The Mississippi River Headwaters’ Master Plan is a strategic land use document that will continue to guide the Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, in the years to come. The plan, while conceptual in nature, serves as the vision for both environmental stewardship and recreation as the Corps continues to serve the public.

The plan provides guidance and facilitates the management of resources located within the Mississippi River Headwaters projects. To ensure consideration of natural and cultural resources, the St. Paul District  drafted an Environmental Assessment to identify and evaluate potentially significant impacts as a result of the master plan.

The plan, last updated in 2016, focuses on what could and should happen over the life of the projects, but is flexible enough to adapt to unforeseen or changing conditions. The plan also includes all lands (fees, easements or other interests) acquired for the project to support operations and authorized missions. This plan also guides and articulates the Corps’ responsibilities pursuant to applicable federal laws, policies and regulations.

Developed by a Corps interdisciplinary team, the plan includes coordination with local, state and federal agencies and tribal representatives, along with input from the special interest groups and members of the public.

Plan goals and objectives

The primary goals of the plan include:
• Establishing an overall land use management plan;
• Identifying resource objectives; and
• Identifying associated design and management concepts.

By definition, Corps of Engineers master plans for reservoirs, land and recreational use do not address:
• Technical aspects of water level management;
• Regional water quality;
• Shoreline management; or
• Operation and maintenance of project facilities. 

Click here to view the Mississippi River Headwaters Master Plan, as updated in 2017.