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Joint petition drafted to explore watershed boundary change and seek state study of Minnesota River
Summary
Staff reported a draft boundary petition to the Lower Minnesota Watershed District and a letter requesting state‑led study and management of the Minnesota River; Representative Tolson reportedly prepared draft language for a state study but session timing prevented immediate progress.
County leaders reviewed work done to explore a boundary change for watershed management of the Lower Minnesota region and an associated request for state study and funding.
Staff said the direction from earlier meetings was to pursue a joint draft petition between Scott, Carver and Dakota counties to explore boundary change options—ranging from a full boundary adjustment to hydrology‑based floodplain boundaries along the river channel. Staff subsequently submitted a draft petition to the Lower Minnesota Watershed District for reaction and circulated a letter requesting the state consider management actions for the Minnesota River.
Representative Tolson had draft language for a study and some funding but the bill did not advance during the recent legislative session. Staff and commissioners said the larger challenge remains that river management is best resolved at the state level, and they will continue collaborative outreach with neighboring counties and watershed districts to refine options and identify support for a state study.
