At a glance:

The Drainage Outlet Web Site

Printable Info Sheet

Artificial drainage systems have supported agricultural production in Minnesota for over a hundred years. Surface and subsurface (i.e., tile) drainage systems are an integral part of the landscape in the Minnesota River and Red River Basins and help ensure successful agricultural crop production in these regions (and other regions of the U.S.). Since the inception of the Clean Water Act (1972) and Swampbuster provisions (1985), societal expectations toward wetlands and the environment have changed. Basic and applied research is underway to improve our understanding of how artificial drainage impacts the environment and how drainage practices can change to reduce these impacts. Education is required to help drainage practitioners and stakeholders (farmers, contractors, consultants, agency staff, local decision makers) understand how they can accomplish the dual objectives of agricultural production while minimizing unwanted environmental effects. Other sectors of society are in need of education about water management alternatives for agriculture and how these alternatives
affect society at large.

Serving...

• Producers
• Drainage contractors
• Agricultural Consultants
• Legislators, local government

Specific Goals

• Provide research-based drainage and water management education to various target audiences and regions to enhance decision making abilities.
• Increase profit and sustainability of agriculture through sound water management.
• Improve understanding and awareness of environmental impacts of water management practices.

Members

• Gary Sands, Program Coordinator [info]
• Jerry Wright, Program Coordinator [info]
• Brad Carlson, Educator [info]
• Terry Hurley, Content Specialist [info]
• Craig Schrader, Educator [info]
• Jeff Strock, Content Specialist
• Jochum Wiersma, Content Specialist [info]

Cooperators

• U of M Water Resources Center
• State Agencies: MDA, MPCA, MDNR, BWSR, MDA
• Minnesota Assoc. of Watershed Districts
• MnLICA
• Drainage product industry

What we do...

• The Drainage Outlet Web Site
• Drainage Design and Water Management Workshop
• Minnesota Drainage Management Conference
• Drainage Demonstration Projects
• Agricultural Drainage Publication Series
• Drainage Slide Chart pocket calculator
• Ag Drainage Management Systems Task Force (regional)
• Field Days
• MN-IA Interstate Drainage Forum