In September of 2006, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and the state-wide nonprofit Minnesota Waters began a unique partnership to carry out MCWD’s Watershed Association Initiative (WAI). MCWD is activating groups of citizens who have come together with the common value of protecting their local water resources. This goal of protecting and preserving local water resources can begin to be achieved through citizen-led groups working with the District. The scientific expertise, organizational capacity development resources, and citizen-led conservation experience that both the MCWD and Minnesota Waters provide are important for a strong start and a sustainable future for lake, stream, and watershed associations.

 

View Workshops & Events Next WAI Workshop: Marketing and Outreach Tools for Lake and River Associations

Why form a lake, stream or watershed group? Who can help us form a lake, stream or watershed group? What funding resources are available? What resources are available for our events? Who monitors my lake? How are lake grades established? Resources and Links

Active Citizen Involvement Groups in MCWD

Why form a lake, stream or watershed group?

River, lake or watershed groups often form around a particular concern for water or shoreline protection. The initial discussion concerning the need for a group generally requires a few meetings and a couple principal leaders, spurring interest and sustaining follow-through. And once a group is formed, there is no equivalent for the extraordinary watershed stewardship and protection which ensues. Regardless of scope or specific focus, river groups, lake associations and other local water conservation organizations are the backbone of water resource protection throughout Minnesota. And in today's climate of budget limitations and increasing shoreline development, locally-led groups who know and use the resource are perfectly poised to address these challenges, leading the charge for lake and river protection into the next generation.

Who can help us form a lake, stream or watershed group?

The Watershed Association Initiative (WAI) has been created to help groups through the formative stages. Please contact Eli Condon at 218-251-1462 or elic@mnwaters.org to discuss the formation of your group.

About Watershed Association Initiative

The Watershed Association Initiative (WAI) was created in September of 2006 by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District through a unique partnership with Minnesota Waters. View the Watershed Association Initiative Fact Sheet!

Goals within the WAI within the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District: Empower citizens to help meet local water quality goals by strengthening stewardship practices Educate property owners on ways to form healthy, effective, and sustainable citizen-led, water focused organizations Provide workshops to newly forming and established water protection groups to help them create Action Plans to meet fund-raising, organizational, and communications goals.  Strengthen and encourage collaboration between local businesses, government, non-profit, and citizen-led lake, stream or watershed associations. Promote a network of peer-to-peer learning and opportunities for citizen groups Provide funding through the Mini-Grant Program to help establish groups

What funding resources are available?

Mini-Grant

Goal: Assist newly forming lake, stream or watershed associations/groups with start-up costs for new associations.  Established associations/groups may qualify for funds if working with the WAI to increase organizational capacity or support the development of a District-wide network of lake, stream, or watershed associations

Objectives:

• Help citizens form effective citizen-led associations/groups focused on protecting and improving local waters.
  
• Support water quality improvement projects organized by citizen-led associations/groups

Grant Overview

Administrative or Seed Fund (up to $500)

Description:The Fund provides $500 for organizations who have approved or adopted articles of incorporation and bylaws or obtained a fiscal agent; and have a plan in place for the Charter/Kick-off meeting (or its equivalent). Associations are allowed to make only one application for the Seed Fund dollars. For eligibility requirements please see application.

• Application PDF or Microsoft Word
  • WAI Standard Kick-Off Meeting Form in PDF or Microsoft Word
  • WAI Standard Planning Form in PDF or Microsoft Word
    • Example

Application Process:Applications and electronic supporting documents are due to Eli Condon via e-mail elic@minnesotawaters.org

Membership Match Fund ($1000)

Description:The Fund is a 1:1 match for your new member dollars up to $1000.  Associations are allowed to make only one application for the Membership Match Fund dollars within 9 months of the Kick-off meeting date. For eligibility requirements please see application.

• Application PDF or in Microsoft Word

Application Process:Applications and electronic supporting documents are due to Eli Condon via e-mail elic@minnesotawaters.org

Cynthia Krieg Watershed Stewardship Grant

Description: The Cynthia Krieg Watershed Stewardship Fund was established by the MCWD in 2000 in memory of Cynthia Krieg, whose life exemplified dedication to community service and natural resource protection. This fund encourages and supports community service initiatives to protect water quality and promote public awareness of non-point source pollution abatement. The MCWD wishes to partner with local community groups, schools, and government agencies to engage citizens in water quality protection through this memorial fund.

Learn more about the Cynthia Krieg Watershed Stewardship Fund.

Non-MCWD Grant Resources

• DNR
• PCA
• Minnesota Waters Conservation Partnership
• MN Council on Foundations: Grant seeking Resources

What resources are available for our events?

We have an interactive kiosk, water models, mini golf coures and much more available for you to check out. Please visit MCWD's education resources page for more information.

Who monitors my lake?

Please visit MCWD's FAQ page. If your interested in monitoring your lake or river contact the organization monitoring your lake, organizations noted under the "Who monitors my lake?" on MCWD's FAQ page.

How are lake grades established?

Please visit MCWD's FAQ page or jump to "How are lake grades established?" on MCWD's FAQ page.

Resources and Links: