Oct
8
Sat
2016
Minnesota StarWatch at Whitetail Woods @ Whitetail Woods Regional Park
Oct 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Dakota County Parks and the Minnesota Institute of Astrophysics bring the night sky to life. Astronomer Mike Lynch presents a short talk and slide show on our solar system. If weather allows, attendees can view the sky through multiple 8-inch reflecting telescopes. The Institute staff also provides free star maps and shows visitors how to use them. Cost of the presentation is $10 per person and registration is required.

Nov
5
Sat
2016
Bird Hikes at Carpenter Nature Center @ Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center (CNC)
Nov 5 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Join local bird expert Kevin Smith and other bird lovers on a morning hike at the Carpenter Nature Center. Field guides and binoculars are available, or bring your own. The program is $6 or free for Friends of CNC, St. Croix Valley Bird Club, and Hastings Environmental Protectors. For more information, contact CNC at 651-437-4359 or visit www.CarpenterNatureCenter.org.

Dec
3
Sat
2016
Bird Hike at Carpenter Nature Center @ Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center (CNC)
Dec 3 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Join local bird expert Kevin Smith and other bird lovers on a morning hike at the Carpenter Nature Center. Field guides and binoculars are available, or bring your own. The program is $6 or free for Friends of CNC, St. Croix Valley Bird Club, and Hastings Environmental Protectors. For more information, contact CNC at 651-437-4359 or visit www.CarpenterNatureCenter.org.

Oct
4
Wed
2017
25% by 2025 Town Hall Meeting: Burnsville @ Diamondhead Education Center
Oct 4 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

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 percent by 2034.

This summer and fall, the Governor’s office will hold 10 regional meetings across the state to gather input and perspective on what it could take to realize this goal.

To accompany the regional meetings, an information packet related to water quality in the Twin Cities Metro (Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright) was created.

Aug
3
Tue
2021
Salt Symposium @ Virtual
Aug 3 – Aug 4 all-day
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.