As part of its mission to conserve and protect natural resources, the Upper Big Blue NRD has been involved in several large-scale dam and reservoir projects since 1983. These multi-purpose projects are designed for flood and erosion control, groundwater recharge, and used in progressive groundwater research. The additional benefit of these projects is the opportunity for outdoor recreation. The NRD has developed five sites where anyone can enjoy free activities, such as fishing, boating, hiking, as well as winter sports such as skiing, sledding, tobogganing, snowshoeing, snowmobile riding, and ice skating. These sites also provide habitat for wildlife. Camping is available at some sites April through October.