From the Headwaters

Our summer Commissioner podcast series continues! In the latest episode of From the Headwaters , we're joined by State Water Commissioner Jay Volk to look back on the recent Lower Missouri Basin Meeting, discuss some of the conversations and priorities that came out of the meeting, and hear his perspective on what's ahead for water in the region. Tune in to the latest episode, and stay with us thr...

Our summer series of conversations with State Water Commission members continues with Commissioner James Odermann, who represents the Little Missouri, Upper Heart, and Upper Cannonball Basins. In this episode, Commissioner Odermann discusses water priorities in western North Dakota, the importance of local input, and what attendees can expect at his upcoming Basin Meeting. Listen now, and if you'r...

We're kicking off our Commissioner-Hosted Basin Meeting podcast series with Commissioner Jason Zimmerman of Minot, who represents the Mouse River Basin on the State Water Commission. Join us as we discuss water priorities in the basin, upcoming opportunities for public involvement, and what Commissioner Zimmerman is looking forward to at his Basin Meeting. Stay tuned as we continue our conversatio...

What happens when you hand a microphone to kids and let them interview their parents... and then let the parents interview them back? A lot of laughs, some surprisingly thoughtful answers, and a whole lot of fun!

In this episode, we sit down with Wade Bachmeier and Ken Royse to talk about the Missouri River Joint Water Board's EAE Program — Educate, Advocate, and Engage — and the important work being done to support the future of Missouri River water management in North Dakota.

We are joined by Lance Yohe, the U.S. Commissioner for the International Joint Commission. Lance has spent more than 25 years working on cross-border water issues in the Red River Basin and across the U.S.–Canada border. In our conversation, we talk about the role of the International Joint Commission, how it helps the United States and Canada work together on shared water challenges, and some of...

Part II continues the roundtable discussion marking 120 years of the Office of the State Engineer, focusing on Devils Lake and other major challenges that tested leadership, shaped policy, and changed the future of water management in North Dakota.

To celebrate 120 years of the Office of the State Engineer, we brought together several former State Engineers — and the current one — for an unscripted conversation about the work, the people, and the moments that shaped the agency. Part 1 covers everything from rural water expansion to major floods, funding changes, and how the role has evolved over time.

In this episode, we sit down with James Odermann, who was appointed to the North Dakota State Water Commission by Governor Doug Burgum in 2021. From the history of the Southwest Pipeline Project to the future of water management in North Dakota, James shares insights shaped by decades of local experience and public service. Recorded earlier this summer, this extended conversation dives into how wa...

In this episode, we interviewed DWR director, Reice Haace for an update on the work the agency is doing across the state, from infrastructure improvements to long term water planning and everything in between. So whether you're a policymaker, a local water user, or just curious about how water shapes life in North Dakota, you're in the right place.