June 10, 2015 CAC Meeting Packet

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

Citizen Advisory Committee

7:00 PM, Wednesday, June 10, 2015 – Capitol Region Watershed District 1410 Energy Park

Drive, Suite 4, Saint Paul, MN 55108

Agenda

7:00 I) Welcome, Announcements and Updates – Introductions

7:05 II) Public Comment for issues not on the Agenda (3 minutes per person)

7:08 III) Approval of the Agenda

7:09 IV) Approval of Minutes

A) Approval of the May 13, 2015 Minutes

7:10 V) District Initiatives for Review, Comment and Recommendations

A) CRWD 2010 Watershed Plan Mid-Term Update

8:30 VI) CAC Initiatives

A) Student Worker Program

B) July 15th CAC Tour

C) 2015 Awards Program

D) Fall Freshwater Society Moos Family Lecture Series Update

E) Master Water Stewards

F) 2016 Work Plan and Budget

8:45 VII) Project and Program Updates

A) 2015 CRWD Events

8:50 VIII) CAC Observer Update

8:55 IX) Discussion A) New & Old Issues

B) CAC Observer June 17th and July 8th 2015 Board of Managers Meetings

C) 2015 Meeting Schedule

9:00 X) Adjourn

W:\05 Citizen Advisory Committee\Agendas\2015\June 10, 2015 CAC Agenda.docx

Materials

Enclosed

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Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 – 7:00 p.m.

CAC Members Present:

David Arbeit

Bill Barton

Pat Byrne

Steve Duerre

Rick Sanders

Nicole Soderholm

Kathryn Swanson

Michelle Ulrich

Richard Weil

Gwen Willems

Members absent: Mike MacDonald, w/notice

Ted McCaslin

Others Present:

Mark Doneux, CRWD

Michelle Sylvander, CRWD

Lindsay VanPatten, CRWD

Joe Collins, CRWD Board

President

Monica Siems McKay, University

of Minnesota

Welcome, Announcements, and Updates

Ms. Willems opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Willems requested any announcements.

Public Comments

Ms. Willems requested any public comments. No public comments were made.

Approval of Agenda

Ms. Willems asked for any additions or changes to the Agenda. No additions or changes were made.

CAC 15-018 Motion: To approve the CAC May 13, 2015, agenda.

Arbeit/Duerre

Unanimously approved

Approval of the April 8, 2015 CAC Minutes

No changes or corrections were noted.

CAC 15-019 Motion: To approve the April 8, 2015 CAC Minutes.

Duerre/Sanders


District Initiatives

Draft

“Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.”

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A) CRWD 2010 Watershed Plan Mid-Term Update

Administrator Doneux reviewed that on September 1, 2010, the Board of Managers adopted the District’s

Watershed Management Plan (WMP). The plan covers the term from 2010—2020. The District is currently

at the half-way point in the term of the WMP.

Staff and EOR, Inc. have completed significant work on the on Mid-Term WMP Review. Specifically, the

Initiatives, Goals, Issues, and Themes. A special meeting for the CAC was held on April 29th. The purpose

of the meeting was to discuss direction from the CAC on the Mid-Term review. Mr. Fossum was very

pleased with the feedback from the CAC. The structure of the report was changed because of the input from

the special meeting. President Collins thanked the CAC members that attended the special meeting. The

input from the CAC is needed to determine priorities for the District. The Board Managers also had a

workshop on May 12th.

It was decided to have further discussion on the Mid-Term Watershed Management Plan at the June 10th

CAC meeting. The annual CAC tour will be moved to July 15th.

B) 2015 Lake McCarrons Aquatic Plant Harvesting Update

Administrator Doneux provided a review of the Lake McCarron’s Aquatic Plant Harvesting. The west end

of the lake was reviewed in 2014 for harvesting areas with and without a permit. It appears that vegetation

harvesting on Lake McCarrons is not needed for invasive species control, nor is it a cost-effective means of

improving water quality. Weed harvesting has very limited benefit to the general public. St. Paul coordinates

harvesting for Lake Como and Lake Phalen to control Eurasian Water Milfoil and improve lake-wide

recreational access. In most cases, near-shore harvesting is managed by individual homeowners or a lake

association. Two rounds of weed harvesting for access would be the approach for this year. The

homeowners would be able to harvest additional rounds at their own expense. Twenty one homeowners will

participate in two rounds of the plant harvesting.

CAC Initiatives

A) Student Worker Program

Earlier in 2015 CAC member, Katheryn Swanson recommended the CAC look into involving a Student

through the Student Worker program the University of Minnesota. Ms. Swanson has worked with student

workers in the program. Ms. Monica Siems McKay from the University of Minnesota was invited to provide

an overview of the student worker program and feedback on the CAC’s project ideas. CAC Members took a

survey to rank a list of project ideas. Ms. VanPatten reviewed the feedback provided by the survey. The

Service Learning Coordinator from the University of MN, Monica Siems McKay provided feedback on the

list of project ideas. Ms. McKay recommended that the CAC consider multiple students and allow the

students to select from a list of potential projects. This would give the student a greater sense of ownership

of the project. The CAC, would still provide direction and supervision. Administrator Doneux suggested an

outline of expected outcomes from the student worker and drafting an example of the position descriptions.

Additional discussion and adoption of the position descriptions will occur at the August 12th, 2015 CAC

Meeting.


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B) CAC By-Laws Adoption

The Bylaws were presented to the Board of Managers for suggested edits. The Board of Managers reviewed

and approved the changes. The committee reviewed and made a few changes in the Bylaws.

CAC 15-020 Motion: To adopt the CAC Bylaws as approved by the Board of Managers.

Duerre/Ulrich


C) June 10th CAC Tour Planning

Administrator Doneux reviewed a list with two groups of potential sites for the annual tour. The first group

of sites would focus along the Mississippi River corridor. Proposed tour sites include: Kellogg Blvd.

Reconstruction, Island Station, Highland Ravine, Crosby Lake, Hidden Falls/Ford Site, St. Anthony Outlet

Monitoring Site. The second group of sites would be current or future project sites. Proposed tour sites

include: Eustis Street, German Emersion School, Willow Reserve, Great River School and Victoria Park.

The date of the tour will be moved to July 15th. Additional discussion of the Mid-Term Watershed

Management Plan will take place at the June 10th meeting instead.

D) 2015 Awards Program

Administrator Doneux reviewed the Blooming St. Paul Awards. CRWD will no longer be providing the

staff time to the Blooming St. Paul awards but will continue to provide financial support. The CAC

discussed adding an additional project award category. Administrator Doneux will discuss drafting a new

award criteria with Mr. Arbeit and Mr. MacDonald to be adopted by the August 12th, CAC meeting.

E) Fall CAC “Event” Update

Administrator Doneux has meet with the Freshwater Society, they provided a list of potential speakers.

Administrator Doneux shared a list that has been paired down to five speakers that have the potential for

broad general public appearance and the most relevance to CRWD Mission.

