Sep
20
Tue
2022
Outdoor Education Days @ Dakota County Fairgrounds
Sep 20 @ 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Sep
22
Thu
2022
Outdoor Education Days @ Dakota County Fairgrounds
Sep 22 @ 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Sep
27
Tue
2022
Outdoor Education Days @ Dakota County Fairgrounds
Sep 27 @ 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Sep
29
Thu
2022
Outdoor Education Days @ Dakota County Fairgrounds
Sep 29 @ 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Oct
20
Thu
2022
Smart Salting Training for Parking Lots & Sidewalks @ Dakota County Western Service Center
Oct 20 @ 8:00 am – 1:30 pm
Smart Salting Training for Parking Lots & Sidewalks @ Dakota County Western Service Center | Apple Valley | Minnesota | United States

MPCA Smart Salting for Parking Lots & Sidewalks Certification Training

This MPCA Smart Salting Certification Training is an opportunity to learn more efficient winter maintenance best practices (BMPs) while taking a comprehensive look at the many aspects for managing snow & ice on parking lots and sidewalks. The training will also cover the new chloride requirements in the recently released MS4 permit, as well as resources available to help you reduce your salt use.

The training will be held in-person.

Who should attend?

  • Hands-on public or private winter maintenance staff
  • Those who hire or supervise winter maintenance staff
  • Private contractors
  • Those who may influence others or are interested in making a difference at work

What you’ll learn:

  • Environmental impacts of chloride
  • Equipment calibration
  • Using weather condition info more efficiently
  • Application rates
  • Plowing and physical removal
  • BMPs for storing materials
  • De-icing and anti-icing
  • Regulatory issues and managing liability
  • Customer and staff educational resources
  • Success stories

Earn the MPCA Smart Salting for Parking Lots & Sidewalks certification by taking the optional online test at the end of training and be listed on the MPCA Smart Salting webpage. Certificates are sent to Minnesota participants only and are valid for 5 years.

MPCA permittees are allowed registration preference. If the training exceeds capacity, those that are not permittees will be put on a waitlist and notified accordingly.

Training questions? Contact the MPCA Smart Salting Training Program smartsalting.pca@state.mn.us.

This training is hosted by Dakota County and the MPCA Chloride Reduction Program. with Clean Water Fund and the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Jan
18
Wed
2023
Smart Salting: Roads @ Virtual
Jan 18 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Smart Salting: Roads @ Virtual

Smart Salting: Roads

Learn best practices to reduce salt use during high-speed and low-speed snowplow operation, while maintaining safety. Participants earn a five-year Level 1 (individual) certification by completing the test at the end of class.

Mar
1
Wed
2023
Minnesota Ag-Urban Partnership Forum @ College of St. Benedict - Gorecki Center
Mar 1 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Minnesota Ag-Urban Partnership Forum

Plan to participate in person to learn more about the ways that agricultural and urban partners are working together to prepare for extreme weather events and improve water quality around Minnesota. This fourth annual event will focus on extreme weather resiliency, with keynote speaker, Heidi Roop, Ph.D., director, Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership at the University of Minnesota.

Who should attend?

Agricultural, government, local, and urban partners looking for ideas on how to develop and strengthen their relationships while improving the water quality of Minnesota lakes and streams are encouraged to attend.

Online registration is open. Registrations are requested before Feb. 21, 2023, to help finalize preparations for the event.

Mar
7
Tue
2023
Landscaping for Clean Water Intro Course @ Virtual
Mar 7 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Landscaping for Clean Water Intro Course @ Virtual

Landscaping for Clean Water Introductory Course

The Introduction to Clean Water class focuses on general water quality practices of raingardens, native gardens, and shoreline stabilization.

Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District staff will provide an overview of Minnesota’s watersheds and our local water quality challenges, providing beautiful and practical ways to improve pollinator habitat and reduce runoff pollutants from your yard that might be contributing to water quality issues.

The Intro to Clean Water class is FREE, and registration is open to everyone – Dakota County residency not required. You only need to attend or view the Intro to Clean Water class one time – no need to repeat in future years if you want to enroll in the Design Course!