Water Protection & Regulation

1. Aquatic Invasive Species

   Aquatic invasive species are non-native plants, animals, and pathogens that live primarily in water. These species thrive here in their new environment and cause economic loss, environmental damage, and harm to human health.

2. Buffer Law

   The buffer law is intended to help protect our water resources from erosion and runoff, improving water quality.

3. Floodplain Management

   The floodplain management program in Mille Lacs County administers regulations in floodplain areas to promote the health and safety of residents, minimize loss of life, and reduce losses caused by flood damage.

4. Shoreland, Wild & Scenic River Districts

   Read about districts under special regulations by the Development Ordinance to provide for natural resources protection, while allowing for appropriate development.

5. Water Management Plan

   Water planning in the State of Minnesota has historically been completed based on municipal boundaries. One Watershed, One Plan aims to align local water planning on watershed boundaries to create prioritized, targeted, and measurable implementation plans.

6. Wetland Conservation Act

   In 1991, the Minnesota Legislature approved the Wetland Conservation Act. The purpose of this legislation is to maintain and protect Minnesota’s wetlands and the benefits they provide, and to reach the legislature’s goal of no-net-loss of wetlands.