Established in1967, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District is a local unit of government responsible for managing and protecting the water resources in one of the largest and most heavily-used urban watersheds in Minnesota. Recognizing the relationship between natural and built environments, the watershed district works in partnership with public and private sectors to help protect and improve natural systems, invest in public infrastructure and improve the quality of water and life in its communities. The watershed encompasses 178 square miles and includes Lake Minnetonka, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, Minnehaha Creek and Minnehaha Falls.

The Board is composed of seven members. The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners appoints six members and the Carver County Board of Commissioners appoints one member. Members serve three year terms and may not be a public office of the county, state or federal government, and must be a resident of the watershed.

Minnesota Statutes Section 103D.311, Subdivision 3 provides that watershed managers in the metropolitan area may be nominated jointly or severally by towns and municipalities in the watershed district.  

Hennepin County has scheduled the opening of applications for November 12, 2023, with a deadline of December 29, 2023.  All eligible nominations must be transmitted to the County by January 8, 2024