Elk River Watershed

The Elk River Watershed drains 613 square miles in Benton County, Sherburne County, Mille Lacs County, and a small portion in Morrison County. The Elk River and the St. Francis River are the major watershed streams. The Elk River has its headwaters in northern Benton County and outlets to the Mississippi River at the City of Elk River in Sherburne County.

The Elk River Watershed Association (ERWA) was formed in 1994 as a result of Local Water Planning efforts in Sherburne and Benton Counties. The ERWA is focused on improving water quality by working with agricultural, urban, and residential landowners.
 

• • • Elk River Watershed Association Projects - 1995 to 2006
      
      Filterstrips                                                  Livestock Exclusion
      Livestock Watering Facilities                      Manure Management
      Nutrient Management                                Rain Gardens
      Riparian Buffers                                         Feedlot Runoff Reductions
      Shoreland Buffers                                      Streambank Protection
      Wetland Restorations
      
      These watershed projects have reduced phosphorus (P) runoff by an estimated 156,000 pounds per year.
      
      The Elk River Watershed Association has received two 319 Grants from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to assist Benton County landowners within the Elk River Watershed. For more information about the 319 Grant please click on the following links:
    • Elk River Watershed Association (ERWA) 319 Grant Report
    • Elk River Watershed Association (ERWA) 319-2 Grant Information
    • Elk River Watershed Association (ERWA) Annual Report
    • Elk River Watershed Association (ERWA) Newsletter

                                      Lakeshore Buffer Before                                                                         Lakeshore Buffer After