The Minnesota River, which forms Eden Prairie’s southern boundary, is a regional hub for transportation, fishing, and recreation. Connected to both rural and urban areas, as well as the Mississippi River, the Minnesota River and its surrounding watershed play a significant role in agriculture, the economy, and wildlife habitats. However, it faces mounting pressures, posing challenges to cities, counties, businesses, and residents alike.
What are these pressures and why are they worth a listening session?
The Minnesota River is facing increased flooding and sedimentation. Changes in Minnesota’s climate and land use have added new stressors to the river while intensifying existing ones. These challenges come with financial burdens that are often risky, unpredictable, and complex for communities to manage.
That’s according to the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD), a local special-purpose government unit focused on addressing and preventing water-related issues. The organization manages the nine-foot navigation channel on the Minnesota River, a working river heavily used for commerce and frequently affected by flooding and sedimentation.
The LMRWD Board of Managers will host a public listening session on Wednesday, Jan. 8, bringing together water and natural resource experts and community members to share findings and discuss key questions about the river’s future needs. Topics will include erosion, flooding, the cost of sedimentation downstream, the impact of high flow rates and water volumes, improving water storage, and ways to make communities more resilient to changes and unexpected challenges.
With insights from testimonials across the Lower Minnesota River Watershed, the LMRWD will be better equipped with tools and guidance for 2025 and beyond. The results will support legislative agendas, inform the next Watershed Management Plan update, and guide programs aimed at improving water storage, stabilizing soils, fostering partnerships, advancing education efforts, and promoting a healthier Minnesota River.
The public is invited to attend the in-person meeting from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge auditorium, 3815 American Blvd. E., Bloomington. The event will also be broadcast live and recorded by MCN 6, allowing the public to tune in.
Free registration is appreciated but not required. Register on Eventbrite here.
Live streaming options are:
- Facebook Live
- Zoom (Meeting ID: 932 4395 2091; Passcode: 215039)
Learn more about the watershed district and its work at lowermnriverwd.org.
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