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   After two years in the works, a draft plan for managing water in the Upper Mississippi – Grand Rapids Watershed is nearing completion, which will open additional funding from the state for water quality projects.

A public hearing on the draft plan for the Upper Mississippi – Grand Rapids One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P) comprehensive watershed management plan is scheduled for 11:30am on Friday, October 18th at the Hill City School in the Community Education Room located at 500 Ione Ave, Hill City, MN 55748.

   The Upper Mississippi – Grand Rapids 1W1P’s Policy Committee will hear public input on the draft comprehensive water management plan that sets goals and strategies for the next 10-years. The public can view the draft plan online on the Itasca Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) website (www.ItascaSWCD.org/1W1P).

   This voluntary plan is administered through the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources. Under 1W1P, the state aims to create plans based on watershed boundaries rather than political boundaries. This will ensure that the most significant issues and concerns to the watershed’s water resources, including surface and ground water, are addressed with voluntary practices providing the greatest environmental benefits. 

   The plan intends to provide a framework for consistency and cooperation on a watershed basis, allowing local governments to work together to implement projects with the highest return on investment for improving water quality and water quantity. 

   Partners in the Upper Mississippi – Grand Rapids One Watershed, One Plan effort include Aitkin County, Aitkin SWCD, Carlton County, Carlton SWCD, Cass SWCD, Itasca County, Itasca SWCD, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and Salo Township. Contact Itasca SWCD for more details: 218-999-4435.

   Program funded through the Board of Water Soil Resources One Watershed One Plan and the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment.

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