This nine-county joint powers organization was created in 1978 by statute to provide cost-share and technical assistance for the implementation of flood retarding and retention projects to the member counties of Brown, Cottonwood, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Pipestone, Redwood, and Yellow Medicine in southwestern Minnesota. The six major watersheds within Area II consist of the Yellow Bank River, Lac qui Parle River, Yellow Medicine River, Redwood River, Cottonwood River, and Little Cottonwood River. Area II has assisted in the planning and creation of nine reservoirs (Walnut Grove, Sonstegaard-Telste, Fales-VanHyfte, Hauschild-Thange, Schoper-Bush, Minett-Krantz, Wellner-Hageman, Labolt Lake in South Dakota, and Del Clark Lake) and numerous road retention/culvert downsizings throughout the Minnesota River watershed of southwestern Minnesota and eastern South Dakota. Local contact: Kerry Netzke, Area II Coordinator, 1400 East Lyon Street, P.O. Box 267, Marshall, MN 56258. Phone: (507) 537-6368, Fax: (507) 537-6368.
Big Stone Lake Restoration Project (Clean Lake Project, CLP)
The project objective is to reduce nuisance algae blooms in Big Stone Lake through implementation of agricultural BMP's. The final report describes successful implementation of wetland restorations, no-till drill program, nutrient management, shoreline and streambank erosion control and Whetstone River flow management. Significant lake water quality improvements have been noted. The sponsor is the Upper Minnesota River Watershed District in cooperation with the Big Stone SWCD, city of Ortonville, Big Stone County, Citizens for Big Stone Lake, DNR, USFWS, MPCA, and state and local groups from South Dakota. Local Contact: Dianne Radermacher, Upper Minnesota River Watershed District, 342 NW 2nd St, Ortonville, MN 56278, tel 612-839-3411. MPCA Contact: Mark Tomasek, Water Quality Division, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155, tel 612-296-6062.
Bonanza Educational Center, Big Stone Lake
The Bonanza Educational Center, is a consortium of seven school districts that have created a hands-on envirnmental education center for their students and communities. It is located at Big Stone State Park, Big Stone Lake. Students test water quality and survey zooplankton in conjunction with the DNR fisheries program. Contact: Julie Kingsley, 908 Orchard St., Ortonville, MN 56278, tel 320-839-3118, fax 320-839-3708, email 0055cgps@InforMNs.k12.mn.us (For other environmental learning centers in the MN River Basin, look at the SEEK web site, http://www.seek.state.mn.us, described in the General Educational Resources section.)
Brown, Nicollet, Cottonwood Groundwater Project (Clean Water Project, CWP)
The project, designed to reduce groundwater contamination, focuses on adoption of nitrogen BMP's, agricultural and urban demonstrations, manure testing, and evaluation monitoring. The six year implementation program, started in 1993, is administered by a three-county Joint Powers Board. Local contact: Bonnie Holz and Dave Thompson, 301 South Washington, St. Peter, MN 56082, tel 507-931-4140. MPCA contact: Bill Thompson, Water Quality Division, Rochester Regional Office, 2116 Campus Dr. S.E., Rochester, MN 55904, tel 507-285-7343.
Blue Earth River Basin Initiative (BERBI)
BERBI is a joint powers organization of SWCD's in Blue Earth, Faribault, Martin, Waseca, and Watonwan Counties. The Blue Earth Basin includes the Blue Earth, Watonwan, and LeSueur River drainage areas. BERBI was formed to accelerate existing programs in vegetative riparian buffers, on-site sewage treatment systems, manure management, surface intake buffers and others. A comprehensive plan for reducing NPS loading of sediment, nutrients, and bacteria has been produced and guides project activities. Grants are obtained to carry out objectives. Project coordinator is Linda Meschke, Rm 102, Courthouse, 201 Lake Ave, Fairmont, MN 56031, tel.507-238-3221, fax 507-238-3259. MPCA contact: Tim Larson MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd. St. Paul, MN 55155, tel 612-282-5559.
Blue Earth River Basin Implementation Framework (CWP)
Project objective is to identify water quality contributions in the Blue Earth Basin and determine necessary reductions. Project sponsor is Blue Earth County. Local contact: Henry Quade, Water Resources Center, MSU Box 70, Mankato State University, P.O. Box 8400, Mankato, MN 56002, tel 507-389-5492, email water@vax1.mankato.msus.edu MPCA contact: Tim Larson, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd. St. Paul, MN 55155, tel 612-282-5559.
