Recent News
We will regularly post summaries of water resource news of interest to a variety of audiences. Skim the current posts to find items relevant to you. We’ll provide links leading to more in-depth information.
Public Comment Period Now Open on the Proposed Amendments to the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) Standards
Notice is hereby given that a public comment period is now open for the proposed amended VRWJPO Standards. The VRWJPO will hold a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2019, at [...]
We are moving – effective May 17, 2019
The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization is moving to Farmington, effective May 17, 2019. Our new address is Dakota County Extension & Conservation Center, 4100 220th St W, #103, Farmington, MN 55024. All Watershed [...]
Turfgrass class
Property and facility managers, anyone who maintains park, cemetery or school grounds, and other turfgrass contractors can learn sensible ways to maintain turfgrass at a workshop Thursday, April 18 from 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. at the [...]
Irrigation Audit Program for homeowner associations
“Water, water everywhere.” In Minnesota, we enjoy beautiful lakes, streams, and rivers. A resource that is perhaps more important, but less visible, is groundwater. Groundwater is stored in rocks and soils; it provides the [...]
Practices aim to protect high-quality water in Lake Marion
Lake Marion in Lakeville is a very popular summer destination. Visitors come from all over Dakota County and beyond to fish, boat, and swim during the summer months. While Lake Marion is not currently [...]
Tracking carp movement in and out of East Lake
Fish surveys of East Lake show a significant common carp population. Carp are bottom feeders. When they feed on the bottom of the lake, carp can stir up the bottom sediments, releasing phosphorus into [...]
Iron-enhanced sand filter improves Alimagnet Lake water quality
Alimagnet Lake in Burnsville is a great place to float a canoe on a calm summer day, but not so fun when the lake is full of stinky green algae. Nutrients in stormwater runoff [...]
Turfgrass Maintenance Workshop
Dakota County and the Vermillion River Watershed JPO are hosting a free workshop to teach property managers, groundskeepers, and other commercial and public turf managers sensible, cost-saving ways to maintain turfgrass. The workshop will [...]
GreenCorps Fight to Keep Salt Out of Minnesota Lakes
Salty water is a growing problem in Minnesota that affects aquatic life and our drinking water. You might not realize that your use of a water softener or sidewalk salt contributes to a build-up of [...]
MetCouncil advances proposed wastewater reuse facility for southeast metro
The Metropolitan Council took steps on Dec. 12 to advance a proposed wastewater reuse project in the southeast metro. The Council approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a design deposit agreement with Enerkem, Inc., [...]
Iron Enhanced Sand Filter in Long Lake Park
An innovative method of removing phosphorus has been put to the test in Long Lake Park in the City of Apple Valley. Past land uses, combined with the watershed area draining to Long and Farquar [...]
Zebra mussels confirmed in Lake Isabelle
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed reports of zebra mussels in Lake Isabelle in Dakota County. During the "Starry Trek" event hosted August 18 by Dakota County and the University of Minnesota Extension, a trained detector [...]
VRWJPO Public Hearing on the Draft VRWJPO 2019 Budget
Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) Public Hearing on the Draft VRWJPO 2019 Budget Notice is hereby given that the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) will hold a public hearing at [...]
‘Make & Take’ Rain Barrel Workshop!
What's one of the simplest, high-impact ways to save water and help protect our watershed? Using a rain barrel. Lawn and garden watering typically makes up 40% of total summer household water usage, according [...]
Sign up for Starry Trek
Volunteers are needed on Saturday, Aug. 18 for Starry Trek – a search for starry stonewort – a type of algae that is Minnesota’s newest aquatic invasive species. Meet at Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center for [...]
Conservation Corps Minnesota improves wildlife habitat and water quality in Vermillion River Watershed
A Clean Water Fund grant awarded to the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) provided for Conservation Corps Minnesota AmeriCorps members to work diligently for six days in June on a variety of [...]
Become a Master Water Steward to protect water quality
The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) invites you to become a Master Water Steward. The program, developed by the Freshwater Society, provides training and opportunities to protect and improve water quality and [...]
Remove buckthorn and pull invasive species near the Vermillion River’s South Creek
Join other Vermillion Stewards volunteers for a buckthorn and invasive plant pull near the Vermillion River’s South Creek, a cold prairie stream in the heart of Dakota County and a major tributary of the Mississippi [...]
Plant shrubs, grasses and wildflowers at the Vermillion AMA
Join other Vermillion Stewards volunteers for a spring planting in the oak woodlands bordering the Vermillion River, a cold prairie stream in the heart of Dakota County and a major tributary of the Mississippi [...]
Experimental nitrate treatment holds promise for water quality
In Castle Rock Township, an experimental wood chip-enhanced wetland nitrate treatment project could cut in half the amount of the pollutant entering a Vermillion River tributary. Read the article for information on this promising water quality treatment. [...]
