Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission 

Park and Trail Highlight 

Recent success in funding applications have led to great enthusiasm throughout the region and increased use on the Red Lake River Corridor in an effort to create a water trail experience that is second to none in Minnesota and the region. The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission recommended funding in 2018 ($200,786) and 2019 ($1,491,881). These amounts were in addition to $20,000 in funding from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation for grant writing and purchasing of signage for the water trail. Local communities provided matching funds for all of these applications at approximately 25% for each application. 

The RLRC project seeks to continue to increase the use of the river by residents and visitors resulting in better quality of life, better health outcomes, and more equitable access to outdoor recreational opportunities. Secondly, the project strives to increase tourism, contributing to the local economies and improving overall economic development in the region. The project continues to provide better physical accessibility to the river and improve stewardship of public lands and waters as a result of a strong corridor identity and education. 

This work has been made possible through the support of the University of Minnesota Extension, Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, which has been instrumental in the planning process, convening and grant writing for the Joint Powers Board. 

Red Lake River Enhancement Project

This grant-funded project in partnership with the Center for Changing Landscapes generated a number of results in an effort to protect and restore the river’s natural corridor to enhance water quality and fish and wildlife habitat to provide educational, recreational and economic opportunities. The specific goal was to produce culturally and environmentally sensitive planning and design documents for boat access points, city and county parkland and trails, and a geographic information system focusing on a 175-mile-wide corridor from Lower Red Lake to East Grand Forks. Links to this plan can be found here.

Red Lake River WRAPS

The Red Lake River Watershed Restoration and Protection (WRAP) project is a watershed wide assessment of the water quality, biotic integrity (fish, aquatic macroinvertebrates), and stream channel stability in the Red Lake River and its major tributaries. The primary goal of the project is the completion of a watershed-based study that will provide a watershed restoration and protection strategy (WRAPS) report, protection plans, and TMDL reports (restoration plans) for impaired waterways and lakes in the watershed. As of Fall 2016, data collection was completed. Many of the key components of the WRAPS and TMDL reports have also been completed such as trend analysis, stressor identification, TMDL calculations, updates water quality assessment information, a list of restoration and protection strategies, and HSPF modeling results. Visit the RLR WRAPS website for more information. 

Invasive Species 

Invasive species are species that are not native to Minnesota and cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Minnesota’s natural resources are threatened by a number of invasive species such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermillfoil, common buckthorn, and emerald ash borer. Invasive species can occur on land or in the water. The Department of Natural Resources works to help prevent the spread and promote the management of invasive species. 

Red Lake River Rendezvous 

The Rendezvous Tour celebrated its 40th anniversary of the Red Lake River being designated as an official MnDNR canoe rout, the only such route in northwestern Minnesota, in May-June 2007. The diverse historical and natural features of the Red Lake River continues to be celebrated through such events that connect with communities along the route to offer greetings, celebrations, meals, and special events.