The Confluence                 November 2006

The Confluence is the monthly electronic newsletter of Minnesota Waters. This newsletter will provide you with up-to-date information and resources on Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.  If you haven't received this newsletter before, please go to the end of this message for more information.

"A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty

of the biotic community.  It is wrong when it tends otherwise." 

                                  Aldo Leopold, Sand County Almanac

In this issue:

Minnesota Waters News

~ Interested in Reprints of IQ Magazine?

~ Support Minnesota Waters and Receive Rivers of America

~ New Minnesota Waters Website to Launch Soon

Election News

~ Three Suburbs Vote for Changes to Open Space

~ Sportsman Get Their Point Across

Hot Off the Press

~ Mississippi River Wild and Scenic River Rules Update Ready for Review

~ Vote for the New Critical Habitat License Plate

~ Pine River Watershed Survey Results Released

~ The Wild and Sad Cry of the Loon Will Be Missed

Resources for Lake and Stream Stewardship

Conferences, Confabs and Conglomerations

The Bucks Start Here- Funding Resources

~ Minnesota Waters News ~

Interested in Reprints of IQ Magazine?

Members of Minnesota Waters recently received the Fall issue of the IQ (Initiative Quarterly) magazine published by Initiative Foundation and Evergreen Press in lieu of a 4^th quarter Minnesota Waters newsletter. This issue was published in collaboration with Minnesota Waters and was devoted to stories about citizens making a difference in protecting and restoring healthy lakes and rivers.  Entitled “True Blue: Preserving Our Greatest Gift”, the Fall issue has received statewide acclaim and Minnesota Waters has received many requests for reprints of the magazine. If you or your organization is interested in bulk quantities of the magazine for distribution to members, clients, or other water stewards, please contact annan@minnesotawaters.org and indicate the quantity you might like to distribute. This will help us determine the lowest possible reprint cost. A reprinting in the spring is anticipated.

Support Minnesota Waters and Receive Rivers of America

As the Holiday season of giving gifts approaches, please consider a gift to Minnesota Waters to help support its mission of promoting responsible stewardship of Minnesota’s 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. With a gift of $500 or more, you will receive a complimentary copy of Tim Palmer’s new book, Rivers of America—a $40 value. Tim has been involved with rivers since 1970 as a writer, photographer, planner, conservationist, speaker and consultant to citizen organizations and has received many national awards. Rivers of Life is the newest of 17 books he has written.  Minnesota Waters embers will be receiving a gift opportunity card soon. Others who are interested in joining Minnesota Waters and/or donating to the protection of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers are invited to click here.  Thank you for your support.

New Minnesota Waters Website to Launch Soon

A new Minnesota Waters website will be ready for launch in early 2007—get ready to use this great resource to help in your work in protecting and improving your lake, river or watershed!  You can get started by viewing Minnesota Waters temporary website at www.minnesotawaters.org as well as utilizing the many resources still available on the Minnesota Lakes Association and Rivers Council of Minnesota websites. Along with the new website, the template for lake association websites—hosted free by Minnesota Waters for its members—is being updated. Watch for more news next month!

~Election News~

Three Suburbs Vote to Preserve Open Space

Concern over growth brought recent voters' approval in three Twin City areas of a special tax levy for open spaces. In last week’s election, a $20 million open-space plan won big in Washington County, while voters in the suburbs of Andover and Plymouth approved similar measures. “The bottom line is that Minnesotans understand that they're being called to do more for conservation," said Cordelia Pierson of the Trust for Public Lands, one of the advocacy groups that pushed for the Washington County measure.  “A Washington County survey taken in March showed that growth and development were of more concern to residents than even taxes, and last week’s 61 percent voter approval supported that” said Pierson. Also last Tuesday, Andover voters approved $2 million for water, wildlife and natural habitat areas, and Plymouth voters said yes to $9 million for open space, greenways and parks. The recent election brings the Minnesota total for local conservation measures to 22 approved ballot questions since 1988. Dakota County was the first county in Minnesota to approve a land-preservation proposal when voters in 2002 approved a $20 million measure.

