The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) is planning a critical Public Listening Session that addresses the recurring flooding issues within the District. The session will welcome insights and expertise on several key topics that will help identify actionable solutions to implement to mitigate flooding and its impacts. Topics include: scientific causes of flooding, climate change, water storage along the Minnesota River, natural mitigation strategies, financial costs of flooding, and the costs and benefits of proposed solutions. The LMRWD is focused on gathering testimony that provides clear recommendations for actions that we, as a governing body, can take. This includes, but is not limited to, policy changes, legislative initiatives we should advocate for, projects we should fundraise to support, and programs we should develop. Your participation is crucial as we work together to protect the health and resilience of the Minnesota River and the surrounding communities!

Calling all Educators! As you get back into the swing of the school season, the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) invites you to partner with us! LMRWD has funding available to promote scientific, experiential education for your students. Our educator mini-grants are now open for applications through Tuesday, October 29 at 4pm. Share your imaginative projects with us, and you may be awarded up to $500 to help engage your students in water and natural resources learning. We look forward to your creative submissions and partnering on education within the watershed. Visit our Educator Mini-Grant page to learn more: https://lowermnriverwd.org/makeadiff.../educator-mini-grants

The face of the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) Board of Managers has changed in 2024 as the watershed district said farewell to Laura Amundson and welcomed two new managers this year. The managing body of the watershed district is onboarding new managers to continue seamless progress on its important work in water and natural resources management.

The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) is feeling the impacts of flooding along the Minnesota River caused by heavy rains this spring and summer compounded with land use changes (agricultural and urban development) that have decreased water storage across the Minnesota River Valley. The river crested in most areas of the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) on Friday, July 28 and through the weekend. Floodwaters are now receding. The river is still currently listed at the highest rating of “Very High” on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website for most reaches, which is considered dangerous for paddling and not recommended for use. Areas within the LMRWD are still under a flood warning and safety precautions should be monitored.

The EP Local News shared a recent photo gallery of an Arbor Day celebration where Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) exhibited. The LMRWD enjoys engaging with the community at local events where we can connect with the public on ways to appreciate and protect our natural resources. Read more about the event and see photos at: https://www.eplocalnews.org/2024/04/30/photo-gallery-eden-prairie-celebrates-arbor-day/