One of the newest members of the Watershed Planning Commission (WPC), Andy Riesgraf of Apple Valley is immersed (no pun intended) in water-related topics every day. Working at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory at the University of Minnesota as a researcher, he studies the impact of boats on the aquatic environment, aquatic invasive species detection, and sediment transport in hydropower engineering. This springs out of his master’s degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Biology at UMN, where he spent many hours working on the Mississippi River, testing underwater sound as a potential way to deter invasive carp.

“Because the Vermillion River Watershed discharges into the Mississippi River, [I] felt that becoming a member of the WPC would be the perfect opportunity to not only help improve the health of the VRW, but also the greater Mississippi River Watershed,” Andy said. “I am amazed by the number of projects VRWJPO is working on… and all the prior work that has already been accomplished.”

Additionally, Andy is a certified Minnesota Water Steward, completing the program in 2018, where he worked with two other VRWJPO Stewards to implement a raingarden near Lake Alimagnet for his capstone project.

When he’s not researching water quality, he spends time with his wife Rachel and two young sons, one of whom is just nine weeks old, and his yellow labrador. He enjoys hanging out at his family’s cabin near Alexandria, playing softball and soccer, hunting pheasants, and of course, fishing.

“I was born and raised in Minnesota and have no intentions of ever leaving,” Andy said. “I love the seasons, outdoor recreational opportunities, and our abundance of water.

“The VRWJPO has a great team of people who are passionate about the health of this watershed, and I feel fortunate to be a part of said team.”