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Working with partners to restore and protect Minnesota's waters |
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March 2022
Climate impacts on lakes
Some winter traditions melting away
Climate change impacts on Minnesota lakes are affecting long-held family and community recreation traditions. “We are absolutely adjusting our programming to meet the un-predictableness of our winters,” said Nick Sacco, a recreation program specialist with the Three Rivers Park District in Plymouth. “Twenty or thirty years ago, I don’t think outdoor educators and recreation guides always had to make back-up plans. We just had winter. That has changed greatly, especially over the past 10 years."
The stories of three lakes show how local conditions can mitigate or amplify climate change impacts.
Ice coverage on lakes has declined 10-14 days over past 50 years
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Since 1967, ice-in dates have moved about 9 days later on average, while ice-out dates have moved about 4-5 days earlier. That means 2 fewer weeks each winter for ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling across our state’s lakes. While individual lakes will vary in ice coverage from year to year, the data show a statewide trend of shorter ice seasons.
Warmer water, shorter ice seasons may lead to more algal blooms, shifting fish populations, changes in recreation. A new online data viewer tool on the MPCA website lets you check out the impact on specific lakes (ice duration, temperatures, flows& floods, and fish/bug communities). Select the blue botton to try out the data viewer.
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305 streams/lakes added to impaired list
List now includes PFAS contamination in Greater Minnesota
The MPCA has released its proposed impaired waters list for 2022 that added 305 water bodies with 417 new impairments, bringing the total to 2,904 water bodies with 6,168 impairments. For the first time, the MPCA listed waters in Greater Minnesota with PFAS contamination. Other notable waters on the 2022 list include the Root River in southeastern Minnesota, Vermillion River in Dakota County, Lake Osakis in north central Minnesota, Norway Lake in Kandiyohi County, Lake Phalen in Ramsey County, and the St. Louis River.
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Local partners' efforts bringing waters up to standards
MPCA’s goal is to improve the water quality in the bodies of water on the Impaired Waters List. Bodies of water can be “delisted” if water quality improves.
Delisted water bodies are shown on a dedicated tab in the draft 2022 Impaired Waters List and can be identified using the online Impaired Waters Viewer.
Local governments and other partner organizations around the state lead the projects that ultimately change water quality. Click on the button below to read more about water bodies that have improved to the point that they are now meeting water quality standards.
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Red Basin phosphorous reduction plan bringing together regulated, unregulated sources
Making meaningful reductions in phosphorous levels and achieving water quality goals in the Red River and Lake Winnipeg in Canada (shown at right experiencing massive algae blooms) will require changes by regulated sources, such as wastewater treatment plants, and reductions from unregulated sources, such as runoff from farm fields.
The Red River Basin Commission (RRBC), a not-for-profit organization with a 40-year history of bringing cooperative approaches to water management within the basin, is leading development of a management plan to reduce phosphorous using goal-setting and collaboration among regulated and unregulated stakeholders. The aim is to create more meaningful impacts on water quality at less cost and with broader-based involvement. Read more.
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MPCA, cities seek support for helping communities prepare for extreme weather events
“If Minnesota cities are not prepared for climate change, our residents and businesses will continue to bear the brunt of devastating weather events,” says MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler. “That is why Governor Walz and the MPCA are asking the Legislature to invest $21 million toward critical stormwater system improvements in cities across Minnesota.” Read more here.
We Are Water exhibit moving to Winona
We Are Water MN, a traveling exhibit that celebrates Minnesotans’ relationships with water, will be on display in Winona March 3 through April 25, 2022. It is being hosted by the Winona County Historical Society, in partnership with Winona County and the City of Winona.
The exhibit is on display at the Winona History Center (160 Johnson Street, Winona, MN 55987). It is open daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for students, free for members and children 7 and younger. Find event details and more information on the Winona County Historical Society website
Photo caption: The Mississippi River plays an important role in Winona’s history. Over a thousand steamboats stopped at Winona’s port annually during the 1860s. Today, modern versions provide entertainment and recreational travel along the river.
