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Wednesday Workshops
Workshops were held on November 29.
Staff Development Workshop was geared toward the topics of communication with your board, performance appraisals, and managing difficult conversations.
The Watershed Management Workshop covered the roles of watershed districts and watershed management organizations in watershed management, watershed planning and plan implementation, laws that govern government officials, and real-world examples of on-the-ground projects.
The Drainage Workshop included a variety of topics such as multi-purpose drainage management, effective communication in drainage, information on appeals, an update on the Drainage Work Group (DWG), watershed districts and county financing, and an update on case law impacting drainage authorities.
Annual Conference and Trade Show
Our annual trade show began at 4:00 p.m. on November 29, followed by the “Night at the Movies”, and a welcome reception.
Regional caucuses, concurrent education sessions, the trade show, and our annual banquet and awards presentations were featured on November 30.
Dr. Mark Seeley was the luncheon speaker. He gave a presentation about Minnesota's Weather History and Climate Change. The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed of the Year award was presented to the Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District. The Board of Water and Soil Resources’ Watershed Employee of the Year award went to Michael Hayman, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. Matt Moore, South Washington Watershed District was given the Outstanding Watershed Administrator award.
Michael Hayman - Watershed District Employee of the Year
Images below: Left - Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District of the Year. Right - Matt Moore, Outstanding Watershed Administrator
The event closed on December 1 with our annual business meeting, at which the budget and resolutions were adopted, as well as changes to the bylaws.
Minnesota Watersheds News and Events
In the News
The following stories were either found in the news or submitted by members and feature news related to watersheds and/or the work of Minnesota’s watershed organizations. Sharing stories with one another is a great way to learn and expand our knowledge. We encourage you to contact each other to learn more. Capitol Region Watershed District site makes values visible
The offices of the Capitol Region Watershed District are an example of sustainable historic reuse that also brings green access to the public. (By Heather Benjamin, November 28, 2023) Nitrate contamination of Minnesota waters shows little sign of going away, despite years of effort
Minnesota has spent hundreds of millions of dollars and decades of effort to reduce nitrate that’s contaminating drinking water and rivers. (By Jeff Hargarten and Jennifer Bjorhus, November 28, 2023) Senator Rasmusson, Senate Capital Investment Committee tour three infrastructure and development projects in Senate District 9
Members of the Senate Capital Investment Committee toured the Bois de Sioux Watershed District, Traverse County Courthouse, and the City of Kensington. (By Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus, November 21, 2023) Minnesota adds impairments in 54 streams and lakes to impaired waters list
The MPCA released its proposed impaired waters list for 2024, adding 199 impairments over 54 water bodies. (By Hannah Sabrowski, November 21, 2023) Noble Hill land purchase OK’d by watershed managers
The Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District is moving ahead with the purchase of 28 acres of mostly open land along Spring Road in Eden Prairie. (By Mark Weber, November 18, 2023) Watershed District approves engineering contract for final phase of Fountain Lake dredging
The Shell Rock River Watershed District Board of Managers approved a contract for design and permitting services tied to the final phase of dredging on Fountain Lake. (By Sarah Stultz, November 16, 2023) Hodgepodge
Ed from Becker SWCD talks conservation programs; Tera from the Pelican River Watershed District talks job openings and projects (By Michael Achterling, November 10, 2023) Thanks a Billion Minnesota
View highlights featuring projects funded by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. See what a billion dollars does in restoring and protecting Minnesota’s natural resources. (By PBS KSMQ, aired November 12, 2023) Twenty years of monitoring and restoring streams
Erik Anderson, senior water resource specialist, Washington Conservation District and Karen Kill, administrator, Brown’s Creek Watershed District, were recognized for their service. (By Angie Hong, November 12, 2023) Watershed district proposes tiny solution for very big stink
The Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District is proposing the use of modern, nanobubble technology to solve a century-long problem in New London’s Mill Pond. (By Tom Cheney, November 10, 2023) Is there a 2nd Discovery Point in EP’s future?
