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Big Fork River - One Watershed, One Plan
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 and work 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.
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 Tuesday, July 23rd from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Pizza Parlor in Bigfork, MN.
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.
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: Lakes & Rivers in Marcell, MN
September 3rd: Forests & Wetlands, Location TBD
October 8th: Urban Stormwater & Drainage, Location TBD
November 5th: 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.