Community Announcements
Share what matters with neighbors — events, milestones, and local updates.
Regional Spotlight
Annual Tree Sale
Annual Tree Sale Once a year, the Watonwan County Land Management / Soil & Water Conservation District holds an annual tree sale. The purpose of this program is to help promote conversation and help the residents in the Watonwan County area to create a more beautiful, healthy and environmentally balanced life. Our 2026 Tree Sale order deadline has closed for this year. Watch for your postcard in the mail for the next season's Tree Sale. If you have questions or would like to be added to the tree mailing list, please contact the Watonwan County Land Management / SWCD office at 507-375-1225.
Recent Community News
Annual Tree Sale
Annual Tree Sale Once a year, the Watonwan County Land Management / Soil & Water Conservation District holds an annual tree sale. The purpose of this program is to help promote conversation and help the residents in the Watonwan County area to create a more beautiful, healthy and environmentally balanced life. Our 2026 Tree Sale order deadline has closed for this year. Watch for your postcard in the mail for the next season's Tree Sale. If you have questions or would like to be added to the tree mailing list, please contact the Watonwan County Land Management / SWCD office at 507-375-1225.
Aquatic Invasive Species
Aquatic Invasive Species Watonwan County receives state funding for the Prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species in our lakes and rivers. Our focus is through education and outreach, providing information to our residents to equip them with the necessary tools. What are Aquatic Invasive Species? Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals, or pathogens that live primarily in water and thrive in their new environment, often out-competing native species and can cause economic loss, environmental damage, and harm to human health. In Minnesota there are many aquatic invasive plants and animals. Watonwan County lakes and rivers currently have Curly-leaf pondweed and Purple loosestrife. Other well known AIS to be on the look out for but not limited to are Zebra Mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and Starry stonewart. Clean In & Clean Out CLEAN all visible aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited invasive species from watercraft, trailers, and water-related equipment before leaving any water access or shoreland. DRAIN water-related equipment (boat, ballast tanks, portable bait containers, motor) and drain bilge, livewell and baitwell by removing drain plugs before leaving a water access or shoreline property. Keep drain plugs out and water-draining devices open while transporting a watercraft. DISPOSE of unwanted bait, including minnows, leeches, and worms, in the trash. It is ILLEGAL to release bait into a waterbody or release aquatic animals from one waterbody to another. If you want to keep your bait, you must refill the bait container with bottle or tap water. CLICK HERE to see where AIS Infestations are located in Watonwan County, MN. Staff Contact Kyla Schlomann (507) 375-1225 [email protected]
Land Management & Zoning
Responsibilities & Services The Watonwan County Land Management Department is charged with overseeing matters of zoning and land use permitting as required in the Watonwan County Zoning Ordinance (PDF). This includes feedlot programs, septic system inventory, and compliance and shoreland development and use. Most matters consider, and are directly connected with, surface water quality and soil erosion. Who do I contact if I want to throw away old paint cans or find out collection times? Who do I contact if I need a new 9-1-1 address assigned? Who do I contact if I have questions regarding radon? Who do I call if I suspect that my septic system is failing? Do I need a building permit if I am replacing shingles, replacing siding, or replacing windows? Grant Contacts Grant Program Leadership: David Haler [email protected] Phone: 507-375-1225 Grant Management: David Haler [email protected] Phone: 507-375-1225 Grants: Feedlot Septic Treatment Systems Local Water Management Shoreland Wetland Conservation Act
Programs & Services
