The Rainy River is in excellent condition. Once marred by industrial and municipal pollution, this river has made a remarkable recovery—thanks to regulations and hard work by local business, industry, and citizens—and now needs protection.
Study contacts:
Jesse Anderson
MPCA Research Scientist
218-302-6621
jesse.anderson@state.mn.us
Michael J. Kennedy
MPCA Watershed Project Manager
218-302-6629
mike.kennedy@state.mn.us
More information
Images, maps: Rainy River assessment
Downloadable maps and images for the Rainy River assessment.
Biological monitoring of water in Minnesota
MPCA evaluates water quality by measuring and monitoring the health of fish, macroinvertebrates and plants.
Data viewer
Interactive access to data on pollutant loads for Minnesota’s rivers and streams: Maps and graphs for exploration and “Download” tabs for exporting tabular data.
Watershed approach to restoring and protecting water quality
The watershed approach is a ten-year rotation for addressing waters of the state on the level of Minnesota’s major watersheds. Since 2007, MPCA and its partners have been implementing this approach as recommended by the Clean Water Council and directed by the state Legislature.
International Joint Commission’s Lake of the Woods Basin Watershed Board
Canada and the United States created the International Joint Commission because they recognized that each country is affected by the other's actions in lake and river systems along the border. The two countries cooperate to manage these waters and to protect them for the benefit of today's citizens and future generations.
Watersheds that feed the Rainy River
These watersheds comprise all the land in Minnesota that drains water towards the Rainy River: