Vermillion River Watershed Technical Advisory Group (TAG) @ Dakota County Western Service Center

Nov 30 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The Vermillion River Watershed Technical Advisory Group (TAG) provides advice and recommendations to the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) on scientific, technical, and policy issues that affect water resources management in the Vermillion River Watershed. TAG members represent local governments (cities, townships, and counties), state agencies, soil and water conservation districts, tribes, environmental consulting firms, environmental groups, watershed management organizations, the Vermillion River Watershed Planning Commission (WPC), and other interested parties. Membership is open and flexible; contact the VRWJPO to be included on the email invitation list.

Categories: Meetings Tags: Technical Advisory Group Vermillion River Watershed watershed management

25% by 2025 Town Hall Meeting: Burnsville @ Diamondhead Education Center

Tickets

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.

Categories: Meetings Tags: 25 by 25 Burnsville Governor Dayton town hall water quality

Lake Marion and North Creek Greenways Open House – Apple Valley @ Dakota County Western Service Center

Tickets

Apr 13 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Public Open House – Lake Marion Greenway and North Creek Greenway Natural Resource Management Plans

You’re invited to an open house to learn, interact, and have questions answered about natural resource management improvements along two Dakota County Greenway Trails. These plans outline ecological restoration, invasive species management, and pollinator plantings in public lands along these trails.

Categories: Events Outreach Tags: Apple Valley Greenway Lake Marion North Creek Parks

Landscaping for Clean Water Design Course @ Apple Valley Municipal Center McIntosh Training Room

Tickets

May 12 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Landscaping for Clean Water Design Course

After completing the Introduction to Clean Water class, you are eligible to enroll in the Landscaping for Clean Water Design Course. While the Landscaping for Clean Water program is open to anyone, the $250 cost share grants are only available to Dakota County residents and Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization residents in Ramsey County.

The Landscaping for Clean Water Design Course helps residents like you create and install beautiful landscaping projects that are unique to your yard! This course is a great opportunity to learn about garden planning from the experts, whether you are interested in finding out about site design, plant selection, raingarden installation, or adding native plants to the landscape.

In 2023, the Design Course Online Learning Materials will be provided to all participants for project planning at home. In addition, we are offering three in-person Design Course options this year:

IN-PERSON DESIGN COURSE OPTIONS

Tuesday/Thursday – April 18/20
Burnsville City Hall
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Friday – May 12
Apple Valley Municipal Center
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday/Thursday – June 20/22
Mendota Heights Fire Station
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

There is a $25.00 registration fee for the Design Course that includes a copy of the Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens book, a Design Folder including aerial property maps and design tools, online instruction materials and one-on-one help.

Are you a returning Design Course participant? Register again for the Design Course and the FEE is WAIVED!

APPLY FOR A $250 GARDEN GRANT!

At the end of the Design Course you will have a complete garden project planned and ready to install. You then have the opportunity to apply for a $250 cost share grant, funded by Dakota County watershed organizations. The grant (paid at completion of project) includes in-person site visits at your property and technical assistance from our staff available to you throughout the installation process.

The 2023 grants will be awarded in three rounds, as follows:

2023	Application Date	Project Completion
Round 1	April 26, 2023	July 21, 2023
Round 2	May 31, 2023	August 25, 2023
Round 3	July 12, 2023	October 6, 2023

Categories: Events Outreach Workshop Tags: Apple Valley Dakota County SWCD landscaping for clean water Master Water Stewards native plants planting for clean water SWCD Vermillion River Watershed water quality

Public Meeting: Alimagnet Lake alum treatment @ Burnsville City Hall, Dakota Room in lower level

Tickets

Jul 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Public Meeting: Alimagnet Lake Feasibility Study

This spring and summer, the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) is leading an Alimagnet Lake alum (aluminum sulfate) treatment feasibility study. City of Burnsville and City of Apple Valley natural resources staff are also participating in the process. VRWJPO has hired a consultant, Barr Engineering, to conduct field work, analyze data and help put together the final feasibility report. This report is expected to be completed in July. We are hosting a public meeting on July 20, 2023 where the findings of the report will be presented.

What is an alum treatment?

An alum treatment is a common water quality improvement practice in shallow lakes that have excessive phosphorus and poor water clarity as a result of algae growth. Often times phosphorus is released into the water column from lake bottom sediments during the summer months. When alum is added to the water, it attaches to phosphorus and falls to the bottom of the lake, preventing it from feeding algae and improving water clarity. Increased clarity following alum treatments can also lead to increased aquatic plant growth, which help to keep phosphorus levels in check.

One of the first steps in planning for a potential alum treatment is to conduct a feasibility study, which will determine whether Alimagnet Lake is a good candidate for the treatment, and if it is, how to most effectively apply alum in the lake, and the estimated costs. The study will also look at alternative solutions to improve water quality, other than an alum treatment.

At the public meeting, there will be a short presentation to present the findings of the study and then time for attendees to ask questions or provide feedback on the findings. If alum treatment is determined to be a feasible option for Alimagnet Lake, VRWJPO would anticipate applying for a grant in late summer of 2023 to obtain funding to complete the work. No treatment would occur prior to 2024.

If you have any questions regarding the public meeting, please feel free to contact Caleb at 952-895-4543 or caleb.ashling@burnsvillemn.gov.

Categories: Events Meetings Tags: Alimagnet Apple Valley Burnsville public meeting Vermillion River Watershed Water treatment