Programs & Services | Watonwan County, MN - Official Website Skip to Main Content Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Website Sign In Home Departments Soil & Water Conservation District Programs & Services Programs & Services Home Contact Us Disclaimer Public Notices Accessibility /QuickLinks.aspx Government Websites by CivicPlus® Loading Loading Do Not Show Again Close Arrow Left Arrow Right [] Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow
Windbreaks
Windbreaks What is a Windbreak? Windbreaks or shelterbelts (including living snow fences) are single or multiple rows of trees or shrubs in linear configurations. Windbreaks have many purposes such as: Reduce soil erosion from wind Protect plants from wind related damage Protect structures, animals, and people from damaging winds. Manage snow distribution Improve air quality Enhance wildlife habitat Reduce energy used in the heating and cooling of structures Helpful Resources: Planting Distance Selecting Trees and Shrubs for Windbreaks Trees for Changing Climate Windbreak Design
Tree Disease Resources
Tree Disease Resources Needle Cast Disease: Needle Cast in Spruce Trees Two Needle Diseases of Spruce in North Dakota Emerald Ash Borer: Emerald Ash Borer (E.A.B.) What-is-the-Emerald-Ash-Borer View all insects and diseases
Soil & Water Conservation District
SWCD Mission Our mission is to assist the people of Watonwan County in the wise management of the quality and quantity of ground and surface water, the wise management of wind and water erosion areas, and to educate landowners to recognize the need for proper soil and water resource management. Overview In May 1952, a group of farmers met in LaSalle and started action toward the formation of a Soil Conservation District. Petitions were circulated in all townships in Watonwan County and in Albin, Lake Hanska, and Linden townships in Brown County. After a public hearing a referendum was held with 184 farmers voting in favor of a proposed district and 12 voting against. An application was made to the Secretary of State and the Watonwan Soil Conservation District came into being. The first meeting of the district was held on May 25, 1954. Board of Supervisors Meeting SWCD Board meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 8:30 am. If the meeting falls on a holiday, the meeting will be moved to the 3rd Tuesday of that month. Upcoming SWCD Monthly Meeting Date: Tuesday, October 13th, 2026 Time: 8:30 A.M. Location Watonwan County Resource Center Building 108 8th Street South Suite 2 St. James, MN 56081 Grant Contacts Grant Program Leadership: David [email protected]: 507-375-1225 Grant Management: David Haler [email protected] Phone: 507-375-1225 Grants: Buffer GrantsConservation Delivery------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Carrie [email protected]: 507-375-1225 Grants: Conservation ContractsSoil Health PracticesSoil Health Delivery
Watonwan County Board Agenda - April 21, 2026
Agenda Center • Watonwan County, MN • CivicEngage Skip to Main Content Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Website Sign In Home Agenda Center Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes Tools RSS Notify Me Search Agendas by: Time Period Time Period Time Period Last Week Last Month Last 6 Months Last Year Start Date End Date Enter Search Terms Select a Category All Categories County Board Agendas & Minutes Human Services Board Agendas & Minutes One Watershed, One Plan Agenda & Minutes Soil & Water Conservation District Agenda/Handouts & Minutes Search ◄ Back to all agendas County Board Agendas & Minutes 2026 Agenda Minutes Download Apr 21, 2026 —Posted Apr 17, 2026 2:19 PM April 21, 2026 (PDF) Download ▼ Agenda Apr 21, 2026 —Posted Apr 17, 2026 2:19 PM April 21, 2026 (PDF) Download ▼ Agenda Home Contact Us Disclaimer Public Notices Accessibility /QuickLinks.aspx Government Websites by CivicPlus® Loading Loading Do Not Show Again Close Arrow Left Arrow Right [] Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow
District Court Agenda - July 21, 2026
The provided content is a highly corrupted PDF file. The header indicates `%PDF-1.6%` and various object streams follow, but the data within these streams is largely unintelligible and appears to be garbled binary data, not human-readable text. Therefore, the full article text cannot be extracted.
