The Minnesota River is listed as one of the most polluted rivers in America. In 2008, the Minnesota River was listed by American Rivers as the 5th most endangered river in the United States. Certain agricultural practices, combined with wastewater and stormwater, have led to a crisis in the Minnesota River. Excessive levels of phosphorus, high rates of sedimentation, and low levels of dissolved oxygen reduce the water quality of the Minnesota River. The high phosphorus loads travel downstream and have contributed to the filing in of Lake Pepin on the Mississippi River. Pollution from the Upper Mississippi River Basin, including the Minnesota River, causes low oxygen levels in the Gulf of Mexico limiting the survival of marine organisms.
We work to improve the quality of surface and groundwater within the Lower Minnesota River Watershed for human health and recreational purposes. To do this we maintain a strong citizen network, coordinate with partners on habitat and wetland restoration projects, and work with landowners to reform land use practices. During our Community Clean-Ups for Water Quality events, volunteers remove leaves, dirt, and other organic debris from local stormwater systems to reduce pollution. We are also working to promote innovative conservation practices such as conservation drainage, also known as controlled drainage or managed drainage. Conservation drainage technology can retrofit existing tile drainage infrastructure to retain water within tile lines, raising the water table to two feet and making it available to crops. The crops utilize the nitrogen in the water, increasing crop yields up to 25% and reducing nitrogen pollution of the Minnesota River and its watershed.
The Friends have partnered with Cygnus Expositions, organizers of Minnesota's Farmfest and 30 farm shows across the country, to launch Farmfest's Agri-preneurship Pavilion. Vendors in the Agri-preneurship Pavilion showcase organic and sustainable agriculture and renewable energy. In the 2 years since its inception, over 18,000 people have visited the Agri-preneurship Pavilion.
Special thanks to the Archibald Bush Foundation, the Minnesota River Board, Agri-Drain Corporation, and the Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition for their support of our Watershed Initiative
The Minnesota River is listed as one of the most polluted rivers in America. In 2008, the Minnesota River was listed by American Rivers as the 5th most endangered river in the United States. Certain agricultural practices, combined with wastewater and stormwater, have led to a crisis in the Minnesota River. Excessive levels of phosphorus, high rates of sedimentation, and low levels of dissolved oxygen reduce the water quality of the Minnesota River. The high phosphorus loads travel downstream and have contributed to the filing in of Lake Pepin on the Mississippi River. Pollution from the Upper Mississippi River Basin, including the Minnesota River, causes low oxygen levels in the Gulf of Mexico limiting the survival of marine organisms.