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The City of Minneapolis has hosted MN GreenCorps members for two years, with projects focused on improving awareness, participation, and engagement with the city’s water resources and educational programs. Current member Léa Payette, has launched an outreach campaign for the salt mini-course, training designed to address the overuse of de-icing salt in the Twin Cities.
In addition, the MPCA is offering a new Smart Salting for Local Leaders workshop. Developed and presented by a MN GreenCorps member, several virtual pilot workshops will take place throughout 2022. Check out the MPCA Smart Salting training calendar for dates and times.
Get your own GreenCorps member!
Host site applications open through March 22
Starting in September, MN GreenCorps will place up to 46 full-time members with host site organizations around the state. Members help host organizations build capacity and community resilience to a changing climate by reducing air pollutants, addressing disproportionate impacts of pollution, preventing waste, encouraging eco-friendly behavior, and more. In exchange, host organizations supervise members day-to-day and support them in their community-focused environmental projects. Potential host sits have until March 22 to apply. Select the blue button below for more information.
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Former MPCA manager Ziegler recognized for work in Red River Basin
The Red River Basin Commission at its annual Land and Water International Summit Conference recognized recently retired MPCA manager Jim Ziegler with its Water Management Leadership award.
In presenting the award , RRBC Director Ted Preister said, “Jim’s long-term commitment and leadership was invaluable in bringing collaborative and effective ideas on improving water quality into every discussion. His personal relationships, built over all his years in the community, created the conditions for progress that we all will leverage for the coming decade.”
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Status of TMDL studies/WRAPS reports
A TMDL study determines how much of a pollutant a lake or stream can receive and still meet water quality standards. WRAPS reports summarize all the available technical information on a watershed, including TMDL studies, so local partners can use it for planning and implementing the best strategies in prioritized locations.
Below are summaries of TMDL studies and WRAPS reports that are currently on public notice, have been recently approved by the EPA or MPCA, or are currently under review for approval. One TMDL study was recently begun in the St. Louis River Watershed.
TMDL studies that are pending or have been approved by the EPA can be found using a search tool located on our website. WRAPS reports receive final approval from the MPCA.
Recently approved reports
Excellent water quality in the Vermilion River and Rainy River - Headwaters watersheds is attributable to the forests and wetlands that dominate the area. They absorb and filter precipitation, resulting in far less runoff carrying pollutants into lakes and streams. With minimal water quality problems in either watershed, the WRAPS reports are focused on protection strategies to ensure the watersheds remain pristine.
The WRAPS and TMDL reports for the Vermilion River Watershed were recently approved by the MPCA and EPA, respectively. Approvals for the Rainy River -- Headwaters Watershed reports are pending.
EPA approval pending
Duluth area beaches TMDL targets excessive E. coli bacteria
Five beaches in the Duluth area experience spikes of E.coli bacteria, making the water unsafe at times for swimming or other recreation. While not as popular as the shore of Lake Superior on Park Point, the beaches are used for kayaking and swimming and require clean-up efforts, according to the report. The TMDL report was recently on public notice.
Protecting water quality a priority for Rapid River Watershed
Water quality in the Rapid River Watershed near Baudette in far north-central Minnesota is generally good. Local water management efforts are focused on protection strategies, such as maintaining forestland conservation, timber harvesting best management practices, and restoring heavily ditched wetlands.
The WRAPS report was approved by the MPCA Feb. 17, 2022. The TMDL report was sent to the EPA for approval on Feb. 24, 2022.
More than 80% of Minnesota River Headwaters Watershed not meeting standards
Local and state government, landowners, and agricultural partners have long been working to restore water quality in the watershed, which runs along Minnesota’s central-western border and extends into North and South Dakota. The TMDL and WRAPS reports call for continued restoration to improve impairments in the watershed. The public notice period for these reports recently ended.
In the news
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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is a state agency committed to ensuring that every Minnesotan has healthy air, sustainable lands, clean water, and a better climate. |
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