MCEA has been engaged in Red River basin flood reduction projects for more than a decade. We work on water management projects through the Red River mediation process, which ensures that natural resource enhancements, like stream channel restoration, and wetland and grassland conservation and restoration, are included in many flood reduction projects. As a result of this work, many water management projects in the Red River basin now include natural resource enhancements and future projects will be great candidates for funding through the new dedicated clean water and habitat funds Minnesota voters approved in 2008.

Recent work in the basin has focused on completing natural resource assessments in the Sand Hill and Buffalo-Red River watershed districts and on project development in the Wild Rice River and Bois de Sioux River watershed districts.  In the Wild Rice River, efforts are focused on small flood impoundments in the watershed of a tributary to the river and on restoration of 23 miles of straightened river channel.  In the Bois de Sioux watershed, work on a project in Redpath township will result in rehabilitation and reconnection of more than 15 miles of the Mustinka River.

MCEA has worked through the mediation process in the Red River basin since 1998.  This work often takes place in a watershed based “project team” composed of numerous stakeholders including local government officials, soil and water conservation districts, landowners, and state and federal agencies.

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Red River Watershed Management Board