1. Bill Stowe, from Des Moines Water Works

2. Moira McDonald, Senior Program Officer for the Environmental Focus Area

3. Peter Gleick from the Pacific Institute

4. Chuck Fox, who worked in the EPA in the Clinton administration and was the EPA’s Chesapeake

Bay “czar” early in the Obama administration.

5. Charles Fishman, investigative journalist who wrote the book “The Big Thirst”.

CAC members ranked the list of speakers. Administrator Doneux will follow up with the Freshwater Society

with the preferred list of potential speakers.

Project and Program Updates

A) 2015 CRWD Events

Administrator Doneux reviewed a list of upcoming events with CRWD. A number of events are coming up

in May and June that need additional support.


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CRWD Staff is seeking help from the CAC to attend events.

Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Grand Opening Sat. May 30th 1-3

St. Paul Arbor Month Celebration Sat. May 30th 10-2

Landscape Revival Native Plant Expo, Sat., June 6th 9-3

Great River Greening Rain Garden Plantings, date to be announced

CAC Observer Update

Ms. Nicole Soderholm attended the April 15th Board of Managers meeting. Ms. Soderholm reported that Ms.

Beckman reviewed the draft of the 2014 Annual Report. The City of St. Paul is currently in an evaluation

phase of redeveloping the former Ford site. CRWD has been asked to serve on a subcommittee for the

redevelopment at the former Ford site.

Mr. Duerre attended the May 6th Board of Managers meeting. Students from the University of Minnesota

provided a presentation on their Capstone Project of the Trout Brook East Branch subwatershed. A grant

was approved to the City of Roseville to purchase a parcel of wetland. The Managers discussed artwork for

the Lowertown Ballpark. An update was given on the Lake McCarron’s Plant Harvesting. A public meeting

is scheduled in June for the Ford Site Redevelopment.

Discussion –

A) New & Old Issues

No new or old business.

B) Identify CAC Observer for the May 20th and June 3rd Board of Managers Meetings.

No one was identified.

C) June 10th CAC Agenda Overview

The annual tour planned for June 10th has been moved to July 15th. The June 10th meeting will include:

awards program development, event planning, WMP mid-term review and development on the 2016 work

plan.

Adjourn –

CAC 15-021 Motion: To adjourn the May 13, 2015 CAC Meeting.

Weil/Sanders


The meeting was adjourned at 9:12 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Michelle Sylvander

W:\05 Citizen Advisory Committee\Minutes\2015\May 13, 2015 Draft Minutes.doc

DATE: June 4, 2015 TO: CRWD CAC FROM: Bob Fossum, Water Resource Program Manager SUBJECT: 2010 Watershed Management Plan Mid-Term Review Background On September 1, 2010, the Board of Managers adopted the District’s Watershed Management Plan (WMP). The plan covers the term from 2010—2020. As the District is approaching the half-way point in the term of the WMP, it is a good time to evaluate implementation of the plan and consider adjustments (if any) to the WMP. At the February 18, 2015 Board meeting the Managers approved 2010 WMP Mid-Term Review Project. The project includes three phases: Data Gathering, Evaluation of WMP Progress, and Final Report. At the April 29th special CAC meeting the Committee reviewed the draft Summary of Progress toward Addressing Issues document. Issues Staff have revised the Summary of Progress toward Addressing Issues memo based on input and discussion with the CAC and Board. The latest revision is enclosed. Also enclosed is a financial summary of the planned vs. actual expenditures for the first for years of the WMP. Staff and EOR, Inc. have worked to develop a draft list of recommendations for the reminder of the WMP period (enclosed). Staff will review the draft recommendations with the CAC. Requested Action Provide review and comment on the draft recommendations for the 2010 WMP Mid-term Review enc: Summary of Progress toward Addressing Issues (Draft) Financial Summary--WMP Planned Expenditures vs. Actual Expenditures Draft Recommendations for the 2010 WMP Mid-term Review W:\06 Projects\WMP 2010\Mid-Term Review\CAC Packet 6-4-2015\CAC Memo WMP Mid-term Review, 06-04-2015.docx

June 10, 2015 V. District Initiatives A. 2010 WMP

Mid-term review

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

EOR is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N. Oakdale, MN 55128 T/ 651.770.8448 F/ 651.770.2552 www.eorinc.com

memo Project Name | CRWD Watershed Management Plan Mid Term Review Date | May 7, 2015

To / Contact info | Bob Fossum

From / Contact info | Pat Conrad

Regarding | Summary of Progress Toward Addressing Issues (Draft)

ThefollowingisasummaryoftheCRWDstaffandCACimpressionsoftheprogressthathasbeenmade in addressing the20 issues thatwere identified in the2010WatershedManagementPlan.Includedforeachissuestatementisabriefsummaryofthegoalsandobjectivesthatweredevelopedforaddressingtheissue.FollowingthatislistingoftheInitiativescompletedthathaveaddressestheIssue.ThenarrativedescribingtheprogressthathasbeenmadewasdevelopedthroughaworkingsessionwithDistrictStaffandCAC.ThisisintendedtoserveasastartingpointfordiscussionswiththeBoardofManagers.

Issue 1: ManyDistrictresidents,businessesand institutionsdonot feelapersonalconnection withwaterand naturalresourcesand thereforedonot haveasenseofresponsibility orownershipwhich negativelyimpactstheirabilitytochange behaviorsand increase stewardship

Goals:Increaseawarenessofwater,appreciationforlocalresources,theDistrict.

InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue1:Education/Outreach Events Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality. Workshop on landscaping for clean water Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program. Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Updated District Education Plan Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Stewardship and Partner Grant Program

ProgressmadetowardsaddressingIssueandmeetinggoals

EducationoutreachisoneofthecoreprogramsoftheDistrict.TheDistricthasconductedsurveys(baselinesurveyin2009,ComoLakesurveyin2011andinformalperceptionstudies)inanattempttomeasure changes in awareness. It should be noted thatmeasuring changes in awareness andactionstakenisdifficulttask. TheDistrictdoeskeeptrackofthecontactsthataremadewiththe

memo 2 of 18

Emmons & O l i v ie r Resources , I nc . 651 Ha le Ave N , Oakda le , MN 55128 p : 651.770 .8448 f : 651 .770 .2552 www.eor inc .com

public and themessages that are delivered. Signage is used at District projects in an attempt toeducatethepublic.OnespecificareatheCRWDstaffidentifiedaslackingisintheDistricteducatingthepublicongroundwaterissues.

