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The Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District (PLSLWD) was formed on March 4, 1970 at the request of local citizens. The District covers about 42 square miles in Scott County, MN. Water in the PLSLWD flows mainly from the southwest to the northeast through Spring, Upper Prior and Lower Prior Lakes, and then north through the Prior Lake Outlet Channel to the Minnesota River near Valley Fair amusement park. The highest ground in the watershed is 1,100 feet above sea level and is found along the eastern boundary of the watershed in Section 23 of Spring Lake Township. The lowest ground in the watershed that is tributary to Prior Lake is the shore of Lower Prior Lake. The water level of Prior Lake varies around elevation 902 feet above sea level. Prior Lake was essentially a landlocked basin until an outlet structure and channel were constructed in 1983.
The District mission statement is:
Our mission is to manage and preserve the water resources of the Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District to the best of our ability using input from our communities, sound engineering practices, and our ability to efficiently fund beneficial projects which transcend political jurisdictions.
Walkway at Jeffers Pond
The PLSLWD is administered by a five-person Board of Managers appointed by the Scott County Commissioners. All of the District's policies, goals, and accomplishments are directed by the citizens who serve on the Board.
The District also employs five staff members. This team handles the day-to-day operation of the District, from reading Prior Lake levels, to reviewing development plans, to managing monitoring data, to answering calls from interested citizens.
Board and staff contact information can be found on the Contact page.
The Board of Managers oversees many efforts to conserve, protect and manage water resources within the PLSLWD. The District works closely with local cities, townships, Scott County and state agencies to accomplish its goals. All of the District's activities are outlined in its comprehensive plan, called the Water Resources Management Plan, available on the Reports page. Ongoing activities include:
For specific District maps, go to the reports page, or use the interactive map on the home page.
