Red River Retention Authority
The Red River Retention Authority is comprised of members of the Red River Joint Water Resource District, a North Dakota political subdivision, and the Red River Watershed Management Board, a Minnesota political subdivision. The primary objective of the Red River Retention Authority is to ensure joint, comprehensive, and strategic coordination of retention projects in the Red River of the North watershed and facilitating implementation and construction of retention in the Red River Valley. The Authority and its members will aggressively pursue federal dollars to off-set local costs for retention projects, and will serve as an advocate for local projects in the federal regulatory process. Our Directors seek basin-wide solutions to realize effective flood protection and flood damage reduction, accomplished on a strategic project-by-project basis.
Flood Impacts Survey
The Red River Retention Authority (RRRA) is conducting a survey to gain insights into producer and landowner views regarding flood control in the Red River Basin in Minnesota and North Dakota. Your answers to these survey questions help the RRRA and its members as we seek funding for future flood control projects.
Click the QR code below to access the Red River Retention Authority Flood Impacts Survey:
2023 Meeting Dates
|
March 16, 2023
June 21, 2023 September 21, 2023 December 13, 2023 |
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. |
Cass County Highway Department, West Fargo, ND
Red River Watershed Center, Fargo, ND West Fargo Public Works, West Fargo, ND East Grand Forks City Hall, East Grand Forks, MN |
Recent Activities and Events
NEW! Pelly's Lake Biomass Harvesting Tour
On October 11, 2023, 14 people visited Pelly's Lake in Manitoba, Canada, to learn about biomass harvesting. The visitors were from organizations including the LaSalle-Redboine Watershed District, IISD, PAMI, USDA, NRCS, Moore Engineering, Inc., Houston Engineering, Inc., NDDWR, RRRA and CCJWRD.
The tour aimed to educate participants about biomass harvest and management by the Redboine Watershed District and their partners. In 2012, a control structure was built at the site for flood control, covering 23,000 acres with a flood storage capacity of 1,700 acre-feet. The structure also serves for nutrient removal and wildlife habitat within the flood area.
The tour aimed to educate participants about biomass harvest and management by the Redboine Watershed District and their partners. In 2012, a control structure was built at the site for flood control, covering 23,000 acres with a flood storage capacity of 1,700 acre-feet. The structure also serves for nutrient removal and wildlife habitat within the flood area.
Photo credit: Brian Fuder, unless otherwise noted
Meet Brian Fuder, the new RRRA Executive Director!
|
Greetings,
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I introduce myself as Brian Fuder, the newly appointed Executive Director for the Red River Retention Authority. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve this remarkable community and carry forward the exceptional work initiated by Keith Weston, who has recently retired. Having spent the past 12 years in Moorhead, Minnesota, after hailing from Breckenridge, I am deeply rooted in this region. My professional journey encompasses a diverse range of experiences that have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face. Previously, I served as the Emergency Manager for Wilkin County and the City of Breckenridge from 1998 to 2006. Additionally, I have held positions as an Associate Professor of Civil Engineering and Surveying Technology at NDSCS Wahpeton, Engineering Training Manager for the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at NDSU, and Donor Development Manager for Dakota Lions Sight and Health. Most recently, I served as the Program Manager for the Division for Workforce Affairs at NDSCS Fargo. This rich tapestry of roles has instilled in me a deep appreciation for community well-being and resilience. I am thrilled to assume this role, fully recognizing the gravity of flood-related issues in the Red River Valley. My commitment is to build upon the remarkable progress achieved thus far and further strengthen our collective efforts to mitigate these challenges effectively. At home, I am blessed with the presence of my incredible wife, Rochelle, our youngest daughter, Sarah, and granddaughter, Evelynn, along with our three cherished dogs: Gideon, Gilligan, and Snicklefritz. I am also a proud father to Melissa (Josh) and my twin sons, Jacob and Nathan. Additionally, I have the privilege of being a stepfather to Ted (Sarah) and Sam (Ashley), and I am overjoyed to be a grandfather to Oaklyn. In my spare time, I indulge in my passion for gardening and proudly hold the title of Certified Square Foot Gardening Instructor. As I embark on this new role, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to meet and collaborate with many of you, gaining valuable insights and forging strong relationships. I firmly believe in the power of open dialogue and the contributions each member of our community brings to the table. I wholeheartedly encourage you to share your comments, ideas, and concerns with me. Feel free to reach out to me at 701-356-6644 or Brian.Fuder@gmail.com. Your input will serve as an invaluable resource as we work collectively to address the needs and aspirations of the residents and organizations within the Red River of the North Basin. In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude for the warm welcome and support I have already received. Together, let us embark on this journey of learning, collaboration, and progress, as we strive to create a resilient and prosperous future for our beloved community. Warmest regards, Brian Fuder Executive Director, Red River Retention Authority |
Redpath Groundbreaking
The Bois de Sioux Watershed District held a groundbreaking ceremony on September 22, 2023. The groundbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of construction of the Mustinka River Rehabilitation and Redpath Flood Impoundment.