Issue 2 TheDistrict’sdiverse community hasawiderangeofcultural,socialandpoliticalrelationshipswithwater, communityinterests,priorities,andopinionsoftheDistrict’swaterresources

Goal: Increasecommunicationandencourageinvolvement

InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue2:Education Outreach Events Supported Children’s Water Fest Supported a water themed dance event at the first Open Streets celebration in Saint Paul Interpretive signage Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Educational signage and construction of rain gardens at Beacon Bluff Stewardship and Partner Grant Program


TheDistricthasmadesomeprogresstoaddressthisissuethroughitpartnergrantprograms,butadditionaleffortcouldbemadeonthisissue.DuetothesignificantdiversityintheDistrictcontinuedworktobetterconnectwiththemanydifferentgroupsofcitizensinthecommunityisanareathatcouldreceivemoreattentioninfutureyears.Despitetheeffortthathasbeenputforth,theDistrictisfarfromattainingthegoalsestablishedforthisissue.Particularly,theDistricthasnotachieveditsgoalofgettingitsmaterialsintootherlanguageswiththeexceptionofsomeprojectspecificsignage.

Issue 3 RegularmaintenanceiscriticaltothesuccessofstormwaterBMPsandisnot consistentlyperformedtoachievedesiredperformance

Goals: Improveshortandlong‐termmaintenanceofBMPs,coordinatewithotherjurisdictions.

InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue3:BMPMonitoringandMaintenanceTroutBrookStormSewerInterceptorIllicitdischargeandwintermaintenancetrainingsChlorideeducationworkshopsSponsoredWinterMaintenancetrainingSupportofastreetsweepingstudy

memo 3 of 18


StewardshipandPartnerGrantProgramDistrictBMPDatabase


WhiletheDistrictdoesaverygoodjobofmaintainingitsownBMPstheycoulddoabetterjobofsupportingtheirpartnersandensuringthatallBMPsinstalledintheDistrictarewellmaintained.BMPsthatareinstalledeitherthroughapermittedactivityorbyapartnerontheirownprojectshavenot had the level of maintenance that is being done on District projects. The District has builttechnology infrastructure, including the BMP database that will help in achieving the goal ofcoordinatingwithotherjurisdictionbutworkremainstobedone.

Issue 4 ThepollutantloadofstormwaterhasimpactedthequalityofwaterintheDistrict’slakes,wetlandsandtheMississippiRiver

Goals: Reducechemical,physicalandbiologicalpollutiontoDistrictlakes,wetlandsandtheMississippiRiver.

Objectives: Several specificobjectivesareenumerated in theplan forhow this reductionwouldbequantified

Como,McCarrons,LoebandMississippiRiverphosphorusloading,includinginternalloading Metals,pesticides,chlorides,organiccontaminants Illicitdischarges Trash,sediment,turbidity E.colibacteria

InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue4:

Center St/Rice St Subwatershed Analysis Crosby Lake Management Plan Curtiss Pond Improvement Project Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Villa Park Wetland Restoration Project William Street Pond TBI Farrington Feasibility Study Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Water quality education field trips Co‐sponsored storm drain stenciling and trash cleanup Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality.

memo 4 of 18


Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Supported Children’s Water Fest Led a stormwater BMP tour along the Green Line Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program. Education displays targeted at adults Neighborhood water festival Presented to attendees of the Minnesota Green Roof Symposium Led a tour of Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Education displays at community events Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Hosted the 2013 Clean Water Summit conference Updated District Education Plan Interpretive signage Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Rain barrel construction workshop grants Raingarden Stewardship Grant Green Roof Stewardship Grant Pervious Paver Stewardship Grant Erosion Control Stewardship Grant Rain Barrel Stewardship Grant Watershed Artist in Residence Stewardship Grant Community Clean up Como Lake Stewardship Grant Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Support for Friends of Mississippi River volunteers Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Rain barrel construction workshop grants Storm drain stenciling Stewardship Grant Native Plant Education Expo and Market Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Support of a street sweeping study Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Educational signage and construction of rain gardens at Beacon Bluff Stewardship and Partner Grant Program BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Stormwater Quality Monitoring Permitting Program Review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program Watershed Rule Adoption

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This is the fundamental issue facing the District. The District has worked extensively towardsaddressingthisissuebutitisanon‐goingeffort.Manyofthespecificgoals(relatedtoaparticularresource)havebeenmet(McCarronsandLoebLakewaterquality)whileothersarebeingactivelyworked on (ComoLakewater quality. In addition to reorganizing the goals for this issue, staffrecommendedre‐visitingsomeofthespecificobjectiveswithinthisissueareaspecifically; AchievingtheTPloadingrequirementoftheLakePepinTMDL(aTPreductiontargetwasnot

established) DevelopingatargetreductionfortheamountoftrashenteringDistrictlakes(theDistrictworks

towardsreducingtrashloading,thebenefitofdevelopingatargetisunclear)The primary focus of theDistrict has been the conventionalwatershed pollutants, TP, sediment,nitrogen.Additionaleffortcouldbeplacedonadditionalcontaminantssuchaspesticides,chlorides,etc.

Issue 5 Thequantityofrunoff from ahighlyurbanizedareaincreasestherisk offloodingandputsaddedstrainontheinfrastructure withintheDistrict

Goals: Minimize flooding, evaluate impact of climate change, preserveand re‐establish floodplain,managevolumeintheTroutBrooksystem.InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue5:

Center St/Rice St Subwatershed Analysis Como 7 Subwatershed ‐ Curtis Field Crosby Lake Management Plan Curtiss Pond Improvement Project Gottfried's Pit Improvements Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Highland Ravine Stabilization Project Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor Inspection Villa Park Subwatershed Plan and BMP Design Villa Park Wetland Restoration Project William Street Pond Sunny Slope Stabilization Feasibility Study TBI Farrington Feasibility Study Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program

memo 6 of 18


Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Water quality education field trips Co‐sponsored storm drain stenciling and trash cleanup Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality. Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Supported Children’s Water Fest Led a stormwater BMP tour along the Green Line Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program. Education displays targeted at adults Neighborhood water festival Presented to attendees of the Minnesota Green Roof Symposium Led a tour of Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Education displays at community events Hosted the 2013 Clean Water Summit conference Updated District Education Plan Interpretive signage Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Rain barrel construction workshop grants Rain garden Stewardship Grant Green Roof Stewardship Grant Pervious Paver Stewardship Grant Erosion Control Stewardship Grant Rain Barrel Stewardship Grant Watershed Artist in Residence Stewardship Grant Community Clean up Como Lake Stewardship Grant Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Support for Friends of Mississippi River volunteers Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Rain barrel construction workshop grants Storm drain stenciling Stewardship Grant Native Plant Education Expo and Market Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Support of a street sweeping study Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Educational signage and construction of rain gardens at Beacon Bluff Stewardship and Partner Grant Program

memo 7 of 18


BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Stormwater Quality Monitoring Permitting Program Review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program Watershed Rule Adoption


The issue has been primarily addressed through the 2010H&H Study aswell as subwatershed‐specific studies, numerous capital improvement projects, the District Rules and through themanagementoftheTroutBrooksystem.Littleefforthasbeenplacedinidentifyingopportunitiestore‐establishfloodplainareasasthishasbeendeterminedtobealowpriorityactivityfortheDistrict.

