Strengthening Rice Creek Watershed Rules

Strengthening Rice Creek Watershed Rules

The Rice Creek Watershed is both a marvelous and a troubled natural resource. Home to high-quality lakes, streams and scenic beauty, its also feeling the effects of human development. Habitat loss, stormwater runoff and agricultural pesticides and fertilizers are contributing to its impairment.

With the population of the watershed expected to grow by 100,000 in the next 30 years, the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) voted unanimously in February 2008 to enact strong protections to ensure that this vital natural resource remains a valuable source of clean water, wildlife habitat and community recreation.

New rules

On February 13, 2008, the RCWD Board approved revised watershed rules that will govern new development in the watershed for years to come. These rules play an enormous role in protecting lakes and streams from pollution. Explore this section and the links to other resources below to learn more about the rules and how they might be further improved.

In this section:

Where can I find out more?

Rice Creek Watershed District links

Organizational links

Stormwater education links

Upcoming Events

Saturday, September 27, 2025 - 10:30am to 1:00pm OR 2:30pm to 5:00pm
Magnolia Blossom Paddle Boat, St. Paul
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, Cottage Grove
Saturday, October 4, 2025 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area at the Flint Hills Resources property, Inver Grove Heights

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.