Center for Freshwater Research and Policy

The Center for Freshwater Research and Policy facilitates communication among scholars from various fields at UMD, including the Large Lakes Observatory, Natural Resources Research Institute, and Minnesota Sea Grant, who are working on issues in freshwater research and policy, and attempts to foster communication between those working in this area at UMD and various external constituencies.

The Goals of the Center are to –

• Promote freshwater research and policy work being conducted at UMD
• Establish or sponsor special events that foster communication among aquatic scholars, private and governmental organizations, policy makers, and the public
• Facilitate collaborative efforts in aquatic research and freshwater policy issues
• Expand international cooperation in freshwater research and policy
• Create national and international opportunities for training in aquatic sciences
• Address inquiries by decision makers and stakeholders about freshwater issues, threats, and solutions

Duluth, Minnesota offers an ideal natural environment for the study of freshwater. It is situated on the shores of Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, and down the road from the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness, in the heart of Minnesota’s 'land of 10,000 lakes.’ The region also features a wide variety of groundwater aquifers, rivers and wetlands.  

Amid this unique landscape, Duluth has become an internationally recognized center for research in freshwater. The conjunction of a university, research institutes, federal and state agencies, and the local aquarium make Duluth a thriving center for research and dissemination of knowledge on freshwater issues. The Center for Freshwater Research and Policy is engaged in an ongoing effort to coordinate activities and promote communication among these entities.