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.
Stream Bank Restoration in Empire
Dakota County completed a stream bank restoration project on the Vermillion Park Conservation Area (PCA) in Empire Township this summer. The VRWJPO provided funding for the project design and construction oversight as well as staff [...]
Making Use of the Rain
When Dakota County and the City of Lakeville began planning for the reconstruction of the 202nd Street portion of County Road 50, it became immediately clear that this was more than a simple road project. [...]
Checking Septic Systems helps Protect against Bacteria Pollution
Bacteria lives in our water in many forms, the same way it lives in our bodies. Most species of bacteria are useful. However, harmful bacteria—known as pathogens—can find their way into our waterbodies. Just [...]
Make a splash – as a WPC Commissioner
The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board (VRWJPB) seeks applicants from Dakota County for one vacant seat on the Vermillion River Watershed Planning Commission (WPC). The WPC advises the VRWJPB about water quality and [...]
Rake up to protect lakes and rivers from leaf litter
There is still time to get out and rake those fallen leaves. Learn why it's important to clean natural debris out of our local streets!
Erosion is Nothing New Around Etter
An area of southeast Ravenna Township located between Hastings, Miesville, and Red Wing, is locally known as Etter. Etter Creek has long been known as a place with significant flooding and erosion. The erodible [...]
Fall Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Sandy Soils
A reminder that starting September 1, 2020, the application of nitrogen fertilizer in the fall and on frozen soil will be restricted in areas vulnerable to groundwater contamination. A new nitrogen rule is now in place. Nitrate contamination [...]
Join neighbors to protect water quality!
The Minnesota Water Stewards (formerly Master Water Stewards) certification program offers a great opportunity for you to join a local network of energized leaders and tackle environmental problems in your community. The Vermillion River Watershed has been [...]
VRWJPO Public Hearing on the Draft VRWJPO 2021 Budget
Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization Public Hearing on the Draft VRWJPO 2021 Budget Notice is hereby given that the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) will hold a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. [...]
May 28, 2020 JPB meeting is canceled
The May 28, 2020, meeting of the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board (JPB) is canceled. The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, June 25.
May 13, 2020 WPC meeting is canceled
The May 13, 2020 meeting of the Vermillion River Watershed Planning Commission (WPC) is canceled due to the continuation of the closure of Dakota County facilities due to COVID-19. The next meeting is scheduled for [...]
VRWJPO update on COVID-19
VRWJPO is following the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and Minnesota Department of Health to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of our customers and staff. As of [...]
Make a splash – as a WPC Commissioner
The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board (VRWJPB) seeks applicants from Dakota County for one vacant seat on the Vermillion River Watershed Planning Commission (WPC). The WPC advises the VRWJPB about water quality and quantity [...]
Public Comment Period Now Open on the Proposed Amendments to the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization Rules
Notice is hereby given that a public comment period is now open for the proposed amended Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) Rules. The VRWJPO will hold a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on [...]
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 or watch the interview for information on this promising water quality [...]
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 [...]