About Us

The International Rainy Lake of the Woods Watershed Board (the Board) was founded January 2013, from an amaglmation of the International Rainy-Lake Control Board and the International Rainy River Pollution Board, with water quality responsibilities for Lake of the Woods.

The Board was formed to assist with binational coordination of water quality efforts for the entire transboundary watershed and to coordinate the management of the water levels and flows on the Rainy River and Rainy Lake. 

The Board is also tasked with developing a water quality plan of study for Lake of the Woods to identify the scientific work needed to address transboundary water issues. Priority issues to be examined include nutrient enrichment and harmful algal blooms; aquatic invasive species; climate change indicators and the development of adaptation measures; and contamination of ground and surface water from sulphides and heavy metals.