Development and Revision
Watershed districts must develop and revise their watershed management plans. The following information describes the process for developing and revising watershed plans (plans).
Watershed Districts
History
In 1955, the Minnesota Legislature authorized the creation of watersheds through the Watershed Act. The intent of the Act was to develop water management policies and plans on a watershed basis, because water does not follow political boundaries.
Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) Contacts
Have a question about a project or a property? Start with the applicable LGU representative in the county where it is located (see LGU Directory below).
The regulatory provisions of Minnesota's Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) are primarily administered by local government units (LGUs) with oversight by the Board of Water & Soil Resources (BWSR). State agencies administer WCA on state-owned or controlled lands.
One Watershed, One Plan Policies
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources adopted policies that establish a boundary framework and set minimum procedural and plan content requirements for developing comprehensive watershed management plans through its One Watershed, One Plan program. These policies are consistent with Minnesota Statutes §103B.801 and based on the One Watershed, One Plan Guiding Principles adopted by BWSR on December 18, 2013.
SWCD Comprehensive Plans
History
SWCD comprehensive plans were included in Minnesota's original district law (1938 Supplement to Mason’s Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 44A Soil Conservation). The purpose of the comprehensive and annual plans is to plan for the management and protection of the resources of the district, see Minnesota Statutes §103C.331, Subd. 11.
Frequently Used Acronyms
While this is not a comprehensive list, BWSR grants, affiliated programs, and partners may use the following acronyms.
State Agencies and Commissions
BWSR: Board of Water and Soil Resources
CWC: Clean Water Council
DNR: Department of Natural Resources
LCCMR: Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources