The Confluence is the monthly electronic newsletter of Minnesota Waters, a confluence of the recently merged Minnesota Lakes Association (MLA) and the Rivers Council of Minnesota (RCM). It will provide you with the same up-to-date information and resources on Minnesota’s lakes and rivers you were accustomed to through MLA’s Lake Bulletin and RCM’s Thalweg. If you haven't received this newsletter before, please go to the end of this message for more information.

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.

~ Minnesota Waters Board Member Discusses Zebra Mussel Spread with Channel 5 Eyewitness News

In February, the St. Cloud Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) approached the St. Cloud City Council with a conditional use permit request from Arctic Cat to build an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) test site in the Mississippi Scenic Riverway district. A required public hearing was held on February 21 to discuss the project proposal. Prior to the hearing, a group of concerned citizens and adjacent landowners worked together to develop a petition that required an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) for the project.

Jane Korte, a resident of Haven Township, serves as the Township Board appointed representative for the Scenic Mississippi River and led the effort to secure the EAW.

She has been working for over the past decade to make sure that the river is not forgotten when considering development projects. Many individuals and several groups, such as Audubon, the Izaak Walton League, and the St. Cloud Environmental Coalition started a media campaign to make sure area residents were aware of Arctic Cat’s proposal. Minnesota Waters also lent its support to the citizens group by providing technical assistance regarding state Wild and Scenic Rivers and the decision making process. Jane stated, “It was encouraging to know that I could call Amy or Bruce with Minnesota Waters, who looked at the issue from a bigger overview, and who could lend ideas, insight, and direction toward my overall goal.” After hearing the concerns of citizens along the waterway, Arctic Cat and the St. Cloud HRA decided to withdraw their request and are working with the City of St. Cloud to find another test site. Congratulations to all the citizens and organizations collaborating in this successful effort for water resource protection!

Minnesota Waters Board Member Discusses Zebra Mussel Spread with Channel 5 Eyewitness News

Dick Osgood, Minnesota Waters and Lake Minnetonka Association board member, has been boating on Lake Minnetonka for a dozen years and this year, he’s worried. "We feel that this year, Lake Minnetonka is greatly at risk" for a zebra mussel invasion. Unlike Eurasian watermilfoil, once zebra mussels set in, they cannot easily be controlled. If zebra mussels show up in Lake Minnetonka this summer, boating, fishing, swimming, and walking along the shore of the lake could never be the same. "Once they're established in a lake or river, we can’t get rid of them," said Gary Montz, of the DNR. To read the story or watch the clip, click here.

The quarterly newsletter, a 16-page newspaper print, will offer Minnesota Waters members and supporters detailed coverage of water resource issues and citizen conservation initiatives happening across the state, as well as an in-depth look at Minnesota Waters programming and outreach. If you were not on either the Minnesota Lakes Association or Rivers Council of Minnesota mailing list and would like to receive the newsletter, please contact Keri at the Brainerd office to join Minnesota Waters and add your name and address to the mailing list: kerih@minnesotawaters.org or 218-824-5565. Please note, if you have received any mailings from the Minnesota Lakes Association or the Rivers Council of Minnesota, you are already on the Minnesota Waters mailing list.

COLA and other regional lake leaders from around the state will be invited to attend the first Minnesota Waters Lake Leader Summit on Friday, May 19 in the Brainerd area. The Summit will convene some of Minnesota’s principal local lake leaders to address common watershed challenges, successes and the needs of local lake protection organizations. Summit findings will be used to guide Minnesota Waters program planning and lake association outreach.

Minnesota Waters is planning for the 2006 Lakes and Rivers Conference, September 7-9 at the Duluth Convention Center and we need your input. Please consider which session topics will be most helpful for your organization, river sentinel or lake stewardship initiatives. The conference will also offer an exhibit area for businesses in the field of water resource protection. To share a suggestion for a topic or to inquire about exhibit space for your company, please contact Keri at the Minnesota Waters, Brainerd office: 218-824-5565 or kerih@minnesotawaters.org.

