About the Watershed
WHO ARE WE?
The Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District is a local government with boundaries based on the watersheds of Riley, Purgatory, and Bluff Creeks. It was established on July 31, 1969, by the Minnesota Water Resources Board acting under the authority of the Watershed Law. (Learn more about the organizational structure)
- MANAGERS: Five managers govern the watershed district. Four managers are appointed by the Hennepin County Commissioners and one by the Carver County Commissioners. Each manager serves a three-year term. Governance manual & bylaws.
- STAFF: The watershed employs six full-time staff members, and contracts with consultants for engineering and legal services.
- TAC & CAC: The managers are advised by a technical advisory committee (TAC) and a citizens advisory committee (CAC). The TAC includes representatives of cities, counties, state and other agencies. The CAC is comprised of community volunteers who advise the board as representatives of citizen interests.
WHAT DO WE DO?
When it rains, water that falls on the landscape follows a natural path to a waterbody. This area of land is the body’s watershed. Anything that happens within a watershed impacts the lake, creek, wetland, pond, or aquifer it feeds. Watershed districts are charged with protecting and improving our communities’ water resources. Districts partner with local communities to identify top priorities and plan, implement, and manage efforts, which protect and improve local water resources. They educate and engage residents, and the work they undertake benefits the quality and quantity of water in local, as well as downstream watersheds and communities.
The RPBCWD celebrated 50 years in 2019. Learn more about our history.
WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN ("10-YEAR PLAN")
The Watershed Management Plan is a document that guides all of the watershed district’s actions over a decade. It highlights how the district will monitor local water quality, the projects it will do, and how it will engage its community.
Recreation Map
See where public access, trails, and recreational opportunities are available in the watershed
Dr. Claire Bleser
District Administrator
952-607-6512
Email Claire
Terry Jeffery
Watershed Planning Manager
952-807-6885
Email Terry
Josh Maxwell
Water Resources Coordinator
952-607-6486
Email Josh
Zach Dickhausen
Water Resources Technician II
952-607-6036
Email Zach
Maya Swope
Education and Outreach Coordinator
952-687-1348
Email Maya
B Lauer
Groundwater & Stewardship Program Coordinator
952-607-6481
Email B
Amy Bakkum
Education & Outreach Assistant
952-607-6026
Email Amy