The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is proposing to extend brown trout catch and release regulation to the entire Vermillion River to provide regulation consistency. A meeting about this proposal will take place at Hastings City Hall on Oct. 4.

Input can be easily submitted using an online survey (open through Oct. 17).

For additional details or to comment directly on the proposal, contact the area fisheries office via phone, email or mail. Comments on proposals will be accepted through Oct. 31. Any changes would take effect spring of 2023.

Please contact Jon Hansen at jon.hansen@state.mn.us (link sends email) or 651-259-5239 if you have questions about input opportunities or to submit general input. Input may also be mailed to Fishing regulations/Jon Hansen, Box 20, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155.

Join us for an open house celebrating of the work of Minnesota Water Steward volunteers!

Newly certified Stewards, seasoned Stewards, program partners, and supporters are all welcome!

Come explore the capstone projects of graduating stewards, share your own projects, network with your fellow Stewards, and spend the evening in the good company of others working to improve the health of our waters. This is a fun and casual event with speakers, best management practice tours, and a food truck, all to celebrate Stewards and their efforts.

This event is free, but capacity is somewhat limited so please RSVP on the Freshwater website.

Join us for a panel discussion from the International Indigenous Youth Council – Twin Cities Chapter. Youths will share their experience traveling to Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota from 2016 during the Line 3 pipeline protests. Hear from youths who have and continue to be part of the movement to protect our waters. This will be an open panel discussion facilitated by Indigenous Roots with a short screening of the youth caravan to Standing Rock. Geared for adults and youth ages 14 and older.

Galaxie Library
Saturday, Oct. 15, 2–3:30 p.m.

Come learn what it takes to become a Water Steward! Along with submitting an application, all program applicants need to attend an information session. Anyone is welcome to attend any info session.

Information sessions for the 2023 program year (starting January 2023) are all virtual and listed below. Sessions run about 45 minutes to an hour long. You must register beforehand and you only need to attend one session.

Contact Alex Van Loh avanloh@freshwater.org with questions.

Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 12:00 pm

Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 5:00 pm

Tuesday, October 25, 2022, 12:00 pm

Tuesday, November 1, 2022, 5:00 pm 

Tuesday, November 15, 2022, 12:00 pm

Tuesday, November 29, 2022, 5:00 pm

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.