Issue 6 Withinanurbanized area,runoff from impervioussurfacesisdirectedtostormsewersanddischargedtosurface watersratherthaninfiltratingintothegroundresultinginreducedgroundwaterrechargeandimpactstoreceivingwaters

Goals: Promotegroundwaterrechargethroughinfiltration,protectgroundwater.

InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue6:Center St/Rice St Subwatershed Analysis Como 7 Subwatershed ‐ Curtis Field Crosby Lake Management Plan Curtiss Pond Improvement Project Gottfried's Pit Improvements Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Villa Park Subwatershed Plan and BMP Design Villa Park Wetland Restoration Project William Street Pond Sunny Slope Stabilization Feasibility Study TBI Farrington Feasibility Study Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Water quality education field trips Co‐sponsored storm drain stenciling and trash cleanup Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality. Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects

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Supported Children’s Water Fest Led a stormwater BMP tour along the Green Line Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program. Education displays targeted at adults Neighborhood water festival Presented to attendees of the Minnesota Green Roof Symposium Led a tour of Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Education displays at community events Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Hosted the 2013 Clean Water Summit conference Updated District Eduction Plan Interpretive signage Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Rain barrel construction workshop grants Raingarden Stewardship Grant Green Roof Stewardship Grant Pervious Paver Stewardship Grant Erosion Control Stewardship Grant Rain Barrel Stewardship Grant Watershed Artist in Residence Stewardship Grant Community Clean up Como Lake Stewardship Grant Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Support for Friends of Mississippi River volunteers Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program

Rain barrel construction workshop grants Storm drain stenciling Stewardship Grant Native Plant Education Expo and Market Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Support of a street sweeping study Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Educational signage and construction of rain gardens at Beacon Bluff Stewardship and Partner Grant Program BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Stormwater Quality Monitoring Permitting Program Review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program Watershed Rule Adoption


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The District has completed significantwork to encourage infiltration through Rules and variousGrantprograms.TheDistricthasidentifiedareaswhereinfiltratingstormwaterisnotrecommendedbuthasNOTdevelopedawatershed‐wideevaluationofareasthataremostconducivetoinfiltration.This type of evaluation has been done on a site specific and subwatershed basis. The Districtsapproachforprotecting/managinggroundwateratthetimetheplanwaswrittenwastocollaboratewithRamseyCountyontheirCountyGroundwaterPlanwhich,ultimately,wasnotdeveloped.WhiletheDistrict’sgoalsrelativetostormwaterandwaterqualityarewelldefined,theroletheDistrictshouldplayingroundwatermanagementisnotexplicitlydefined. ThisisacommonsituationformanywatersheddistrictsandassuchtherehavebeendiscussionsattheStatelevelaboutmakingrecommendationsforhowwatersheddistrictaddressgroundwaterissues.

Issue 7 Monitoring andresearchdataareneededtounderstandthewatershed,identify problems, anddetermineappropriate watershedmanagement approacheswithintheDistrict

Goals: MonitorwatershedresourcesandBMPs,continuallyrefinetheprogramandusecollecteddatatoevaluateperformanceofDistrictworkInitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue7:

Monitoring Program Review Gross Solids Study East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Held a summer macroinvertebrate study 2013 International Low Impact Development Symposium Presentations WEFTEC 2013 Staff Presentations WEFTEC 2014 Staff Presentations District BMP Database BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Stormwater Quality Monitoring Lake and Wetland Monitoring


MonitoringisoneofthecoreprogramsoftheDistrictandagreatdealofdataisbeingcollectedontheDistrictsresourcesaswellasontheperformanceofDistrictinstalledpractices.Additional,morefrequent evaluation of the Districts work based on the findings of the monitoring data isrecommended.

Issue 8 Monitoring andresearchdataaredifficult forthepublictoaccessandunderstand

Goals: Makemonitoring data available and easy to understand for a broad audience, serve as aclearinghouse,andestablishpartnerships.

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InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue8: Internal Mapping System District BMP Database BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Stormwater Quality Monitoring

Monitoring Database


TheDistricthasexpendedsomeeffortinmakingmonitoringandresearchdatamoreaccessibletothe public but additional work remains to be done in this area. In 2014, the District beganimplementationofanewmonitoringdatabasetomoreeffectivelyandefficientlymanage,analyze,andreportdata.Theframeworkisinplacetomoreeffectivelydeliverthistypeofinformationtothepublicsostaffisconfidentthatthesegoalwillbeachievedinthenext5years.

Issue 9 Futurewatershedmanagement strategiesneedtobe responsivetoemergingissuesresultingfromclimatechange andtechnologicaladvances

Goals: Develop better understanding of climate change impacts, conduct research on stormwatermanagement technologies,andpromoteuseof emerging technologiesand innovativemanagementtechniques.InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue9:

Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Real‐Time Automated BMP Controls Stormwater Reuse Projects Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Presented to attendees of the Minnesota Green Roof Symposium Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Hosted the 2013 Clean Water Summit conference 2013 International Low Impact Development Symposium Presentations WEFTEC 2013 Staff Presentations WEFTEC 2014 Staff Presentations Stewardship and Partner Grant Program Data Acquisition GIS Program Development Impervious Surfaces Data Set Internal Mapping System District BMP Database BMP Maintenance and Monitoring


TheDistricthasbecomealeaderinconductingresearchonstormwatermanagementtechnologies(ArlingtonPascal)andhasbeenactive inpromotingemerging technologies through its rulesand

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involvementwiththeGreenLine.Moreattentioncouldbepaidontheimpactclimatechangewillhaveonwatershedmanagement.TheDistrictneedstodeterminewherethebalanceliesbetweenanincentive‐based vs regulatory approach to ‘promoting’ innovative watershed managementtechniques.TheDistricthasreceivedseveralawardsandhadseveralpresentationsselectedtobepresented at national conferences which demonstrate innovative work and leadership in thewatershed/waterqualityfield.

Issue 10 ManyDistrictpartnersandresidentsarewilling tohelptheDistrict accomplishitsmissionifassistance ismadeavailable

Goal: Encouragepartnersandresidentstoimplementprojects

InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue10: Center St/Rice St Subwatershed Analysis Como 7 Subwatershed ‐ Curtis Field Curtiss Pond Improvement Project Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Well Sealing Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park TBI Farrington Feasibility Study Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study District 6 Natural Resource Inventory East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Lake Study Event Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Water quality education field trips Co‐sponsored storm drain stenciling and trash cleanup Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality. Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Supported Children’s Water Fest Led a stormwater BMP tour along the Green Line Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program. Coordinated publicity for the Blue Thumb native plant sale Education displays targeted at adults Held a summer macroinvertebrate study Conducted fishing lessons, Neighborhood water festival Led a tour of Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary

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Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Education displays at community events Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Hosted the 2013 Clean Water Summit conference Updated District Education Plan Interpretive signage Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Sponsor a natural resource intern Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Rain barrel construction workshop grants Rain garden Stewardship Grant Green Roof Stewardship Grant Pervious Paver Stewardship Grant Erosion Control Stewardship Grant Rain Barrel Stewardship Grant Watershed Artist in Residence Stewardship Grant Community Clean up Como Lake Stewardship Grant Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Support for Friends of Mississippi River volunteers Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Rain barrel construction workshop grants Storm drain stenciling Stewardship Grant Native Plant Education Expo and Market Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Support of a street sweeping study Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Support of Friends of the Mississippi River’s river stewardship and habitat restoration programs Stewardship and Partner Grant Program


ThisisahighpriorityissuefortheDistrict.TheDistrictprovidesfinancialandtechnicalassistancethroughitsgrantprogramtoencouragepartnerstoimplementwaterqualityimprovementprojects.

