The purpose of the One Watershed, One Plan program is to develop comprehensive watershed management plans (103B.801) that:

• align local water planning purposes and procedures under this chapter and chapters 103C and 103D on watershed boundaries to create a systematic, watershed-wide, science-based approach to watershed management;
• acknowledge and build off existing local government structure, water plan services, and local capacity;
• incorporate and make use of data and information, including watershed restoration and protection strategies under section 114D.26;
• solicit input and engage experts from agencies, citizens, and stakeholder groups; focus on implementation of prioritized and targeted actions capable of achieving measurable progress; and
• serve as a substitute for a comprehensive plan, local water management plan, or watershed management plan developed or amended, approved, and adopted, according to chapter 103B, 103C or 103D. 

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Chippewa River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan

NOTICE is hereby given that the Chippewa River Watershed Association Joint Powers Board is holding a Public Hearing at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Pope County Courthouse Community Room, 130 E. Minnesota Avenue, Glenwood, MN regarding the Chippewa River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan adoption.

Information will be presented and discussed regarding the draft comprehensive watershed management plan for the Chippewa River Watershed, which covers portions of Otter Tail, Grant, Douglas, Stevens, Pope, Stearns, Swift, Kandiyohi, and Chippewa Counties. This Plan was previously out for 60-day review from December 18th – February 27^th, 2024. This Plan was developed cooperatively by the County Boards and SWCD Boards in Otter Tail, Grant, Douglas, Stevens, Pope, Stearns, Swift, Kandiyohi, and Chippewa Counties.

Any interested person(s) may appear at the above time and place and are invited to attend the hearing and submit comments, written or verbal, that will become part of the official public hearing record. 

Please submit written comments by 9:15 a.m. on Friday, April 19^th, 2024 using the contact information below.  Comments will be considered when making final revisions to the plan.

            By Mail:           Pope Soil and Water Conservation District

                                    Attn: Holly Kovarik, District Manager 1680 Franklin Street North Glenwood, MN 56334

            By E-Mail:       holly.kovarik@mn.nacdnet.net

                                    Subject: “Chippewa River Watershed Plan Public Comments” 

Copies of the current draft Plan, maps of the planning area, a summary of the response to comments, and related documents are available on the Chippewa River Watershed website:  https://chippewariverwatershed.org/plans/comprehensive-watershed-management-plan/

A hard copy of the draft plan is available upon request at the following locations during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Please call ahead to make an appointment to view the hard copies at the following location: Kandiyohi SWCD; 1005 high Ave NE, Willmar, MN 56201