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.

It’s easy, make and take a rain barrel.

What’s one of the simplest, high-impact ways to save water and help protect our watershed? Using a make & take rain barrel.

The workshop will begin with a presentation on how home lawn and garden practices impact our waters and how we can make a difference. Next we’’ll discuss the watershed-friendly benefits of rain barrels in more detail, then review how to build, incorporate, install and maintain them.

With guidance from Friends of the Mississippi River staff, participants will then build their very own rain barrel to take home following the workshop. Participants will receive the necessary parts ($35 per kit) and  be guided through the process of converting used syrup barrels from Coca-Cola into a rain barrel to take home and install.

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.

Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) Public Hearing on the Draft VRWJPO 2018 Budget

Notice is hereby given that the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) will hold a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 24, 2017, at the Dakota County Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Avenue, Apple Valley, Minnesota, Conference Room 334, for the purpose of receiving comments on the draft VRWJPO 2018 Budget and Watershed Management Tax District Levy.

The draft VRWJPO 2017 Budget and Watershed Management Tax District Levy can be viewed online at www.vermillionriverwatershed.org in the “News” category after Tuesday, August 1, 2017. Paper copies of the draft VRWJPO 2017 Budget and Watershed Management Tax District Levy, as well as requests for any special accommodations at the public hearing, can be obtained by contacting Jen Dullum at 952-891-7086 or by email at jennifer.dullum@co.dakota.mn.us.

Agencies, groups, or persons attending the public hearing will have the opportunity to provide written or oral comments. Prior to the public hearing, written comments can be address to the VRWJPO, 14955 Galaxie Avenue, Apple Valley, MN 55124, or emailed to VRWJPO administrator Mark Zabel at mark.zabel@co.dakota.mn.us.

Winter Parking Lot and Sidewalk Maintenance Workshop is for ice removal contractors, property managers, facilities, parks, cities, and schools.

Learn sensible salting practices to save money, protect lakes and rivers, and keep parking lots and sidewalks safe. Receive a “Winter Parking Lot and Sidewalk Maintenance” manual. Attendees have an opportunity to attain MPCA Level 1 Certification in Snow and Ice Control Best Practices. Lunch will be provided. Workshop is free.

Training topics include: application rates and materials, weather conditions and storing materials, environmental effects, new maintenance methods, calibration, keeping surfaces safe, selection of materials, and policy.

Pre-registration is required by September 8. To register, send email to environ@co.dakota.mn.us.