Important Dates in MWMO History

1986 The Middle Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization is formed by Minneapolis, Lauderdale, St. Anthony, Falcon Heights, St. Paul, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, and the University of Minnesota.

1986 The first draft of the Watershed Management Plan is published in December. The 1986 Plan addressed surface water quality and quantity, land use, identified signficant point and non-point source pollution in the watershed, and noted significant groundwater pollution problems from past industrial and commercial practices, and storm sewer drainage. This plan was never approved by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources or the Watershed Board of Commissioners.

1997 Second generation planning for the Watershed is undertaken. The University of Minnesota leaves the Joint Powers Agreement.

2000 A revised joint and cooperative agreement (JCA) was entered into by Minneapolis, St. Paul, Lauderdale, St. Anthony, and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. The area within Falcon Heights is transfered to the Capital Region Watershed District.

2000 The watershed boundary between the MMRWMO and Bassett Creek Watershed Management Organization is adjusted to reflect modified drainage.

2000 The current Watershed Plan is approved. The Plan expands water resource management issues to include groundwater quality protection and improvement, in addition to the goals of surface water protection and water quality improvement.

2001 The Middle Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization seeks inclusion on the list of Special Taxing Districts (MS 275.066) and becomes the first joint powers WMO to receive ad valorum levy authority, which is necessary to implement the plan and goals.

2002 The name of the organization is changed to the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO).

2002 The MWMO hires its first full-time staff members to oversee the capital improvement program, education and information programs, communication program, and develop other programs needed to implement the plan.