Lake Redwood Reclamation Project 2020-2022

The Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Control Area (RCRCA) is an eight county non-regulatory joint powers organization which was established in 1983.  RCRCA works to enhance and protect the Redwood and Cottonwood Rivers by making land use changes that improve water quality. 

Its purpose is to develop and implement plans for the Redwood and Cottonwood watersheds to: 

       protect property, streams and lakes from sedimentation and pollution;     

       maintain and improve the quality of water in streams, lakes and ground water;     

       protect property from flood damages;     

       control erosion of land; and    

       improve recreational and wildlife opportunities.  

These points are summarized in our mission statement: RCRCA, in cooperation with partner groups and landowners, works to improve water quality, reduce erosion, and enhance recreational opportunities by providing education, outreach, monitoring and technical assistance within the watershed boundaries.  

Members include the counties and soil and water conservation districts of Brown, Cottonwood, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Pipestone, Redwood, and Yellow Medicine.  It is governed by a sixteen member Board of Director's that meet monthly.  RCRCA is a recognized leader in watershed management, working with local, state and federal agencies, as well as private foundations to distribute information, and to finance and carry out programs of benefit to the two watersheds.