Water Resources
As an administrative arm of the State of Minnesota, Stearns County is concerned with the responsible use of groundwater and the management of wetlands.
Stearns County administers the State of Minnesota's Wetland Conservation Act. This Act prohibits the draining and filling of wetlands without replacement. Excavations may also be regulated in some instances.
The Act provides for exemptions which allow certain activities in wetlands without replacement. Activities managed by Stearns County include wetland determinations for certain property, reviewing wetland replacement plans for approval and providing certificates of exemptions, when applicable.
The Comprehensive Local Water Plan was officially adopted in 1991 by the Stearns County Board of Commissioners. The purpose of the plan is to assess the available data on the County's water resources, and from that assessment, identify needs and a strategy for addressing those needs. Learn more about the Comprehensive Water Plan.