The Bois de Sioux Watershed District held a groundbreaking ceremony on September 22, 2023. The groundbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of construction of the Mustinka River Rehabilitation and Redpath Flood Impoundment.
Red River Basin Maps
Download the pdf version of the map here.
Download the pdf version of the map here.
Red River Retention Authority announces the approval of their new 2021 Strategic Plan
The Red River Retention Authority, at their March 2021 Board of Directors meeting gave final approval for their new Strategic Plan, including a Service Provided Fact Sheet. The Strategic Plan can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here. The Service Provided Fact Sheet can be viewed and downloaded here.
Any questions regarding the new plan and fact sheet may be directed to:
Keith A. Weston
Executive Director
Red River Retention Authority
Phone 701-356-6644
Cell 701-566-2121
Email rrra@ideaone.net
The Red River Retention Authority, at their March 2021 Board of Directors meeting gave final approval for their new Strategic Plan, including a Service Provided Fact Sheet. The Strategic Plan can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here. The Service Provided Fact Sheet can be viewed and downloaded here.
Any questions regarding the new plan and fact sheet may be directed to:
Keith A. Weston
Executive Director
Red River Retention Authority
Phone 701-356-6644
Cell 701-566-2121
Email rrra@ideaone.net
|
|
Agricultural Practice Effectiveness for Reducing Nutrients in the Red River Basin of the North
|
The Agricultural Practice Effectiveness for Reducing Nutrients in the Red River Basin of the North report was recently distributed. The workshop summary report comes from The Red River Basin/Cold Climate Agricultural Nutrients BMP Workshop held April 16–17, 2019 at the University of Minnesota Crookston in Crookston, Minnesota. It focuses on summarizing scientific findings for BMP effectiveness and suitability in cold regions such as the Red River Basin. The Workshop was attended by a broad cross section of university researchers, state/provincial and federal government researchers and extension staff, and industry professionals involved in studying BMPs in agricultural landscapes. The purpose of the workshop was to review and explore the available research on the effectiveness of BMPs in cold climates and develop consensus recommendations. The Red River Basin/Cold Climate Agricultural Nutrients BMP Workshop and the completion of the workshop summary report are important steps in moving towards achieving additional reductions in nutrient loading into the Red River from activities across the Red River Basin. Click here to read the full report. |
Black River Flood Impoundment Project Construction Begins
Article courtesy of Red River Watershed Management Board
|
|
|
|
Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Projects
RCPP Watershed Planning Status Map
RCPP Watershed Planning Status Map as of August 18, 2020.
Click here to download the RCPP Watershed Planning Status Map.
- The RRRA has been offered a Partnership Agreement with NRCS through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to provide funding for the implementation of PL556 watershed protection projects in the Basin. ($12 million) The RCPP is also a part of the 2014 Farm Bill. A map of the RCPP watershed project areas in the Red River Basin of the North can be viewed here.
- The RRRA has a special allocation of 2014 Farm Bill funding from NRCS for the Red River Basin to assist landowners/producers, watersheds and water districts to implement NRCS practices to assist in flood damage reduction practices on their lands. ($50 million)
On June 13, 2017, Co-chairman John Finney provided Congressional testimony to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry and responded to questions from the members of the Committee regarding Small Watershed Infrastructure: "Continuing the Mission, Building Upon Success." His testimony can be heard here and begins at 1 hour 18 minutes and 30 seconds.
