Background Information on Thirty Lakes Watershed District

Thirty Lakes Watershed District was established by Order of the Minnesota Water Resources Board on May 18, 1971 in response to two nominating petitions.

The District is located in west central Crow Wing County and covers approximately 70 square miles; approximately 60% is covered by surface water. The District's major watersheds include: Clark, Edward, Gladstone, Horseshoe, Hubert, North Long and Pelican Lakes. The following communities and townships lie partially or wholly in the District: the Cities of Breezy Point and Nisswa, and Lake Edward, Center, Pelican and Mission Townships.

Recreation and tourism are the most important industries within the District. The beautiful lakes in the area attract visitors and encourage the construction of seasonal and permanent residences. The population of the District has increased substantially during the past 20 years. From 1980 to 2000 the population has increased 28%; however, these U.S. Census totals do not include seasonal residents.

The District recognizes that runoff volume will increase as development in the Watershed District continues. Therefore, the District has adopted a 100-year rain event requirement for all stormwater runoff plans. The District has also concentrated efforts on wastewater management in response to the growth of the District. The District will continue to work with Crow Wing County to manage wastewater in the District and Unorganized Area of Crow Wing County.

Managers - click here

Primary Goal:

The District's primary goal is the protection of the surface and subsurface water within the District's boundaries.

Primary Purpose:

The purpose of the Thirty Lakes Watershed District is to conserve natural resources through land use planning, flood control and other conservation projects to protect public health, safety and welfare.

Overall Plan - click here

Stormwater Management:

When rain or snowmelt falls on hard surfaces, like driveways, rooftops and parking lots, it cannot soak into the ground.  As storm water travels across these impervious surfaces, it collects chemicals, debris, and other materials that are carried directly into our lakes, streams and rivers.

Stormwater runoff can change both water quality and quantity affecting our water resources physically, chemically and biologically.  Polluted runoff containing oil, grease, chemicals, nutrients, metals, litter and pathogens for example, can severely reduce water quality.  If left unmanaged, runoff stresses our streams, ages our lakes and degrades and eliminates our wetlands.

Keeping our water clean is everyone's responsibility
We can all do our part to protect our water resources

At Home:

• Never dump anything in storm drains.

• Keep grass clippings, leaves and lawn chemicals off paved surfaces.

• Only apply pesticides and fertilizers if needed, and at the correct rate and time.

• Minimize detergent pollution by using a commercial car wash.

• Repair auto leaks.

• Direct downspouts away from hard surfaces, collect rainwater in a rain barrel for garden use, or install a rain garden.

• Minimize impervious surface areas

At Work:

• Sweep and collect litter and debris from parking lots.

• Cover dumpsters.

• Prepare control and containment plans to manage chemical spills and practice spill response procedures.

At Construction Sites:

• Prevent erosion by minimizing the amount of disturbed area exposed at one time.

• Divert storm water away for the disturbed areas

• Install and maintain adequate erosion control tools such as silt fences, berms, and vegetative cover