The State of Minnesota is looking to clean up the Knife River.
Since 1998, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) says the waterway has been on a list for excess turbidity.
Currently, state officials are seeking public input in an effort to tackle the problem.
The MPCA says erosion is the primary culprit.
Because of significant eroding soil along the more than 20-mile river, water clarity has become a concern. Experts say excess sediment in a waterway can affect the development of organisms.
The MPCA says a significant portion of the problem has come from property owners clearing land along the banks, which creates more erosion.
Officials say that in turn has an adverse effect on organisms that call the Knife River home.
"This erosion that's contributing to the problems of the river can affect fish in terms of their eggs...getting covered up so they will die," said Anne Moore, MPCA public information officer.
The MPCA is asking Northlanders to submit their concerns to them by May 12th. The feedback will be used to help create a restoration plan.
Right now the University of Minnesota is researching the issue in an effort to remediate the problem. Experts say restoration work could begin as early as this season.
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