OutReach

 RCRCA sponsors a canoe trip on the Redwood River and the Cottonwood River, normally in mid-June.  There is no cost to sign up. RCRCA has canoes that people may use and you are encouraged to bring you own so that more individuals may enjoy the experience of the river. 

Anyone interested in participating in the RCRCA Annual Canoe trips should contact the RCRCA offices and sign-up (even if you have your own canoe).  

You should also download and/or print off a copy of the "Informational Flyer" located below, as well as printing out a copy of the map for your selected trip(s). 

Liability waivers must be signed for each participant.  You may print, sign and bring a liability form with you to the event or sign a form at the event.  Minors under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign off on their waiver & thus should print and bring a signed form with them, unless a parent or guardian will be present to sign a waiver prior to the start of the trip.

Redwood River Canoe Trip -Tuesday  - June 18, 2024
We will meet at Perk's Park on Lake Redwood and bus up to the starting point, where the Redwood River crosses CR-6, and canoe to Redwood Lake in Redwood Falls.

Redwood PDF Map Below

- Link to USGS Redwood River Gage - Ideal Range between 300 and 1000 CFS/Flow (Discharge)

Cottonwood River Canoe Trip - Thursday, June 20, 2024

We are going to use a different route for 2024.

We will meet the Springfield Riverside Park, bus you to the launch site in Sanborn Solders & Sailors City Park. Note equipment needs to be left at the launch site. We will bus you to the launch site.  

Cottonwood PDF Map coming soon.

- Link to USGS Cottonwood River Gage - Ideal Range between 500 and 1500 CFS/Flow (Discharge)

On the home page:

2024 Canoe Trip Flyer

2024 Waiver & Release Form

2022 RCRCA & Area II - St. Matthew Youth Group - Adopt -A-Highway Service Project

The Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Control Area (RCRCA) and Area II Minnesota River Basin Projects (Area II) proudly sponsor a two-mile stretch of State Highway 19 near Vest to raise the awareness of improving and protecting our water quality.  RCRCA has been a sponsor for 26 years as part of MNDOT's Adopt-A-Highway project. On May 15th the St. Matthew Youth Group received a total donation of $400 from RCRCA and Area II for their community service to use for their mission work.

 RCRCA Stream Table

 RCRCA has a stream table that we have brought to the environmental far to demonstrate to the students on how the river is constantly changing. 

Shawn Wohnoutka gives a presentation on what effects our water sources and a little about how we can make the water quality better.  The demonstration includes the stream table model which represents a typical watershed with rural and urban sources of pollutants. Within the watershed model, there are several examples of potential sources of pollution as well as sources of protection to keep pollutants from entering the watercourse. The model shows firsthand how the erosion changes the river physically. The students are asked to identify out each potential pollutant or protection source within the model  while Shawn describes its relationship to water quality.  After this discussion, the stream table is put into action and the students watch the water flow and witness the erosion and damages that occur.  The students anticipate what will happen when the floodwaters arrive and really enjoy seeing the streambanks, bridge, animals and other items impacted or washed away with the water.  At the end of the demonstration, the students rebuild the river and watershed for the next class.  Of course, being able to set up the watershed with potential casualties is always a hit.  

Please contact us if you would like 

to arrange a presentation 

for your group.

Joy or Shawn at 507-532-1325 or joy.bruns@rcrcaa.com