110,000 Lakes, One Watershed, Shared Responsibility

This might be the most natural area of partnership—because the water doesn't care about borders.

The Shared Watershed:

Manitoba and Minnesota share critical water systems:

• Red River: Flows north from Minnesota into Manitoba, through Winnipeg, into Lake Winnipeg
• Lake of the Woods: Spans the border, shared recreational and ecological resource
• Rainy River/Rainy Lake: Boundary waters, already jointly managed
• Countless smaller lakes: Border region is dotted with lakes that straddle or cluster near the boundary

Current Cooperation:

The International Joint Commission (IJC) already manages boundary waters between Canada and the US. The Red River Basin Commission coordinates flood management. These frameworks exist and function.

The Challenges:

• Flooding: The Red River floods. Regularly. Both Winnipeg and Fargo/Moorhead are affected. Upstream decisions (in Minnesota and North Dakota) affect downstream communities (in Manitoba).
• Water Quality: Agricultural runoff, urban development, and industrial activity affect shared waters. Lake Winnipeg faces significant algae challenges partly due to upstream sources.
• Climate Change: Changing precipitation patterns affect water levels, flood timing, drought risk.

Partnership Opportunities:

1. Integrated Flood Management: Coordinate upstream and downstream infrastructure investment
2. Water Quality Standards: Harmonize standards for agricultural runoff, municipal treatment
3. Recreational Management: Joint policies for fishing, boating, tourism on shared waters
4. Climate Adaptation: Shared research and planning for changing water patterns
5. Indigenous Water Rights: Ensure First Nations and Native American communities have voice in water governance

The Lake Count (Important):

• Minnesota: 10,000 lakes (actually closer to 11,842 over 10 acres)
• Manitoba: 100,000 lakes
• Combined: 110,000+ lakes

This is not just a number. This is an identity. We are lake people. Both of us. Together, we'd be the undisputed lake capital of the continent.

Discussion Questions:

1. How should flood management costs be shared between upstream and downstream communities?
2. What water quality standards should apply throughout the shared watershed?
3. How do we involve Indigenous communities as equal partners in water governance?
4. Should "Lake Champions" be an official designation we pursue?