Clearwater River Watershed District

The CRWD was formed by residents to address the declining water quality in area lakes and streams, specifically the Clearwater Chain of Lakes. It's scope has grown into a complete program of water management within its boundaries (see: http://www.crwd.org/background_beginnings.html).

Established in 1975 under MN Statues 103D, the CRWD covers ~159 square miles that drain into the Mississippi River via the Clearwater River. The Clearwater River is approximately 39 miles in length, with its headwaters located in Meeker County. The river begins at an elevation of 1,160 feet, and empties into the Mississippi River at 940 feet.

There is around 8,626 acres of open water in the District. The watershed encompasses various land uses, with the western part being predominately agricultural, and transitioning to more mixed uses (forested, urban, agricultural) in the eastern portion. The largest land use is agricultural.