Chippewa River Stewardship Partnership (CRSP)
CRSP is an association of non-government organizations and government agencies working together to address water quality and flooding related problems of the lower Chippewa River Basin. Contacts: Patrick Moore, c/o CRSP, 103 W. Nichols, Montevideo, MN 56265, tel 612-269-2105. Chippewa SWCD, County Courthouse, Montevideo, MN 56265, tel 612-269-2139, fax. 612-269-7412. Swift County SWCD, 1430 Utah Ave., P.O. Box 156, Benson, MN 56215, tel 612-843-2458, fax 612-843-2373.
Citizens for Big Stone Lake
Citizens for Big Stone Lake is an 800 member organization in Minnesota and South Dakota which initiates and coordinates projects and activities related to water quality of Big Stone Lake. Several state and federal grants have been obtained and projects implemented since 1977. Significant water quality improvement has been achieved. Contact: Wilfred Hanson, President, P.O. Box 121, Ortonville, MN 56278. SWCD Contact: Big Stone SWCD, 342 NW 2nd St., Ortonville, MN 56278, tel 320-839-3411.
Clean Up Our River Environment (CURE)
CURE is a grassroots organization working to restore and protect the upper Minnesota River. It is involved in education, community organizations, and cultural change. Activities include river awareness/observation trips, wetlands restoration, cleanup campaigns, river celebrations, publicity, and informational meetings. Address: CURE, 103 W. Nichols, Montevideo, MN 56265, tel 320-269-2105, fax 320-269-2190, email 76163.176@compuserve.com
Coalition for a Clean Minnesota River
The Coalition for a Clean Minnesota River serves as an umbrella organization for grassroots non-profit organizations, businesses, faith communities and individuals that have an interest in cleaning up pollution in the Minnesota River. Activities include "Ambassadors for the Minnesota River", outreach and education, guidance and coordination for grassroots organizations, and advise and assist government in its activities related to improvement of the river. Coordinator: Scott Sparlin, P.O. Box 488, New Ulm, MN 56073, tel 507-359-2346, fax 507-359-4465.
Cottonwood River CWP
MPCA Contact: Tim Larson MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd. St. Paul, MN 55155, tel 612-282-5559.
Crystal, Loon, and Mills Lakes Water Quality Improvement Project (Blue Earth County) (CWP)
The objective is to improve the quality of Crystal, Loon, and Mills Lakes and watershed. The watershed is 16,000 acres, and principal water source to the lakes is county ditch 56. Water quality of the lakes and in the ditch is being monitored and an implementation plan is being developed. The project was initiated by local groups. The sponsor is Blue Earth County in cooperation with the Crystal-Loon-Mills Water Quality Association, the American Legion Post, the city of Lake Crystal and its school district, Mankato State University, the county SWCD, DNR, and MPCA. Local contact: Rick Hanna and Julie Conrad, Blue Earth County Environmental Services, P.O. Box 8608, Mankato, MN 56001, tel 507-389-8381. MPCA contact: Bill Thompson, Water Quality Division, Rochester Regional Office, 2116 Campus Dr. S.E., Rochester, MN 55904, tel 507-285-7343.
Duck Lake Water Quality Improvement Project (Blue Earth County) (CWP)
The objective is to improve water quality of the 288 acre Duck Lake and reduce growth of an exotic aquatic weed. Implementation measures are being designed for both shoreline and the watershed (842 acres). The project sponsor is Blue Earth County in cooperation with Mankato State University, the Duck Lake Preservation Association, SWCD, and MPCA. Local contact: Rick Hanna, Blue Earth County Environmental Services, P.O. Box 8608, Mankato, MN 56001, tel 507-389-8381. MPCA contact: Bill Thompson, Water Quality Division, Rochester Regional Office, 2116 Campus Dr. S.E., Rochester, MN 55904, tel 507-285-7343.
Friends of the Minnesota Valley
Mission: A nonprofit citizens group devoted to conserving the natural and cultural resources of the Minnesota Valley, and to promoting wildlife oriented education. They foster Congressional support and sponsor programs, such as the Minnesota Valley Heritage Registry, that protect the natural and cultural resources of the Valley. Incentives and public recognition are provided for landowners who commit to protection of the natural qualities of their lands. Address: 3815 E. 80th St., Bloomington, MN 55425, tel 612-854-5900, fax 612-725-3279, email: mnvalley_friends@mail.fws.gov (Web site in development.)