Sportsman Get Their Point Across

According to Dennis Anderson, columnist for the Star Tribune, some legislators didn’t think an election could be won or lost over conservation issues. For Dean Johnson, former Senate majority leader, that presumption may have cost him re-election as a repercussion of the 2006 legislature’s failure to pass a dedicated conservation funding bill.  Following the bills defeat, a handful of disappointed sportsman formed a political action committee (PAC) to defeat Johnson. Their group, Sportsmanforchange.org, purchased media and campaigned heavily against Johnson in his Kandiyohi district with key hunters and anglers there. While they weren’t solely responsible for Johnson’s defeat, their efforts did show the impact of grassroots support for an issue.  For the full article, see: http://www.startribune.com/533/story/800847.html

~ Hot Off the Press ~

Mississippi River Wild and Scenic River Rules Update Ready for Review

Excerpted from the St. Cloud Times, November 11, 2006  

Proposed rules governing how much Mississippi River shoreline can be developed are ready for public scrutiny after a three-year delay. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking for comments on the proposed rules, which allow more local control over development along the river between St. Cloud and Anoka, a 53-mile stretch of the Mississippi protected under the state's Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The designation gives the DNR the authority to set stricter development standards for the shoreline, such as requiring houses to be built on larger lots and farther from the river.

The DNR began updating its management plan for the Mississippi River in the late 1990s. The agency released a draft plan in 2003 and held public hearings, but staffing changes and cutbacks at the agency stalled the plan until recently, said Randall Doneen, DNR river planner. The proposed rules are similar to the 2003 management plan, Doneen said. The biggest changes would create four new types of zones allowing different levels of development: 1) Rivertown: Developed areas, including cities such as St. Cloud and Elk River; 2) Rivertown expansion: Areas adjacent to cities such as St. Cloud, Elk River and Ramsey, where growth is likely to occur; 3) Rural residential: Unincorporated areas, including between Clear Lake and Becker, where lots must be at least 2 acres; and 4) Rural open space: Rural areas, such as between St. Cloud and Clear Lake, where lots must be at least 4 acres.

One of the most controversial proposals, Doneen said, is to allow cities and counties to decide what development standards should apply in rivertown and rivertown expansion zones. That means the required minimum lot size in those zones could vary from one city or county to the next, instead of following a state standard. Currently, the DNR must certify any variance to the rules approved along the Wild and Scenic portion of the river. But under the new rules, the DNR would no longer need to authorize variances in rivertown and rivertown expansion zones, Doneen said. That change worries Jane Korte, a Haven Township resident, a member of Minnesota Waters, and advocate of maintaining the river's scenic beauty. "What we are concerned about is the local control," Korte said. “While the DNR often approves developments along the Mississippi, its experts also frequently offer good input on how to minimize the impact to the river”, she said.

Doneen said the proposed rules try to strike a balance between protecting the river and adding some additional development where it makes sense. The entire approval process is expected to take about two years, Doneen said, meaning the rules won't take effect until early to mid-2008. After that, cities and counties are given six months to update their ordinances regulating river shoreline development; the DNR must approve those ordinances. Click here to view the rules. Comments should be submitted before Jan. 12 to Rebecca Wooden, Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, Box 32, St. Paul, MN 55155;  (651) 259-5717 or e-mail her at rebecca.wooden@dnr.state.mn.us.

Vote for the New Critical Habitat License Plate

The DNR recently conducted a design contest for a third Critical Habitat License Plate. A panel of judges from various disciplines has selected the finalists. You can vote online for your choice.

more http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/contests/critical_habitat.html

Pine River Watershed Survey Results Released

The results of a random survey sent to 3,500 residents in the Pine River Watershed were recently presented by the Pine River Watershed Steering Committee. Residents were asked to identify issues they believe are critical to the watershed area, which covers 785,000 square miles of northern Crow Wing and central Cass counties, and encompasses 62,000 acres of lakes, including the popular Whitefish Chain, 61,000 acres of shrub swamp, and 24,000 acres of bog. The Pine River Watershed is part of the Mississippi Watershed.

Ron Meyer, Chair of the Steering Committee, said, “We needed the resident input to drive our planning process for a watershed management plan.” He also added, “We asked the people who attended public meetings where the survey results were presented to help the Committee prioritize the issues identified so the most critical issues could be addressed first.”  The top three issues identified from the meetings were development growth, public information and education, and phosphorus sources across the watershed affecting water quality. In developing the Watershed Plan, the Committee will address issues of importance to both shoreland and non-shoreland property owners and all local governments will receive a copy of the survey results and plan when completed. For more information on the survey or the Pine River Watershed, contact Ron Meyer at rnsmeyer@tds.net.

