Region 5 Red Lake Nation Stream Monitoring and Management

The Organon is being used collaboratively with Tribal scientists of the Red Lake Nation Department of Natural Resources to develop an improved strategic planning framework for adaptive stream monitoring and management (Figure 1). Through their "Treatment as a State" (TAS) agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Red Lake Nation manages their water resources on the reservation to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act, focusing on protecting beneficial uses like drinking water, aquatic life, recreation, and cultural practices on their lakes and waterways. This allows them to set their own water quality standards and actively participate in managing water resources within Tribal lands. 

The Organon framework and logic model are being used to:

• Provide a more holistic picture of how the different pieces of Red Lake’s stream monitoring and management programs (staffing, funding, projects, and data) contribute toward each step (Figure 2)
• Help pinpoint disconnects within or among Organon steps, to identify areas where Red Lake’s water resource programs can work together more efficiently and effectively and better use monitoring data to inform management
• Showcase where adaptation components are being considered in Red Lake’s programs, and promote discussions about additional actions they can take to further improve resilience
• Support communication and outreach efforts through the Organon’s inclusive collaboration best practices

A number of products and outcomes for Red Lake, which are expected to also be useful to other organizations that implement CWA programs as well, include:

• An inventory report that summarizes where the different pieces of Red Lake’s programs fit into a larger picture and identifies strengths and gaps; the report will be automated so it can be easily updated annually and/or adapted for use by other organizations
• An analysis of potential next steps Red Lake could take to achieve a more integrated monitoring and resilience-based management program, with targeted action items for breaking down barriers and filling in gaps
• An evaluation of lessons learned from the Organon process and refinements for improved future use by Red Lake and other organizations

Results and outcomes of this partner project will be available in 2026.