History of the ZWP

Judy Ohly, ZWP Founding Member

The need for an organization that looks out for the best interest of the
entire Zumbro Watershed was recognized by a group of citizens in March
2004.  By attending a sediment workshop, we learned that our watershed
had sections of river on the “impaired waters list”.
We decided to start meeting weekly to figure out what we could do about
it.  As meetings took place we were joined by people from Oronoco, Lake
Shady, Pine Island and others that lived along the Zumbro River.  We were
interested in forming an organization, but needed to explore the extent of
the interest.  

On July 20, 2004 we had a public meeting to talk about impaired waters in
the Zumbro Watershed.  We invited all interested individuals, farmers,
cities, counties, townships, agricultural organizations, soil and water
conservation districts, lake associations, environmental organizations and
other state agencies located within the Zumbro Watershed.  We had
about 80 people that attended.  Our guest speakers included State
Representative Steve Sviggum, MN Commissioner of Agriculture Gene
Hugoson, MN DNR Commissioner Gene Merriam, Exec. Director of Soil and
Water Resources Ron Harnack, Asst. Commissioner of the MPCA Lisa
Thorvig, and the Past Exec. Director of the Cannon River Watershed
Partnership Allene Moesler.  Our speakers talked about the need for a
watershed organization and importance of collaboration.  

With a budget of $700 in 2004, we were able to sponsor our July 20 public
meeting, host a “Fall Foliage Fun Float” with pontoon boats on Lake
Zumbro, design our maps and brochures, start a temporary web site, and
still have carry-over funds of almost $500!  Lots of volunteer effort!

Our mission is “To Promote the Protection and Improvement of the Zumbro
Watershed.”  The ZWP wants to serve as a “one stop” information
resource for all stakeholders within the Zumbro Watershed and to play an
active role to achieve our mission.

Our waters in the Zumbro Watershed drain to the Mississippi River.  The
efforts we make in Minnesota for clean water will help make a difference
all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.