Jul
27
Thu
2017
Budget Workshop-Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board @ Dakota County Western Service Center
Jul 27 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board (VRWJPB) budget workshop will begin immediately following the business meeting.

Aug
9
Wed
2017
Watershed Planning Commission (WPC) @ Dakota County Western Service Center
Aug 9 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Aug
22
Tue
2017
Master Water Stewards Info Session @ City of Eagan Maintenance Facility
Aug 22 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Looking for good neighbors to protect water quality

Applications being accepted for Master Water Stewards program

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) invites residents to become Master Water Stewards (MWS). The MWS program provides training and opportunities for residents to protect and improve water quality and habitat.

Freshwater Society developed the MWS program in 2013. The VRWJPO is one of many watershed organizations sponsoring MWS classes.

The cost to enroll in the MWS program in the Vermillion River Watershed is $125 per person, which covers course fees and field trips. The cost will be reimbursed to participants upon certification as a Master Water Steward. Scholarships may be available for situations of demonstrated financial hardship.

The next MWS session begins in October and runs through April 2018. To learn more, visit the Master Water Stewards website or attend any information session in the metro area or Sept. 5 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Dakota County Western Service Center, room 334.

Master Water Stewards are certified by participating in a broad training curriculum led by experts in the fields of hydrology, stormwater management, water policy, community-based social marketing, and raingarden assessment and installation. They must complete a capstone project that captures rainfall and allows more water to soak into the ground, and lead a community outreach event. Stewards then become a point of knowledge and influence in their communities.

For more details and to apply, visit www.masterwaterstewards.org. Direct questions to the Vermillion River Watershed, paula.liepold@co.dakota.mn.us or (952) 891-7117.

Aug
24
Thu
2017
Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board @ Dakota County Western Service Center
Aug 24 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board (VRWJPB) is the governing body of the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO). The  VRWJPB consists of two Commissioners from Dakota County and one Commissioner from Scott County. The VRWJPB makes decisions about VRWJPO policy, budget, and actions. The agenda and full packet of items for discussion are posted here at least one week before the meeting.

Sep
13
Wed
2017
Watershed Planning Commission (WPC) @ Dakota County Western Service Center
Sep 13 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Sep
28
Thu
2017
CANCELED-Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board @ Dakota County Western Service Center
Sep 28 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board (VRWJPB) is the governing body of the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO). The  VRWJPB consists of two Commissioners from Dakota County and one Commissioner from Scott County. The VRWJPB makes decisions about VRWJPO policy, budget, and actions. The agenda and full packet of items for discussion are posted here at least one week before the meeting.

Sep
30
Sat
2017
Collect native prairie seed at Sand Coulee SNA @ Sand Coulee Scientific Natural Area
Sep 30 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am

After a brief training on the importance of seed collecting and identification, volunteers will help hand collect much-needed native prairie seed while enjoying this rare example of a sand-gravel prairie in full fall bloom. Volunteers will work with FMR Lead Ecologist Karen Schik in the natural area most recently added to the Sand Coulee Scientific & Natural Area. Seed will be used for further habitat restoration. This is especially important as the Sand Coulee provides a home to 13 rare plant and animal species.

Previous seed collection experience is not required, all are welcome. However, this activity is very detail-oriented, and generally best suited for teenagers and up. (Learn more about FMR volunteer seed collection events here.)

This event is part of the Vermillion Stewards program, providing opportunities for hands-on stewardship of this unique cold prairie river and its watershed.

Ready to register?

To sign up and receive precise directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator Amy Kilgore via the contact form (please select Amy by name from the staff list under “Category”) or at akilgore@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x31. Please include the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party. If you’re under 18 and interested in volunteering without the company of your parent or guardian, please take a moment and have them fill out this brief minor permission form.

To ensure a high-quality experience, capacity is limited and pre-registration required. Registration closes Wednesday, September 27, or upon reaching capacity.

You will receive a confirmation email with details and directions from akilgore@fmr.org within two business days. (If you don’t, please check your SPAM folder.) Amy is typically in the office M-Th.

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

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.