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About Us

The Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District is a special purpose unit of government that was established in April 2005. The District exists for the protection and preservation of water quality in the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed. The District consists of a board of five Managers from three of the four counties in the watershed. Because only a very small portion of the watershed lies in Pope County, there is no board member from that county. Board members are appointed by County Commissioners and serve three year terms.

The Board of Managers typically meet on the second Tuesday evening of the month (except holidays or election days). Those who are interested in attending board meetings are encouraged to contact District personnel to confirm the meeting date and time. The public are invited to attend meetings and there is an opportunity to provide a brief address to the board in an open forum at the end of each meeting. However, this is a listening session and the board will not normally act on issues presented at an open forum. Anyone seeking time on the agenda to discuss issues with the board must contact the office at least 7 calendar days prior to the meeting.

Watershed Location

The Middle Fork Crow River Watershed drains a 271 square mile area. The river begins in Stearns County in the Belgrade area and flows Southward through North Central Kandiyohi County. As the river flows South it passes through the City of New London and enters Green Lake in Spicer. After the river outlets from Green Lake, it flows Eastward. Water from the City of Atwater and Diamond Lake enter the Middle Fork Crow River just before it crosses the Meeker County line. The river joins the North Fork Crow River just East of Manannah. The North Fork Crow River eventually enters the Mississippi near Dayton. There is 13,940 acres of water (lakes, rivers, and streams), 42,117 acres of wetlands, and 123 miles of public drainage ditches in the Middle Fork Crow River watershed.

Maps

Board of Managers

The Board of Managers play a crucial role in the success of the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District (MFCRWD).  The board meets monthly to set policies, direct activities, and make key decisions on MFCRWD projects and programs.  Board members must be voting residents within the Watershed District boundary and may not be a public officer (with exception to a Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor).

 

Board Meeting Dates:

 

SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH (except holiday, caucus, or election days). 

  • January 13, 2026

  • February 10, 2026

  • March 10, 2026

  • April 14, 2026

  • May 12, 2026

  • June 9, 2026

  • July 14, 2026

  • August 11, 2026

  • September 8, 2026

  • October 13, 2026

  • November 10, 2026

  • December 8, 2026

All Board Meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. by a Call of Order.

Events

  • Tue, Mar 24
    Dethlefs Community Center
    Mar 24, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
    Dethlefs Community Center, 217 Hillcrest Ave, Spicer, MN 56288, USA
    Passionate about protecting our lakes? Join us on March 24th for the Lakes Area Conference! In partnership with Kandiyohi County Coalition of Lake Associations (COLA), we’re hosting an engaging event for lake owners, lake associations, and anyone who cares about protecting our waters.
    Share
  • Tue, Apr 14
    Apr 14, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    189 Co Rd 8, 189 Co Rd 8, Spicer, MN 56288, USA
    The Board of Managers play a crucial role in the success of the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District (MFCRWD). The board meets monthly to set policies, direct activities, and make key decisions on MFCRWD projects and programs.
    Share
  • Sat, Apr 18
    Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Cen
    Apr 18, 2026, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Cen, 12718 10th St NE, Spicer, MN 56288, USA
    Share
  • Tue, May 12
    May 12, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    189 Co Rd 8, 189 Co Rd 8, Spicer, MN 56288, USA
    The Board of Managers play a crucial role in the success of the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District (MFCRWD). The board meets monthly to set policies, direct activities, and make key decisions on MFCRWD projects and programs.
    Share
  • Tue, Jun 09
    Jun 09, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    189 Co Rd 8, 189 Co Rd 8, Spicer, MN 56288, USA
    The Board of Managers play a crucial role in the success of the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District (MFCRWD). The board meets monthly to set policies, direct activities, and make key decisions on MFCRWD projects and programs.
    Share
  • Tue, Jul 14
    Jul 14, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    189 Co Rd 8, 189 Co Rd 8, Spicer, MN 56288, USA
    The Board of Managers play a crucial role in the success of the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District (MFCRWD). The board meets monthly to set policies, direct activities, and make key decisions on MFCRWD projects and programs.
    Share
  • Sat, Jul 18
    New London
    Jul 18, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    New London, New London, MN, USA
    The Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District and Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center will once again partner to get people out on the Crow River in New London. Participants will meet at the Mill Pond boat Landing at 9:00am and paddle up the Crow River until noon.
    Share
  • Tue, Aug 11
    Aug 11, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    189 Co Rd 8, 189 Co Rd 8, Spicer, MN 56288, USA
    The Board of Managers play a crucial role in the success of the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District (MFCRWD). The board meets monthly to set policies, direct activities, and make key decisions on MFCRWD projects and programs.
    Share
  • Tue, Mar 10
    Mar 10, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    189 Co Rd 8, 189 Co Rd 8, Spicer, MN 56288, USA
    The Board of Managers play a crucial role in the success of the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District (MFCRWD). The board meets monthly to set policies, direct activities, and make key decisions on MFCRWD projects and programs.
    Share

Board Members

Ruth Schaefer

Position: President

Term: Expiration: 4/26/2028

Appointing Authority: Kandiyohi County

Email: ruths56288@gmail.com

Mailing Address: 189 County Rd 8, Spicer, MN 56288

Jay Hedtke

Position: Vice President

Term: Expiration: 4/26/2027

Appointing Authority: Meeker County

Email: jayhedtke@icloud.com

Mailing Address: 189 County Rd 8, Spicer, MN 56288

Jeff Gertgen

Position: Secretary

Term: Expiration: 4/26/2027

Appointing Authority: Kandiyohi County

Email: jlgliaison@gmail.com

Mailing Address: 189 County Rd 8, Spicer, MN 56288

Shane Braegelman

Position: Treasurer

Term: Expiration: 4/26/2028

Appointing Authority: Stearns County

Email: shane.braegelman@gmail.com

Mailing Address: 189 County Rd 8, Spicer, MN 56288

Amanda Toutges

Position: Co-Treasurer

Term: Expiration: 4/26/2026

Appointing Authority: Kandiyohi County

Email: amandatoutges@gmail.com

Mailing Address: 189 County Rd 8, Spicer, MN 56288

Staff

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Andy Johnson

District Administrator

Email: andy@mfcrow.org

Phone: 320-796-0888

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Leah Melges

Office & Finance Manager

Email: leah@mfcrow.org

Phone: 320-796-0888

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Erin Vruwink

Water Resources Specialist

Email: erin@mfcrow.org

Phone: 320-796-0888

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