The Rum River has over 7 miles of shoreline with some degree of erosion. Riverbank stabilization practices protect property, enhance shoreline habitat, and improve downstream fisheries by improving water clarity and protecting spawning areas. Cedar tree revetments are among the most cost-effective means of addressing moderate riverbank erosion before it worsens.

Anoka County Parks was awarded a Conservation Partners Legacy grant to install 2,500 feet of cedar revetment on eroding sections of the Rum River. ACD was contracted by Anoka County Parks and completed this work between 2023 and 2025. ACD overdelivered by installing 2,933 feet of revetment within available funds.

Cedar tree revetments use Eastern red cedar trees anchored along an eroding riverbank to slow the current. This decreases erosion and allows silt and sand to deposit. The deposited material forms a seedbed. By the time the cedar trees have decayed, the bank is stabilized by the roots of the living trees. 

The MNDNR was excited about what they saw and encouraged Anoka County Parks to continue their revetment program, which is now in its 3rd phase. With the support from the state, Anoka County Parks will likely apply for another phase of funding this coming August.

Restoring streambanks and establishing habitat along public riverbanks will benefit the thousands of Anoka County residents who frequent local parks, as well as Rum River enthusiasts each year. For more information, contact Kris Larson, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Unusable or unwanted chemicals are considered hazardous waste when their disposal poses an environmental or health threat. When disposed of in the garbage, down the drain or on the ground, some household chemicals can threaten our environment, harm garbage collectors or hurt you. Most household hazardous wastes are hazardous because they are flammable, corrosive or toxic.

Characteristic words indicate the type of hazard posed by a product - flammable, corrosive or toxic. Look for the signal words on the label. Signal words - caution, warning, danger, poison - indicate the product's degree of hazard. The facility accepts household hazardous waste from residents of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington counties. Businesses, schools and other organizations may NOT use the HHW facility. There is no charge to use the site. Bring identification, such as a driver's license, as proof of residency.
For more information on hazardous waste, contact the Anoka County Hazardous Waste Facility. Below is a brief list of just some of the accepted household items.  

The majority of the state is currently experiencing drought conditions, including Anoka County. The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) is a map that is updated each Thursday to show the location and intensity of drought across the country. Drought categories show experts' assessments of conditions related to dryness and drought, including observations of how much water is available in streams, lakes, and soils compared to usual for the same time of year.

Each week, drought experts consider how recent precipitation totals across the country compare to their long-term averages. They check variables including temperatures, soil moisture, water levels in streams and lakes, snow cover, and meltwater runoff. Experts also check whether areas are showing drought impacts such as water shortages and business interruptions. To learn more about current drought conditions in Anoka County and other areas of the country visit https://www.drought.gov/states/minnesota/county/anoka.