Spotlight: Public Engagement

U of M's Water Resources Center Receives $750,000 To Create Framework for Sustainable Management of State's Water Resources

The University of Minnesota's Water Resources Center has received $750,000 from the Minnesota State Legislature to develop a 25-year framework for the sustainable management of Minnesota's water resources. The Minnesota Water Sustainability Framework will serve as a roadmap, with timelines and benchmarks for the investment of an estimated $86 million a year earmarked for the protection of water as a result of Minnesota's Clean Water, Land and Legacy Act.

The framework's goal is to identify investments that will protect Minnesota's lakes, rivers and ground waters without compromising people's current needs or natural ecosystems. "The Minnesota Water Sustainability Framework is intended to serve as a roadmap for decision makers—with clear recommendations on how and when to invest and on what initiatives—based on the latest research, expert opinion and input from citizens around the state," says Deborah Swackhamer, Water Resources Center co-director and project leader.

An advisory committee has been named, and experts from state agencies, universities, the private sector and nongovernmental organizations are being appointed to work teams charged with identifying key issues and determining gaps in knowledge, management and policy. And because water policy involves values as well as science, a Citizen/Stakeholder Advisory Group has been charged with gathering citizen opinion via surveys and listening sessions on a range of water issues—from boating to agricultural practices. As a result, Minnesootans will have a chance to give input, as well as reaction to the framework's proposals throughout the year.

In a critical first step, the project will identify the volume and whereabouts of Minnesota's groundwater supply. In Minnesota, drinking water and water used for industry and agriculture are monitored and managed by independent agencies. "As a result, we don't have a good idea of how much water we're using relative to how much is being replenished," Swackhamer says.

The framework will be presented to the Legislature January 15, 2011. For more information on the Minnesota Water Sustainability Framework and to access the citizen survey, visit wrc.umn.edu. The Water Resources Center is affiliated with the University's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and University of Minnesota Extension.