Rice Creek Watershed District

The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) is a governing body dedicated to the environmental well-being of the Rice Creek Watershed in Minnesota. Located in Minneapolis, the organization employs 23 individuals and generates approximately $4 million in annual revenue. RCWD focuses on the management and conservation of the Rice Creek Watershed, spanning 186 square miles across Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington counties. This area encompasses 28 towns, cities, and townships. Their efforts encompass a wide range of activities aimed at protecting and improving the watershed's health. These include managing lakes, streams, groundwater, and wetlands, along with monitoring water quality and promoting best management practices for water quality enhancement. The organization plays a crucial role in maintaining public drainage systems, conducting natural resource inventories, and administering the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). RCWD also actively engages with residents through educational programs, informing them about environmental issues and outlining ways they can contribute to conservation efforts. Additionally, they assist municipalities in meeting environmental protection mandates set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For more information about the Rice Creek Watershed District and its initiatives, visit their website at ricecreek.org.