Watonwan County Board Agendas & Minutes - July 7, 2026
Agenda Center • Watonwan County, MN • CivicEngage Skip to Main Content Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Website Sign In Home Agenda Center Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes Tools RSS Notify Me Search Agendas by: Time Period Time Period Time Period Last Week Last Month Last 6 Months Last Year Start Date End Date Enter Search Terms Select a Category All Categories County Board Agendas & Minutes Human Services Board Agendas & Minutes One Watershed, One Plan Agenda & Minutes Soil & Water Conservation District Agenda/Handouts & Minutes Search ◄ Back to all agendas County Board Agendas & Minutes 2026 Agenda Minutes Download Jul 7, 2026 — Posted Jul 2, 2026 10:02 AM July 7, 2026 (PDF) Download ▼ Agenda Jul 7, 2026 — Posted Jul 2, 2026 10:02 AM July 07, 2026 (PDF) Download ▼ Agenda Home Contact Us Disclaimer Public Notices Accessibility /QuickLinks.aspx Government Websites by CivicPlus® Loading Loading Do Not Show Again Close Arrow Left Arrow Right [] Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow
Watonwan County Board Meeting Agenda - June 16, 2026
Agenda Center • Watonwan County, MN • CivicEngage Skip to Main Content Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Website Sign In Home Agenda Center Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes Tools RSS Notify Me Search Agendas by: Time Period Time Period Time Period Last Week Last Month Last 6 Months Last Year Start Date End Date Enter Search Terms Select a Category All Categories County Board Agendas & Minutes Human Services Board Agendas & Minutes One Watershed, One Plan Agenda & Minutes Soil & Water Conservation District Agenda/Handouts & Minutes Search ◄ Back to all agendas County Board Agendas & Minutes 2026 Agenda Minutes Download Jun 16, 2026 —Posted Jun 11, 2026 11:48 AM June 16, 2026 (PDF) Download ▼ Agenda Jun 16, 2026 —Posted Jun 11, 2026 11:48 AM June 16, 2026 (PDF) Download ▼ Agenda Home Contact Us Disclaimer Public Notices Accessibility /QuickLinks.aspx Government Websites by CivicPlus® Loading Loading Do Not Show Again Close Arrow Left Arrow Right [] Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow
County Board Agenda - May 19, 2026
Agenda Center • Watonwan County, MN • CivicEngage Skip to Main Content Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Website Sign In Home Agenda Center Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes Tools RSS Notify Me Search Agendas by: Time Period Time Period Time Period Last Week Last Month Last 6 Months Last Year Start Date End Date Enter Search Terms Select a Category All Categories County Board Agendas & Minutes Human Services Board Agendas & Minutes One Watershed, One Plan Agenda & Minutes Soil & Water Conservation District Agenda/Handouts & Minutes Search ◄ Back to all agendas County Board Agendas & Minutes 2026 Agenda Minutes Download May 19, 2026 —Posted May 15, 2026 11:36 AM May 19, 2026 (PDF) Download ▼ Agenda May 19, 2026 —Posted May 15, 2026 11:36 AM May 19, 2026 (PDF) Download ▼ Agenda May 19, 2026 —Posted May 15, 2026 11:36 AM May 19, 2026 (PDF) Download ▼ Agenda Home Contact Us Disclaimer Public Notices Accessibility /QuickLinks.aspx Government Websites by CivicPlus® Loading Loading Do Not Show Again Close Arrow Left Arrow Right [] Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow
District Court Agenda (May 5, 2026)
The provided content is a corrupted PDF file, making it impossible to extract any readable text or specific details from the document. The file type is identified as '%PDF-1.6', and the listed title indicates it is an agenda for May 5, 2026, from the District Court in Watonwan County, Saint James, MN. However, the stream data is unreadable, preventing any further content extraction.
District Court Agenda
The provided content is a highly corrupted PDF file. It contains a PDF header (%PDF-1.6%) followed by numerous unintelligible characters and control codes (e.g., %????, obj<>, endobj, stream, endstream, startxref, %%EOF, h?bbd`, h?b``, hޤ?mO?). It is not possible to extract any readable or meaningful text, dates, names, or other information from this content. The file appears to be completely unreadable and likely damaged.
Watonwan County District Court Agenda (September 15, 2026)
The provided content is a highly corrupted PDF file. It begins with "%PDF-1.6%" and then shows a series of unreadable characters and data streams, indicating that the PDF file is either malformed, encrypted, or not properly rendered. Therefore, the full article text cannot be extracted or understood from the given data.
