What We Do

Watershed management relies on inclusive public engagement, targeted priorities, beneficial outcomes, and sound scientific data.

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) sets forth their objectives in the 2016-2025 Vermillion River Watershed Management Plan. These include pollutant reduction, groundwater conservation, education & outreach, water monitoring, and wildlife protection, to name a few. The basis for the VRWJPO’s decisions includes data from our monitoring network, subwatershed assessments, public feedback, and special studies.

VRWJPO staff follow the Watershed Plan to determine what capital improvement projects to undertake. These projects help protect and improve water resources, which in turn improves overall watershed health for living beings who call it home.

The Plan also includes Standards to guide local governments to set water policies that align with the VRWJPO.

Minnesota statute dictates that all watershed management organizations and districts in the Twin Cities metro area must adopt a watershed management plan every ten years. As of fall 2023, the VRWJPO is developing the next generation watershed plan, which will be in effect from 2026-2035.

The VRWJPO submits an annual activity report and financial statement to the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to document accomplishments and outcomes and how tax dollars are spent.