Metro WaterShed Partners
The WaterShed Partners is an innovative, dynamic coalition of over 60 public, private, and non-profit organizations in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota metropolitan area. Through collaborative education and outreach, we promote a public understanding that inspires people to act to protect water quality in their watershed.
What we do
The WaterShed Partners believe that by working together and pooling resources, we can reach more people with information about the importance of clean water and what to do to keep it clean. To learn about the work of the WaterShed Partners, go to the Current Projects page.
What is an urban watershed?
A watershed, or drainage basin, is the area of land that rain and snowmelt flows over on its way to entering a lake, river, or wetland. Even if your home is not next to a lake, river, or wetland, you still live in a watershed.
What is runoff pollution?
In the city, water flows over streets and sidewalks and into storm drains, which go directly into rivers and streams without being treated. So when water picks ups trash or pollutants, it carries them directly to the nearest lake or river. This is run-off pollution. To prevent it, cut down on lawn fertilizers, rake up leaves and grass clippings, and keep streets clean.
2017 Membership Information
Volunteer at the Minnesota State Fair
We are looking to the partners to help staff the WaterShed Partners exhibit.
Monthly Meetings
The WaterShed Partners meet regularly,
the second Wednesday of each month to network, share information, and
hear presentations on important topics related to stormwater education.
The meetings take place from 9:00 -11:00 am. See below for information on the next meeting.
Location: Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) in northeast Minneapolis
Directions
Meeting Room: The session will be held in the larger of the two buildings that make up the MWMO facility. Go to the "downstairs" classroom, which is on the main level of the building
Parking: There is limited parking available in the MWMO parking lot. Overflow parking is available on neighborhood streets. Please do not park in neighboring lots. Phone: 612-465-8780
- Meeting Minutes: Click here to go to the WaterShed Partners meetings archive
Next Meeting
Metro Waters: Past, Present, Future on the Magnolia Blossom Riverboat
Please join Metro WaterShed Partners for our Tenth Annual Boat Trip
Wednesday, June 14, 2017, 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Departing from Watergate Marina, 2500 Crosby Farm Road, St Paul 55116
- Plan to arrive early since parking is limited, and the boat will depart on time.
- Carpool if that’s a possibility for you.
- Parking is available in the dirt lot before the gate at the marina, or in the Crosby Park lot, about 200 yards past the marina on Crosby Farm Road. Please don’t leave valuables in your car.
- Complimentary snacks, coffee and water will be served.
- RSVP requested. There is room on the boat for 65 so please let us know if you plan to attend. This is a fun event and the boat does fill up. Thanks! Password for reservation site is "watershed"
Schedule
8:15 a.m. Board the Magnolia Blossom
8:30 a.m. Departure
8:45 a.m. Welcome and introductions
9:00-10:45 a.m. Two concurrent 45-minute sessions; group divides in half and attends both sessions.
10:45 – 11:30 a.m. Free time for socializing and networking
11:30 a.m. Disembark at Watergate Marina
Concurrent Sessions
Session A: Steve Woods: The Metro Surface Water Management Act
It’s the 35th Year of the Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act and time to look at how it’s numerous failures have added up to success. This unique-to-Minnesota law has brought funding and focus to urban water management that has helped municipalities and watershed organizations prove that an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.
Session B: Carrie Jennings: The Future Minnesota River
The Lower Minnesota River, from Carver’s rapids to the confluence with the Mississippi, is a low-gradient, broad reach of the river. If you wade into the brown water you may be surprised to find that the bottom is actually sandy. Based on the yearly gaging data, about a half an inch of sand would accumulate in the channel each year if it were not dredged. This stretch of river is meant to slowly fill in, or aggrade, with time.
How does the geologic past influence the present river? How will changes in hydrology and rainfall patterns affect the future of the river?
About the Presenters
Steve Woods joined Freshwater Society in December 2013 as executive director. He previously served as Assistant Director of the Board of Water and Soil Resources and a dozen years providing watershed management consulting across the Midwest. He saw firsthand how much failure was associated with his topic today and is eager to explain why those failures led to success. He’s equipped with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in public administration from Hamline University.
Carrie Jennings joined Freshwater Society in 2016. She has been a field geologist for 24 years, 22 of those with the Minnesota Geological Survey and two with the DNR, Division of Lands and Minerals. For the last two years she was the science reports lead for the County Geologic Atlas program at the DNR. She applies her understanding of glacial geology and landscape evolution to shape policy and technical approaches for managing surface water and groundwater, avoiding hazards, and using resources wisely. Carrie and her husband live on a 120-acre farm which is primarily in a permanent conservation easement through the Dakota County Farmland and Natural Areas Program. Livestock is limited to a dozen chickens, a dog and a couple of cats. She has twice been elected town board supervisor and served on the planning commission for Eureka Township.