Watonwan County Board Agenda - August 18, 2026
Agenda Center • Watonwan County, MN • CivicEngage Skip to Main Content Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Website Sign In Home Agenda Center Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes Tools RSS Notify Me Search Agendas by: Time Period Time Period Time Period Last Week Last Month Last 6 Months Last Year Start Date End Date Enter Search Terms Select a Category All Categories County Board Agendas & Minutes Human Services Board Agendas & Minutes One Watershed, One Plan Agenda & Minutes Soil & Water Conservation District Agenda/Handouts & Minutes Search ◄ Back to all agendas County Board Agendas & Minutes 2026 Agenda Minutes Download Aug 18, 2026 —Posted Aug 13, 2026 3:20 PM August 18, 2026 (PDF) Download ▼ Agenda Aug 18, 2026 —Posted Aug 13, 2026 3:20 PM August 18, 2026 (PDF) Download ▼ Agenda Home Contact Us Disclaimer Public Notices Accessibility /QuickLinks.aspx Government Websites by CivicPlus® Loading Loading Do Not Show Again Close Arrow Left Arrow Right [] Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow
Auditor
Auditor | Watonwan County, MN - Official Website Skip to Main Content Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Website Sign In Home Departments Auditor Auditor Responsibilities & Services The auditor's office is responsible for the financial records of the county, including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and the preparation and publication of the County Financial Statement (PDF). The county auditor also serves as the deputy registrar and chief election official for the county, conducting all county and state elections, including the responsibilities of voter registration, ballot layout, and absentee voting. Property Taxes The auditor's office is responsible for property tax administration. These duties include: Calculation of property taxes Collection of delinquent taxes Documenting all land transfers for name and address maintenance Special assessments Tax increment financing The settlement of tax dollars The tax forfeiture process The auditor's office administers the issuance of auctioneer, beer and liquor, precious metal, transient merchant, and tobacco licenses. Public Notices JD 8 Watonwan County & Brown County Public Hearing Notice 4-29-2025 JD 5 Watonwan County & Brown County Public Hearing Notice 4-29-2025 Home Contact Us Disclaimer Public Notices Accessibility /QuickLinks.aspx Government Websites by CivicPlus® Loading Loading Do Not Show Again Close Arrow Left Arrow Right [] Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow
Public Drainage System
Ditches & Tile Systems The department is responsible for inspection of and making recommendations for maintenance and repair of county ditches and county tile systems. There are 36,000 benefited acres, which is approximately 13% of the county surface area. GIS INCORPORATION EFFORTS We are in the process of incorporating Public Drainage System (PDS) information into a Geographical Information System (GIS) database. Below are links to the drainage system maps. Our hope is that someday you will be able to download tile alignment information to your computer and/or Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. JD Boundaries Public Drainage Systems & Commissioner Districts Map (PDF) County Ditch #1 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #1 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #2 (PDF) County Ditch #4 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #5 (PDF) County Ditch #6 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #6 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #7 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #8 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #9 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #11 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #12 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #13 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #13 - Brown and Watonwan (PDF) Judicial Ditch #14 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #14 - Brown and Watonwan (PDF) Judicial Ditch #15 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #18 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #23 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #25 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #26 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #29 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #31 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #35 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #36 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #38 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #52 (PDF) County Ditch #62 (PDF) County Ditch #64 (PDF) County Ditch #65 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #88 (PDF) County Ditch #101 (PDF) County Ditch #102 (PDF) Judicial Ditch #350 - Martin and Watonwan (PDF) Please note that the above system maps are based on construction plans (not "As Builts") that have been transcribed numerous times. Therefore, Watonwan County makes no claim as to the precision of these system maps. Findings from July 2017 televising of tile main on JD 18 (PDF) Televising of JD 13 - October 4, 2023: D1 Br E6 - 1 Downstream PT 1 Downstream PT 3 Downstream Upstream NW Upstream NW Upstream SW Upstream W - NW Televising of JD 35 - November 1, 2023 (Martin County & Watonwan County) Map JD 