Jim Kotz has always enjoyed living in Minnesota and has no desire to live in any other state. What keeps him here? An abundance of water and the need to protect it.

After becoming a certified Minnesota Water Steward, Jim really became aware of the importance of taking care of the precious resource we all commonly take for granted. Jim says, “I feel it is important to do my part to contribute to the waters of our area.”

In the short time that Jim has been a member of the Watershed Planning Commission, he has been amazed by all the projects that the Vermillion River Watershed accomplishes. “There are many good people involved in many ways, I feel fortunate to work with all of them,” Jim remarked.

The current wetland restoration projects are of interest to Jim because they are unique and will provide many water quality and wildlife habitat benefits.

Jim is a Midwest regional sales manager for a company in the security industry.

In his spare time, he volunteers with organizations that give back to the community. Along with being a Minnesota Water Steward, he is a Minnesota Master Naturalist and enjoys working with the Rosemount Area Arts Council. He likes to canoe and explore the Rosemount area and canoe and camp in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). Jim also enjoys skiing and winter camping in the BWCA. Jim is married and has two adult children.

Jim says he is excited and honored to be part of the Watershed Planning Commission – he looks forward to contributing and helping to preserve and protect our local waters.