“While we work on the health of our people, we must also work on the health of our natural resources. They help define our quality of life in this beautiful state. The threat to our natural resources is growing faster than our ability to protect them. But to do so properly, we need a plan. I am grateful for the recent efforts to reform the governance of the great outdoors and the use of the Environmental Trust Fund. Please pass these reforms this year. But let’s also take the next step, and fund the development of a long-term, statewide strategic plan for conservation.

I also urge you to pass a Constitutional Amendment to dedicate funding for conservation and clean water. Don’t water it down, don’t make it too broad. Just pass it. In the land of 10,000 lakes, water matters a lot to all of us. Too many of our lakes are in trouble and they need our help. So while we’re waiting for the Constitutional Amendment to pass, let’s make a 20 million dollar investment, right now, for Clean Water Legacy funding. I also urge you to approve my bonding request for 200 million dollars for conservation, the outdoors, and parks. Likewise, let’s pass my proposal to achieve a 90 percent reduction of mercury emissions to keep the air and water clean for our kids. We can also help our environment, and gain economic advantage, by leading further innovation in renewable energy. The world demand for fossil fuels is exploding but the supply is flat. That’s a big problem, which needs to be addressed.” Click here to read or listen to the Governor’s Address in its entirety. To contact the Governor’s Office with your feedback, email tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us or call 800-657-3717.

DNR Study Raises Alarm About Lead Fishing Tackle
Minnesota anglers aren't losing much tackle on each fishing trip, but collectively, tons of lead sinkers and jigs are ending up on lake bottoms. That's the finding of a new study conducted by a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources scientist unveiled at a meeting of the National Society of Conservation Biologists held in Brainerd recently. It's the first scientific study on how much lead tackle is lost in Minnesota lakes. And it could bolster efforts to ban small lead fishing tackle that can kill loons and other water birds that eat it. The study looked at five of the state's more popular walleye fishing lakes — Rainy, Namakan, Leech, Mille Lacs and Lake of the Woods — using survey interviews to find out how much fishing tackle anglers lost.

From 1983 to 2004, using DNR survey data, the study estimates anglers left more than 1 million pieces of lead in Lake Mille Lacs alone. That adds up to more than nine tons of lead over 20 years. Scientists say a single lead jig can kill a loon. The toxic metal can damage nervous and reproductive systems of all mammals and birds. The birds can die within a few days of ingesting the lead. "In critical wildlife areas with high angling effort or high tackle loss rates — prohibiting the use of lead tackle may be necessary," the report concludes. To read John Myers article in its entirety, click here.

A news release from the National Environmental Trust (NET) regarding increasingly early ice-out on Minnesota lakes and others across the nation likely raised some eyebrows. But Minnesota DNR officials say that while trends indicate earlier ice-out than what occurred 100 years ago, the change isn't as drastic as noted by the NET, a non-profit organization established in 1994 to provide information about environmental problems and how they affect individuals and quality of life. The DNR maintains ice-out records on 130 lakes across the state, and most show a trend toward earlier ice-out. How much earlier varies by lake and by region.The longest-running ice-out record comes from Lake Osakis, where records have been kept since 1867. Ice-out appears to be about five days earlier than it was 100 years ago on that lake, or about half a day per decade. Jacek Pruski, of the NET, said earlier ice-out could affect the state's economy, as money spent by ice anglers declines. 'We see this as another sign and it matches trends we've been seeing,' he said. 'It's another way Minnesota and other states will be affected by global warming.' For more on the story click here to read the Outdoor News article.

Riverway Learning Community and Sauk River Watershed District were recently selected as the state finalists for $3,000 grants from Minnesota Project WET's Make A Splash Children's Water Festival Program. These grants are provided from Nestle Waters North America and Minnesota Project WET. The Riverway Learning Community is a charter school located in Minnesota City, northwest of Winona. Their Make A Splash Festival will be at Prairie Island in Winona and will include 600 preschool through high school students. The Lower Sauk River Watershed Make A Splash Festival will be at Millstream Park in Waite Park. Four hundred fourth grade students will be invited. For more information on the Sauk River Watershed District or Minnesota Project WET, see www.srwdmn.org or www.dnr.state.mn.us/projectwet.