Issue 11 TheDistrict isuniquelypositionedtobe able toidentify andsupport collaborationsbetweenvariouspartners/stakeholderswithcompatible projectsandprograms

Goal: Coordinate efforts with partners to ensure cost effective use of funds for water resourcemanagement.InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue11:

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Center St/Rice St Subwatershed Analysis Como 7 Subwatershed ‐ Curtis Field Crosby Lake Management Plan Curtiss Pond Improvement Project Gottfried's Pit Improvements Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park Sunny Slope Stabilization Feasibility Study TBI Farrington Feasibility Study Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study District 6 Natural Resource Inventory East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Lake Study Event Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Water quality education field trips Co‐sponsored storm drain stenciling and trash cleanup Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality. Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Supported Children’s Water Fest Led a stormwater BMP tour along the Green Line Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program. Coordinated publicity for the Blue Thumb native plant sale Education displays targeted at adults Held a summer macroinvertebrate study Conducted fishing lessons, Neighborhood water festival Led a tour of Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Education displays at community events Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Updated District Eduction Plan Interpretive signage Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Sponsor a natural resource intern Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Rain barrel construction workshop grants Raingarden Stewardship Grant Green Roof Stewardship Grant Pervious Paver Stewardship Grant

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Erosion Control Stewardship Grant Rain Barrel Stewardship Grant Watershed Artist in Residence Stewardship Grant Community Clean up Como Lake Stewardship Grant Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Support for Friends of Mississippi River volunteers Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Rain barrel construction workshop grants Storm drain stenciling Stewardship Grant Native Plant Education Expo and Market Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Support of a street sweeping study Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Support of Friends of the Mississippi River’s river stewardship and habitat restoration programs Stewardship and Partner Grant Program


CoordinatingeffortswithpartnersisanoverarchingprincipleoftheDistrictandistheapproachusedinallaspectsofwatershedmanagement:Districtrules,CIPsandprograms.

Issue 12 Multiple funding mechanismsandoutsidefunding sourcesareavailablefortheDistricttopursuetooffsetfinancialneeds

Goal: IncreasethefundsavailabletomeetthegoalsandobjectivesoftheDistrict.InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue12:

Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor Villa Park Subwatershed Plan and BMP Design Villa Park Wetland Restoration Project William Street Pond East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis


TheDistricthasbeenvery successfulpursuingandobtaininggrantmoney fromsources that aretypically available for watershed management activities. Additional effort could be spentinvestigatingadditional,non‐traditionalsources.

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Issue 13 TheDistrict must prioritize programsandprojectstoensurethatgoalsaremetinthemost efficient,andcost effectivemanner

Goal: Utilizelong‐termplanningandpursuecosteffectivesolutions InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue13:

Data Acquisition Subwatershed Analysis GIS Program Development Impervious Surfaces Data Set Internal Mapping System District BMP Database


TheDistrictconductsaperiodicreviewofitsprograms,setsprioritiesandevaluatescost/benefits.Theannualworkplanandbudgetingprocessisalsousedtoevaluateprioritiesandensurethatgoalsarebeingmetinacosteffectivemanner.

Issue 14 Aneffectivewatershedorganization needstoplanforchange,growth,anddevelopment

Goals: (fromthe2008StrategicPlan)Strengthen the District’s capacity to accomplish itsmission,Strive for excellence,with competent, knowledgeable, committed, and innovative Boardmembers,advisorycommittees,andstaff,Provideresearch‐based,informed,mission‐drivendecisionmaking,Beanopen,approachable,facilitatorofpartnershipstoenhancetheDistrict’scapacitytoprotect,maintainandimprovewaterresources


Data Acquisition GIS Program Development Impervious Surfaces Data Set Internal Mapping System District BMP Database BMP Maintenance and Monitoring CSE Equipment Safety Program Updates/Audits Stormwater Quality Monitoring


TheDistrictstrivestoaccomplishallofthestatedgoalsforthisissue.

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Issue 15 TheDistrict needstomaintain clearandeffectiveRulesutilizingthemostcurrentresearchandscience available

Goals: Reviewandupdatetherulesregularly

InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue15: Permitting Program Review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program Watershed Rule Adoption


TheDistricthasannualTACmeetingstoreviewtherulesandhashad2rulerevisionsinthelast5years.

Issue 16 CoordinationwithDistrict partnersonregulatoryissuesisneededformore efficientandeffectivestormwaterregulation acrossalljurisdictions

Goals: Work with partners to improve rules and ordinances, collaborate to ensure proper BMPconstructionanderosionand sedimentcontrol techniquesare implemented,workwithneighboringWMOsandstateagenciesonconsistency,complywithapplicablelocal,state,federalregulations.


Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Chloride education workshops Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Interpretive signage Permitting Program Review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program Watershed Rule Adoption


TheDistricts rules andpermittingprogramhas evolved significantly from the time thePlanwaswritten.Mostofthegoalsfortheissuewereaddressedintheruledevelopmentprocessandnowarelargelyaccomplished.InthecontextofoverallPlanthegoalsunderthisissuemayappeartobeoverlyemphasizedbasedonhowtheDistrictrelationshipshaveevolvedsincethewritingoftheplan.Someoutstanding issuesexist suchasmaintaining consistencywithneighboringentitiesandachievingvolumereductiononsiteslessthan1acre.

Issue 17 TheecologicalintegrityofmanyDistrict lakes,wetlands,andtheMississippiRiverhasdegradedtoapoint wheretheresourcesarenot providingtheiroriginalleveloffunction orvalue

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Goal:ImproveecologicalintegrityofDistrictlakes,wetlandsandMississippiRiver

InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue17: Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park District 6 Natural Resource Inventory Lake Study Event Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Held a summer macroinvertebrate study Sponsor a natural resource intern Support of Friends of the Mississippi River’s river stewardship and habitat restoration programs St. Paul Parks and Recreation: Swede‐Hollow Stream Analysis Restoration Feasibility Study

Design


AlthoughnotaprimaryareaoffocusfortheDistrictsomeworktowardsrealizingthisgoalhasbeencompleted.Whenecologicalimprovementcanbeachievedalongwiththeprimaryfocusofaprojectitisincluded.TheupcomingWillowReserveRestorationprojectmaybethefirstprojectthathasecologicalintegrityasitsprimaryfocus.

