Water Resources Program
The RL DNR Waters Program was established in 1989 to monitor Red Lake Nation's streams, rivers, lakes, and groundwater. The program has grown from one full-time biologist and technician to our current staff of eight, including biologists, technicians, and seasonal student interns. The Waters Program is funded through grants administered by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The program participates in partnerships with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Beltrami Soil and Water Conservation District, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota DNR, and other water quality related organizations.
The Water Resources Program monitors surface and groundwater quality of more than 240,000 acres of lakes, 466,000 acres of wetlands, and 371 miles of rivers and streams. Current monitoring efforts include 91 small lakes, Upper and Lower Red Lake, 5 flowing wells, 4 sealed landfills, and 21 streams. By monitoring physical data, nutrients, bacteria, and biological data we are ensuring the quality of water and health of the lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater on the Reservation. Current projects include: Water Quality Standards Development, Water Quality Monitoring, Contaminants in Fish Study (mercury advisory), Sealed Landfill Monitoring, Abandoned Well Sealing, and Invasive Species Prevention.
