If you missed our recent meeting, here are the highlights of what was discussed:

February 21 & 22, 2023 ‌

FUNDING COMMITMENTS  Information was presented regarding current funding commitments of the Red River Watershed Management Board (RRWMB) for Flood Damage Reduction (FDR) and water quality projects that are in various phases along with annually funded programs and one-time allocations. Current commitments include the following: FDR Projects (81%):...............................................................$27,654,232.79 Water Quality Program (12%):................................................$ 3,964,517.00 Annually Funded Programs/One-time Allocations (7%):......$ 2,451,118.48 TOTAL Remaining Funding Commitments:.....................................$34,069,869.27   Below is an illustration of current RRWMB funding commitments as of February 2023. Annual operating expenses are not included in funding commitments.

PROJECT EXTENSIONS The RRWMB Managers granted extensions for the following Competitive water quality projects: Roseau River Restoration Project of the Roseau River Watershed District. Mustinka River Rehabilitation Project of the Bois de Sioux Watershed District.

RED RIVER BASIN REINVEST IN MINNESOTA (RIM) PROPOSAL The RRWMB Managers approved moving forward with the application process to the Lessard Sam’s Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) for RIM funding. The RRWMB will be working with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources on the application, with the process beginning April 1, 2023 for submissions to the LSOHC.

LiDAR DATA SHARING Discussion was held related to how LiDAR data should be shared with the general public and other entities outside of watershed districts and counties that have already paid for the updated LiDAR data and LiDAR derived products. The RRWMB Managers approved a licensing agreement template as presented and authorized legal counsel to develop a data sharing agreement with the Unites States Geological Survey.

LAKE TRAVERSE AND MUD LAKE WATER CONTROL PLAN The RRWMB Managers heard that the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), St. Paul District, is updating its Lake Traverse and Mud Lake Water Control Plan and two public meetings were recently held on January 31 and February 1, 2023. USACE staff are updating the current Plan to ensure it meets the needs of the communities and minimizes flood threats. The Plan was last updated in 1994 and USACE engineers operate the reservoirs in accordance with the Plan to manage water levels. USACE is soliciting public opinion on topics that should be considered during the update and potential options to continue or change water management at Lake Traverse and Mud Lake. USACE staff held the public meetings to discuss the process and provide an opportunity to hear from the public on what should be reviewed during the update. The comment deadline is March 3, 2023 and the RRWMB Managers directed the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to develop comments by the deadline for submission by the Executive Director.

2023 FLOOD OUTLOOK Staff from the National Weather Service (NWS) provided information about the current flood outlook for the Red River Basin. It was indicated that minor and moderate flooding is predicted and that the outlook has not changed significantly since the prior update on February 9, 2023. DRAINAGE REGISTRY The RRWMB Managers held discussion about the drainage registry that has been proposed by several environmental groups. It was determined that the RRWMB would not be supportive of the drainage registry as currently proposed and that the RRWMB would be supportive of continued discussions at the Drainage Work Group.

2023 Annual Joint Conference The 2023 Annual Joint Conference was held February 21-22. To see the highlights of the conference, click on the Meeting Highlights button below.

Meeting Highlights

Next RRWMB Meeting Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the RRWMB office, Ada, MN.

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