Bonnie Nelson Appointed to RPBCWD Board of Managers, Jill Crafton Reappointed

Carver County has appointed Bonnie Nelson to fill a seat on the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District (RPBCWD) Board of Managers. Nelson (pictured), a resident of Chanhassen since 1987, is a licensed professional Civil and Environmental Engineer with over 35 years of experience in the environmental field. She recently retired from her role as a Principal Engineer at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, where she served as the Lead Policy and Technical Expert. She has volunteered on the RPBCWD Citizen Advisory Committee since 2023.  

“I am excited by the mission of the District as I care deeply about water quality,” says Nelson, who lives near Lotus Lake. “I feel that my skill set will be an asset to the Board and will add a perspective that is based in science, public service and a broad environmental background.” 

Jill Crafton was also reappointed by Hennepin County for her 6th term on the Board of Managers. Crafton has been a resident of Bloomington for 40 years and was first appointed to the RPBCWD Board of Managers in 2006.  

"I’m deeply honored to be reappointed to the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District board and am excited to carry forward the important water resources and resilience work ahead with our partners,” says Crafton.  

Nelson and Crafton’s appointments fill two of the five seats that comprise the RPBCWD Board of Managers. Four managers are appointed by the Hennepin County Commissioners and one by the Carver County Commissioners. Managers serve three-year terms. Three other seats appointed by Hennepin County were not up for appointment this year.  

Nelson’s and Crafton’s first meeting of their new terms will be at the August regular meeting of the Board of Managers on August 7th at 7:00pm. Information on the meeting can be found here.