Lake Superior – North Watershed Monitoring and Assessment Report

In 2013 and 2014, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) conducted intensive watershed monitoring (IWM) of surface waters in the Lake Superior – North Watershed. Eighty-nine lakes and 64 streams were monitored by MPCA and local partners, collecting water chemistry and biological data that was used to assess the quality and use support of these waters. Water quality was generally good throughout the watershed; in many cases, lakes and streams ranked among the least polluted in the state of Minnesota. Although it is difficult to explicitly isolate its effects from that of other stressors and natural variation, evidence suggests that the region's rivers and streams will be affected by a changing climate to some extent. Land managers, community leaders, and other stakeholders should consider the best available information regarding climate change and other potential stressors when developing restoration and protection strategies for the watershed.