Water Quality

Toxic algae threaten protected lakes in the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota. Sediment may have the answer.

Plus: the administrative trial is underway on whether Northern Township will become a city or Bemidji's boundaries will include land around Lake Bemidji; and a new study by the University of Minnesota indicates the surf from wakeboats can cause ecological harm in depths less than 20 feet.

A year after millions of gallons of coal ash wastewater spilled from a Minnesota Power plant in Cohasset, the groups allege the company hasn't been following federal rules.

Out of all the Legislature did this year, getting this funding will make the most impact around the state, said Bradley Peterson of Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities.

Northern Township is planning to assess Lake Bemidji residents to build a new wastewater treatment facility, and the nearby city of Bemidji is looking to annex the same properties.

Halfway through the Pine River One Watershed One Plan, the soil and water conservation district is updating its goals.

With Northern Township planning to assess residents living along Lake Bemidji for a new wastewater treatment plant, the city of Bemidji is petitioning to annex and connect the same residents, who say questions about real costs for either project are unanswered.

The Conservation Fund and Northern Waters Land Trust said the deal, years in the making, covers more 8,200 acres across nine counties between Walker and Duluth.

Township officials estimate more than 300 people attended the informational meeting on incorporation into a new city on May 7, 2025.

In a resolution passed unanimously on April 21, 2025, the Bemidji City Council also issued a notice of intent to annex Northern Township property around the lake.