Comprehensive Local Water Management Local Water Management Plan

In 1977 Minnesota was stricken by drought conditions that nearly rivaled the infamous drought of the 1930s. The Legislature responded by passing the Comprehensive Local Water Management Act (Minnesota Statutes Sections 103B.301 to 103B.355) in 1985. The act encourages counties outside of the metropolitan area to develop and implement comprehensive water plans. While the plans are voluntary, counties that participate in the program are awarded base grants from the State based on the tax capacity of the county.

The Mille Lacs County Local Water Management Plan outlines a plan for utilization of sound hydrologic management principles to address water resource concerns on a watershed unit and ground system context throughout Mille Lacs County. These water plans are based on a ten year planning period. The current water plan was approved on November 20, 2018, for the planning period from November 2018 to October 2027.

Water Management Advisory Committee (WMAC)

It is the mission of the Mille Lacs County Local Water Management Plan Advisory Committee to promote responsible stewardship of water resources through accountable use of land, forest and other natural assets by providing education, incentives, and collaboration with individuals, groups and government entities.

The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to:

Develop and implement the goals and objectives outlined in the Mille Lacs County Comprehensive Local Water Resource Management Plan
Provide information to the public relating to water resources
Fund and implement projects to monitor and protect water resources
Advise and support appropriate governmental agencies, local interest groups and landowners’ efforts to promote sustainable land-use practices related to the protection of water resources
Mille Lacs County Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan 2018-2027
Mille Lacs SWCD Resolution adopting the Mille Lacs County Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan as their Comprehensive Plan
Mille Lacs County Local Water Management Plan Advisory Committee By-Laws
Click HERE for additional background information on County Comprehensive Local Water Management planning

What Can I Do?

Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public and participation of the general public is encouraged. Meetings are held at the Mille Lacs Historic Courthouse, 635 2nd Street Southeast, Milaca, MN. Contact the SWCD for scheduled meeting dates and times.