How much does the quality of water in Minnesota's lakes, streams and rivers mean to you? And how do you think leaders should use the state's resources to keep the waters of the Brainerd lakes area healthy?

Melissa Barrick of the Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District joins the DispatchCast to discuss the One Watershed, One Plan process underway in Crow Wing and Cass counties -- meant to take a comprehensive approach to conservation efforts in the Pine River Watershed. The federal government considers the Pine one of the most important watersheds from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic Ocean, and it contains more than 500 miles of rivers and streams and more than 400 lakes of 10 acres or larger. Within its boundaries are the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, Pelican Lake and the Pine River, a tributary of the Mississippi River.

Listen in as Barrick explains the importance of watershed planning to protect one of the area's most precious and economically important resources.

For more information and to take part in the watershed planning discussion, visit crowwingswcd.org or call 218-828-6197.

Host/Producer: Chelsey Perkins

Guest: Melissa Barrick