A comprehensive local water management effort started as the result of drought conditions in the mid to late 70's in Minnesota.  The Legislature passed legislation (Statute 103B.301 to 103B.355)d provided funding to encourage counties to develop comprehensive local water management plans.  State and federal grant funding is often tied to comprehensive local water management plans.

 The plan gives more local awareness of the environment, makes stronger ties with state agencies, identifies priority concerns, and addresses solutions to those issues.  Some on the issues identified in the previous planning effort were sensitive ground water areas, wellhead protection areas (water recharge locations), wetland areas, and storm water management. 

Draft Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan (CLWMP) in review process

The CLWMP was reviewed during a public hearing on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at the Courthouse in Milaca, Minnesota for the consideration of the 2006-2016 Mille Lacs County Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan (The Plan).  The Plan identifies two priority concerns: The Cumulative Effects of Development on Surface and Groundwater, and Development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for Impaired Waters.  The Plan also identifies objectives for each priority concern and action steps to implement the objectives.  Comments were received and incorporated.

The Plan was again reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission and Mille Lacs County Board in August before final review by the State Board of Water and Soil Resources on January 10th, 2007. 

Click HERE to view the 2006-2016 Mille Lacs County Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan

Interested persons are invited to comment to either the SWCD or the Zoning Department.

What can I do?

Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public and participation of the general public is encouraged.  Quarterly meetings are held the Mille Lacs Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office, 900 HWY 23 W, Milaca, MN 56353, across the parking lot from Koch's Hardware on the west side of the City of Milaca, on the north side of Hwy 23.  Contact the SWCD for scheduled meeting dates and times.

For identifying concerns/issues, any questions, or more information contact Susan Shaw, Local Water Management Coordinator, susan.shaw@mn.nacdnet.net, phone 320-983-2160.

Click here for information on the local watersheds within Mille Lacs County

Mille Lacs Soil and Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer