Originally published in the Park Bugle, July 2026.
Rain that falls in St. Anthony Park eventually makes its way to the Mississippi River, connecting our neighborhood to one of Minnesota’s most important natural resources.
For the past several years, St. Anthony Park resident Michael Lukes has represented Saint Paul on the Board of Commissioners of the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO), helping guide efforts to protect water quality, improve habitat, reduce flooding, and invest in environmental projects throughout the watershed.
Now, as Mike’s term comes to a close, the St. Anthony Park Community Council (SAPCC) is seeking interested community members to serve as Saint Paul’s next representative to the MWMO.
The MWMO is a joint-powers watershed organization that serves communities across the urban watershed draining directly to the Mississippi River. Its member communities include Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Lauderdale, Columbia Heights, Fridley, Hilltop, St. Anthony Village, and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. Together, these partners work to improve water quality, restore habitat, manage stormwater, and support environmental stewardship throughout the watershed.
The organization oversees approximately $1.8 million in annual watershed investments and meets every other month. Commissioners help establish priorities, approve budgets, review projects, and provide long-term leadership for protecting one of Minnesota’s most important natural resources.
“The work of the MWMO may not always be visible, but it has a direct impact on the health of our river, our lakes, our neighborhoods, and future generations,” said Lukes. “Serving as a commissioner gave me the opportunity to help shape projects that make a real difference in our community. I’d encourage anyone with an interest in environmental stewardship to consider stepping forward.”
Mike was nominated by SAPCC in 2022 based on his extensive experience as a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, his service in the United States Navy, and his longstanding commitment to local environmental initiatives. At the time of his nomination, SAPCC cited his expertise in stormwater, flooding, climate change, and natural resource management as valuable assets for the role.
The position is voluntary and includes a small honorarium. While environmental experience is welcome, SAPCC encourages anyone with an interest in conservation, sustainability, climate resilience, water resources, or public service to learn more. Commissioners are expected to bring thoughtful judgment, a collaborative spirit, and a willingness to represent the public interest.
SAPCC extends its sincere thanks to Mike for his years of service as Saint Paul’s representative to the MWMO. He has brought both professional expertise and a deep love for this community to the role, helping ensure that local voices are part of important conversations about the future of our waterways. While his term as commissioner is coming to an end, Mike will continue to volunteer with SAPCC’s Environment Committee and remain actively involved in local environmental initiatives.
“Mike has been an outstanding representative for Saint Paul and St. Anthony Park,” said Zev Radziwill, Executive Director of SAPCC. “We’re grateful for his service and hope this opportunity inspires another community member to step forward and continue that work.”
For those looking for a meaningful way to serve their community while helping protect the Mississippi River and the watershed that surrounds it, this may be the opportunity.
Interested residents are encouraged to contact SAPCC at director@sapcc.org to learn more or express interest. Applications will be reviewed by SAPCC’s Environment Committee before a nomination is forwarded to the appropriate appointing authorities.