Turfgrass Maintenance Workshop – April 6, 2018
The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization and Dakota County are hosting a Turfgrass Maintenance Workshop for property managers, groundskeepers, and other commercial and public turf managers. The workshop will be held from 8 [...]
Public Comment Period on the Proposed Amendments to the VRWJPO Permit Program Fee and Security Schedule
PUBLIC NOTICE Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) Public Comment Period on the Proposed Amendments to the VRWJPO Permit Program Fee and Security Schedule Notice is hereby given that the Vermillion River Watershed [...]
Dakota County Farmer Tops in Soil and Water Conservation
Dakota County's own Kieffer Dairy Farm, near Hastings, has implemented a series of practices that help to keep water on the land and prevent erosion. Wayne, and his sons Kevin and Tim, are featured [...]
Interactive displays available for free loan
The VRWJPO has a variety of interactive displays available for free loan! Each display engages youth and adults in learning about stormwater – where it comes from, where it goes, and what we can [...]
Channel Stabilization Project at 205th Street, Lakeville
In Fall 2017, work was finished on the channel stabilization from 205th Street, Lakeville to the wetland near Lake Marion. The rock reinforced walls and native plantings stabilizes the banks and prevents erosion. Watch the video.
Is your lawn in need of fall repairs?
Fall is a great time to to prep the lawn for next spring. Learn some organic lawn care tips in this article about Bob and Melissa!
Proposed Amendments to VRWJPO Rules
The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization is proposing amendments to its Rules. Read the Draft VRWJPO Rules. A public hearing will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, at the Dakota County [...]
Public Comment Period on Proposed Amendments to VRWJPO Rules
PUBLIC NOTICE Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) Public Comment Period on the Proposed Amendments to the VRWJPO Rules Notice is hereby given that the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) will hold [...]
Winter Roads Maintenance Workshop – Oct. 10, 2017
The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization and Dakota County are hosting a Winter Roads Maintenance Workshop for road maintenance staff, contractors, property managers writing contracts, and snowplow drivers. The workshop will be held from [...]
VRWJPO Public Hearing on the Draft VRWJPO 2018 Budget
Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) Public Hearing on the Draft VRWJPO 2018 Budget Notice is hereby given that the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) will hold a public hearing at 1 [...]
Winter Parking Lot & Sidewalk Maintenance Workshop – Sept. 22, 2017
The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization and Dakota County are hosting a Parking Lot and Sidewalk Maintenance Workshop for property managers, snow and ice removal contractors, facilities, parks, cities, schools, and malls. The workshop [...]
25% by 2025 Town Hall in Burnsville
In a recent bipartisan effort, Governor Dayton created a goal to reduce water pollution by 25% by the year 2025. Without action, the quality of Minnesota's waters is only expected to improve six to eight [...]
Turfgrass Maintenance Workshop – July 18, 2017
The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization and Dakota County are hosting a Turfgrass Maintenance Workshop for property managers, groundskeepers, and other commercial and public turf managers. The workshop will be held from 8 a.m.-2 [...]
April VRWJPO meeting is canceled
The April 27, 2017, Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization meeting is canceled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is May, 25, 2017, at 1 p.m. at the Dakota County Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Ave., [...]
Apple Valley Annual Tree Sale – Order Now
Apple Valley Annual Tree Sale – place orders now! Residents can purchase up to three trees and eight shrubs per property at wholesale prices. The City encourages planting a diversity of species due to Emerald [...]
Volunteers needed to cut and haul buckthorn Mar. 4
Volunteers are needed Saturday, Mar. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon to cut and haul buckthorn. The nonprofit volunteer conservation group, Trout Unlimited, is hosting this Vermillion Riverkeepers event at the MN Department of Natural [...]
Owners of resorts, campgrounds, and rental businesses required to take aquatic invasive species training
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering aquatic invasive species training to owners of lake service provider businesses, so they can legally work in lakes and rivers throughout the state. Lake service provider businesses [...]
Job Posting: Environmental Specialist, Public Outreach & Communication
The Environmental Resources Department is seeking a motivated self-starter who is able to manage and self-perform work tasks within the Environmental Specialist classification. They desire a candidate that has practical experience managing complex work projects [...]
Stream obstruction removal facts for landowners
Wicked winds roared through the state at up to 65 mph on the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, leaving tree debris across the landscape. When landowners walk their streambank properties this spring, they [...]
Minnesota washes its hands of triclosan
Triclosan, an antibacterial product introduced in 1972 for use in health care facilities, was added to many household products, such as liquid hand soap and body washes. Then research showed triclosan's persistence in the environment. [...]
5 Clean Water Fund grants awarded to VRWJPO
Cleaner, clearer water. Healthier lakes, rivers, and streams. Thanks to Minnesota's Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) has received five Clean Water Fund (CWF) grants that total [...]
