Every 10 years, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) updates its Watershed Management Plan (Plan), to guide the District’s work for the next decade. Under the current Plan, approved in 2017, MCWD and our partners have achieved lasting natural resource and community benefits through partnership and integrated planning.
Alongside community partners, MCWD’s 2027 Watershed Management Plan will build on the past decade of impact to meet the needs of the future — improving water quality, reducing flood risk, enhancing ecology, and supporting thriving communities.
2027 Plan Scope and Process
MCWD launched the 2027 Plan development process at a January 2026 kickoff event, connecting with partners and community members from across the watershed to celebrate the last decade of work and set the direction for the future. At the event, MCWD introduced the 2027 Plan’s four areas of work, which will guide Plan development, in collaboration with our communities.
Areas of Work for the 2027 Plan
- Subwatershed Planning
- Land and Water Partnership
- Flood Management Strategy
- Metrics of Success
To accomplish these areas of work and create a Plan that aligns with the needs of our communities, MCWD is engaging public partners, local businesses and developers, community leaders, and residents throughout the Plan process.
Since January’s kickoff event, MCWD’s Board of Managers appointed staff and policymakers at cities, counties, soil and water conservation districts, and park agencies within the watershed to serve on Technical and Policy Advisory Committees. These members represent their communities and organizations by providing technical expertise, policy direction, and community perspectives to shape the Plan.
Learn more about advisory committee progress, as well as opportunities for public engagement in 2027 below.
also in this update
- Development Progress and Partner Engagement
- Public Engagement Opportunities