Issue 18 Thelossofnaturalareashasdecreasedtheabilityofthewatershedtocapture,filterandinfiltraterainwaterpriortodischargingtoDistrict lakes,wetlands,andtheMississippiRiver

Goals: Support increasing open space, mitigate loss of pervious areas by incorporating greeninfrastructure.InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue18:

Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Green Line BMPs Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park District 6 Natural Resource Inventory Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsor a natural resource intern Support of Friends of the Mississippi River’s river stewardship and habitat restoration programs St. Paul Parks and Recreation: Swede‐Hollow Stream Analysis Restoration Feasibility Study

Design


TheDistricthasaddressedthisissuethroughitsrules,managementoftheTroutBrooksystemandthrough collaborationswith partners, for example the installation of green infrastructure on theGreenLine.

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Issue 19 ReducedconnectivityofnaturalhabitatareasintheDistrictlimitmovement betweentheDistrict’sresources

Goal: Coordinatewithpartnerstoimproveaccessibilityandmovementbetweennaturalareas.InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue19:

Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park District 6 Natural Resource Inventory Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Conducted fishing lessons, Sponsor a natural resource intern Support of Friends of the Mississippi River’s river stewardship and habitat restoration programs St. Paul Parks and Recreation: Swede‐Hollow Stream Analysis Restoration Feasibility Study

Design


TheDistricts goals and objectives for this issueweredeliberatelywritten tobe ‘collaborative’ innature.TheDistricthasbeensupportiveofthetypeofactivitiesthatwouldincreaseconnectionstotheDistrictsnatureareas.

Issue 20 ThelandwithintheDistrict developedduring atime whenresourceprotection wasnotapriority.Asaresult,thereareanumberofopportunitiestorestorehistoricresources

Goals: Identify opportunities to restore historic stream and wetland resources and increase theawarenessofcurrentandhistoricwaterresources.InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue20:

Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park District 6 Natural Resource Inventory St. Paul Parks and Recreation: Swede‐Hollow Stream Analysis Restoration Feasibility Study

Design


TheDistricthasrestoredahistoricportionofTroutBrookbuthasnotrestoredanyhistoricwetlands,althoughtheupcomingWillowReserverestorationprojectwillaccomplishthisgoal inpart. TheDistrict has increased awareness of existingwater resources but little effort has been placed inraisingtheawarenessofhistoricresources.ThisDistrictiscurrentlybeginningaproactiveplanningefforttoreestablishaheadwatersportionofHiddenFallsCreekontheredevelopingFordSite.

Financial Summary‐‐WMP Planned Expenditures vs. Actual Expenditures

2011‐2014 Planned Budget 2011‐2014 Actual Difference Percentage Spent

18,217,000 18,094,063.73 ‐122,936.27 99.33

Code Administration 1,640,000 1,769,180 129,180 107.88

101 Administration 1,640,000.00 1,769,179.87 129,180 107.88

Code Programs 5,237,000.00 4,203,856 ‐1,033,144 80.27

201 Groundwater 218,000.00 29,249.52 ‐188,750 13.42

207 Rulemaking/Rule Revisions 116,000.00 41,645.75 ‐74,354 35.90

208 Permitting 622,000.00 787,429.48 165,429 126.60

210 Stewardship Grants 469,000.00 840,103.39 371,103 179.13

211 Monitoring and Data Collection 1,277,000.00 1,711,519.83 434,520 134.03

220 Education/Outreach 862,000.00 551,540.78 ‐310,459 63.98

225 Technical Resources & Information Sharing 657,000.00 110,132.56 ‐546,867 16.76

228 Future Trends: Research & Positioning 575,000.00 15,830.30 ‐559,170 2.75

230 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 366,000.00 61,822.00 ‐304,178 16.89

240 Safety Program 75,000.00 54,582.72 ‐20,417 72.78

Code Projects 3,082,000.00 1,608,463.08 ‐1,473,537 52.19

301 Shoreline & Streambank Maintenance 152,000.00 33,703.29 ‐118,297 22.17

305 Como Lake Subwatershed 508,000.00 410,926.71 ‐97,073 80.89

313 Lake McCarron's Subwatershed 134,000.00 35,014.70 ‐98,985 26.13

315 Loeb Lake Subwatershed 64,000.00 401.88 ‐63,598 0.63

317 Crosby Lake Subwatershed 100,000.00 60,344.28 ‐39,656 60.34

320 Trout Brook Subwatershed 872,000.00 545,979.86 ‐326,020 62.61

325 Wetland, Stream and Ecosystem Restoration‐Planning 515,000.00 309,249.77 ‐205,750 60.05

330 Mississippi River Subwatershed 670,000.00 197,382.66 ‐472,617 29.46

370 Watershed Management Planning 0.00 11,923.60 11,924 #DIV/0!

390 Special Projects & Grants 67,000.00 3,536.33 ‐63,464 5.28

Code Capital Improvement Projects 8,258,000.00 10,512,564.45 2,254,564 127.30

401 Shoreline Restoration Fund 302,000.00 25,788.87 ‐276,211 8.54

405 Como BMP Fund 1,924,000.00 731,883.82 ‐1,192,116 38.04

413 Lake McCarron's Subwatershed BMPs 780,000.00 1,872,197.91 1,092,198 240.03

415 Loeb Lake Subwatershed BMPs 150,000.00 0.00 ‐150,000 0.00

417 Crosby Lake Subwatershed BMPs 38,000.00 544,327.11 506,327 1432.44

420 Trout Brook Subwatershed BMPs 790,000.00 5,040,247.90 4,250,248 638.01

425 Wetland, Stream and Ecosystem Restoration‐Implementation 793,000.00 253,958.83 ‐539,041 32.03

430 Mississippi River Subwatersheds BMP's 575,000.00 772,101.92 197,102 134.28

435 Stormwater Impact Fund Implementation 53,000.00 0.00 ‐53,000 0.00

440 Special Projects and Grants 1,162,000.00 600,870.59 ‐561,129 51.71

450 Future Trends: Implementation 949,000.00 0.00 ‐949,000 0.00

490 Debt Services 742,000.00 671,187.50 ‐70,813 90.46

TOTAL COST

memo

Project Name | CRWD WMP Mid-Term Review Date | 6/4/2015

To / Contact info | Bob Fossum

Cc / Contact info |

From / Contact info | Pat Conrad

Regarding | Draft Recommendations

Introduction

After reviewing the work that has been conducted during the first portion of the 2010 WMP it is clear that CRWD is meeting its mission. Since 2010, CRWD has committed financial resources equal to the projected plan dollars, hired four additional staff, completed numerous capital improvement projects, partnered with its cities to complete water quality practices, won several awards and was awarded nearly a million dollars in Clean Land and Water Legacy Grant dollars. Staff are regularly presenting at national conferences and participate in local, state and national advisory panels. The Citizen Advisory Committee continues to be one of the most active in the state. See Mid-Term Evaluation Summary

While CRWD has achieved many of its goals and made significant progress towards others, water resource issues still exist. Como Lake is still listed as impaired, widespread behavior change and voluntary adoption of clean water practices can improve, aquatic plants and water quality concerns still affect Lake McCarrons. Discharges from the District into the Mississippi River still are contributing to impairments. Most wetlands are degraded and few surface waters exist in the District.

