MN Watershed History
About
Watershed History
Minnesotan’s are deeply connected to our waters; through recreation, culture, and care for our greatest natural resource. In 1955, with the creation of the Watershed Act, Minnesotan’s were able to create policies and plans to protect this resource for generations to come. This Act, along with many others, developed a network of protections for the lakes, streams, wetlands, and water resources that make up the state of 10,000 lakes.
Federal Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act
This legislation was created to develop coordination between federal, state, and local authorities to protect, improve, and develop water and land resources in watersheds of up to 250,000 acres. The Act provided financial assistance to local agencies responsible for the management of secondary watersheds. These agencies had the power of eminent domain and the ability to levy for support of their activities.
Watershed District Formation
In 1955, the Minnesota Legislature authorized the creation of watersheds through the Minnesota Watershed Act. The goal of this statute was to establish a government entity whose boundaries would be based on the flow of water rather than political boundaries. This act is now codified in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103D.
Metro Surface Water Management Act
In 1982, the MN legislature directed watershed districts in the seven-county metro area to develop watershed management plans. In 1992, the Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR), established requirements for the contents of management plans, which were amended in 2015.
Wetland Conservation Act
The Wetlands Conservation Act (WCA) was passed in 1991. WCA states that wetlands cannot be drained or filled unless replaced by restoring or creating wetlands of at least equal public value. Watersheds are one of several government entities responsible for implementing the Wetland Conservation Act. SWWD is the local WCA Authority.
Clean Water Legacy Act
The Clean Water Legacy Act accelerated the effort to address impaired waters in Minnesota with increased water monitoring and assessment. The Act also established funding and a policy framework for water quality monitoring.
Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment
Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment (CWLA) to the state constitution. Part of this amendment established the Clean Water Fund, whose goal is to fund the protection and restoration of Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater. SWWD projects that have received funding from this program show the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment logo on their project page.
Through a state vote, Minnesotans approved the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment (CWLA) to the state constitution.
More Information
The Board of Soil and Water Resources provides a helpful video on Minnesota and Federal legislation related to the history of Watershed Districts.