35 (Section 26 - South Branch Township) PT 1 Downstream PT 2 Downstream PT 2 Downstream PT 3 Downstream PT 3 Downstream Upstream 2 Upstream 3 Televising of JD 13 - October 4, 2023 JD 13 Televising of JD 35 SE - November 1, 2023 JD 35 SE Drone Footage of JD 13 BW JD 13 BW Watonwan JD13 BW MDM Report 2024-04-06: Watonwan JD13 BW MDM Report 2024-04-26 Feasibility Study for Watonwan JD 13: Watonwan JD 13 Feasibility Report - 2024 Feasibility Study for Watonwan JD 35: Watonwan JD 35 SE Feasibility Study Findings from Watonwan County Ditch 4 - April 8, 2025 televising (pdf) Televising of Watonwan County Ditch 4 - April 8, 2025 Watonwan CD 4 Downstream Watonwan CD 4 Upstream (S) Watonwan CD 4 Upstream (SW) (Pt 1) Watonwan CD 4 Upstream (SW) (Pt 1) Watonwan CD 4 Upstream (SW) (Pt 1) To request minor repairs on a Public Drainage System, contact Carrie Schultz at (507) 375-1225
Drainage Notices
Drainage Notices JD #350 Joint Board Meeting
Land Management & Zoning
"Responsibilities & Services The Watonwan County Land Management Department is charged with overseeing matters of zoning and land use permitting as required in the Watonwan County Zoning Ordinance (PDF). This includes feedlot programs, septic system inventory, and compliance and shoreland development and use. Most matters consider, and are directly connected with, surface water quality and soil erosion. Who do I contact if I want to throw away old paint cans or find out collection times? Who do I contact if I need a new 9-1-1 address assigned? Who do I contact if I have questions regarding radon? Who do I call if I suspect that my septic system is failing? Do I need a building permit if I am replacing shingles, replacing siding, or replacing windows? Grant Contacts Grant Program Leadership: David Haler [email protected] Phone: 507-375-1225 Grant Management: David Haler [email protected] Phone: 507-375-1225 Grants: Feedlot Septic Treatment Systems Local Water Management Shoreland Wetland Conservation Act"
District Court Agenda
"The provided content is a highly corrupted PDF file. It contains a PDF header (%PDF-1.6%) followed by numerous unintelligible characters and control codes (e.g., %????, obj<>, endobj, stream, endstream, startxref, %%EOF, h?bbd`, h?b``, hޤ?mO?). It is not possible to extract any readable or meaningful text, dates, names, or other information from this content. The file appears to be completely unreadable and likely damaged."
District Court Agenda - July 21, 2026
"The provided content is a highly corrupted PDF file. The header indicates `%PDF-1.6%` and various object streams follow, but the data within these streams is largely unintelligible and appears to be garbled binary data, not human-readable text. Therefore, the full article text cannot be extracted."
Watonwan County Board Agendas & Minutes - July 7, 2026
"Agenda Center • Watonwan County, MN • CivicEngage Skip to Main Content Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Website Sign In Home Agenda Center Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes Tools RSS Notify Me Search Agendas by: Time Period Time Period Time Period Last Week Last Month Last 6 Months Last Year Start Date End Date Enter Search Terms Select a Category All Categories County Board Agendas & Minutes Human Services Board Agendas & Minutes One Watershed, One Plan Agenda & Minutes Soil & Water Conservation District Agenda/Handouts & Minutes Search ◄ Back to all agendas County Board Agendas & Minutes 2026 Agenda Minutes Download Jul 7, 2026 — Posted Jul 2, 2026 10:02 AM July 7, 2026 (PDF) Download ▼ Agenda Jul 7, 2026 — Posted Jul 2, 2026 10:02 AM July 07, 2026 (PDF) Download ▼ Agenda Home Contact Us Disclaimer Public Notices Accessibility /QuickLinks.aspx Government Websites by CivicPlus® Loading Loading Do Not Show Again Close Arrow Left Arrow Right [] Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow"
Watonwan County Board Meeting Agenda - June 16, 2026
"Agenda Center • Watonwan County, MN • CivicEngage Skip to Main Content Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Website Sign In Home Agenda Center Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes Tools RSS Notify Me Search Agendas by: Time Period Time Period Time Period Last Week Last Month Last 6 Months Last Year Start Date End Date Enter Search Terms Select a Category All Categories County Board Agendas & Minutes Human Services Board Agendas & Minutes One Watershed, One Plan Agenda & Minutes Soil & Water Conservation District Agenda/Handouts & Minutes Search ◄ Back to all agendas County Board Agendas & Minutes 2026 Agenda Minutes Download Jun 16, 2026 —Posted Jun 11, 2026 11:48 AM June 16, 2026 (PDF) Download ▼ Agenda Jun 16, 2026 —Posted Jun 11, 2026 11:48 AM June 16, 2026 (PDF) Download ▼ Agenda Home Contact Us Disclaimer Public Notices Accessibility /QuickLinks.aspx Government Websites by CivicPlus® Loading Loading Do Not Show Again Close Arrow Left Arrow Right [] Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow"
- Share local celebrations and life transitions.
- Maintain a respectful and supportive tone.
- Verify event details before posting.
- No commercial advertising in announcements.
SWCD Board of Supervisors Meeting
Watonwan County Human Services Board Regular Meeting
Watonwan County Human Services Board Regular Meeting
Watonwan County Human Services Board Regular Meeting
Celebrate Together
Sharing announcements helps build a stronger, more connected community.