Southeast RSDP

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Southeast RSDP

The University of Minnesota Extension Southeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (Southeast RSDP) has been serving the region since 1997. Our mission is to work with residents of Southeast Minnesota to create and sustain healthy ecosystems, strong local economies and vibrant, self-reliant communities. We create meaningful collaborations between community and University partners.

The originating board of community members named this partnership the "Experiment in Rural Cooperation" to signify that the goal of our work and projects is to promote forward-thinking experiments in sustainable development.

More information

Geographic region

map of Minnesota with circle over southeast region of the state

The Southeast RSDP covers a range of Minnesota ecological land classifications. Our service areas includes the Mississippi River Blufflands, the Rochester Plateau, the Oak Savanna, and portions of the Big Woods and Minnesota River Prairie.

The Southeast region generally includes, but is not strictly limited to, the following counties: Blue Earth, Faribault, Dodge, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, LeSueur, Mower, Nicollet, Olmsted, Fillmore, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona. It also includes the sovereign Native Nation of Prairie Island Indian Community (Dakota).

Project highlights

Screenshot from Lake Pepin promotional video with a group of fish under water with a branch in the background and vegetation.

Southeast RSDP supported development of a fun and educational video raising awareness of the sedimentation of Lake Pepin. The video was featured in eight film festivals.

An innovative project with the Southeast RSDP is spreading wastewater treatment successes from town to town.

Southeast RSDP is a core planning team member and co-sponsor of Southeast Minnesota Together, a regional collaboration addressing the workforce shortage.

Learn more about projects supported by Southeast RSDP in our storymap.

What's new

You might be interested in these new and upcoming reports and happenings from the Southeast RSDP:

Economic analysis of the Henderson Classic Car Roll In
Principles for Transitioning to Organic Farming eOrganic website

Regional project partnering criteria

Project ideas are submitted to one or more of RSDP’s regional boards based on the location of the project. These project ideas are reviewed based on the following shared criteria:

Community members identify project goals in one or more of the four RSDP sustainable development focus areas.
The project involves meaningful roles for both local community members and University of Minnesota faculty, staff and/or students.
The project engages diverse populations and advances new community collaborations.
The project supports environmental, social and economic sustainability for public purpose or benefit. Project learning or actions will be shared.
Community partners provide leadership and support throughout the life of the project.
Priority may be given to projects that leverage funds or other contributions.