of local and state government agencies and citizens. Photo: Loren Engelby of Kandiyohi County, left, and Tom Wenzel of BWSR describe the Grass Lake restoration project southeast of Willmar.