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Watershed Management
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The Twin Cities Metropolitan Area is mandated by state statute to be covered by Watershed Management Organizations (WMOs) for the purpose of enabling local water management. There are three types of WMOs: a Watershed District, a municipal/city based joint powers WMO, or a county based WMO. Scott County has Watershed Districts and County based WMOs. They are all similar government units that work with local governments, like cities, to satisfy state surface water planning standards. They also help local governments to sort out surface water issues. However, they do not replace state or federal water management authorities. For more about the history and duties of watershed districts and WMOs, please visit the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources webpage on Local Government Units and Partner Agencies.
There are four watershed management organizations in Scott County. View the image below for their locations. Click any of their names in the below list to connect to their websites:
There are four watershed management organizations in Scott County. View the image below for their locations. Click any of their names in the below list to connect to their websites:
- Scott Watershed Management Organization (Scott WMO) is a county based WMO with the Scott County Board acting as the WMO Board.
- Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) is a county joint powers based WMO between Scott and Dakota Counties. It is governed by a Board consisting of two County Commissioners from Dakota County and one from Scott County.
- Prior Lake Spring Lake Watershed District (PLSLWD) is governed by a Board of Managers appointed by the Scott County Board.
- Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) covers portions of Scott County and three other counties. LMRWD is governed by a Board of Managers, one of which is appointed by the Scott County Board.
Do you have questions about surface water planning requirements? Please review both the watershed management authority’s comprehensive plan AND the local governments surface water plan. Local government plans (i.e. cities) may have additional requirements. If you still have questions, please contact Vanessa Strong at vstrong@co.scott.mn.us or 952-496-8345.