Watershed Protection

Nutrients down(ish), salts up in U.S. rivers

by Peter LaFontaine

April 8, 2020

A new report from the U.S. Geological Survey has found some disturbing — but uneven — trends in American rivers over the last generation. >>

Soil isn't a dirt-y word

by Peter LaFontaine

April 6, 2020

You know it when you smell it — good soil is healthy! Here's an explainer for how soil organic matter can make a difference for plants, animals and downstream neighbors. >>

Join the fight to protect landmark environmental law

by Trevor Russell

March 4, 2020

The Trump Administration announced proposed changes that would severely undermine the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) – a decades-old law that ensures thorough scientific review and public participation in major environmental projects. >>

KSTP TV: Ford site cleanup ‘top priority’ for neighbors [video]

February 24, 2020

Our river corridor director Colleen O'Connor Toberman gave KSTP reporters a tour of Ford Area C to explain why so many in the metro area are calling for thorough cleanup of the toxic riverfront dump site. >>

Why rivers flood

by Trevor Russell

February 14, 2020

Community water supplies at risk. Sediment and pollutants washing downstream. Catastrophic floods right around the corner — A recent Star Tribune article reminds us of the growing threat high flows and erosion pose for the Minnesota River — and the toll that takes on our waters and communities. >>

State names cities to be protected by Groundwater Protection Rule

by Trevor Russell

January 24, 2020

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has reached a major milestone by identifying which communities are eligible for protection under the state’s new Groundwater Protection Rule. >>

Projected $1.3B state surplus could be good news for clean water

by Trevor Russell

December 5, 2019

In a delightful bit of news, the State of Minnesota’s December 2019 budget forecast estimates a $1.3 billion preliminary budget surplus for 2020.

While sure to ignite debates regarding both new investments and planned tax cuts during the 2020 Legislative session, this could bode well for much-needed clean water funding. >>