The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced 26 east metro area projects that will be receiving a total of $20 million in funding from a 2018 settlement agreement. These projects are intended to improve local lakes, rivers, and streams, restore wildlife habitat, and add new fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities.
In 2018, the State of Minnesota and 3M agreed to an $850 million settlement to address PFAS contamination caused by manufacturing waste that was dumped in landfills in Oakdale, Lake Elmo, Woodbury, and Cottage Grove during the 1950s and ‘60s. Of this money, $700 million has been used to treat and provide safe drinking water for Washington County communities, while $20 million was earmarked for natural resources projects.
Where can you expect to see changes in the coming years?
Starting south along the Mississippi River, Dakota County will use its PFAS settlement funds to improve habitat at Spring Lake Park Reserve, a 1,200-acre park with sweeping views of the Mississippi River, hiking trails along limestone cliffs, and a small herd of bison. Meanwhile, within the river itself, the South Washington Watershed District will be working with the US Army Corps of Engineers to create islands and restore habitat within the Grey Cloud Slough.
On the other side of the river, Cottage Grove will be working to develop the 20-acre Mississippi Dunes Park, which was established in 2024. The land was previously operated as a golf course, and was purchased with funding support from the Washington County Land and Water Legacy program. Also in Cottage Grove, Friends of the Mississippi River will be continuing its habitat restoration work at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park.
Further north in Newport, the City will be developing its first ever Riverfront Park along the banks of the Mississippi River. The park will be located between Cedar Lane and the river, stretching from 16th to 17th Streets. Across the water, Dakota County will also be improving river access at Kaposia Landing in South St. Paul.
In Afton, Belwin Conservancy will make improvements to its new Oxbow Trail system, which was established in 2024 with support from Washington County’s Land and Water Legacy Program. This 30-acre parcel includes 1.25 miles of trails overlooking Valley Creek. Meanwhile, the Valley Branch Watershed District will use PFAS settlement funds to implement chloride reduction projects throughout watershed.
In central Washington County, the City of Woodbury will be developing La Lake Park (purchased with support from Washington County’s Land and Water Legacy Program) and restoring habitat at Tamarack Nature Preserve. Washington County will also create 10-miles of singletrack trails at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Meanwhile, City of Oakdale will make improvements and restore habitat at ten city parks. Lastly, the Middle St Croix Watershed Management Organization will be leading habitat and trail restoration projects at Valley View Park in Oak Park Heights, which is located just north of the Stillwater Prison.
In Ramsey County, there will be projects at Beaver Lake County Park, along Kohlman Creek and Kohlman Lake, in Keller Regional Park, Lake Gervais County Park, and at Battle Creek Regional Park. Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District will also lead a stream restoration project along a tributary of Fish Creek in Maplewood and Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi will daylight the lower Phalen Creek.
Last, but not least, PFAS settlement funds will be used to support PFAS and fishing education in the region. Baztec Fishing and Fishing for Life will both receive grants to support fishing programming, while Freshwater will conduct PFAS testing and develop consumption guidelines for several plant and fish species, in partnership with Prairie Island Indian Community. Rainbow Research, Inc will also expand PFAS awareness within African American communities and develop guidance materials, in partnership with Minnesota Department of Health.
East Metro Water 