LMRWD Launches Visioning Phase for 2028 Watershed Management Plan

Posted: 06/20/25

The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) is excited to announce the launch of its formal planning process to update the District’s Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (CWMP)—the foundational document that will guide our strategic priorities and actions through 2028 and beyond.

As part of this process, the District will be rolling out a series of visioning workshops, stakeholder engagement sessions, and coordinated communications throughout 2025. These activities are designed to shape a bold, inclusive vision for the watershed—one rooted in data, community priorities, and shared accountability.

Board Endorses “The River Will Not Wait” as a Guiding Framework

At its June 18, 2025 meeting, the LMRWD Board of Managers unanimously endorsed The River Will Not Wait, a policy address delivered by President Joseph Barisonzi at the 17th Minnesota River Congress. This powerful set of remarks will serve as a core planning framework for the CWMP update.

In the speech, Barisonzi calls for urgent, systemic action to reverse the decline of the Minnesota River system. The Board has directed staff and partners to integrate these core messages into:

• The CWMP vision and planning goals

• Upcoming public visioning events (beginning July 30, 2025)

• All related communications, engagement materials, and policy development

Seven Key Policy Challenges Identified in the Speech:

1. The Problem is Bigger Than Any One Project
   Isolated efforts are insufficient; systemic planning is required.

2. Every Decision Matters — Even Yours, Even Mine
   Cumulative impacts from everyday decisions must be considered.

3. No Plan Without Real Targets
   Watershed plans need measurable goals, timelines, and accountability.

4. Agencies Must Do Their Jobs
   Stronger enforcement and verification are needed to restore trust and impact.

5. We Must Reimagine Governance
   Over 300 fragmented entities govern the basin; integrated action is essential.

6. We Must Fund the Future Creatively and Fairly
   Innovative and equitable financial tools are critical for lasting solutions.

7. This Is Our Moment
   The window to act boldly and collectively is now.

📄 Download:

• Executive Summary – The River Will Not Wait (PDF)

• Full Annotated Bibliography & Supporting Documents