There are two other relevant efforts in the Red River of the North Basin that tie-in to the RLRCE project.

The first is the “Greenway on the Red.” This regional effort works toward flood damage reduction, community vitality, and water quality and habitat enhancement. The “Greenway on the Red” is an international effort led by Audubon North Dakota with partners from Minnesota, North Dakota, and Manitoba. Local efforts on this project in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks have progressed considerably. In East Grand Forks, the Red River State Recreation Area is one of Minnesota’s newest parks. The park helps protect valuable floodplain space, provides outdoor recreation and camping for community members and visitors, and is the first major link toward greenway planning for the Red Lake River Corridor.

The second effort is the “Red River of the North Historic Canoe Trail.” This effort has been spearheaded by River Keepers (Fargo, ND). The project has many supporters and sponsors and has recently completed an in-depth review/report titled “Development of the Initial Red River of the North Canoe and Boating Route Master Plan” with assistance from researchers at North Dakota State University, Houston Engineering, and the Trails and Waterways Division of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR). This effort was supported by the Minnesota State Legislature through the MN DNR Trails and Waterways Division. The development of that trail will connect with any such effort undertaken on the Red Lake River. The RLRCE Workgroup views these projects as synergistic activities that will help strengthen our efforts and provide continuity throughout the region, particularly for visitors to enjoy our water resources.