The Rice Creek Watershed
When Friends of the Mississippi River launched our Watershed Intitiative, we identified Rice Creek as an important tributary to the Mississippi River where thoughtful action now can make a big difference in protecting water quality. It is one of two key focus areas in our Watershed Initiative.
Rice Creek Watershed District
The Rice Creek Watershed District encompasses approximately 201 square miles of Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties in Minnesota. This area, much like the Vermillion River Watershed, if growing rapidly and is now home to almost 190,000 people. The watershed encompasses all or parts of 28 cities and townships and is home to more than 150 miles of streams and 60 major lakes.
The dominant feature of the watershed is the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes a major draining system of five interconnected lakes in the heart of the watershed. This area contains some of the most significant native wildlife habitat in the metropolitan area, and is used for fishing, recreation, golf, and outdoor education.
Governance
The Rice Creek Watershed District is governed by a Board of Managers comprising five members appointed by the commissioners of Anoka, Ramsey and Washington counties. Of the five members, two are appointed from Anoka County, two are appointed from Ramsey County and one is from Washington County.
An eleven-member citizen advisory Watershed Planning Commission supports the Board of Managers.