New Watershed Alliance to Be Considered February 15 in Hutchinson

Residents of the Minnesota River Watershed are being invited to attend an “exploratory meeting” to consider the formation of a new Minnesota River Watershed Alliance (MRWA) on Tuesday February 15 from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Victorian Inn in Hutchinson Minnesota (see map below).  

The Minnesota River is widely regarded as the most polluted tributary of the Upper Mississippi River north of St. Louis.  Twelve years ago, the Minnesota River Assessment Project Citizen's Advisory Committee (convened by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency –MPCA) called for the establishment of a basin-wide commission involving citizen stakeholders, government agencies, non-profit organizations, farmers, private businesses and local units of government to advocate for policies and practices to improve the water quality of the Minnesota River.

The Coalition for a Clean Minnesota River (CCMR), along with the Friends of the Minnesota Valley (FMV), Clean Up the River Environment (CURE), Three Rivers RC&D, Hawk Creek Watershed Program and the Minnesota River Board (MRB) met to discuss the merit of an all-inclusive entity that can advocate for the Minnesota River.  It was decided that it was time to see if there was interest among other organizations and with citizens for an ad-hoc group - the first meeting is set for February 15th.    If there is an interest the name, mission and priorities will be discussed.   Nothing has been determined at this point except to hold a meeting.   It is the hope that this alliance will operate as a volunteer driven, action-oriented group that will be open to all.  It is not to re-invent the wheel or creating another layer of bureaucracy.  The interest is in fostering basin-wide cooperation, common purpose and vision.

Anyone interested in the Minnesota River and water quality in the Minnesota River Basin are encouraged to come.  Be a part of this formation and let’s work together to restore and preserve our water resource.    Carpools to Hutchinson are being organized by the CCMR, FMV and CURE.  For more information, contact: Diane Ovrebo or Cis Berg at the Water Resources Center, MSU Mankato: 507-389-5492.

Best Western Victorian Inn & Conference Center is located at 1000 Highway 7 West in Hutchinson, MN 55350; phone: (320) 587-6030.