Big Fork River One Watershed One Plan
PO Box 990
1895 W U.S. Highway 2       
Grand Rapids, MN
      
Mon-Fri: 8am to 4:30pm Closed on Weekends
           (218) 326-5573
 
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Big Fork River - One Watershed, One Plan

Take the Watershed Survey!!!

We're looking for your input! Please fill out this short survey to share your thoughts about Big Fork River watershed. We'll use this information throughout the planning process to help guide how the watershed plan is developed. 

Overview
In 2024, The Big Fork River Watershed began undergoing a comprehensive planning effort through the One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P) program. This is a state-supported initiative to develop watershed-based, locally driven plans that guide how we maintain and improve water resources. The Big Fork River Watershed spans over 1.3 million acres across multiple counties in northern Minnesota and includes many lakes, wetlands, rivers, and forested lands.

What is 1W1P?
One Watershed, One Plan brings together local governments and communities to develop one coordinated watershed management plan. The goal is to align local priorities with state goals—focusing on what matters most to the people who live, work, and spend time here. This plan does not change any existing regulations or ordinances. It is a collaborative effort to identify where voluntary conservation work and funding can make the biggest impact on water quality.

Why This Matters
Planning at the watershed scale allows us to focus efforts where they will make the most difference. Whether it's improving stormwater systems, restoring wetlands, managing runoff from forest lands, or protecting drinking water, watershed-based planning helps ensure healthy land and water for future generations. This process is not about new regulations. It's about working together to make the most of existing programs and resources.

How You Can Get Involved
This planning process depends on local knowledge and public input. There will be opportunities to attend planning meetings and share ideas. Anyone who lives in, works in, or cares about the watershed is encouraged to participate. See below for the schedule of topic-based planning meetings.

Big Fork River Planning Area

***Public Kickoff Meeting***

Join Us at the Public Kickoff Meeting!
We’re launching the Big Fork River 1W1P planning process with a public kickoff meeting on Wednesday, July 23rd from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Pizza Parlor in Bigfork, MN (201 Main Ave, Bigfork, MN 56628).

Stop by any time during the open house to learn more about the watershed plan, share your thoughts, and connect with the local staff and partners involved in the process. Light food and beverages will be provided. Everyone is welcome—landowners, residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of the Big Fork River Watershed.

Can't make it to the kickoff meeting? You can still provide your input in this online survey. Your input with the survey helps guide the planning process, and if you live, work, or spend time in the Big Fork River watershed then your input matters!

Advisory Committee Notifications

Topic Advisory Meetings are where most of the collaborative work happens. These meetings bring together technical experts, landowners, residents, and local staff to explore key resource concerns and potential solutions. They are open to the public, and anyone interested in the watershed is encouraged to attend.

Each meeting focuses on specific planning topics:

August 6th, 1-4pm: Lakes & Rivers at the Marcell Family Center (49103 MN-38, Marcell, MN 56657)
September 3rd, 1-4pm: Forests & Wetlands, Location TBD
October 8th, 1-4pm: Urban Stormwater & Drainage, Location TBD
November 5th, 1-4pm: Farms & Groundwater, Location TBD


Topic Meeting Summaries and Materials:


Kickoff Meeting Summary – July 2025

Policy Committee Notifications

Policy Committee Meetings
The Policy Committee is made up of elected officials from each local government participating in the plan. This committee is responsible for final decisions about what goes into the plan and how priorities are set. Policy Committee meetings are open to the public and include time for updates and discussion.


The next Policy Committee meeting for this watershed is planned for Wednesday, August 27th at 10:30am- Location TBD.

Policy Committee Meeting Agendas

Approved Policy Committee Meeting Minutes

Advisory Committee Reports



Upcoming Events

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Contact our Office: (218) 326-5573