Over the past year, local partners have worked together to create a Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan also known as a One Watershed One Plan (1W1P). The partnership pulled from existing data, resource goals, and stakeholder input to develop local strategies to protect and in some cases restore this cherished watershed. The Rainy Headwaters-Vermilion Planning Area covers almost 4,000 square miles in 4 Counties (Cook, Lake, St. Louis, and Koochiching). It is located within the larger 1854 Ceded Territory and part of the Bois Forte Reservation is within the watershed on the shores of Onamuni Zaaga’iganiin (Lake Vermilion). The watershed is home to the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park. Waters within the watershed boundary flow to Rainy Lake and eventually Hudson Bay.
The Rainy Headwaters-Vermilion Watershed partners include Cook County, Lake County, St. Louis County, Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District, Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District, and North St. Louis Soil and Water Conservation District. An advisory committee of watershed stakeholders helped develop the plan that included federal, tribal, state, and local partners.
To view the plan, please visit the planning website: www.nslswcd.org/rrhwvr
A hybrid public hearing is scheduled for January 26, 2024, at 10 AM at Minnesota North College – Vermilion Campus-Fireside Lounge (1900 E Camp St, Ely, MN) or the Seagull Lake Community Center (12059 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN). You can also join virtually via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89311461684
Meeting ID: 893 1146 1684
+1 301 715 8592
The link will also be posted on the website.
This is your opportunity to provide input to the plan. Contact Becca Reiss at the North St. Louis SWCD for more information: becca@nslswcd.org or 218-288-6143.
