Lower Minnesota River Watershed District Governance Study

Abstract

The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) commissioned this study to examine alternatives to its current role in water governance on the Lower Minnesota River. This report provides insights to guide the LMRWD Board of Managers in making strategic decisions related to its role in water governance, funding for both water quality and dredge material management related activities, and the organization’s identity. Our team evaluated four water governance options by utilizing an extensive qualitative analysis of stakeholder interviews, as well as a thorough review of relevant literature. Stakeholders were selected from the following three groups involved directly or indirectly in water management on the Lower Minnesota River: State/federal agencies, local units of government and private/other entities. We provide key considerations related to each governance alternative examined, recommend that the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) alternative be ruled out, and make recommendations on how the viable options should be pursued. Our overarching recommendation is that increasing the ability to cooperate and partner should be a top priority for the local sponsor of the 9-foot channel and for LMRWD.