The Confluence                           October    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.

 

"I believe there is only one conflict, and that is between short-term
and long-term thinking. In the long term, the economy and the environment

are the same thing.  If it is un-environmental is it uneconomic.  That is a rule of nature." 

Mollie Beattie (former director U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1947-1996)

In this issue:

 

Minnesota Waters News

~ Ask Candidates to Be Your Voice for Minnesota’s Waters

~ Six Groups Participate In Monitoring Design Plan Trainings

~ Members—Watch Your Mailbox for IQ Magazine

~ Minnesota Waters Hires New Watershed Organizer

~ Minnesota Lake Ecology Teacher Training Workshops

 

Hot Off the Press

~ Conservation Tax Incentives

~ Low Water Levels Causing Problems for Boaters and Wildlife

~ Stormwater Work Group Members Needed

~ Rare Jellyfish Sightings in Northern Minnesota Lakes

 

Resources for Lake and Stream Stewardship

Conferences, Confabs and Conglomerations

The Bucks Start Here- Funding Resources

 

~ Minnesota Waters News ~

 

Ask Candidates to Be Your Voice for Minnesota’s Waters

Ask candidates for election in November to be your voice for the protection and restoration of Minnesota’s waters if they are elected.  Minnesotans value their more than 10,000 lakes and 93,000 miles of rivers as important to recreation, the economy of many communities and the state, and our quality of life. Whether a candidate for township, county, city, state or federal office, ask your candidates what they will do to support Minnesota Waters’ top public policy priorities and then consider voting for those who care about the future quality of our waters. Minnesota Waters’ top priorities include:

• Stronger regulations and policies at the local and state level to protect our lakes and rivers as shorelands are increasing developed;
• Stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, Curlyleaf pondweed, and zebra mussels along with others on Minnesota’s doorstep, and providing assistance to communities and groups for prevention activities and management of aquatic invasive species.
• Additional Clean Water Legacy Funding to restore impaired waters and protect the quality of unimpaired waters.
• Increased funding for the environment—currently the state of Minnesota spends less than 1% of its general fund on environmental protection.

Most importantly—vote on November 7—every vote counts.

 

Six Groups Complete Monitoring Plan Training

Minnesota Waters recently wrapped up its second round of Monitoring Plan Trainings on October 6^th at Deep Portage Conservation Reserve in Hackensack MN. Twenty people from 6 groups attended the training, covering 6 watersheds in both rural and urban settings. The groups were comprised of lake associations, watershed groups, watershed districts and high school teachers. Each group will write a monitoring plan focusing on their particular monitoring questions and programmatic needs. At the conclusion of their Plan review, the groups will be eligible for stipends to implement their monitoring plans in 2007. Participating groups included: Upper Spunk Lake Association, Lake Hallett Association, Lobster Lake Association, Bois de Sioux Watershed District, Zumbro Watershed Partnership, and the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District.  For more information regarding Monitoring Plan Trainings please contact Mary Karius at maryk@minnesotawaters.org or Sandy Holm at sandyh@minnesotawaters.org.

 

Minnesota Waters Members-Watch Your Mailboxes for IQ Magazine

Minnesota Waters members will be receiving the Fall issue of the Initiative Quarterly (IQ) magazine published by the Initiative Foundation in lieu of the 4^th quarter Minnesota Waters newsletter. The fall issue, published jointly with Minnesota Waters, is devoted to stories about citizens making a difference in protecting and restoring healthy lakes and rivers within the Initiative Foundation’s 14-County Central Minnesota region. Entitled “True Blue: Preserving Our Greatest Gift”, the magazine will receive statewide distribution and include a resource guide for water resource management. Members- watch you mailboxes for delivery soon. The Initiative Quarterly magazine delivers an intelligent overview of selected regional issues that touch lives and inspires citizens to action; to subscribe free see: http://www.ifound.org/iq.php

 

