Watershed Project Starts

Over the past 60 to 70 years, improved land stewardship has made a marked improvement in the Whitewater River Watershed, but there continues to be a need to build a stronger conservation ethic, in both rural and urban areas and to support that ethic with appropriate government policies. Recent changes in land use toward less livestock, less hay and more row crops have led to setbacks in land and water quality gains.

Water quality degradation, particularly sedimentation from eroding farmland, is seen by many as a major problem affecting the watershed. In spite of significant successes over the years, the river still ranks near the top of U.S. Geological Survey's Minnesota streams with severe erosion and sedimentation problems.

Recent watershed activities were initiated in 1987 as a pilot project on the Middle Branch of the Whitewater River , leading to the formation of the Whitewater River Watershed Project. A priority of the Whitewater Watershed Project is conservation implementation in upland areas, seeking to reduce soil erosion, increase water infiltration, improve soil quality, slow runoff, and result in a more gradual hydrologic response in the streams. A Joint Powers Board (JPB) of Soil & Water conservation Districts and County Commissioners works together towards project goals, focusing on education, technical assistance and financial assistance within the watershed.