About Us

As a center for environmental research and information exchange, the Water Resources Center (WRC) distributes data and provides support to those interested in improving water resources in southern Minnesota.

Beyond data collection and dissemination, the WRC provides support to local and regional groups. WRC staff assists with planning and coordination, technical problem solving, as well as providing outreach and educational services. This work has been instrumental in helping local groups define strategies to protect water resources of interest.

The WRC maintains two data clearinghouses. The Minnesota River Basin Data Center contains a vast amount of data drawn from a variety of sources and organized in an easily accessible manner. The website includes descriptive and Geographic Information System (GIS) data by watershed, summaries of watershed project accomplishments, and links to pertinent watershed information. It includes hundreds of “Ask and Expert about the Minnesota River” video interviews. The Minnesota Nutrient Planning Portal is designed to communicate the extensive research from Minnesota’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy. It is organized by major watershed designed to serve as a resource to support nutrient reduction efforts across Minnesota.

History

The Water Resources Center (WRC) was created in 1987 to serve as a regional center for environmental research and information exchange. Since its beginning the Center has participated in over 100 research, educational, and planning projects involving partnerships with dozens of public and private agencies and organizations. These projects range from groundwater and lake assessment studies to water quality workshops to development of watershed-based plans for surface water quality protection.

Historically, a long-term partnership with 13 counties in the south-central region of the state provided continuity and stability for the WRC. This partnership resulted in many important and far-reaching land and water resource initiatives. It allowed the WRC to accumulate extensive geographic information system (GIS) databases that can be utilized for future research and planning projects. We continue to partner with a wide range of federal, state and local groups across the region.