Use examples

The WHAF reveals important information about our historic landscapes at different spatial scales. An understanding of how natural systems functioned in the past and how they have changed will inform more sustainable use of our water, land, and biological resources into the future.

• Use examples:
  • Wiser about Water Use
  • Exploring Change over Time; Alexandria, MN
• Maps and reports:
  • Watching Climate Change - Animated Maps (select from table)
  • Climate Summary for Watersheds, Statewide

We know that the history of our land is deeply connected to the shape and health of our lakes, streams, and rivers. Understanding the ways our land and water features have been altered can inform thoughtful decisions about how we manage our interconnected resources. 

• Use example:
  • Connecting lakes and lakesheds: How healthy is our lake?
  • Explore Land Cover - North Fork Crow River Watershed
  • Groundwater Recharge through Restorable Wetlands

• Concept:
  • Land Cover Changed; Why Does it Matter?

Exploring ecological context sets the stage for understanding how features of the landscape influence a range of expected watershed responses. The WHAF provides some great tools to help you consistently and efficiently review the ecological context that influences Minnesota’s watersheds.

• Use examples
  • Using the Watershed Context Report - Root River
• Concepts
  • The Five Component Framework
• Maps and reports
  • Select the Watershed Context Report for your watershed
  • Open the Context Report Appendix to open the related WHAF maps
  • Open the Land Cover Application to view land cover across scales.

Use the Set Scale tool to map and explore watershed boundaries in the WHAF map. The Use Examples show how a range of scales will reveal additional insights as you investigate a natural resource challenge or question.

• Use example:
  • Mapping Watershed Boundaries
  • Watershed Scales and the Pine River Watershed
  • Managing Mussels in the St. Croix River
• Concept:
  • Why are Watershed Boundaries Important?
  • What is a Watershed?

Save your WHAF map as a URL link. This lets you email it to someone else, save and re-open for future use, or embed the link in another document.

• Use example:
  • Build a URL Link Library
  • Altered Watercourses in the Yellow Medicine Watershed
• Maps and reports:
  • Watershed Context Report Appendix – Links to WHAF Maps