October 22, 2013 Meeting Minutes
Minnesota River Watershed Alliance Meeting Minutes
Oct. 22, 2013, Turner Hall, New UlmFacilitators: Brad Cobb and Cathi Fouchi
Recorder: Forrest Peterson
Food and refreshments provided by Coalition for a Clean Minnesota River and New Ulm Area Sport Fishermen
Primary
meeting topics:
·
The status of
the national Blueway nomination.
·
Ideas for
Alliance activities in 2014.
With a unanimous vote, the Alliance
approved drafting language supporting continuation of the Blueway effort, to be
used on individual postcards mailed or delivered to the office of the Secretary
of the Interior, Sally Jewell.
The next Alliance meeting Jan. 21,
2014 at Ridgewater College in Hutchinson, will discuss ideas for the primary
activities during 2014:
·
Continue the
Blueway effort, either through the Department of the Interior, or by the
Alliance itself.
·
Report on
achievements in the two decades following the 1994 pronouncement by Gov. Arne
Carlson. Success stories (some compiled by MSW-WRC).
·
Celebration event, eg. Governor’s paddle event.
·
Education plan – Schools, Facebook, social media
Blueway project discussion:
Scott Sparlin reported that Congressman Tim Walz agreed to
lead the effort to advance the Blueway nomination in Washington. He plans to
meet soon with Secretary Jewell. The Dept. of the Interior will be reviewing
the Blueway program, and may decide by the end of November whether or not to
continue. Some changes have been made to the federal Blueway website. The
federal shutdown slowed the process.
A postcard mailing campaign to Secretary Jewell will urge
continuing the program. Other ways to promote the program include: Sending
opinion articles to news media, send a delegation to meet with Secretary Jewell
in Washington, seek renewed support from the governor, greater involvement of
tribes, connect with education/schools, attend meetings to distribute
postcards.
Brainstorm ideas for other groups to involve in the project.
Follow up on the tour to Sisseton and stay connected with that community. Tap
into the recent focus on the nitrogen study and statewide nutrient reduction
strategy.
The Blueway steering team will draft language for the
postcard, and plan distribution.
Other business:
Scott Sparlin gave an update on the Minnesota River Board’s
reorganization efforts. One option is creating a 29-member board, composed of
13 elected officials, 13 appointed by watershed organizations, and 3 from
under-represented groups. A basin-wide tax could raise $8 million, most going
for projects. The name would be the Minnesota River Basin Board. The Board of
Water and Soil Resources is helping draft language; a new structure would
require legislative approval. Scott was a member of an advisory group for the
project. The next River Board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 25 at the Sheep
Shedde in Olivia.
Attending:
Ron Bolduan, River Rangers
Brad Cobb, Green Corridors
Cathi Fouchi, DNR
Dennis Frederickson, DNR
Deb Groebner, DNR
Chantill Kahler-Royer
Gary Lentz
Sue Loose
Kim Olson, New Ulm Area Sport Fishermen, CCMR
Forrest Peterson, MPCA
Franz Albert Richter, CURE
Greg Roiger, Brown SWCD
Scott Sparlin, CCMR, FMV, NUASF
Lee Sundmark, DNR
Ted Suss
Chad Wengert, River Rangers
Lori Wengert, River Rangers
posted by Minnesota River Watershed Alliance @ 3:33 PM
