Watershed Management Plan
The Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act of 1982 requires all land in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area to be divided into watersheds, each watershed to be overseen by a Watershed Management Organization (WMO), and each WMO to adopt a Watershed Management Plan. These plans must be updated at least every ten years.
The Commission on January 14, 2026 adopted an updated Management Plan. This Fourth Generation Plan sets forth goals, policies, and actions for the period 2026-2035. This Plan will guide work undertaken by the Commission, member cities, and other stakeholders.
Download the Plan and its appendices:
Fourth Generation Watershed Management Plan
Combined Appendices
Third Generation Plan 2015-2025 (expired)
Implementation Actions in the Fourth Generation Plan:
- Carp and other fish management on Fish and Rice Lake
- Diamond Lake Alum treatment
The Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act of 1982 requires all land in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area to be divided into watersheds, each watershed to be overseen by a Watershed Management Organization (WMO), and each WMO to adopt a Watershed Management Plan. These plans must be updated at least every ten years.
The Commission on January 14, 2026 adopted an updated Management Plan. This Fourth Generation Plan sets forth goals, policies, and actions for the period 2026-2035. This Plan will guide work undertaken by the Commission, member cities, and other stakeholders.
Download the Plan and its appendices:
Fourth Generation Watershed Management Plan
Combined Appendices
Third Generation Plan 2015-2025 (expired)
Implementation Actions in the Fourth Generation Plan:
- Continued ongoing activities including water quality monitoring of lakes and stream, development project reviews, cost share programs, and education and outreach
- Develop and implement a Chloride Management Plan jointly with Shingle Creek and West Mississippi WMOs
- Develop a Climate Resiliency and Sustainability Plan to estimate the long-term effects of continued development and changing precipitation on future flooding risks and vulnerabilities
- Continue partnership with Hennepin County conservationists to assist producers and animal operators with voluntary practices
- Expand education and outreach coordinator to full time
- Identify and implement options to prevent future flooding and add resiliency
- Cost share in City projects:
- Carp and other fish management on Fish and Rice Lake
- Diamond Lake Alum treatment
