Long-term strategy to reduce sediment in Minnesota River and south metro Mississippi River open for public review and comment

A long-term strategy for reducing sediment in the Minnesota River and Mississippi River south of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, is now available for public review and comment.

Excess sediment – primarily clay and silt – contributes to cloudy, murky water, which degrades habitat for fish and aquatic life, and lowers the aesthetic quality of our rivers for recreation and tourism.

The strategy is open for public review and comment through April 17, 2014. It is located on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website at www.pca.state.mn.us/ark8qrf, and also at MPCA regional offices.

The MPCA has scheduled three open house public meetings to review the draft strategy and hear public comments:

·        Wednesday, April 2, Blue Earth Public Library, Mankato, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

·        Tuesday, April 8, St. James Hotel, Red Wing, 2-5 p.m.

·        Thursday, April 10, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

April 2014 Quarterly Meeting and Potluck

A major event focusing on the Minnesota River and the 'Blueway' project, are proposed for the agenda at the April 15 quarterly meeting of the Minnesota River Watershed Alliance at Ridgewater College in Hutchinson. At its January meeting, the Alliance voted to continue working on the Blueway goals. The Blueway working group of the Alliance is drafting a proposed agreement with the regional office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal agencies, to continue work on the goals and objectives contained in the initial Blueway nomination for the Minnesota River. The Minnesota was in line to become the second major river in the U.S. to receive Blueway designation, when the program was halted by the U.S. Dept. of Interior.

A group of Alliance members have been discussing the idea of a major event this summer focusing on the Minnesota River. It would include discussion and entertainment, and showcase a wide variety of individuals and organizations working on economic, recreation, education, and environment projects in the basin. 

The Alliance welcomes ideas and contributions from everyone interested in protecting and improving the economic, recreation and environmental well-being of the Minnesota River basin. All are welcome to attend the Alliance meeting; a potluck meal begins at 6 p.m., and the meeting at 7 p.m.