WATERSHED DISTRICT
Middle Fork Crow River
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).
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January 13, 2026
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February 10, 2026
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March 10, 2026
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April 14, 2026
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May 12, 2026
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June 9, 2026
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July 14, 2026
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August 11, 2026
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September 8, 2026
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October 13, 2026
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November 10, 2026
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December 8, 2026
All Board Meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. by a Call of Order.
Events
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
Sara Sietsema
Position: Co-Treasurer
Term: Expiration: 4/26/2028
Appointing Authority: Kandiyohi County
Email:
Mailing Address: 189 County Rd 8, Spicer, MN 56288