The Wild & Sad Call of the Loon Will Be Missed

As winter sets in, we will miss the wild and sad call of the loon until spring arrives. They are the symbol of the wilderness and tranquility that defines the state of Minnesota. Here are some facts you might not know. For example, the law that made the common loon the state bird was passed in 1961 and co-sponsored by Senator Clifford Lofvegren of Alexandria.  The loon’s name is Norweigian (no wonder they like Minnesota) and comes from a word that means “wild and sad cry.”  Loons do not fly high because their wings are so small compared with the rest of their body and because they weigh so much (8-12 pounds). It can take up to a fourth of a mile for them to take off. They can swim down up to 250 feet. For more facts on the common loon—memories to sustain us until the wild and sad cry is heard once again—click here for the complete article from the Alexandria Echo press.

~ Resources for Lake and Stream Stewardship ~

Global Warming 101 Newsletter Debuts

Global Warming 101 is an initiative of the Will Steger Foundation, founded in January 2006 to raise awareness of global warming as witnessed through Will Steger’s polar expeditions. Their brand new newsletter is now available online. Click here to see the first edition.

A Definition of Sustainable Living:

Meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Take the Minnesota Energy Challenge

The Minnesota Energy Challenge is a statewide initiative to encourage homeowners, renters, business owners, educators, local governments, and students to reduce their electricity and energy use. Changing to high efficiency lighting, unplugging a second refrigerator, using a set back thermostat, combining trips and driving a little more carefully are all ways that you can save money and help reduce Minnesota’s emissions and ultimately reduce mercury contamination of our waters and global warming. It’s about individuals taking actions to reduce their own use and then empowering their neighbors, friends and employers to do the same. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Click here to find out more.

Report Natural Resource Violations Online

A new online service allows people to report natural resource violations that do not require an immediate response from a conservation officer. The form is available at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/enformcement/tipreporting.html and can be used to report violations on public and private lands or waters, illegal hunting or fishing and other violations that occur in Minnesota. The online reporting will augment the TIP (Turn In Poachers) hotline. If a violation is in progress or ongoing it should be reported to the TIP hotline at 800-652-9093; the information and the person reporting can be kept confidential. Persons reporting violations are asked to obtain as much information from observation as possible, and to report all violations as soon as possible. If an arrest is initiated, the person reporting the violation may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000, depending upon the seriousness of the crime.

New Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently released a draft guide to help communities, watershed organizations, and local, state, tribal and federal environmental agencies to develop and implement watershed plans to meet water quality standards and protect water resources. The Handbook for Developing Water Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters offers practical tips and a robust framework to help any and all local or regional watershed planning efforts. The Handbook should be particularly useful to those working to improve and restore impaired or threatened waters. You can order a free paper copy of the Handbook from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications by contacting NSCEP at (800) 490-9198 or by e-mail at ncepimal@one.net, and request EPA document number EPA-841-B-05-005. The Handbook can also be downloaded at www.epa.gov/nps/watershed_handbook.

Climate Change: Adapt or Bust?

For those audiences that may be more trusting of climate change assessments from a financially conservative, data-driven institution that looks decades into the future to assess risk, the Lloyd’s of London’s new 17-page report on climate change may be useful in convincing them that climate change is real.  The report, available directly at http://tinyurl.com/n3em5, includes one-page summaries, with graphics on greenhouse gases, land and air temperatures, unstable climates, rain and snow, and more. See http://www.lloyds.com/360

Frequently Asked Questions About Lakes

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website provides answers a number of frequently asked questions about lakes—questions and answers about good lake stewardship and filler for your lake association newsletters. Click here to find answers to questions such as: What causes foam on my shoreline? How does a lot of boat traffic affect the water quality of a lake? What causes the dark clouds and oily sheen I sometimes see in the lake? What causes the root beer color in some lakes? and more.

