Join Us at the Public Kickoff Meeting - And Take the Watershed Survey!
We’re launching the Big Fork River 1W1P planning process with a public kickoff meeting on Wednesday, July 23rd from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Pizza Parlor in Bigfork, MN (201 Main Ave, Bigfork, MN 56628).
Stop by any time during the open house to learn more about the watershed plan, share your thoughts, and connect with the local staff and partners involved in the process. Light food and beverages will be provided. Everyone is welcome—landowners, residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of the Big Fork River Watershed.
Can't make it to the kickoff meeting? You can still provide your input in this online survey. Your input with the survey helps guide the planning process, and if you live, work, or spend time in the Big Fork River watershed then your input matters! Find out more through our Big Fork Watershed, 1W1P website.
Overview
In 2024, The Big Fork River Watershed began undergoing a comprehensive planning effort through the One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P) program. This is a state-supported initiative to develop watershed-based, locally driven plans that guide how we maintain and improve water resources. The Big Fork River Watershed spans over 1.3 million acres across multiple counties in northern Minnesota and includes many lakes, wetlands, rivers, and forested lands.
What is 1W1P?
One Watershed, One Plan brings together local governments and communities to develop one coordinated watershed management plan. The goal is to align local priorities with state goals—focusing on what matters most to the people who live, work, and spend time here. This plan does not change any existing regulations or ordinances. It is a collaborative effort to identify where voluntary conservation work and funding can make the biggest impact on water quality.
Why This Matters
Planning at the watershed scale allows us to focus efforts where they will make the most difference. Whether it's improving stormwater systems, restoring wetlands, managing runoff from forest lands, or protecting drinking water, watershed-based planning helps ensure healthy land and water for future generations. This process is not about new regulations. It's about working together to make the most of existing programs and resources.
How You Can Get Involved
This planning process depends on local knowledge and public input. There will be opportunities to attend planning meetings and share ideas. Anyone who lives in, works in, or cares about the watershed is encouraged to participate. See below for the schedule of topic-based planning meetings.