Minnesota Waters Hires New Watershed Organizer

Minnesota Waters is pleased to announce the addition of our new Watershed Organizer, Leah Peterson.  Leah joined Minnesota Waters’ staff in September and has been busily acclimating herself to the organization, the Watershed Stewardship Program and her focus regions.  Leah will be spending the majority of her time working in the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, the Pomme de Terre basin in West Central Minnesota, and the St. Cloud region, due to the funding support for her position at this time. As the Watershed Organizer, Leah will be working with Minnesota Waters’ members and friends in these three regions to assist local communities in forming or strengthening their lake and stream citizen groups; helping communities identify, strategize and implement water protection issue-based initiatives; as well as connecting citizens with helpful water protection resources, services and a network of peers.  If you live in one of the above mentioned regions and have a question or suggestion, please contact Leah at leahp@minnesotawaters.org and welcome her to the community!

 

Minnesota Lake Ecology Teacher Training Workshops

November 9 (5th-6th grade study unit) 12:30-5:00 PM;  November 10 (7th-8th grade curriculum)12:30-5:00 PM ; Ridgedale Library, Minnetonka

With funding support from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) Cynthia Krieg Memorial Watershed Stewardship Fund, Minnesota Waters is offering Minnesota Lake Ecology workshops for teachers in the MCWD.  Substitute teacher reimbursement funds are available!  And mini-grants are available for classroom service-learning projects!  Light refreshments will be provided and the cost is FREE!  Grants will only be available to teachers in the MCWD. Minnesota Waters will reimburse teachers/schools for the ½ day substitute teacher expense incurred. For questions or to register, please contact Patty Selly at 612-501-5179 or 612 827 3046, or via email at patty@domware.com. 

 

~ Hot Off the Press ~

 

Conservation Tax Incentives

In August, 2006 federal tax incentives for donating conservation easements were preserved and expanded. Several provisions will encourage land to be kept wild or in productive farms and forests will and expand tax breaks to family farmers, ranchers, and other moderate-income landowners who donate land to protect natural resources. The provisions include:

* Raising the maximum deduction for conservation easements from 30% to 50% of a landowner's adjusted gross income.

* Allowing qualified farmers and ranchers to deduct up to 100% of their adjusted gross income.

* Increasing from 6 to 16 the number of years over which a donor can take deductions.

The changes will be effective for donations made through December 31, 2007. For those with property that needs protection and they want to get some relief from increasing land values, a land donation may be ideal. For details see: http://www.lta.org/publicpolicy/tax_incentives_updates.htm. Call the Minnesota Land Trust (http://www.mnland.org/) to discuss donating a conservation easement.

 

Low Water Levels Causing Problems for Boaters and Wildlife

Heavy rainfalls in August brought much needed drought relief to parts of the state, but those rains missed most of Northern Minnesota, where it’s been relatively dry the past four months. The lack of rain, along with one of the hottest Julys on record, has put the Mississippi Headwaters region of North Central Minnesota among the hardest hit drought areas in the state. Water levels on lakes and streams in this part of the state are the lowest they’ve been in almost 20 years, causing problems for some plants, animals, and especially for boat owners trying to get boats off the lakes. The Army Corps of Engineers  is limiting the release of water from six dams the Corps operates on upper Mississippi lakes. John O'Leary, the Corps' regional manager, says holding back water will help stabilize levels on the chain of lakes that includes Winnibigoshish, Leech and Gull lakes, where water levels are down anywhere from seven to 13 inches. The discharge flow of rivers and streams in northern Minnesota are also way below normal, causing many stretches of the Mississippi River to have large, dry mud flats and exposed rocks and in some cases forcing fish populations to move to deeper, isolated areas  to survive. Click here for the full story from Minnesota Public Radio.

 

Stormwater Work Group Members Needed

Minnesota's Stormwater Steering Committee is starting up an Industrial Stormwater Work Group to assist in the development and resolution of issues for Minnesota's Industrial Stormwater Permit Program.  The Steering Committee is looking to add environmental group representation to the Work Group.  Please contact Cindi Kahrmann, Industrial Stormwater Program Coordinator at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency at 651-296-7700 or Cynthia.Kahrmann@state.mn.us if interested or with questions.

