[Excerpts from June 24 Governor Pawlenty Press Release]
Governor Tim Pawlenty today outlined his vision for improving the state's water quality — a plan that effectively addresses one of Minnesotans' top environmental concerns. During a speech to more than 250 environmental stakeholders from across the state, the Governor reiterated his administration's commitment to protecting the lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater so important to Minnesota's exceptional quality of life.

Governor Pawlenty said the priorities of his clean water vision include: keeping Minnesota's waters clean by protecting them from present and future threats; ensuring safe water to sustain healthy communities; maintaining an accurate and realistic picture of the condition of Minnesota's waters so citizens and policymakers can effectively respond; and working aggressively within our means to restore waters that have been the casualties of society's progress.

Part of the Governor's vision for clean water also includes a 'watershed approach,' which recognizes the unique and diverse challenges from one part of the state to the next. The Governor stated that in each of four areas -- the Red River Valley, Metro Area, Brainerd Lakes Area, and Southeast Minnesota, "... we'll be identifying one or two watersheds to demonstrate how a new, coordinated approach can work. This isn't simply going to be the State swooping in and imposing some new regulations and projects. Working in concert with local governments and private partners, watersheds will be selected based on measurable, achievable outcomes."

The Governor also said his administration is working on an ambitious proposal for the next generation of Minnesota's Conservation Resource Enhancement Program (CREP) to achieve clean water goals.

Full Release
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