DRAFT Strategic Plan For The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Groundwater Management Program

DRAFT Strategic Plan For The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Groundwater Management Program

2013-10

Water is critical to Minnesota’s economies and ecosystems. Minnesota has a well-deserved image of having abundant water resources, nevertheless, water is not evenly distributed across the state. Despite our popular image, water is becoming scarce in parts of Minnesota. Unprecedented water use conflicts are arising between businesses, towns, and residents. Periods of drought have accentuated these issues and provided a “wake-up call” for Minnesota. In parts of the state businesses are at risk of shutting down operations in the face of water shortages. Wells are drying up as drought increases competition for scarce water. Water-based recreation and valued ecosystems are being impacted. Nevertheless, in most areas of the state we are not yet in “crisis” mode when it comes to water availability. We have time to address these issues and ensure that Minnesota’s economies and ecosystems have adequate water supplies in the future. During the 2013 legislative session these risks to the state’s water future were highlighted and discussed. The legislature responded by appropriating 7 million dollars in new general fund to support enhanced water management programs, and an additional 3 million dollars for statewide mapping and establishment of groundwater management areas. Concurrent with these discussions, the Division of Ecological and Water Resources initiated this strategic planning project to chart a course for addressing these issues of overuse and contamination. The DNR plays an important role in supporting sustainable groundwater use through its permit programs, information collection and analysis activities, law enforcement responsibilities, education, and technical assistance opportunities. This strategic plan outlines a set of actions that DNR will take in collaboration with other organizations and individuals to ensure groundwater resources are used sustainably and continue to support other important natural resources in Minnesota. The plan is also consistent with the DNR Mission Statement: “We will work with citizens to conserve and manage the state’s natural resources, to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.” Considerable support and guidance for sustainable use of groundwater resources is seen through documents such as the “Minnesota Water Sustainability Framework” and “Evaluation of Models and Tools for Assessing Groundwater Availability and Sustainability”. The plan builds upon these and other critical works and establishes a pathway to groundwater sustainability in Minnesota. This draft plan represents DNR’s perspectives about important strategies and actions to solve water sustainability problems. In the coming months we will invite a critical review from stakeholders and other interested people to help us further refine the strategic plan. In the meantime, we are moving forward with several strategies and expect to adapt as we go. It’s incumbent on all Minnesotans to use groundwater wisely and emphasize water conservation in their personal and professional activities.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (St. Paul, Minnesota)

16

Groundwater

Groundwater management

2010-2019

No

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Minnesota Water Research Digital Library