Recognizing the relationship between our natural and built environments, the MCWD works in partnership with the public, private and civic sectors to help protect and improve our natural systems, make wise investments in public infrastructure and improve the quality of water and quality of life in our communities. In 2014 the MCWD Board of Managers formalized this partnership approach by adopting the policy "In Pursuit of a Balanced Urban Ecology in the Minnehaha Creek Watershed".

This policy guides future planning and District initiatives with the following three principles:

• We will join with others in pursuing our watershed management goals
• We will intensify and maintain our focus on high-priority projects
• We will be flexible and creative in adapting our practices to those of our partners

Read the full balanced urban ecology policy.