Cannon River Watershed Partnership Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Update: Flickr photo set now posted

The Cannon River Watershed Partnership (CRWP) celebrated it 20th anniversary last Tuesday evening at the Northfield United Church of Christ. The highlight of the evening was a series of stories told by local people for whom the river and its tributaries play a significant role in their lives.

Brynnie Rowberg, one of the earliest CRWP board members, described winters on the Cannon during her childhood. A man would sweep the snow away from an area and kids of all ages would clamp on their skates, playing tag, “hockey” and crack the whip. Blocks of ice cut from the river were hauled in horse-drawn wagons to Fremouw’s 5th Street Icehouse, ready to be delivered to local homes’ iceboxes.

Former County Commissioner Molly Woehrlin told about the creation of the CRWP during the time in the late 1980’s when counties began to get involved in water issues. Supported financially and organizationally by the Nature Conservancy activists formed the non-profit organization, which comprises the six counties through which the river flows. The 25-member CRWP board includes not only citizens, but also representatives of county boards and Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Allene Moesler is a former CRWP Executive Director. She reminded the group that staff member Chris Robbins created a Watershed Plan, funded by the McKnight Foundation. An offshoot of that process was the increased visibility of the only trout stream in Rice County, Rice Creek. Robbins and a local committee initiated development of city regulations to protect this treasure.

Dave Legvold grew up on a dairy farm and used to fish in Spring Brook. Love of the stream and nature prompted him to pursue a teaching career, and after retiring from teaching, he served several years as CRWP Executive Director.

Former CRWP river specialist Justin Watkins, now works in water issues for the state of Minnesota. He said CRWP is held up as a model for other areas now trying to emulate the organization to protect their watersheds.

Beth Kallestad, the current executive director announced the kick off the 20th Anniversary Campaign. CRWP has set a goal of raising $20,000 by July 1, 2010 ($1000 for each year since it was founded). Funds will be use to sustain and build on the work such as:

• Assessing water quality and implementing ways to improve conditions.
• Reducing the input of pollutants to our waters.
• Empower people to improve water quality.

CRWP maintains a lively website where projects, water quality monitoring information, the newsletter and other information about the organization may be found.

See a collection of photos from the event @ flickr.