East Bethel and Linwood communities are inside the Sunrise River Watershed. Residents on Sunrise River (including Coon, Typo, Martin and Linwood lakes) know that the quality of these water-bodies depend on proper management of the land that surrounds them (the watershed).

The Sunrise River Watershed spans throughout the counties of Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, and Washington as it collects precipitation and flows to the St. Croix River. The watershed is approximately 381 square miles in extent, and includes 33 cities and townships. The Sunrise watershed has 12 lakes and 10 streams with one or more impairments related to eutrophication (lakes), low dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, and fish and macro-invertebrate impairments (Impaired Waters List, link).

The Sunrise River Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) Report is available for public review and comment through Monday, Nov. 19. The Report recommends action to restore several water bodies in the watershed and protect those in good health.

For more information contact Christopher Klucas (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155; 651-757-2498; christopher.klucas@state.mn.us). TTY users may call the MPCA teletypewriter at 651-282-5332 or 800-657-3864.