Summary: Minnesota is considered to have abundant water resources, but groundwater is not evenly distributed across the state. These large differences in types and availably of our groundwater resources must be understood and considered in their wise use and management. This presentation will discuss the Minnesota Groundwater Provinces map which summarizes major aquifers and regional differences in aquifers and groundwater resources. The first online version was introduced in 2001. Since then, updates to state geologic mapping have improved some province boundaries and added details that are reflected in the updated 2022 map.

Biography: Paul is the Supervisor and Project Manager for the Minnesota DNR’s County Groundwater Atlas team. The team is responsible for completing detailed mapping of aquifers at the county scale. Prior to taking the supervisor position, Paul was a Lead Hydrogeologist at the DNR developing the agency’s new Groundwater Management Area program and as the Project Manager for the North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area and had extensive involvement determining why water levels got so low in White Bear Lake (Ask about his trial appearance). Before joining the DNR, Paul held positions as Operations Manager, Project Manager and Senior Hydrogeologist over the last 25 years for several national consulting firms.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology/Geophysics from University of Wisconsin, Madison (Go Bucky!) and a Master of Science in Geology from the University of South Florida, Tampa (Go Bulls!). Paul is looking for new ‘age appropriate’ hobbies (sadly, no more hockey) and welcomes your suggestions.