Walz Hosts "Conservation Potluck," Promotes Preserving Natural State Treasures

Press Release

Today, Representative Tim Walz--Ranking Member of the U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry--hosted a "Conservation Potluck" lunch with local and state leaders on the banks of the Minnesota River in New Ulm, MN. Rep. Walz convened this "Conservation Potluck" to discuss coalition building and preserving our natural state treasures, including his support for designating the Minnesota River a National Blueway.

"Thousands of years ago the Minnesota River Valley was formed by the outflow of glacial Lake Agassiz and the mighty River Warren. The river valley is home to the proud Dakota Tribe and was used by pioneers to ship goods and settle the land in the 19th century. Today, the Minnesota River Valley continues to be an economic engine for our state and holds both dark and noble whispers of our past," said Rep. Walz. "We must take action to ensure this natural state treasure where we live, work, and play is preserved for future generations. This is why I have been proud to support the coalition's efforts to designate the Minnesota River as a National Blueway and pledge to do everything within my power to get the program back on track and make this dream a reality."

"I'm pleased Representative Walz put this potluck together to allow leaders from the local level on up to come together and discuss the importance of conserving our natural state treasures, like the Minnesota River Valley right here in New Ulm. A Blueway distinction for the Minnesota River would go a long way in ensuring the river will continue to serve as an economic engine for our state and preserving its rich cultural heritage for generations to come," said Scott Sparlin, Executive Director, of the Coaltion for a Clean Minnesota River.

About the National Blueways System:

National Blueways are nationally significant, large river systems supported by diverse stakeholder partnerships that use an integrated and adaptive watershed approach to resource stewardship. River systems eligible for inclusion in the National Blueways System share the following characteristics:

A large river system that contains significant natural, recreational, economic, and cultural resources
A committed, diverse stakeholder partnership or association that has developed a common vision and long-term goals for their entire river system from the headwaters to the mouth, including the entire watershed
Demonstrated ability to successfully undertake an integrated and adaptive management strategy that employs a diversity of approaches for land and water resources that address outdoor recreation, environmental education, conservation, and/or sustainable economic activities.
National Blueways will be nominated by their stakeholder partnership. Participation in the National Blueways System is entirely voluntary and locally-driven. There are no new regulations, rules, or requirements associated with recognition as a National Blueway, nor are there any changes in private property or water rights. Federal, state, and local authorities and responsibilities are not affected.

The National Blueways System was established on May 24, 2012, through a Secretarial Order, by Department of the Interior's Secretary Ken Salazar.

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