A series of public meetings across Minnesota is seeking citizen input on an ambitious goal: improving the state’s lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater by 25 percent in the next eight years.
The 25 by 25 Town Halls are designed to gather ideas to increase the pace of clean-ups.
Without additional action, the quality of Minnesota’s waters is expected to improve only 6 to 8 percent by 2034.
“Without an ambitious, achievable goal, the quality of our water will continue to deteriorate,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “Minnesotans must set this goal now, and then work together to achieve it.”
The meetings will look at local water issues, identify barriers to cleaner water, and propose possible action.
The St. Croix watershed will host one of the 10 Town Halls being held around the state on October 5. The first meeting in Rochester in July attracted 300 people — twice the number planners expected. A couple weeks later, 200 people showed up for the Mankato forum.
St. Croix Valley residents are also organizing community water meetings in the area before the Town Hall to initiate the discussion.
Stillwater Community Water Meeting
Wednesday, September 6
6 to 7:45 p.m.
Stillwater Library Margaret Rivers Room
Marine on St. Croix Community Water Meeting
(For residents of May Township, Marine, and Scandia)
Wednesday, September 27
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Marine Village Hall
Share ideas about improving water quality at this link.
Almost half of the St. Croix River’s 7,700-square mile watershed is in Minnesota, and it’s designated as one of the state’s eight major basins.
Forty percent of the lakes in Minnesota that have been tested do not meet standards for swimming and other use.
“Water is just a very important issue for the state,” Rochester Town Hall attendee Tina Liebling said. “The idea that we have to protect our water cuts across all boundaries.”
While the St. Croix and its tributaries are generally healthy, Lake St. Croix is contaminated with excessive phosphorus, which causes increased algae blooms. Several other lakes in the basin have the same problem, and others are impaired based on mercury and PCB contamination in fish, E. Coli, low oxygen levels, and other factors.
Learn more about challenges and solutions related to water in the Twin Cities Metro region (PDF).