 

Rare Jellyfish Sightings in Northern Minnesota Lakes

Tiny freshwater jellyfish, rarely seen in Minnesota, have been making appearances in northeastern Minnesota lakes this year, including Little Sturgeon Lake north of Hibbing and Dodo Lake near Duluth. The jellyfish spend most of their life as underwater polyps that live on or near the lake bottoms. On rare occasions, they develop into dime-to quarter-size jellyfish that can be seen floating and pulsing near the surface. These “blooms” last only a few days, with most sighting occurring in August and September. "It's an odd little critter that's in some of our lakes that we don't know a whole lot about," said Gary Montz, an aquatic biologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. "They sometimes don't appear for years, then suddenly there's an explosion of them in a particular lake. It only lasts for a few days, though, so a lot of people have never seen one," he said. Freshwater jellyfish are too small to sting people like larger saltwater jellyfish can.

Minnesota Fun Factoids

·         According to the US Geological Survey: “One inch of rain on an area of pavement or roof measuring just 26X60 feet equals about 1,000 gallons of water runoff.”

·         The five most popular Minnesota lake names are: Mud Lake, Long Lake, Rice Lake, Bass Lake, Round Lake.

·         Minnesota is ranked first for the number of recreational watercraft per capita: One boat for every six residents.

·         The name "Minnesota" comes from the Dakota Indian name "Minisota," which means sky-tinted water.

·         Do more bears or loons live in Minnesota?

Answer: Bears, by far:  27,000 bears to 12,000 loons

More Minnesota Facts and Figures at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/faq/mnfacts/index.html

 

~ Resources for Lake and Stream Stewardship ~

 

Living Green 365 Magazine Available Online

The summer issue of Minnesota Environment magazine, a publication of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, focuses on using more sustainable practices in our daily lives. The idea behind this “Living Green 365” concept is to make small changes in our lifestyles, over time, that add up to a more sustainable way to live on the earth. For some this might include starting a composting bin. For others it could involve commuting or doing errands on bike. And for others it may include investing in socially responsible mutual funds, or buying a smaller home. Included in this issue are articles on household choices, green roofs, transportation, eco-friendly remodeling, non-toxic cleaning recipes, indoor air quality and more. 

To see “Living Green 365” online, click here. 

 

Library of River Resources

River Network, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping people understand, protect and restore rivers and their watersheds, has an extensive Resource Library that includes information about rivers today and tools to help river groups (also applicable for lake associations) learn how to raise more money, build stronger organizations and protect rivers and their watersheds. See www.rivernetwork.org/library/resource

 

2006 Edition of Minnesota Township Zoning Guide Now Available

An updated edition of a popular guide for Minnesota township supervisors and residents interested in understanding their township zoning powers is now available. First published by the Land Stewardship Project in 1997, the guide is designed to help townships begin the process of creating zoning ordinances that reflect their local values and land use needs.  An increasing number of townships are creating local zoning ordinances to protect the health, safety and welfare of their residents and the quality of their natural resources.  The updated manual also features a new opinion from the Minnesota Attorney General’s office that supports an important principle of township rights.  The Attorney General’s opinion affirms that when a township enacts an interim ordinance in good faith, the ordinance is valid even if it immediately affects only a single proposed development. The 2006 edition of the manual reflects changes that have been made to state laws over the past several years. These changes have not weakened township powers but do affect the process of adopting an interim ordinance.  See http://www.landstewardshipproject.org/pdf/township_manual06.pdf  Copies can also be purchased for $8 from the Land Stewardship Project at 612-722-6377. 

 

Tune In To “The Climate Code”

Mark your calendars for a new program called “The Climate Code with Dr. Heidi Cullen.”  Now airing on Sundays at  4 p.m. CST on The Weather Channel, Dr. Cullen tackles global warming head on, showing how it impacts our lives and also how we can minimize the impacts of a warming climate. Check out the program and share your thoughts on Dr. Cullen’s blog. 

