Featured stories

Graduating green
Graduation is a time to celebrate a bright and sustainable future. Why not plan a party that’s fun, memorable, and green?

Ask the MPCA: Disposing of lead tackle
I've switched to non-lead fishing tackle to protect wildlife in Minnesota. How do I safely dispose of the lead stuff?

Wildfire smoke and air quality
The frequent wildfires in California and elsewhere, brought on by climate change, are affecting air quality for thousands of miles. That includes Minnesota.

Preventing waste in food-service kitchens
Commercial kitchens can generate significant food waste, but two Minnesota organizations are trimming the fat and saving money.

Going natural for water quality
Removing of an old dam and restoring a creek's curves are improving habitat and water quality in the Pomme de Terre River Watershed.

How climate change affects Minnesota’s rivers
Increased rainfall from climate change damages river water quality, which in turn damages fishing and recreation.

Southwest Light Rail Extension goes above and beyond
Above and beyond. In the management of construction stormwater, MPCA recognizes Southwest Light Rail Extension project for responsible development through stormwater controls.

Applicants wanted: Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers program
The IDEC program seeks to create pathways to environmental careers for underrepresented students, racial or ethnic minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities.

Weigh in on the work plan: Water quality standards changes/additions?
Help the MPCA set the priorities for work on water quality standards that protect waters for drinking, fishing, and swimming.

A mystery in Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is a big lake with a big problem caused by one of nature’s smallest organisms: algae. Scientists from the MPCA and the Science Museum are working together to understand why.

Governor sets million-acre goal for certified farms to reduce nutrients
Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality certified farms have added more than 2,000 new conservation practices, including over 110,000 acres of new cover crops that protect Minnesota’s waters.

New report available: The air we breathe
Minnesota’s air quality is generally good, meeting all federal standards. However, it is not the same in all parts of the state and doesn’t affect all Minnesotans equally.

Apply to be a host site for MN GreenCorps
MPCA seeks organizations interested in becoming host sites for the 2021-2022 year. Do you have a project idea for a motivated and capable Minnesota GreenCorps member to take on?

MPCA, state agencies reveal statewide blueprint to address PFAS
The MPCA has released Minnesota’s PFAS Blueprint — a strategic, coordinated approach developed by multiple agencies to protect families and communities from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Continue to recycle organics!
The MPCA continues to encourage organics recycling despite challenges in the composting industry associated with COVID-19.