MINNESOTA RIVER PUBLIC LISTENING SESSION: WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8, 2025

A regional gathering to talk solutions for the Minnesota River. Free registration is appreciated, but not required. Visit our Eventbrite page: bit.ly/4gccOhF

In-Person Option:

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Auditorium

3815 American Blvd East Bloomington, MN 55425

Free Parking Available (see map); enter through Visitor Center door

Live Streaming Options:

• Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/lowerminn
• Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/93243952091?pwd=piwton50WZcwgVbwVP7Rlj4TAUWmLV.1
  • Meeting ID: 932 4395 2091
  • Passcode: 215039

BLOOMINGTON, MN—The Minnesota River is a regional staple for transportation, fishing, and a wide range of recreation. With close connections to both rural and urban areas as well as the Mississippi River, the Minnesota River and its surrounding watershed plays a big role in agriculture, the economy, and wildlife habitat. But it’s also under pressure, and this presents challenges to a wide range of communities from cities to counties to businesses and even residents.

What are these pressures and why are they worth a listening session?

The Minnesota River is experiencing an increase in flooding and sedimentation. Changes in Minnesota’s climate as well as land use have put new stressors on the river and reinvigorated old ones, and these come with a financial burden that can be risky, unpredictable, and complicated for communities.

The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) is a local, special purpose unit of government that works to solve and prevent issues related to water. The organization manages the nine-foot navigation channel on the Minnesota River, a working river that is heavily used for commerce and is frequently impacted by flooding and sedimentation issues. The LMRWD Board of Managers is hosting a Public Listening Session on Wednesday, January 8^, 2025, to bring together water and natural resource experts and community members to present their findings and ask key questions about the future needs of the river. Topics that will be covered will include erosion, flooding, the cost of sedimentation moving downstream, the impact of high flow rates and water volumes, improving water storage, and how we can renovate our communities to be more resilient to changes and surprises.

With an increased understanding from testimonials from across the Lower Minnesota River Watershed, the LMRWD will be equipped with tools and guidance for 2025 and beyond. The results will support the pursuit of legislative agendas, inform the next Watershed Management Plan Update, and guide programs that support improved water storage, stable soils, partnerships, education efforts, and a healthier Minnesota River.

The public is invited to attend the in-person meeting at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge auditorium in Bloomington, MN. The event will also have a live broadcast feed and recording provided by MCN 6, allowing the public to tune in.