The following stories were spotted in the news that feature the work of Minnesota’s watershed organizations. Please forward your stories to us so we don’t miss any of them. Sharing our stories with one another is a great way to learn and expand our knowledge. We encourage you to call each other to learn more.
Coon Creek Watershed District seeking input for comprehensive plan
The Coon Creek WD is starting its Comprehensive Plan update process and is seeking input on priorities related to water resources as it looks ahead to 2029. (ABC Newspapers, Thursday, July 28, 2022)
New stormwater filtration system to help Lake Cornelia
The Nine Mile Creek WD recently completed construction of its stormwater filtration system at Rosland Park as part of its goals to improve the water quality in Lake Cornelia. (by Caitlin Anderson, Sun Current, Thursday, July 28, 2022) Photo courtesy of NMCWD.
New access point opened on Turtle Creek for canoes and kayaks
The Turtle Creek WD and the Austin Area Foundation partnered with the City of Austin, among other groups, for the Turtle Creek access point. (by Alex Cotter, ABC 6 News, July 20, 2022)
MAWD DUES AND COMMITTEE UPDATES
MAWD dues. Look for an email from MAWD that specifies 2023 dues amounts for each watershed. As mentioned in the June newsletter, the MAWD board of directors accepted the recommendation of the finance committee to change the dues cap structure for next year. Exact amounts will still be calculated using the same formula, but the maximum amount for dues will decrease for rural WDs who operate solely on the $250,000 maximum operating levy and increase for metro WDs with an estimated market value that exceeds $10B. WMO dues will not change for 2023. To review the meeting notes from the committee’s work, click here.
MAWD Strategic Plan Committee. The Strategic Plan Committee met on July 12. MAWD staff revised the draft plan based on recommendations made by the committee. The draft Strategic Plan will be distributed to members and non-members for review and comment on August 1. This plan is for YOUR organization. We encourage you to review the plan at your August board meeting(s) and send responses on behalf of your entire board by August 31. We look forward to hearing from you! Meeting notes can be found here.
MAWD Awards. The nomination process for MAWD awards is now open. The submission deadline is August 26. MAWD will recognize outstanding work in both projects and programs led by its member WDs and watershed management organizations. Click here for the program announcement and click here for the nomination form. Preliminary nominations are due August 26, 2022.
2022 MAWD Annual Conference. The MAWD Events Committee is now calling for abstracts. Speakers are invited to share their knowledge and findings that strengthen the management, protection, and restoration of the water resources in Minnesota, particularly those under the management of local watershed jurisdictions. Time slots for presentations are 30 minutes and should include time for questions. The deadline to submit an abstract is August 26, 2022. Click here to submit your work.
August Meeting Calendar. The following meetings are scheduled in July. See the MAWD calendar for meeting details as soon as they become available.
The FY23 CWF Competitive Programs Request for Proposals (RFP) is now open, and includes funding for Projects and Practices, the Projects and Practices Drinking Water sub-program, Multipurpose Drainage Management, and Soil Health. Applications must be submitted through eLINK, BWSR’s grants management system. Please read the RFP and policy documents thoroughly to ensure eligibility, and that all application requirements are met. Applicants may contact their board conservationist for additional questions or assistance in submitting an application. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on August 22, 2022.
EMPLOYMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Watershed Job Openings. Do not forget that MAWD will post job openings for members on its website and promote them on social media. It is one of our most popular pages so email Maddy at mnwatershed@gmail.com to get yours listed today.
Here's the updated list:
Minnesota GreenCorps, an AmeriCorps program coordinated by the MPCA, is looking for motivated, service-minded individuals to improve the environment and build community resilience to climate change. Members address critical environmental issues while serving at nonprofits, local governments, educational institutions, or tribal communities. The program anticipates engaging 48 members in the 11-month service term next program year. Nine Minnesota GreenCorps positions are still available throughout the state!
Click here to learn more about the program, review the project summaries for the nine available positions, and apply online. Applications are due Friday, August 19.
CONTACT US - LET'S TALK!
MAWD Board members are available to connect with you at one of your future board meetings. They also welcome the opportunity to meet with you one-on-one to hear about your successes and areas where MAWD could be of assistance. Contact information is on our website.
We enjoy working with MAWD members and greatly appreciate your support!
mentioned in the June newsletter, the MAWD board of directors accepted the recommendation of the finance committee to change the dues cap structure for next year. Exact amounts will still be calculated using the same formula, but the maximum amount for dues will decrease for rural WDs who operate solely on the $250,000 maximum operating levy and increase for metro WDs with an estimated market value that exceeds $10B. WMO dues will not change for 2023. To review the meeting notes from the committee’s work, click 
MAWD Strategic Plan Committee. The Strategic Plan Committee met on July 12. MAWD staff revised the draft plan based on recommendations made by the committee. The draft Strategic Plan will be distributed to members and non-members for review and comment on August 1. This plan is for YOUR organization. We encourage you to review the plan at your August board meeting(s) and send responses on behalf of your entire board by August 31. We look forward to hearing from you! Meeting notes can be found 
MAWD Board members are available to connect with you at one of your future board meetings. They also welcome the opportunity to meet with you one-on-one to hear about your successes and areas where MAWD could be of assistance. Contact information is on our 
