VLAWMO’s mission is to protect and enhance the water resources within the watershed. Activities we work on include water quality monitoring, wetland protection, water quality enhancement projects.

The watershed approach to protecting our vital water resources has become the primary approach across the country. Since water flows across political boundaries, partnerships among local governments, regional, state and federal agencies are vital. Land and water stewardship protects not only protect local resources, but also those downstream from pollution and degradation.

VLAWMO covers approximately 25 square miles in the northeast metropolitan area. The watershed encompasses the City of North Oaks and portions of the Cities of White Bear Lake, Gem Lake, Vadnais Heights, Lino Lakes, and White Bear Township. For a larger image of the picture, please go to the Watershed Maps page.

VLAWMO works in conjunction with the St. Paul Regional Water Service (SPRWS) on many water quality monitoring and improvement projects. Water from the Mississippi River is pumped through a chain of lakes (Charley – Pleasant – Sucker – Vadnais) and Vadnais Lake is used as the drinking water reservoir for the City of St. Paul. Lambert Creek flows through the VLAWMO watershed and enters Vadnais Lake as well. Click here to learn more about projects VLAWMO and SPRWS have worked on recently.

VLAWMO is governed by a Board of Directors and has a Technical Commission and Citizen’s Advisory Committee.

To learn more about the organization and governance of VLAWMO, click here.