Road (salt) warriors at work
They brave the elements under the worst weather conditions. They arrive early, stay late, pull double shifts, and know how to dress for the polar vortex. If you haven't slipped on an icy sidewalk this [...]
New DNR map of designated trout streams
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reviewed its trout stream designations in the Vermillion River Watershed. The DNR designated four stream reaches flowing into the Vermillion River's South Branch as trout streams. The DNR [...]
Rusty crayfish confirmed in Vermillion River Watershed
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed rusty crayfish were discovered in the Vermillion River in Farmington and Hastings. Rusty crayfish were also found in North Creek in Farmington. The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers [...]
See stars at Whitetail Woods Oct. 8
Dakota County Parks and the Minnesota Institute of Astrophysics bring the night sky to life during Minnesota StarWatch at Whitetail Woods Regional Park in Farmington on Sat., Oct. 8, 2016, 7-9 p.m. Meteorologist Mike Lynch [...]
Landscape for the river; craft brew for you
Join the Vermillion Stewards and Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) for a workshop, "Landscape for the River," on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, 6-8 p.m., in a new venue -- the Angry Inch Brewery in [...]
Fall brings fowl hunting season
Daylight shortens, air temperatures cool, and Minnesota's hunting season for waterfowl (ducks, coots, geese, and woodcock) begins Sept. 24, 2016. Make sure you know the latest waterfowl hunting regulations. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources [...]
Pollinator gardens are all the buzz
Volunteers worked hard this summer in the Vermillion River Watershed to restore critical habitat to an essential ecological group -- the pollinators. Pollinators, such as bees, birds, bats, butterflies, moths, and beetles, move pollen from flower to [...]
Farmington make-and-take rainbarrel workshop
Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) and Vermillion Stewards for a "make and take" rainbarrel workshop on Tuesday, August 23, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington. Learn about water-friendly lawn and [...]
Tour prairie restoration at the Fair
Just south of the Dakota County Fairgrounds is a beautiful example of a prairie and wetland restoration. Tour this prairie habitat via trolley on weekdays during the Dakota County Fair, August 8-14. Dakota County Soil [...]
Jump in! Citizen stream monitors needed
For several years, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Citizen Stream Monitoring Program has engaged water-loving citizens statewide in tracking water quality in their favorite river or stream. Now the Dakota County Soil and Water [...]
Smithsonian Water/Ways exhibit visits Red Wing
A traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution on water's importance in people's lives will tour Minnesota, visiting the Goodhue County Historical Society in Red Wing on Oct. 1 - Nov. 13, 2016. Minnesota is one [...]
Make your own rain barrel
Rain barrels are simple, high-impact tools for conserving water and protecting water quality. Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) and the Vermillion Stewards for a "make and take" workshop to build your own rain [...]
Remeander Middle Creek
Reconstruction of 195th Street/County Hwy 64 provided an opportunity to remeander Middle Creek – put a half-mile reach back to its natural condition. In the past, the stream was straightened to make space for farmland, roads, and buildings. [...]
Restoration success webinar
The University of Minnesota Restoring Minnesota Cooperative created a restoration success webinar about how to design a thorough environmental restoration plan, including implementation, photo-monitoring, maintenance scheduling, and landowner commitments. The webinar features Wiley Buck, restoration [...]
The Raingarden in a Box
Scott Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) found a strategy that helped homeowners install their own raingardens. The “Raingarden in a Box” allows homeowners who have designed raingardens in a Blue Thumb workshop to order [...]
New Fishing Regulations for the Vermillion River
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued new fishing regulations (see page 43 of the online booklet) for the Vermillion River in April 2016. The regulations apply to brown trout and rainbow trout within a [...]
Healthy Macroinvertebrates Facts
Explaining macroinvertebrates and why healthy macroinvertebrates are important to stream health is no easy task for science teachers. We liked the fact sheet, “Stream Creatures: Clues to Stream Health – Macroinvertebrate Fact Sheet,” from the [...]
Contaminants of Emerging Concern in MN
The U.S. Geological Survey and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released a joint study of “contaminants of emerging concern” in Minnesota groundwater. The contaminants detected in groundwater include personal care products, caffeine, a nicotine derivative, DEET [...]
Leading Brand to stop using Neonics
A leading brand of home and garden pest-control products says it will stop using a class of pesticides linked to the decline of bees. As reported by National Public Radio, Ortho, part of the Miracle-Gro [...]
i-Tree 5.0
i-Tree 5.0 is available for download from the Urban Natural Resources Institute (UNRI). i-Tree is a state-of-the-art, peer-reviewed software suite from the USDA Forest Service that provides urban forestry analysis and benefit assessment tools. The [...]
Best Management Practices for Nitrogen
The University of Minnesota has come out with new BMPs for nitrogen fertilizer (N) usage for irrigated corn on coarse-textured soils. Half of the studies U of M researchers conducted to develop the best management [...]