Overview

The Rum River watershed covers 997,060 acres in east-central Minnesota. The watershed lies within both the Northern Lakes and Forests and North Central Hardwoods Forest ecoregions.  Parts of Aitkin, Crow Wing, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Benton, Isanti, Chisago, Sherburne, and Anoka counties are in the Rum watershed. The headwaters for the Rum begin at Mille Lacs Lake. and the river flows 145 miles to its confluence with the Mississippi River at Anoka.

The Rum River watershed includes 212 lakes that are over 10 acres in size. Land use in the Rum River watershed is 39% agricultural, 24% forested, 18% grass/shrub/wetland, and 15% water.

Only a handful of lakes do not meet water quality standards for beneficial uses, such as aquatic recreation, drinking, and swimming. The main lake pollutant is phosphorus, causing algae blooms in summer months. The Rum River is designated as a "wild and scenic river." The upper river valley has one of the highest concentrations of prehistoric sites in Minnesota.

(Credit: MPCA)

Rum River Watershed Partnership

The Rum River Watershed Partnership (RRWP) is a group of local and tribal government units within the Rum River Watershed, as well as their partners from state and federal agencies, non-profits, citizens, and other stakeholders. The RRWP works together to unify strategy for water management in the watershed through the Rum River Comprehensive Management Plan.

Visit the dedicated Rum River Watershed Partnership webpage (hosted by Mille Lacs SWCD)