SWCD Press Release: Watershed Comment Request

BELTRAMI, CLEARWATER, KOOCHICHING, AND ITASCA COUNTIES REQUEST COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED UPPER/LOWER RED LAKE COMPREHENSIVE WATERSHED PLAN

The Beltrami Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and planning partners request public comment on the proposed Upper/Lower Red Lake Comprehensive Watershed Plan. To view the Plan, visit https://www.beltramiswcd.org/about-5

Written comments will be accepted until Monday, September 30^th, 2024, at 4:30 PM. Comments can be submitted to Beltrami SWCD for all Upper/Lower Red Lake Watershed Residents (see attached map). E-mail comments to Katelyn Bergstrom: Katelyn.bergstrom@co.beltrami.mn.us and CC, Chad Severts: chad.severts@state.mn.us. You may also mail comments to 701 Minnesota Ave. Suite 113 Bemidji, MN 56601.

After nearly two years of collaborative planning, the comprehensive watershed management plan is nearly complete. This watershed plan aligns water planning along watershed boundaries and enhances existing county water plans. It sets goals and actions for the next 10 years to help prioritize and fund projects with the purpose of maintaining and improving water quality in this area.

Facts about the Upper/Lower Red Lake Watershed:

·        The Upper/Lower Red Lake Watershed spans 1,940 square miles.

·        Upper and Lower Red Lake combined is the largest lake (288,800 acres) in Minnesota.

·        Primary communities include Red Lake Nation Reservation, Kelliher, Blackduck, and Funkley.

·        Parts of Beltrami, Koochiching, Itasca, and Clearwater Counties.

This voluntary program is administered through the Board of Water and Soil Resources. Red Lake Nation and Beltrami SWCD teamed up to develop this plan. A voluntary technical advisory committee helped develop the Plan. Partners will complete plan action items that are measurable and trackable to improve and protect soil and water in this area.

For more information on the plan and map of the watershed, visit https://www.beltramiswcd.org/about-5

Contact Beltrami SWCD at (218) 333-4157 or katelyn.bergstrom@co.beltrami.mn.us.

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