Staff photo by Fritz Busch Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources Executive Director John Jaschke speaks at the 14th Annual Minnesota River Congress at the Mankato Ballroom June 15.

MANKATO –State and regional conservation organization leaders described the virtues of water storage in the Minnesota and Mississippi River basins at the 14th annual River Congress at the Mankato Ballroom June 15.

Working with partners, supporters and elected officials, the River Congress Action Board established a program addressing water storage now in the demonstration phase and accepting proposals.

Funded with $1 million for each of the next two years, program supports were quick to point out the funding won’t go far in realistically addressing the scope of the need. Proponents said much more support is needed from the state and federal governments.

“There are large benefits to additional water storage,” said Katrina Kessler, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency commissioner. “In addition to reducing sediment and nutrients, we know these practices can benefit crop production and flood prevention. Practices like cover crops can aid climate change.”

Kessler said it will take partnership and resources to achieve benefits, but she said she’s optimistic changes will happen by working together.

“The need for a diversified approach to water storage and keeping it on the landscape is important. We need to look at the entire watershed and think long-term,” said Sarah Strommen, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “Water defines who we are as Minnesotans. “Things like wetland re-construction and restoration improve water quality and help us manage water wildlife resources.”

She talked of the importance of discussing water storage goals before construction projects begin rather than post construction.

“By talking earlier and getting everyone’s goals on the table, we can achieve more of the goals,” Strommen said. “We work together with Minnesotans in a collaborative way on water storage adaptation.”

River Congress coordinator Scott Sparlin of New Ulm asked how many people intuitively know more water is needed on the landscape.

“This is one of the most important things to the state of Minnesota,” Sparlin said. “We could increase (agriculture) production and still keep more water on the land.”

Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources Executive Director John Jaschke said there is no going back to the days of buffalo roaming the basin watershed.

“Minnesota has invested in data solutions that tell us what to do and where to do it,” Jaschke said. “Meandering streams are a good way to efficiently restore nature and increase the pathway.”

He displayed a U.S. Geological Survey data graph showing average annual Minnesota River flow rates at Jordan increased a number of times since 1935.

“Water storage can make river channels more stable, protect infrastructure including roads and private property like yards and fields from flooding,” Jaschke added. “Science can help us find solutions, not just identify problems.”

Board of Water and Soil Resources State Drainage Engineer Rita Weaver said water storage project goals include reducing flooding, flow peaks, climate change and erosion and improving habitat and creating a more even flow rate with ponds, wetlands and dams that require permits, public and landowner acceptance.

“We’re looking at project feasibility studies and projects with a 25-year lifespan,” Weaver said.

Mark Schnobrich, Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) Director said his organization creates regional policy and works with landowners on a volunteer basis.

“Finding willing landowners will be a huge process. We’re working with corporations like Land O’Lakes and agricultural companies to store more water,” Schnobrich said. “Controls can be effective only with all affected farmers and landowners working together. We have SWCDs talking to each other.”

(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.)