As phosphorus inputs decline, watershed organizations focus their attention on shorelines

A recent report from the Natural Shorelines Partnership noted that Minnesota has lost 50% of its natural shorelines over the past 100 years, and continues to lose shoreline habitat at a rate of 1-2% per decade.

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East Metro residents adopt thousands of storm drains to help protect lakes and rivers

The Adopt a Drain program was developed as a fun and unique way to engage community residents in helping to prevent stormwater pollution. As a testament to the program’s popularity, Minnesotans have adopted an astounding 24,523 storm drains and report collecting 769,210 lbs of debris, which would have otherwise been washed into lakes, rivers and streams.

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Heritage Brook Trout Return to Afton

Next week, Trout Brook in Afton will welcome its very own community of heritage brookies, thanks to a multi-year effort to improve water quality and restore aquatic habitat.

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Carrying stories around the bend – A restoration tale from Rice Creek

When the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant closed in 2005, it created an opportunity for Ramsey County to restore the surrounding landscape and for Rice Creek Watershed District to nurse the neglected stream back to good health.

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New grant funds will help to improve habitat connectivity in Washington County

In the coming year, Washington Conservation District (WCD) will receive $185,000 in funding through the Pollinator Pathways program and $246,000 through the Habitat Enhancement Landscape Program (HELP) to restore and improve wildlife and pollinator habitat in more than a dozen priority locations.

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Zebra mussels found in Big Carnelian Lake

Fourteen new zebra mussel infestations were discovered in Minnesota in 2024, including Big Carnelian Lake in northern Washington County.

While news of a new zebra mussel infestation is discouraging, it is important to remember that 96% of lakes in Minnesota do NOT have zebra mussels and can still be protected from future infestations if lakeshore landowners, contractors, boaters, and anglers commit to taking action. 

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Living on a Few Acres, Dozing with a Few Bees

For small farmers, it can be challenging to find the right combination of products and services to create a farm operation that is truly sustainable, both ecologically and economically.

Meet Austin and Ruth, owners of a small farm in May Township that offers therapy sessions with bees.

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Celebrating 25 Years of Lake and Stream Restoration Work in the Comfort Lake – Forest Lake Watershed

On September 18, the Comfort Lake – Forest Lake Watershed District will celebrate its 25th Anniversary, share updates on programming, and announce recipients of the 2024 Watershed Champion Awards.

RSVP via email to adam.hjelm@clflwd.org or by phone to (651) 395-5850 by September 6th.

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Restoration work underway along Brown’s Creek in Stillwater

Trail users and local residents can expect to see buckthorn and tree removal continuing into the fall. The watershed district will also work with Trout Unlimited and volunteers to plant native shrubs and trees in key locations along the stream next spring.

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