FY25 RRWP WBIF

The Rum River Watershed Partnership will implement Priority Level A and B Actions. While not explicitly called out, actions that obtain multiple benefits to other Level B and C priority issues, such as Natural Resources?Protection, Management, and Restoration of Upland Habitat, a Level B issue, will be given priority. The work plan targets Tier 1-3 waters identified in the CWMP.

Funding as follows:
Outreach and Engagement were identified as the key to the success of the entire Rum River Watershed Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (RRWCMP). Specifically, the RRWCMP calls for hiring and maintaining the positions detailed in the outreach plan. The FY25 WBIF work plan continues the progress made with previous WBIF funding by 1) continuing funding to coordinate watershed-wide Type A outreach, raising awareness and behavioral change. Type A outreach will be completed by existing outreach staff from Isanti SWCD. 2) continuing efforts for Type-B outreach, community organizing, and buy-in by continuing to fund the Full-time Watershed Organizer employed by Mille Lacs SWCD. The SWCDs hosting Type A and B outreach will work across the basin with other parties to the Joint Powers Entity to provide outreach services. The project development line item includes outreach Type C (technical outreach). An outreach and education subcommittee will develop a detailed work plan that coordinates outreach and engagement activities based on priorities identified in this annual plan throughout the watershed.

Surface Water Restoration and Protection will focus on structural and non-structural projects targeted at all priority waters described in the RRWCMP. Due to the diverse nature of the watershed, members will implement an assorted set of practices, including agricultural structural and non-structural projects, urban/residential projects, and forestry and soil health practices. As part of planning for future years, this work plan also includes completing approximately five studies to prioritize locations and projects and woodland stewardship plans to help use funding wisely. The RRWP project policy document will be updated to guide the project selection process.

Groundwater and Drinking Water Quality Members will address groundwater quality by sealing wells within the watershed boundary. This action was initiated with FY23 WBIF Supplemental funding. We anticipate sealing four wells and will continue seeking additional funding to keep the momentum.

Due to the lack of reliable local and state funding, funding for administration, project development and technical assistance are included in the work plan and is necessary for effective plan implementation.

The required 10% match will come from a variety of non-state sources such as project match per the Projects Policy adopted by the RRWP board and staff time, billed at the BWSR billable rates, for staff and board member attendance at JPE, IPC, Outreach office hours, and Planning Team meetings.