~ Conferences, Confabs and Conglomerations ~

Green by Design Conference:  How to Plan and Build Healthy, Sustainable Affordable Housing and Communities in Greater Minnesota

November 20, Brainerd—November 21, Mankato—November 28, Grand Rapids
These regional conferences presented by the Minnesota Green Communities, Family Housing Fund, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, Enterprise and supported by the Blandin Foundation are day-long trainings on state-of-the-art green building practices for developers, builders, architects, policy makers, and funders working in greater Minnesota. The training will focus on how to create affordable, healthy, energy-efficient homes in sustainable communities, highlighting the unique opportunities and challenges of green building in greater Minnesota. Topics of special emphasis include increasing local energy self-reliance, healthy homes, protecting local water quality, sustainable development planning and natural resource preservation. The cost to attend a conference is $35; $10 for students. A detailed conference agenda and online registration is available at: http://www.greencommunitiesonline.org/Minnesota/

Carbon & the Minnesota Landscape: Setting the Agenda

November 21, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; Coffman Union, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

Registration deadline is November 14

Hear Kenneth Richards of Indiana University speak on launching the national carbon sequestration strategy. Dr. Richards is author of a new report, prepared for the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, “Agricultural and Forestlands: U.S. Carbon Policy Strategies”. Then, participate in setting the agenda for terrestrial carbon sequestration policy in Minnesota. For more information and to register, click here.

PLT, WET, WILD, Aquatic WILD K-8 workshop  

December 1 – December 2; 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley

Registration is due by Nov. 21, 2006

This fun, interactive workshop is for K-8 educators who want to strengthen their existing curriculum with natural resources-based education. Participants will get PLT (forestry and environmental education), WET (water education), WILD (wildlife education), and WILD Aquatic (aquatic wildlife) activity guides which contain hundreds of interdisciplinary, effective activities that are aligned with Minnesota academic standards. All participants also get continuing education units (CEUs) along with posters and other classroom materials. For more information, contact: Laura Duffey 651-259-5263 or 888-646-6367  laura.duffey@dnr.state.mn.us

~ The Bucks Start Here ~ Funding Resources

DNR Pilot Grant Applications for Lakewide Control of Aquatic Invasive Species Announced

Applications for the 2007 DNR grant program for pilot projects for lakewide control of Curly-leaf pondweed or Eurasian watermilfoil are now available on the DNR website at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/habitat/lakewide.html This is year two of a pilot grant program funded with appropriations from the legislature in 2005.  Last year six lake associations were assisted in their efforts at lakewide control of aquatic invasive species. For more information, contact Wendy Crowell at the DNR at 651-259-5085 or email:  wendy.crowell@dnr.state.mn.us.  

MPCA 2007 Environmental Assistance Grant Program

Preliminary Application Deadline November 27

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Environmental Assistance Grant Program is a competitive, two-stage application process to identify and assist projects that will be most beneficial in meeting the Agency’s mission of working with Minnesotans to protect, conserve, and improve Minnesota’s air, land and water resources. Approximately $500,000 is available for the 2007 Environmental Assistance, appropriated by the Minnesota Legislature to provide financial assistance in the development of environmentally sustainable practices in Minnesota through voluntary partnerships and goal-oriented, economically driven approaches to pollution prevention and resource conservation.

Open Grant Round for awards to projects in the following four focus areas.

1. Advancing the goals of increased renewable energy generation, energy efficiency gains, and greenhouse gas reductions.
2. Best uses of solid waste.
3. Storm water pollution prevention and assistance.
4. Increasing environmentally sustainable actions (geographically-focused towards communities in the two-thirds of the state that is part of the greater Lake Pepin watershed, including the Minnesota River Valley).

Maximum grant is $40,000 or 75% of the total project cost, whichever is less.  The applicant must provide a minimum 25% match of the total project funds.  The match may be in the form of in-kind services or cash, but can not be funds derived from funding sources administered by the MPCA. For more information, see: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/grants/eagrants.html

Lake Superior Coastal Grants

Application Deadline December 1

Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program offers annual, federal-matching grant funds for projects that address coastal issues. The annual grant program for Section 306 is targeted for studies, plans, research, administration and education and interpretation projects that directly relate to Lake Superior coastal resources.  All studies and design project sites must be located within the coastal boundary. The application deadline is December 1. For more information and an application, click here.

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.                             

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