During the Tuesday, July 30 planning session of the Morrison County Board of Commissioners, Tim Terrill, the executive director of the Mississippi Headwaters Board, presented a request for the county to support an increase in the board’s state funding. The Mississippi Headwaters Board is a regulatory agency that oversees the first 400 miles of the Mississippi River, working with local planning and zoning authorities to protect the river and its surrounding areas. Terrill explained that the board is seeking to increase its biennial funding from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from $248,000 to $350,000.
Terrill highlighted some of the board’s recent initiatives, including a social media campaign that has amassed nearly 60,000 followers, an easement acquisition program to protect sensitive lands and a signage and mapping project to enhance the recreational experience for those using the river.
“If you take that and you add the events in the last two years, $42,000 basically was generated. We put a conservative economic number based on surveys that we did at the area. It’s not a lot, but it’s information that we have that we didn’t know before.”
The board is now seeking support from the eight counties within its jurisdiction, including Morrison County, to help secure the funding increase from the state legislature in 2025. Terrill noted that if the increase is approved, the board would likely request a modest increase in the annual contribution from each county, potentially from the current $1,500 to around $3,000. However, because one of the eight counties the board is a part of receives $10,000 to $20,000 every eight years from the board, Terrill said this investment would be well worth it.
Commissioners expressed general support for the Mississippi Headwaters Board’s mission and initiatives, with several praising the organization’s efforts to engage the public and support local conservation projects.
The Mississippi River is a vital natural resource for the region, providing drinking water, recreational opportunities, and economic benefits for communities along its banks. The Mississippi Headwaters Board plays a crucial role in protecting the river’s water quality, wildlife habitats, and natural landscapes. By supporting the board’s funding increase, Terrill said Morrison County can help ensure that this iconic waterway is preserved for generations to come.
Terrill emphasized the importance of the Mississippi River to the region, noting that the Twin Cities alone draw 2 billion gallons of water per day from the river.
As the county continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change and the need to protect its natural resources, the Mississippi Headwaters Board’s role in safeguarding the iconic river will likely only grow in importance. The board’s request for increased funding represents an investment in the long-term health and sustainability of the Mississippi River, and the commissioners’ decision on the letter of support will have far-reaching implications for the region.
At the Tuesday, July 30 planning session, Terrill said the deadline for the Board to approve the increased funding would be about two months from that time.
Local News
Comments / 0