The Pope County Comprehensive Water Plan was approved in 2013 by the Board of Water and Soil Resources.  This is the guiding document that includes the monitoring and assessment completed in the 8 Lake TMDL Study and what implementation efforts will need to be accomplished to make improvements in water quality.

This is the plan that will guide the next five years of project and program implementation by local agencies in Pope County.

Pope County Comprehensive Local Water Plan PDF & Appendix A,B&C PDF
May 2013 – May 2023

Pope SWCD and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, are working together to administer water quality analysis on eight lakes in Pope County. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency initiated a project entitled the “Pope County 8 Lake TMDL Study”. The lakes identified in this project are: Ann, Emily, Gilcrest, Leven, Malmedahl, Pelican, Reno, and Strandness. All States are required under Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act to identify and restore waters not meeting the State’s standard for water quality.

A test known as ‘Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)’ is used to identify impaired water for excessive nutrients, usually phosphorus. The study will identify sources of pollutants in a body of water, determine the reductions in nutrient loads for the lake to meet State standards for water quality and develop a strategy to restore the lakes.

Malmedal Drawdown Final Report – 2012
Pope 8 Lakes TMDL Implementation Plan – October 2010 DRAFT (10MB)
TMDL Study PDF

Pope SWCD acts as the local contact for the Minnesota Climatology Working Group to gather daily rainfall information. Dedicated volunteers complete rainfall and weather condition forms that are used to track the ever changing Minnesota climate. Rain and snowfall information is used to provide soil moisture/conditions, track storms, and identify drought conditions as they occur.

Pope SWCD would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Citizen Rainfall Monitors: John and Karen DeMorett, Jim Gerde, Edgar Versteeg, David Elwood, Jim Barchenger, Lori Hoffman, Kelly Erickson, James Bailey, Sr., Harlan Rajdl, Roger Mrnack, Michael Howe, Gregg Stoen, Alan Halls, Richard Heimkes, Rick Davidson, Nancy Messner, and Dave Tollefson,  Through their dedicated efforts, we have a very good picture of weather conditions throughout Pope County.

To view maps, current conditions, recent weather events, and additional information, go to: http://climate.umn.edu. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer rain monitor, contact Pope SWCD at 320-634-5327.

Rosholt Research Farm Weather Station