The Minnesota Campaign for Conservation is a coalition of citizens and organizations committed to developing long term conservation strategies, funding sources and policy tools that will ensure the preservation of Minnesota’s cherished outdoor traditions for future generations. This report discusses the challenges facing conservation in Minnesota in the next 25 years and examines why the development and implementation of a long-term conservation vision for Minnesota is necessary. To view or download the report, click here.

Mary Blickenderfer, University of Minnesota Extension Service, Shore to Shore Newsletter

If you’ve ever heard the heart-stopping sound of lake ice cracking under your feet, then you have firsthand knowledge of the tremendous power contained in that sheet of ice. What you are hearing (and feeling) when the ice cracks and snaps on cold nights, is the ice contracting in response to cooling air temperatures. The opposite situation causes ice ridges to form – warmer air temperatures cause the whole ice sheet to expand with great force, pushing against the shoreline. Click here to read the article in its entirety.

Fertilizers, leaves, grass clippings, eroded soil, and animal waste are all sources of phosphorus. Soil can retain only so much phosphorus. Once soil has become saturated, excess phosphorus runs off lawns and fields and is carried by rainwater into our lakes, streams, and wetlands. When phosphorus fertilizer is applied to lawns that already have high levels of phosphorus in the soil, much of it becomes phosphorus runoff pollution. And remember, Minnesota passed a statewide law that restricts the use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus, the primary nutrient that turns lakes green with algae. Approximately 25 pounds of phosphorus is added to lakes, wetlands and streams each year from a 100 acre residential development (it takes only one pound of phosphorus to grow 500 pounds of algae). To learn more about phosphorous-free lawn care and what you can do to protect water quality this spring, click here.

The Wisconsin Buffer Initiative is a collection of UW-Madison scientists, farmers, conservation groups, and regulatory agencies that have been working for the past three years to find ways to reduce the amount of phosphorus, sediments, and nitrogen seeping from agricultural lands into state waters. The group focused on the conservation potential of riparian buffers—strips of vegetated land that lie adjacent to water that serve as effective natural filters that absorb pollutants from farmland runoff—and where they can be used most effectively. To download the report, see: http://www.drs.wisc.edu/wbi/

“Climate Neutral Bonding: Building Global Warming Solutions at the State and Local Level”

This report focuses on new local and state policy to address global warming. It provides background and analysis to support a state or local policy that would require construction projects funded with tax-exempt bonds to result in no net increases in greenhouse gases within the community. To read the report, click here.

March 20, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Central Lakes College, Brainerd

This workshop offers an in-depth introduction to the economic benefits, ecological goals, planning techniques, design principles, analytical methodologies, and implementation strategies and monitoring results of the innovative Low Impact Development (LID) technology for urban stormwater management. Attendees will gain an in-depth technical understanding of how to apply integrated management practices to meet local watershed protection and water resources restoration protection goals and regulatory requirements. For more information, contact Crow Wing SWCD at 218-828-6197 or email: harvey.chamberlin@mn.nacdnet.net

Don't miss this day long workshop featuring the latest technology in stormwater management, urban planning, and landscaping for sustainability and functionality! For detailed information and registration forms, please go to www.minnehahacreek.org or contact Julie Westerlund, MCWD Communications and Education Coordinator: 952-471-0590 x 209 or jwesterlund@minnehahacreek.org

University of Minnesota Extension Shoreland Education Program: Raingardens

For more information and to register, contact Mark Basiletti: 763-241-1170 ext. 132 or mark.basiletti@mn.nacdnet.net. For details on all Shoreland Education Workshops in 2006, click here.

The 2006 Shallow Lakes Forum will explore relationships that shallow basins have with watersheds, how land use practices and hydrology alterations impact shallow basin functions, and review shallow lake management as part of a watershed and landscape approach. The conference will elevate the discussion about the forces that shape, and far too often degrade, shallow lake resources here in Minnesota – and how we can all make a difference. See www.shallowlakes.info for agenda and registration information.

Itasca County Lakes Symposium—Fish Weeds and Water: A Delicate Balance

The symposium speakers include Jeff Sundin, Northern Minnesota League of Guides, addressing 20 years of fishing Itasca County lakes and how fishing provides economic viability; Nancy Lange, from the Izaak Walton League, addressing mercury and fish; and Dan Swanson speaking about aquatic vegetation. To learn more about the Symposium, please contact mollyz@minnesotawaters.org.

