Board approves memorandum to implement Crow and River watershed plan

Crow Wing County commissioners approved a memorandum of agreement to implement the Crow and River comprehensive watershed management plan following the board's November adoption of the plan as the county water plan for that area.

The county's environmental-services manager, Chris, described the MOA as the next step after plan adoption: it formalizes collaboration with other local government units and soil-and-water conservation districts (SWCDs) within the watershed. Chris told the board the agreement contains no specific county financial requirements and that county responsibilities will remain focused on planning and zoning activities and ordinance enforcement. He said the watershed plan will go to the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) in January for final approval.

Commissioners discussed that this MOA follows the same process used for other watershed plans and noted the plan covers lakes such as Gull Lake and other water bodies in that part of the county. Commissioner Francine moved to approve the memorandum; Commissioner Coring seconded, and the board voted in favor.

Why it matters: implementing the watershed plan directs coordinated local work on water quality and resource protection across municipal and county boundaries; the MOA enables shared implementation without obligating county funds in the agreement itself.

Ending: The board chair and the environmental-services manager were authorized to sign the memorandum; staff will proceed with coordination with partner agencies and prepare for BWSR review.