German-Jefferson Lakes Water Quality Improvement Project (Le Sueur County) (CWP)
The project objective is to reduce eutrophication of five lakes. The implementation plan include multi-agency cooperative efforts for nutrient management, feedlot controls, tillage programs, water quality monitoring and education. Project sponsor is LeSueur County in cooperation with, Lake Associations, NRCS, SWCD, and MPCA. Local contact: Terry Bovee and Kate Brigman, Environmental Services Department, 88 Sourth Park, LeCenter, MN 56057. MPCA contact: Bill Thompson, Water Quality Division, Rochester Regional Office, 2116 Campus Dr. S.E., Rochester, MN 55904, tel 507-285-7343. (Note: The German-Jefferson watershed is adjacent to but not in the Minnesota River Basin. It is included in this list because it has been cited as an effective project in improving water quality.)
Hattie and Page Lakes Project (Stevens County)
An inventory to identify critical erosion and pollutant sources is planned in the watersheds of Hattie and Page Lakes. The watersheds are primarily agricultural, and total phosphorus levels are very high. The inventory will identify ditches, field drain tile outlets, critical erosion sites, feedlots, septic systems and other pollutant sources. The inventory will be used to target financial assistance and voluntary labor to correct problems. Participants include Stevens County Environmental Services, SWCD, and NRCS. Contacts: Dave Jungst, Stevens SWCD, Ag Service Center, Rt. 3 Box 10, Morris, MN 56367, tel 320-589-2266. Bill Kleindl, Stevens County Environmental Services, Box 530, Morris MN 56267, tel 320-589-7420.
High Island Watershed District
District Address: RR2, Box 144, Arlington, MN 55307, tel 612-328-5908.
Lac Qui Parle-Yellow Bank Watershed District
District address: Lac Qui Parle-Yellow Bank Watershed District, Courthouse, Madison, MN 56256, tel 612-223-5982.
Lake Shaokaton Restoration Project (Lincoln County) (CWP)
Project sponsored by the Yellow Medicine River Watershed District in cooperation with the Yellow Medicine SWCD, Lake Shaokatan Association, Sportsmans' Club, Lincoln County Water Task Force, Lincoln County, Ducks Unlimited, USFWS, CFSA, NRCS, DNR, and MPCA. Implementation priorities are feedlot containment systems, wetland restoration, livestock exclusion, draintile rerouting, and agronomic BMP's. (Completion, 1995) Local contact: Terry Renken, Yellow Medicine River Watershed District, RR1, Box 3A, Arco, MN 56113, tel 507-487-5787. MPCA contact: Mark Hanson, SW Regional Office, MPCA, 700 N. 7th St., Marshall, MN 56258, tel 507-537-6000.
Lake Volney Water Quality Improvement Project (LeSueur County) (CWP)
Project objective is to improve water quality of Lake Volney, a 277 acre lake in a 1800 acre watershed within the Cannon River watershed. Project sponsor is LeSueur County in cooperation with the Lake Volney Improvement Association, the Montgomery Sportsmen's Club, the Minnesota Extension Service, SWCD, DNR, and NRCS. Local contact: Terry Bovee and Kate Brigman, Environmental Services Department, 88 Sourth Park, LeCenter, MN 56057. MPCA contact: Bill Thompson, Water Quality Division, Rochester Regional Office, 2116 Campus Dr. S.E., Rochester, MN 55904, tel 507-285-7343 (Note:The Lake Volney watershed is adjacent to but not in the Minnesota River Basin. It is included in this list because it has been cited as an effective project in improving water quality.)
Lake Washington Water Quality Improvement Project (Le Sueur & Blue Earth Counties) (CWP)
Project activities include watershed assessment, stream and lake monitoring, information and awareness programs, and comprehensive planning. Sponsored by LeSueur County and organized by the Lake Washington Improvement Project Board. Cooperators include the Lake Washington Improvement Association, Blue Earth County, SWCD's, Mankato State University, MES, and MPCA. Local contact: Terry Bovee and Kate Brigman, Environmental Services Department, 88 South Park, LeCenter, MN 56057. MPCA contact: Bill Thompson, Water Quality Division, Rochester Regional Office, 2116 Campus Dr. S.E., Rochester, MN 55904, tel 507-285-7343.
Lower Minnesota River Watershed District
District address: Lower Minnesota River Watershed District, 327 Marshall Rd, Suite #200, Burnsville, MN 55337, tel 612-884-1632.
Mid-Lower Minnesota River CWP
MPCA Contact: Tim Larson, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd. St. Paul, MN 55155, tel 612-282-5559.
Minnesota River Basin Joint Powers Board
Joint Powers Board among 37 counties of the Minnesota River Basin, formed to address water quality issues in the Basin. Executive Director is Steve Hansen. Address: 125 Charles Ave-AMC, St. Paul, MN, tel 612-224-3344 ext. 300, fax 612-224-6540.