Discovery Point is the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District’s offices and learning center. A second watershed district facility could be in Eden Prairie’s future. (by Mark Weber, November 10, 2023) EPA to Minnesota: Take action to protect people from polluted wells in eight counties
The EPA told the state to alert residents of the hazards and clean up the farm pollution that has contaminated wells in the region for years. (By Greg Stanley, November 8, 2023) Okabena-Ocheda Watershed District receives list of priority items from advisory committee
Members of the Okabena-Ocheda Watershed District received a list of five priority items its advisory committee wants the group to focus on in the coming years. (By Julie Buntjer, November 9, 2023) Water Critical to Success of Minnesota Agriculture
Water remains central to the success of agriculture in Minnesota. *By Mark Dorenkamp, November 6, 2023) BWSR awarded $25M in NRCS RCPP funds to prioritize soil health
BWSR will receive $25 million in Regional Conservation Partnership Program funding from the USDA’S Natural Resources Conservation Service to support soil health initiatives across Minnesota. (By Mary Juhl, November 6, 2023) Governor Walz Celebrates One Million Acres Enrolled in the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program
The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program is a voluntary program for farmers and landowners that protects the state’s water resources. (MAWQCP Insider, November 2023) BWSR opens applications for multipurpose drainage management grants
Local governments can apply for multipurpose drainage management grants following the BWSR Board approving up to $2 million for these efforts at their October meeting. (By Dispatch staff report, November 3, 2023) Minnesota Water Quality Program Surpasses 1 Million Voluntary Acres Enrolled
Minnesota’s Agriculture Water Quality Certification program has eclipsed one million certified acres. (By Mark Dorenkamp, November 3, 2023) County board gets update on watershed
Carver County commissioners heard an annual report from officials with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. (By Al Lohman, November 1, 2023)
Minnesota Watersheds Board and Committees Update
Minnesota Watersheds Board. The Minnesota Watersheds Board met on November 15 to consider the Executive Committee's recommendation to hire Lockridge Grindal, Nauen as our new lobbying firm. The contract with LGN that was drafted by Smith Partners was approved.
The Minnesota Watersheds Board met on November 28. Actions taken:
The minutes of the October 23 and November 15 meetings were approved, as well as the treasurer’s report and a 2024 calendar.
An amendment to Resolution #2023-01 was approved and moved to the membership for consideration at the annual business meeting.
The Program Manager’s contract was approved.
The Minnesota Watersheds Board also met on December 1. Actions taken:
Linda Vavra was elected President.
Peter Fjestad was elected Vice President.
Wanda Holker was elected Secretary.
David Ziegler was elected Treasurer.
Employment Announcements
Watershed Job Openings. Do not forget that Minnesota Watersheds 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.
There are currently no job postings.
State Agency Advocacy
November Partner Meetings
DWG. The DWG met on November 16. Meeting notes can be found here. Meeting highlights include:
Tom Gile gave an overview of the concepts developed for the 103E notification section.
Rita Weaver gave an update on the draft report from the Outlet Adequacy Technical Subcommittee.
BWSR. The BWSR Board did not meet in November.
CWC Policy Committee. The CWC Policy Committee met on November 17. The committee reviewed a revised version of their drainage policy and took comments from attendees. They discussed possible topics for upcoming meetings, as well as private wells in southeaster Minnesota. Click here for meeting notes.
Education, Grant and Training Opportunities
NEVER STOP LEARNING! Continuing education is a pivotal component to organizational success. Minnesota Watersheds is committed to connecting you with high quality training whether it is offered at our events or through our partners. Check out the Minnesota Watersheds online training calendar for information regarding upcoming education and training events.
Invasive Aquatic Plant Management Grants: The application deadline is 9 a.m. on Monday, December 11. Click here for more information.
Soil Management Summit: The 19th annual Soil Management Summit will be held in Alexandria at Arrowwood Resort on December 7-8. To register for the event, visit: z.umn.edu/sms, or contact Shane Bugeja, sbugeja@umn.edu.
BWSR offers a searchable library of recorded modules, webinars, videos, and other resources to find professional development information on a variety of topics.
Minnesota Watersheds offers an online library in the Members Only section of our website.
Please forward opportunities that would be of value to our members.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
December Meetings
December Meeting Calendar
Drainage Work Group: December 14, St. Paul
BWSR Board: December 14
Clean Water Council: December 18
Minnesota Watersheds Board: no meeting scheduled
Contact Us - Let's Talk
Minnesota Watersheds Board members are available to meet 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 ideas where Minnesota Watersheds could be of assistance. Contact information is on our website.
We enjoy working with Minnesota Watersheds members and greatly appreciate your support!
To download a copy of this Newsletter, or to view previous Newsletters, follow this link.
the opportunity to meet with you one-on-one to hear about your successes and ideas where Minnesota Watersheds could be of assistance. Contact information is on our 
