Welcoming 2026

A close-up of an owl perched on a tree branch, surrounded by blurred background foliage. Soft, warm lighting enhances the scene. — Photo by Trent Jonas, Staring Lake

District Update

Excerpt from December 2025 Annual Communication

Across rivers and highways, cities and counties, our watershed connects us all. In 2025, this connection guided our efforts to collaborate with partners old and new to continue our work to protect, manage and restore the ecological functions of our shared water resources.

We began working on our next 10-Year Plan, bringing together natural resources, parks and recreation, and community development staff from cities and other government organizations to serve on our Steering Committee. Their insights will help shape the goals and strategies that guide our work for the decade ahead. Look for more opportunities to participate in the planning process throughout the 2026 calendar year.

Keep reading the 2025 Annual Communication

Winter Salt Week (Jan 26-30) features free online presentations on topics like salinization, smart salting, and advocacy.

Winter Salt Week 2026

Winter Salt Week is January 26-30th and is dedicated to helping communities understand the impacts of salt pollution and explore practical steps we can all take to protect freshwater. Throughout the week, leading experts in environmental science, public works, engineering, and policy will share insights on smarter winter maintenance, community action, and innovative solutions already taking root.

A collage of nature scenes featuring wildlife, flowers, lakes, autumn colors, and a sunset.

Enter the 2026 Photo Contest

Our 2026 Photo Contest is open! We're looking for photos of our watershed to feature in next year's 2027 calendar. We want to see your best photographs that feature our lakes, streams, parks, wildlife, plants, recreation, or anything else outdoors that inspires you. Photos must be taken within the boundaries of the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District.

A 2026 calendar featuring ducks, published by the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District, highlighting conservation.

2026 Calendars Available

Our 2026 wall calendars are here! The calendar was populated with photos taken by community members of our water resources & natural scenes from around the District. A limited quantity of these wall calendars remain; stop by our District office to pick one up.

A warning sign labeled "THIN ICE" stands on a snowy surface, indicating dangerous conditions nearby. Trees and houses are in the background.

Notice of Open Water on Rice Marsh Lake

RPBCWD is currently operating an aeration system on Rice Marsh Lake until ice-off that will result in open water. Anyone on the lake should be aware of the danger of open water and thin ice around the aeration system. This aeration system is necessary to prevent winter fish kill in the lake.

A group of women snowshoeing through a snowy landscape, enjoying the winter outdoors together.

Join us at Chanhassen Feb Fest

Mark your calendars! The 33nd annual February Festival will be held on Saturday, February 7, from 12:00-3:00 p.m. on Lake Ann in Chanhassen. RPBCWD staff will be leading snowshoe tours around the lake. Other activities at this event include an ice fishing contest, snow yoga, door prizes, a medallion hunt, and horse-drawn wagon rides. Over $6,000 in prizes are up for grabs during the annual ice fishing contest!

District Update

Keep reading the 2025 Annual Communication

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