Missouri River Basin Project
About the Watershed
2011 is the kick off year for the Missouri River Basin Restoration and Protection Project. The Missouri River basin contains four major watersheds (Upper Big Sioux, Lower Big Sioux, Rock, and Little Sioux River) which flow to Iowa and South Dakota. These headwater watersheds cover parts of six counties and eventually drain to the Missouri River.
Benefits of the 10-year Approach
An ongoing, predictable cycle for water quality management and evaluation
Ingratiating watershed protection and restoration needs into a single management plan
A more efficient approach to addressing impairments
A common framework for monitoring, TMDL studies, and implementation strategies
Increased stakeholder interest and local support
Improved collaboration and innovation
A reduction in the cost of improving the quality of waters
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About the Major Watershed Approach
Step 1 - Monitor and gather data (2011 - 2012)
Biological, water chemistry, and quantity data will be collected throughout the Missouri River Basin during 2011 and 2012. This includes monitoring of streams and lakes within the watershed to determine overall health. Data from past and currect local water monitoring efforts will be included in the process. Land use, topography, soils and pollution source information is also gathered in this step.
Step 2 - Assess the data (2012-2013)
Local partners along with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (PCA), will conduct a process to determine if streams and lakes are meeting water quality standards. Water that are not meeting water quality standards will be listed as impaired waters.
Step 3 - Establish implementation strategies (2014-2016)
A framework which details strategies and methods for meeting water quality standards will be developed with input from interested parties. Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) will address impaired waters. Existing local water plans and water body studies are incorporated into the planning process.
Step 4 - Implement strategies (2016-2021)
Included in this step are all traditional permitting activities, in addition to programs and actions directed at nonpoint sources. Partnerships with state agencies, various local government units, and watershed residents and landowners will be necessary to implement activities.
Project Partners
Nobles, Jackson, Lincoln, and Murray County Environmental Offices
Nobles, Jackson, Lincoln, Murray, Pipestone and Rock Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Okabena-Ocheda Watershed District
Kanaranzi-Little Rock Watershed District
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (PCA)
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR)
MOB 4 - Kanaranzi Creek from bridge looking downstream
Monitoring equipment at MOB 2 - Beaver Creek
This publication was paid for through the Clean Water Fund on behalf of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.