Directory of Water Managment Contacts
Water-Quality Websites of Interest
Local Organizations and Institutions
Regional and State Agencies
Federal Agencies


WATER-QUALITY WEBSITES OF INTEREST

Adopt-A-River
www.dnr.state.mn.us/adoptriver/index.html
This Minnesota DNR program provides resources for volunteers who’d like to organize a cleanup project for a section of a lake, river, wetland or ravine.

Center for Watershed Protection
http://www.cwp.org/
Although on the technical side, the CWP’s website is one of the best for learning about management practices that reduce impacts of stormwater runoff in urban watersheds.

KARE 11 "Water for Life"
http://kare.iewatershed.com
KARE 11’s "Water for Life" program and website provide watershed awareness information and tips on how citizens can protect water quality. A collaboration of Metro WaterShed Partners, StormCenter Communications and the U.S. Forest Service.

Mighty Mississippi Passport Program
www.mississippipassport.org/
A great resource for finding recreational and educational activities along the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities metro area.

Minnesota Shoreland Management Resource Guide
www.shorelandmanagement.org
The Minnesota Shoreland Management Resource Guide provides easy access to information about sustainable shoreland practices to improve management of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.

Project WET — Water Education for Teachers
www.dnr.state.mn.us/projectwet/minnesota.html
Sponsored by Minnesota DNR, Project WET is a water-education program for educators and young people ages 5-18. The program provides classroom-ready teaching aids and training opportunities for teachers.

SEEK — Sharing Environmental Education Knowledge
www.seek.state.mn.us
The SEEK webpage is a searchable clearinghouse for all types of Minnesota environmental-education resources.

WOW — Water on the Web
http://wow.nrri.umn.edu
WOW offers high school and college students an opportunity to learn water science through hands-on activities. Real-time water-quality data is provided through lake monitoring stations located across the state.

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LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS

Center for Global Environmental Education, Hamline University
www.cgee.hamline.edu
CGEE provides environmental education and other instruction to teachers, students, community leaders and citizens. They offer excellent water-education CDs and videos.

Friends of the Mississippi River
www.fmr.org
FMR works to protect and enhance the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities metro area through educational, recreational and restoration opportunities.

The Green Institute
http://www.greeninstitute.org/
The Green Institute promotes environmental stewardship and creates economic opportunities through sustainable community development in Minneapolis Neighborhoods.

Metro WaterShed Partners
www.cgee.hamline.edu/watershed/index.htm
An innovative, dynamic coalition of more than 40 public, private and nonprofit organizations in the metro area that educates residents about caring for area waters.

Minnesota Waters
www.minnesotawaters.org
The Minnesota Lakes Association and the Rivers Council of Minnesota have merged to form Minnesota Waters. Minnesota Waters believes that the lakes and rivers in our state are irreplaceable natural assets to be held in trust for future generations. Through our programs of discovery, advocacy and on-the-ground action, the people of Minnesota will change their behaviors and public policies to reflect responsible stewardship

 

University of Minnesota Extension Service
www.extension.umn.edu
The University of Minnesota Extension Service delivers research-based and relevant educational programs and information to Minnesota citizens and communities.



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REGIONAL AND STATE AGENCIES

Metropolitan Council — Environmental Services
www.metrocouncil.org/environment
Environmental Services is the branch of the Metropolitan Council that manages wastewater treatment and surface-water quality. A good resource for Twin Cities lake-water-quality information.

MDA — Minnesota Department of Agriculture
www.mda.state.mn.us/appd/ace/lawncwaterq.htm
MDA regulates pesticide and fertilizer use, and conducts agricultural water quality protection practice research and outreach. Its lawn-care and water-quality website increases public awareness of lawn practices and their potential impact on water quality.

MDH — Minnesota Department of Health
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/index.html
Assuring drinking-water quality is the responsibility of the MDH. Visit their website to learn how individuals and community can protect their drinking-water supply.

MDNR — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
www.dnr.state.mn.us/water/index.html
MDNR offers a myriad of resources on Minnesota’s watersheds, lakes, rivers, groundwater and wetlands. Their website features great maps and interesting facts about Minnesota’s water resources. The "Lake Finder" webpage is popular with boaters and fishers.

MOEA — Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance
www.moea.state.mn.us/
MOEA helps Minnesotans make informed decisions and take action to conserve resources and prevent pollution and waste. It is a source of technical advice, educational materials, and project assistance grants.

MPCA — Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
www.pca.state.mn.us
MPCA protects Minnesota’s environment through monitoring environmental quality and enforcing environmental regulations. Follow the "water" link on their homepage for information on Minnesota’s water-quality and water-resource protection programs.
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FEDERAL AGENCIES

EPA — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Oceans, Wetlands, and Watersheds
www.epa.gov/owow/
EPA works to protect human health and the environment. Their Oceans, Wetlands and Watersheds website provides information on the condition of our water, available resources for water-quality protection and steps we all can take to improve the condition of our lakes, rivers and wetlands.

MNRRA — Mississippi National River and Recreational Area
www.nps.gov/miss/
Part of the National Park Service, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area was established in 1988. MNRRA provides recreation, educational and natural resources protection programs.

NOAA — National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office
www.ocrm.nos.noaa.gov
NOAA predicts changes in the nation’s weather and conserves and manages coastal and marine resources. Coastal Zone Management is a NOAA program active along Lake Superior’s Minnesota shoreline

USGS — U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Discipline
http://water.usgs.gov/
USGS Water Resources Discipline (WRD) provides reliable, impartial, timely information needed to understand the water resources of the United States. Monitoring river-flow volume and water quality is a key activity. Real-time stream-flow data is available on this site.

NPS — National Park Service, Watershed Web Site
http://www.fs.fed.us/na/morgantown/frm/water/waterinfo.htm
Trees and forests are critical to the health and proper function of watersheds. This site provides information and links on how trees and forests can be managed to protect water quality.
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