February 2024

Snapshots are stories that highlight the work of our agency and partners. Read below for insights on how these partnerships impact our state's soil and water resources.

Peatlands restoration potential sparks research, conservation

Minnesota’s peatlands are gaining attention for their potential to help mitigate the effects of climate change. BWSR is developing a RIM easement option focused on peatlands. With partners including The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service, BWSR staff recently developed a mapping tool to help ID potentially restorable peatlands.

Read the story here.

Maple Grove’s popular Fish Lake poised to drop ‘impaired’ status “It’s something that we’re extremely proud of. Trying to get these lakes off the impaired waters list takes years to do and a lot of partnerships.” — Brian Vlach, Three Rivers Park District, on water-quality improvement efforts involving the Elm Creek WMC, the Fish Lake Area Residents Association, the city of Maple Grove and BWSR Read the story here.

Water storage among benefits of Murray County wetland restoration In Murray County, two drained wetlands totaling nearly 160 acres were restored, yielding water storage, water quality and habitat benefits.  Read the story here.