Rule Revision Summary
The Pelican River Watershed District’s (District) Water Management Rules (Rules) are how the District regulates certain activities within the watershed to protect our valuable water resources. Rules are a tool to carry out the District’s mission to enhance the quality of water in the lakes within its jurisdiction. It is understood that to accomplish this, the District must ensure that wise decisions are made concerning the management of streams, wetlands, lakes, groundwater, and related land resources which directly affect these lakes. The Managers’ further intent is to accomplish this mission in a manner that is most beneficial to the general welfare of present and future residents of the District and to minimize adverse environmental impacts upon the water resources of the District.
Under Minnesota Statute (§103D.341), the Pelican River Watershed District (“District”) has prepared proposed revisions to its 2003 Water Management Rules. Throughout 2024, The Board has reviewed the existing rules, identified deficiencies and opportunities for clarity, and developed draft revised Water Management Rules to help accomplish the goals and objectives of the District. On December 20, 2024, the District Board of Managers (“Managers”) directed the proposed Draft Water Management Rules (Dec 20,2024) be distributed for public comment and were also distributed to BWSR and the public transportation authorities who had 45 days from receipt of the proposed rule(s) to provide written advisory comments to the watershed district. The Managers held a Public Hearing on the proposed draft rules on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. On March 28, 2025, the Managers will consider adoption of the final Rules.