Minnesota River Headwaters Joint Powers Board
Joint powers organization among Pope, Swift, Lac Qui Parle, Chippewa, and Big Stone counties. Contact: John Reubin, Water Planner, Rt 1, Box 500, Louisburg, MN 56256, tel 612-568-2266.
Minnesota River Source Joint Powers Board (SWCD)
Joint powers organization among Douglas, Stevens, Renville, Pope, Swift, Lac Qui Parle, Chippewa, and Big Stone SWCD's, formed to administer technical assistance for the State Revolving Fund. Contact: Aaron Euesing, Chippewa County Courthouse, 629 N. 11th St., Montevideo, MN 56205, tel 320-269-8513.
Minnesota River Riparian Forest Restoration Project
The objective of the project is to restore riparian forests in the Minnesota River Valley, with an emphasis on floodplain protection. Goals include improved water quality, alternative income sources, and improved wildlife habitat. Subprojects are designed to develop trees as an alternative crop and reestablish natural forest corridors. Minnesota Rural Partners serves as the coordinator for meetings of federal, state, and local agencies and organizations where subprojects are developed. Principal contact: Marcie McLaughlin, Executive Director, Minnesota Rural Partners, St. Cloud State University, 328 Stewart Hall, 720 Fourth Ave South, St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498, tel 612-255-3834, fax 612-654-5198, email: mmclaughlin@stcloud.msus.edu
Mountain Lake Project (Cottonwood County) (CWP)
Project implementation priorities are public information and education, fertilizer management, conservation tillage, gully erosion control, mechanical weed harvesting, and project monitoring. Project implementation phase to be completed in 1998. Sponsored by the city of Mountain Lake in cooperation with Cottonwood County, Cottonwood SWCD, Mountain Lake Improvement Commission, Mountain Lake Sportsmans' Club, NRCS, MPCA, DNR, and citizens. Local contact: Jim Peterson, 1025 Second Ave, Box C, Mountain Lake MN 56159, tel 507-427-2999. MPCA contact: Mark Hanson, MPCA, SW Regional Office, 700 N. 7th St., Marshall, MN 56258, tel 507-537-6000.
Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District (Scott County)
District address: Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District, 16670 Franklin Trail, SE, Suite #110, Prior Lake, MN 55372-2926, tel 612-447-4166, fax 612-447-4167.
Prior-Spring Lakes Study (Scott County) (CLP)
A diagnostic study identified water quality problems. Implementation includes an education program, a source control program, a phosphorus treatment program, aeration of Upper Prior Lake, and evaluation. Sponsored by the Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District. Local contact: Kelly Dorzinski, Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District, 16670 Franklin Trail, SE, Suite #110, Prior Lake, MN 55372-2926, tel 612-447-4166. MPCA contact: Shannon Lotthammer, Div. of Water Quality, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd. St. Paul, MN 55155, tel 612-296-7727.
Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Control Area (RCRCA)
Joint powers organization among Brown, Cottonwood, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Pipestone, Redwood, and Yellow Medicine counties. Contact: Bob Finley, RCRCA, 1241 E. Bridge St., Suite B, Redwood Falls, MN 56283, tel 507-637-2142, fax 507-637-2134.
Redwood River Clean Water Project (CWP)
The project provides cost-share incentives and technical assistance for BMP implementation, and maintains a program of water quality monitoring. Sponsored by the Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Control Area, an eight-county joint-powers organization. Address: RCRCA, 1241 East Bridge St, Redwood Falls, MN 56283, tel 507-637-2142, fax 507-637-2134. Cooperators include SWCD's, DNR, BWSR, MES, NRCS, MPCA, and Area II. MPCA contact: Mark Hanson, MPCA, SW Regional Office, 700 N. 7th St., Marshall, MN 56258, tel 507-537-6000.
South Central Comprehensive Water Plan Joint Powers Board
Joint powers organization among Nicollet, Sibley, LeSueur, Brown, Watonwan, Blue Earth, Waseca, Martin, Faribault, Freeborn, Steele, Cottonwood, and Jackson counties. Contact: Jane Starz, Chair, Technical Committee, Brown County, P.O. Box 248, New Ulm, MN 56073, tel 507-233-6642.
Upper Minnesota River Watershed District
District address: Upper Minnesota River Watershed District, 342 NW 2nd St, Ortonville, MN 56278, tel 612-839-3411.
Yellow Medicine River Watershed District
District address: Yellow Medicine River Watershed District, Box 267, Minneota, MN 56264, tel 507-872-6720.