Lake of the Woods County Wetland Plan

After several years of experience with the implementation of State Wetland Conservation Act regulations, the Lake of the Woods County Board decided in 2001 to develop a local wetland ordinance that is a better fit for the County's unique wetland resources. Subsequently, the Soil and Water Conservation District applied for and received funding from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to undertake a wetland planning process. The Headwaters Regional Development Commission was asked to assist the SWCD with plan and ordinance development. The purpose of the planning process was to develop a plan and local ordinance that reflects local values and addresses the specific wetland protection needs of the County. The process began during the fall of 2001, and was completed December 2002. Two committees were used during this planning process. The Technical Committee included several local, state and federal staff familiar with wetland issues and, more specifically, wetland issues in Lake of the Woods County. The Policy Committee consisted of individuals that represented a broad range of interest groups within Lake of the Woods County.