The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District holds permitting authority to ensure unique water and natural resources are protected as the metropolitan watershed area continues to see new development.

The District collaborates with neighboring cities on local water plans while overseeing a comprehensive regulatory program. Through water management and collaboration, we work with municipal organizations to guide local water plan adoption and confer on overlapping ordinances. The intention of regulation is to provide guidance that ensures important resources are protected.

The District oversees a permitting program that reviews new construction for compliance with watershed district rules. It also leads an inspection program to oversee projects, ensuring that development work does not disturb or have an adverse effect on waters, floodplain, wetlands, fens, wildlife, and more.