SW Minnesota rivers hurt by erosion, runoff

[h2ofwlr]

The Associated Press
Posted: 07/07/2014 10:26:31 AM CDT | Updated: 3 days ago

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A new report says rivers in southwestern Minnesota are in bad shape because of increased erosion and runoff.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency report also says half the rivers and streams tested throughout the state have been altered in recent years, the result of measures taken to help improve drainage for both agriculture and city development.

MPCA spokesman Steve Mikkelson told Minnesota Public Radio (http://bit.ly/1qDSAjy ) the agency will use the data to help with watershed restoration projects, and to prevent some streams and rivers from getting worse.

"Even when a water course is in good shape, (for) protecting it, there are things you can do immediately that have immediate impact. With restoration it can really take a long time," he said.

The report takes data from multiple statewide surveys. Mikkelson said the report will act as a baseline when the MPCA does another survey next year.

———

Online:

The MPCA's report can be found at: http://bit.ly/1r3f6Sg