The Department of Natural Resources has honored the Roseau River Watershed District in northwest Minnesota as its Watershed District of the Year.
Nathan Kestner, Northwest Region manager for the DNR’s Ecological and Water Resources Division, presented the award at the annual Minnesota Watersheds conference in December.
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“Since 1964, the Roseau River Watershed District has been a key player in managing water and protecting water quality through partnerships and programs at the local, state, regional, national and international levels,” Kestner said. “The district’s three-person staff and five-member board are open-minded, cooperative and effective partners in water and natural resource management.”
In a news release, the DNR said the RRWD is a key partner in managing public water permits, working closely with the department to support landowners, townships and local governments. RRWD has been instrumental in developing innovative projects that reduce flood damage while enhancing natural resources. Through their collaboration on multiple projects such as the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area outlet and the Hay Creek-Norland flood control and habitat restoration project, RRWD has achieved outstanding results in flood damage reduction, the DNR said.
The RRWD has also managed their drainage systems in ways that provide drainage benefits and improve the quality of water entering the Roseau River. At the same time, the watershed district promotes water conservation efforts through its website, informational brochures, public presentations, and one-on-one interactions with landowners in the district.
Tracy Halstensgard, administrator of the Roseau River Watershed District in Roseau, Minnesota, said it was gratifying to receive the award from the DNR. The agency also honored the RRWD as its Watershed District of the Year in 2018.
“I think the biggest thing is, it’s nice to be appreciated by our partners,” Halstensgard told the Herald. “We work closely with the DNR on a lot of projects, and as a local unit of government, it’s always beneficial to have those partnerships to get projects done. And it’s a nice recognition from the DNR.”
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