Land & Water​

A close-up, highly detailed image of a fuzzy black-and-yellow bumblebee collecting nectar from the center of a bright purple flower. The bee’s body is covered in fine hairs and dusted with pollen, especially around its legs and underside. The flower has long, thin purple petals radiating outward from a dense yellow center. The background is softly blurred green, making the bee and flower stand out sharply in focus.

Saying No to Neonicotinoids

Neonicotinoid pesticides are under scrutiny in southeastern Minnesota as concerns grow over their impact on pollinators, water quality and human health.

People dressed in protective fire gear, holding long handled rakes and shovels walk through a sparse woods over greenish brown vegetation. Behind them is a like of smoke and a bright blue sky.

Local Group Connects Neighbors for Safe Use of Fire in Land Management

Root River Prescribed Burn Association brings community members together for prescribed burns throughout the greater Root River Valley.

An older man with dark rimmed glasses and dark ball cap intently focuses on tying a trout fly under a bright light and magnifying glass. Another man on the right is speaking and showing him how to do the task.

Fly Tying Workshop Finishes Up its Fifth Year

Fly tying, fish tales and community come together at regular social gatherings in Lanesboro.

Four pictures of soil erosion

In the News | Nitrate Risks in Karst Regions

A roundup of recent news regarding nitrate pollution, water quality and mitigation efforts in the Driftless Karst region of Southeastern Minnesota.

Close-up view of melting river ice with bright sunlight reflecting off the water’s surface. The light creates sparkling starburst highlights across the rippling water, and a faint rainbow prism appears near the upper right where the sun hits the surface. Pale blue ice edges frame darker flowing water beneath, creating strong contrast between frozen and moving sections.

Photo Gallery | Winter on the Water

Original photography of winter on the waterways of the Driftless region in Southeastern Minnesota.

A wide stretch of river covered in drifted snow. Banks are lined with bare trees.

Root River Watershed Sees Gains, Sets Priorities for Next Decade

Water quality in Minnesota’s Root River Watershed has improved over the past decade as officials plan the next 10 years of groundwater and soil protection.

A slender woman in a green zip-up pullover, jeans, and teal stocking cap stands with her hands in her pockets in a snow-covered field beside a long plastic-covered high tunnel greenhouse, with rolling hills in the background on a winter day in southeastern Minnesota.

Featherstone Farm: Growing Organic Food Through Fair Labor

Discover Featherstone Farm, a Minnesota organic vegetable farm rooted in soil stewardship, fair labor and local food systems since 1994.

Community members talk with utility staff at a Dairyland Power open house in Preston, Minnesota, reviewing poster displays about the proposed Gopher-to-Badger high-voltage transmission line project.

Planned Gopher-to-Badger Link Addresses Regional Power Needs

Dairyland Power outlines plans for the Gopher-to-Badger Link, a proposed 765kV transmission line across southern Minnesota to strengthen the regional electric grid.

A narrow trout stream curves through a wooded valley with patches of snow on the grassy banks and leafless trees on both sides, showing clear water flowing through a restored creek channel in winter

Landowners Recognized for Protecting Creek Habitat in Winona County

Landowners Claire Bender and Sue Ramthun are honored as Outstanding Conservationists for protecting land resources and restoring trout habitat along Trout Run Creek, a Root River tributary in Winona County, Minn.

Six Canada geese glide across a calm river lined with autumn trees, their orange and gold foliage mirrored in the still water.

Essay | Summer, Spring, Winter and Fall, Water Calls to Us

A reflective essay by John Weiss exploring our deep connection to water in all its beauty, its warnings and the vital role it plays in our landscape and lives.

cross country skiers on a snowy trail

From Ski Trails to Hiking Paths, Heat is Reshaping Recreation and Our Attitudes

A warming climate presents growing challenges for outdoor recreationalists, including trail users. The Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk has this overview heading into another year of winter recreation.

prairie seeder in the field

Farm Programs Support Permanent Prairies, Wetlands and Sensitive Groundwater

Agricultural projects from Mower and Houston counties advance land preservation and water quality initiatives – updates from our county ag professionals.

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