Data-Driven Watershed Problem Solving
The 24th Annual River Watch Forum was held February 27, 2019 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, ND. Natalie Warren kicked the day off by recounting her journey to Hudson Bay in 2011. Later, students participated in a collaborative art project, Jeopardy contest, college fair, and an escape room-inspired team challenge.
For this year’s assignment, we challenged our River Watch teams to examine their watershed, identify an issue, and propose a solution based on data. After presenting to a local water or community-affiliated group, teams incorporated feedback from local experts and compiled an ArcGIS story map for their final submission. View each submission below on this page.
2019 Judges’ Choice: 1st
Red Lake County Central
The team from Red Lake County Central researched a water quality issue on the Hill River near Brooks, MN, and their findings created a buzz at the Red Lake Watershed District.
View ArcGIS Story Map
2019 Judges’ Choice: 2nd
Stephen-Argyle Central
Stephen-Argyle received the silver plaque this year for their efforts researching bank erosion issues on the Tamarac River in Stephen, MN.
View ArcGIS Story Map
2019 Judges’ Choice: 3rd (tie)
Hawley
The Hawley River Watch team focused on local perceptions of the Buffalo River’s recreational suitability and proposed a community paddling event to introduce residents to the opportunities in their backyard.
View ArcGIS Story Map
2019 Judges’ Choice: 3rd (tie)
Minto
Minto’s River Watch team explored the baffling boundaries” surrounding Ardoch National Wildlife Refuge and the confusion it has created for users.
View ArcGIS Story Map
2019 Managers’ Choice
Stephen-Argyle Central
Stephen also received the Managers’ Choice Award, presented by Roger Mischel of the Middle-Snake-Tamarac Watershed District. View ArcGIS Story Map via above link.
All Story Maps
View all submitted ArcGIS Story Maps below.
Campbell-Tintah
View Story Map
Cavalier
View Story Map
Clearbrook-Gonvick
Climax
View Story Map
Crookston
EGF Sacred Heart
View Story Map
Grand Forks Schroeder
View Story Map
Larimore
View Story Map
Marshall County Central
View Story Map
Norman County East
Red Lake Falls
View Story Map
Roseau
Valley-Edinburg
View Story Map
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo
View Story Map-
- Keynote speaker Natalie Warren performing music.
2019 River Watch Partnership Award
North Dakota State Water Commission
Pat Fridgen (center) accepted the award on behalf of the Commission, presented by Danni Halvorson (left) and Chuck Fritz (right).