To better position itself in the next five years, CRWD have set out to evaluate progress towards implementing its watershed management plan and achieving it goals. The Board of Managers also wished to make budget decisions based on priority and focus. To do this the CRWD Watershed Management Plan Mid-Term Review was initiated. The following are draft recommendations for how the District could modify its focus moving forward. No changes to the Issues and Goals identified in the WMP are proposed, rather, the recommendations are adjustments/modifications to the level of focus for the remainder of the planning period. There are many high priority issues and goals that will maintain their current level of focus and thus are not addressed in the following recommendations.

1. Programs and Planning Efforts

a) 220—Education/Outreach: General (Issue 1)

Review Summary: The District has not dedicated the level of effort or allocated the amount of funding to this issue as compared to what was envisioned when the plan was developed. Also, the Board of Managers recognizes the importance of education and outreach and commonly expresses the desire to do more in this area.

EOR is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N. Oakdale, MN 55128 T/ 651.770.8448 F/ 651.770.2552 www.eorinc.com

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Recommendation #1: The District should allocate additional resources, staffing and/or outside assistance to education and outreach activities.

b) 220—Education/Outreach: General

There has not been an adequate amount of effort spent addressing the need to engage the diverse groups present in the District.

Recommendation #2: Additional focus should be placed in meeting the goal of increasing communication and encouraging long term commitment with groups not previously involved in District programs.

c) 208, 305, 313, 317, 320, 330—BMP Maintenance

Review Summary: While the District does a thorough job of maintaining its own BMPs, additional work could be done assisting District partners with maintenance of their BMPs. Also, greater emphasis could be placed on enforcing maintenance of BMPs that are constructed to meet the District rules, i.e. permit-related BMPs.

Recommendation #3: The District should develop a comprehensive BMP Maintenance approach and program that can more efficiently and effectively ensure BMP’s are functioning as planned and designed on all BMPs within the District.

d) 201--Groundwater

Review Summary: The District does not currently have a well-defined role in groundwater management nor is there an agreed-upon approach for groundwater management in Ramsey County.

Recommendation #4: Determine what, if any, role the Watershed District should have in groundwater management should be a priority.

Recommendation#5: The District should also focus on increasing its knowledge of the local groundwater system and how it interacts with District surface water resources and stormwater management practices (infiltration areas).

e) 211--Monitoring

Review Summary: While the monitoring program has grown considerably over the past few years, it is NOT expected to expand any further.

Recommendation#6: The District should focus on increased efficiency with the current level of resources allocated to the Monitoring Program. Recommendation#7: The District should focus on its goal to make monitoring and research data easily understood and accessible to the public. f) 228—Future Trends: Research and Positioning

Emmons & Ol iv ie r Resources , Inc . 651 Hale Ave N, Oakda le , MN 55128 p : 651.770.8448 f : 651. 770. 2552 www.eor i nc .com

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Review Summary: To date, the District has incorporated its research largely into the monitoring program. There have been on-going external requests for research partnerships and internal needs for research and analysis.

Recommendation #8: The District should develop a research approach and program that can more efficiently and effectively ensure appropriate research is conducted for specific District needs as well as the needs of the larger stormwater community both regionally and nationally. Recommendation #9: The District should determine the impact climate change may have on the way water resources are managed and incorporate climate adaptation into its programs and projects.

g) 305, 405—Como Lake Subwatershed

Review Summary: Throughout the existence of the District and during the first half of the current Plan period the focus on Como Lake water quality improvement has been on reducing watershed loading to the lake.

Recommendation #10: The primary focus for management of Como Lake should remain on reducing watershed loading but a greater emphasis should be placed on in-lake management practices/techniques.

h) 325, 425—Wetland, Stream, and Ecosystem Restoration

Review Summary: To date, the District has accomplished ecosystem restoration as a secondary objective in conjunction with its water resource focused projects.

Recommendation #11: Additional emphasis should be placed on improving wetland, stream and lake ecosystem health within the District.

Recommendation #12: Additional emphasis should be made to establish greenways and wildlife corridor connections.

Recommendation #13: Ecological restoration of wetlands within the District should be emphasized. The District should develop a specific work plan that identifies wetland restoration opportunities along with an implementation schedule and budget.

2. District Operations

a) 450—Future Trends: Implementation

Review Summary: During the first half of the WMP planning term, some advance work on a new District facility location has been completed. Recommendation #14: The District should prioritize moving into a new facility that can better achieve its mission and accommodate its various programs.


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b) 200—Multiple Plan Categories

Review Summary: The District has made incremental improvements in all of its programs. Some of the programs have had formal program reviews while others have not. The District has been successful in determining which projects to pursue through Subwatershed Analysis. The District has been able to include public art and historical references in some projects.

Recommendation #16: The District should develop a more formal process/schedule to review its programs.

Recommendation #17: The District should use the “Prioritize Target Measure” focus for its programs and projects (while this is currently accomplished through the District’s Subwatershed Analysis approach there may be value in adopting the PTM terminology to be consistent with statewide efforts).

Recommendation #18: Additional emphasis should be placed on incorporating art and historical context into the projects and programs of the District.

3. Capital Improvement Projects a) 405—Como Lake Subwatershed BMPs

Review Summary: It is evident that greater emphasis has been placed in the McCarrons Subwatershed during the early phase of the 2010 WMP Plan and less emphasis was placed on the Como Subwatershed (emphasis had been on Como lake pre-2010) than had been contemplated. This is mainly due to two large projects being implemented in the Lake McCarron’s Subwatershed.

Recommendation #20: For the remainder of the Plan period, the District should increase its focus on Como Subwatershed BMPs. Specific focus should be given to the subwatershed areas outside of Como Subwatershed 7.

b) 413—Lake McCarrons Subwatershed BMPs

Review Summary: It is evident that greater emphasis has been placed in the McCarrons Subwatershed during the early phase of the 2010 WMP Plan and less emphasis was placed on the Como Subwatershed (emphasis had been on Como lake pre-2010) than had been contemplated. This is mainly due to two large projects being implemented.

Recommendation #22: For the remainder of the Plan period, the District should reduce its focus on McCarrons Subwatershed BMPs.


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Items noted with strong emphasis or important to continue.

1. The District should continue to advance the staffing/organization plan to achieve mission.

2. The District should continue to use grants and other funding mechanisms to more effectively address mission.

3. The District should continue to be a leader nationally in urban stormwater management

4. The District should continue to conduct cutting edge research and approach stormwater management in an innovative manner.