April 25, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, the Depot and Courtyard by Marriot, 225 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis

From Web-based online communications to emails, podcasts, and databases, nonprofits face the challenge of understanding how, and when, to use the right technology to reach and engage their audiences. The conference is designed to provide an overview of current and emerging technology resources and trends, along with specific hands-on tools, for nonprofits to create High Definition communications to sharpen their organization’s image (and message). Click here for more information.

The 2006 National River Rally will bring together hundreds of river and watershed organizations for throughout the nation and beyond for professional and personal development, education, organizing and celebration. Click here for more information.

River Management Society Biennial Symposium
May 9-12, South Sioux City, Nebraska

RMS is pleased to announce the joint meeting "Collaborating in the Current" - the 8th Biennial RMS Symposium and 10th Annual Missouri River Natural Resources Conference. RMS and MRNRC have issued a Call for Papers to promote the science and understanding of river management. Click here for more information.

National Nonpoint Source Monitoring Workshop: Measuring Project and Program Effectiveness

This workshop will once again bring together land managers and water quality specialists to share information on the effectiveness of best management practices in improving water quality, effective monitoring techniques, and statistical analysis of watershed data. The workshop will focus on the successes of Section 319 National Monitoring Program projects and other innovative projects from throughout the

United States

. For more information, click here.

The Government Training Service (GTS) offers land-use planning workshops designed for citizen planners, elected officials and planning staff. Workshops include “The Basics of Planning & Zoning”, “Beyond the Basics of Planning & Zoning”, “Getting the Most Out of Your Comprehensive Plan” and more. Citizens who want to have a better understanding of land use planning and enforcement are encouraged to attend. See http://www.mngts.org/LandUse/LandUse2006.html for the complete 2006 schedule.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation operates a conservation grants program that awards matching grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible grant recipients, including federal, tribal, state, and local governments, educational institutions, and non-profit conservation organizations. Matching grants are awarded to projects that, among other things, work proactively to involve other conservation and community interests. The Foundation is mandated by Congress to ensure that each federal dollar awarded is leveraged with a non-federal dollar or equivalent goods and services. The Foundation refers to these funds as "matching funds." Project pre-proposals are due April 1. For more information please visit: http://www.nfwf.org/guidelines.cfm

Applications are now available for 2006 grants that help local governments, organizations and individuals throughout the state create partnerships with the MN Department of Natural Resources to fund projects that protect natural resources and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. Grant categories include, but are not limited to: regional parks (outside the metro area), natural and scenic areas, conservation partners/environmental partnerships, fishing piers, and public boat accesses. For details on each program and deadlines, see http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/index.html

To have material included for announcement or to request removal of your name from this mailing list, please send information to info@minnesotawaters.org. Do not reply to the listserv from which you received this message.

Minnesota is truly on top of the “water world” in North America. We are at the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi draining to the Gulf of Mexico, the St. Louis River draining to the Great Lakes and the Red & Rainy Rivers draining to Hudson Bay. The “land of 10,000 lakes” and 92,000 miles of river is blessed not only with an abundance of water resources, Minnesota is also home to countless citizens poised to protect and preserve these resources for generations to come. Minnesota Waters celebrates the coming together of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers, the partnerships of engaged citizens and stewardship-minded leaders, and the inseparable bond connecting Minnesotans with its water. In this light, The Confluence delivers timely news and information on the state of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers, and what citizens, policy makers and organizations can do to protect Minnesota’s priceless water resources, today and tomorrow.

Minnesota Waters promotes responsible stewardship of our water resources by engaging citizens, state and local policy makers and other like-minded partners in the protection and restoration of our lakes and rivers. We achieve our mission through watershed education, citizen monitoring, supporting conservation stewardship, influencing public policy and empowering citizen groups to manage their local water resources.

To have material included for announcement or to request removal of your name from this mailing list, please send information to info@minnesotawaters.org. Do not reply to the listserv from which you received this message.