 

~ Conferences, Confabs and Conglomerations ~

 

Rowing Green: Working Nature Into Land Use Planning

The Minnesota DNR, Metropolitan Council, and Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts are offering five free workshops, running 8:45am to 1:30pm, for local governments to encourage the use of natural resources information in plans and ordinances. Details and registration at http://www.crplanning.com/. Dates include:

            October 12, 2006: North Branch, MN

            October 17, 2006: Shakopee, MN

            October 31, 2006: Buffalo, MN

            November 9, 2006: Chaska, MN

            November 16, 2006: Scandia, MN

 

Minnesota Ground Water Association’s Fall Conference

November 14, Continuing Education/Conference Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul

The Spring 2006 conference focused on land use practices and waste treatment systems and their potential for impacts on ground water. This Fall Conference, “Groundwater Management: The Minnesota Model” will help you understand how these and other impacts are, or could be, managed in Minnesota. You will explore the technical tools and data sets that help us understand the hydrologic system, and the policies that determine how the impacts on ground water are monitored and regulated. You will also explore the roles and the interaction of state and federal agencies and local units of government.

 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

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. Registration is due by Nov. 21, 2006. For more information, contact:  Laura Duffey 651-259-5263 or 888-646-6367  laura.duffey@dnr.state.mn.us

 

DNR Volunteers Needed

Share your time and talents with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) this fall!  The newest DNR volunteer opportunities for the months of October through December are now posted on our website at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/volunteering/index.html  Click on the geographic region listed in the right sidebar to find the volunteer positions available in your part of the state.  Statewide opportunities are available to people across the entire state.  Individuals, families, and groups are welcome to participate.  Children under the age of 14 must be under adult supervision to volunteer.

 

Third Annual County Leadership in Conservation Awards Program

Deadline for submissions: November 17

Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) are now accepting applications for the third annual County Leadership in Conservation Awards. The awards recognize leadership, innovation and excellence by forward-thinking county leaders in local land conservation. Click here for more information and to access the application form.

 

 

~ The Bucks Start Here ~ Funding Resources

 

Surface Water Assessment Grants

Application deadline November 15

2006 the Minnesota State Legislature approved funding under the Clean Water Legacy Act.  Of this funding, up to $1,010,000 is available for surface water assessment grants through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.  Grants may be used to enhance or complete a surface water assessment dataset for rivers, streams, or lakes in Minnesota.  The request for proposals (RFP) opens Monday, October 16th and closes Wednesday, November 15th.  To receive an application or be added to the mailing list, please contact Kathryn Dahn at 651/282-6145 or kathryn.dahn@pca.state.mn.us.  Materials will also be available online at:  http://www.pca.state.mn.us/grants/index.html. 

 

LCCMR RFP for 2007 Water Resource Conservation and Protection Funds

Application Deadline November 16

The LCCMR (Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources) has issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Water Resource Conservation and Protection funding that would begin July 1, 2007.   Proposals are due into the LCCMR office by Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006 by 4:30 p.m.  For 2007, $22 million in funding from the Environmental Trust Fund will be provided in two areas: land protection and water resource conversation. This RFP is for water resource conservation and protection funds only, with priority funding for proposals that address:  1) restoration of wetlands and sensitive waters; 2) water quality projects that demonstrate new ways to improve water quality in ground and surface waters; 3) proposals to protect, improve, and prevent the destruction of native aquatic habitats, including preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species through biological control; and 4) proposals to reduce water use and improve water quality in the processing of bio-fuels. For more information on guidelines and review criteria, see: http://www.commissions.leg.state.mn.us/lcmr/RequestforProposals/2007/2007RFPWater.pdf or http://www.commissions.leg.state.mn.us/lcmr/lcmr.htm

 

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 paulaw@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.                             

 

                                                    ****JOIN MINNESOTA WATERS TODAY!****