5. The District should continue to invest strategically by weighing alternatives to effectively use public money to best address water resource issues.


Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

July 15th CAC Tour Planning

The following is a list of July Tour sites for discussion at the June 10th CAC meeting. The group of

sites are deliberately focused along the Mississippi River corridor for planning and logistics.

1. Highland Ravine

a) Project Goals and Benefits

b) Ravine/Gully Stabilization Engineering

c) Landowner Cooperation and Easements

d) Construction Challenges and Solutions

2. Crosby Lake

a) Crosby Lake Management Plan History and Update

b) Projects Completed

c) Elmer Street Parking Lot Improvements

d) Crosby Lake Water Quality and Monitoring Efforts

3. Hidden Falls Creek and Hidden Falls Regional Park

a) Park History and Development

b) Hidden Falls Creek

c) Hidden Falls Creek Feasibility Study

4. Ford Site

a) Ford Site History

b) Previous Planning Efforts and Studies

c) Demolition, 2014-present

d) Ford Site Planning – 2015

e) CRWD Role in Current Planning

W:\05 Citizen Advisory Committee\Tours\CAC Tour July 15 2015\July 15 2015 Tour Sites.docx

DATE: June 4, 2015

TO: Citizen Advisory Committee

FROM: Lindsay VanPatten

RE: 2015 CRWD Events

Trout Brook Grand Opening – Grand Opening of Trout Brook with St. Paul Parks and GRG’s 20th

Anniversary Celebration

Saturday May 30, 2015 12:30 – 3 pm

Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary

Many Staff, Board and CAC members attended. Thank you.

Saint Paul Arbor Month Celebration – Community tabling event celebrating Arbor Month

Saturday May 30, 2015 10 am – 2 pm

Linwood Recreation Center

860 St. Claire, St. Paul, MN 55105

Thank you Michelle and Steve for tabling at the event!

Landscape Revival Native Plant Expo and Market – Native Plant Expo and Market with 12

Growers

Saturday, June 6, 2015 9 am – 3 pm

Here are the shifts for staffing the table:

8-11 am Set up - Gustavo Castro, CRWD Staff

9 am -12 pm Joe Lochner, RCD Staff

10 am-1 pm Bill Barton, CRWD CAC

11 am-2 pm Rick Sanders, CRWD CAC

12-3 pm David Arbeit, CRWD CAC - Forrest will come to pick up materials.

Hamline Midway Spring Festival – D11 Community Festival

Tuesday, June 16, 2015 4 – 8:30 pm

Hancock Recreation Center

1610 Hubbard Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104

4 – 6 pm________________________________________________

6 – 8 pm ________________________________________________

Bugs’ Night Out at Como Lake – Macroinvertebrate sampling and identification for youth

Thursday June 18, 2015 6 – 7:30 pm

Como Lakeside Pavilion

1360 N Lexington Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55108

5:30 – 7:30 pm__________________________________________

June 10, 2015

VII. Project and Program

Updates

A) 2015 CRWD Events

Frogtown Neighborhood Association annual meeting

Tuesday, June 23, 2015 5 – 8 pm

Frogtown Park along Victoria

5 – 6:30 pm _______________________________________

6:30 – 8 pm________________________________________

Minnesota Green Roofs Council Annual Green Roof Bike Tour

Sunday, June 28, 2015, 12 – 5 pm

Tour of six green roofs in St. Paul

Purchase tickets on the MGRC website: mngreenroofs.org

Frogtown Garden Tour – Self-guided tour of gardens that include some rain gardens

Saturday, July 11, 2015, 10 am – 2 pm

Purchase $5 tickets starting July 1 at NeighborWorks Home Partners, 533 N. Dale or visit

frogtowngreen.com for more info

Como Lake Land and Water Clean Up – In-lake Cleanup event with MN Standup Paddle Board

Association during Como Fest: Como Fest is July 10 – 1 2

Sunday, July 12, 2015 10 am – 1:00 pm

Como Lakeside Pavilion

1360 N Lexington Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55108

9:30 am – 12 pm_________________________________________

10:30 am – 1 pm_________________________________________

Little Mekong Night Markets – Open-air market coordinated by CRWD Partner Grant recipient,

Asian Economic Development Association

Friday and Saturday, July 3, 4 and August 7, 8 from 5 pm – 12 am

Corner of University and Western

SPSVP Boulevard Rain Garden Maintenance meetups for Montana Greenbrier and Montreal

Projects

Monday, July 13, 6:30 – 7:30 pm -- Montana Greenbrier project area – location TBD

Monday, July 20, 6:30 – 7:30 pm -- Montreal project area – location TBD

Frogtown Splashdown! – Water festival at Minnehaha Mall in Frogtown

Friday, July 31, 10 am – 2 pm

779 N Milton St, St Paul, MN 55104

Loeb Lake Family Fishing – Family Fishing Event with CRWD and DNR, MinnAqua

Wednesday, August, 12, 2015, 6 – 8 pm

Marydale Park

Meet near the doc on the east side of Loeb Lake off of Mackubin

6 – 8 pm________________________________________________

W:\05 Citizen Advisory Committee\2015 Files\6-10-15 2015 CRWD Event Signup Memo.docx

Capitol Region Watershed District

Citizen Advisory Committee

2015 Agenda Plan

Updated: June 4, 2015

Pervious Parking Lot

Eustis Street Feasibility Study Lakes Report

Willow Reserve Stormwater Report

Lafayette Park

W:\05 Citizen Advisory Committee\Agendas\2015\2015 CAC Agenda Plan 6-5-15.doc

CAC Meeting Date District Initiatives CAC Initiatives

January 14, 2015 - District 6 NRI

- 2014 Fish Survey

-Stewardship Awards Recap

-2015 CAC Meeting Plan

February 11, 2015 - Education Program Review

- 2015 Rule Revisions

Discuss 2015 “Event”

March 11, 2015

- Upper Villa Park Project Review

- Rules Review

- 2014 Permit Program Review

- Event Planning

- By Laws Review

April 8, 2015 - North & East Metro GW Plan Update

- By Law Amendments Adopted

- Election of Officers

- Student Worker Program

May 13, 2015

-Watershed Plan Mid-Term Review

- Lake McCarrons Aquatic Plan

Harvesting

-Awards Program

-Event Planning

-CAC Tour Planning

-Student Worker

June 10, 2015 WMP Mid Term Review -Tour Planning

-Event Planning Update

-Master Water Stewards

-Student Worker Update

July 15, 2015

(3rd Wednesday)

Tour of District Projects

August 12, 2015

Review and Comment on 2016 Budget -2015 Awards Program Adoption

-Student Worker Program Approval

September 9, 2015

-Awards Program

-CAC Recruitment

October 14, 2015

Special and Partner Grant Committees - Awards Program

November 12, 2015

(2nd Thursday)

RSVP Program Update

December 9, 2015

2016 Reappointment

Recommendations

Documents

June 10, 2015 CAC Meeting Packet