DNR Update for the N&E Metro GWMA Project

Groundwater Sustainability

Minnesota’s use of groundwater has increased over the last two decades, particularly in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. An increasing reliance on groundwater may not be a sustainable path for continued economic growth and development. The DNR is establishing the North & East Metro groundwater management area (GWMA) to help improve groundwater appropriation decisions and help groundwater users better understand and plan for future development opportunities. More information about the GWMA will be posted on the project webpage.

Upcoming Project Meetings

January 8, 2014 Stakeholder Meeting. The DNR is hosting a stakeholder meeting in conjunction with the League of Minnesota Cities and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce to share information about this important project. The meeting agenda will include an overview of the GWMA authority, its relationship to DNR’s general groundwater permitting authority, and the role of a GWMA in furthering our common goal of sustainable water resources for the North & East Metro. We will also provide details regarding our anticipated process and products. There will be time for attendees to ask questions and offer additional perspectives.

The meeting will run from 6:30 to 8:30 pm and will be held at the Shoreview Community Center. DNR staff will be available before and after the session for individual conversations.

• Event: DNR Stakeholder Meeting - North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area Project
• When: Wednesday January 8, 2014, 6:30pm–8:30pm (with staff available for 30 minutes before & after the meeting)
• Where: Shoreview Community Center – Shoreview Room - 4580 Victoria Street North, Shoreview MN 55126 (Highway 96 between Rice Street and Lexington Avenue)

January 16, 2014 Project Advisory Team Meeting.   The North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area Project Advisory Team will meet on January 16 from 8:30 to 11:30 am. The meeting will be held at the DNR Central Office, 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul. More information about the planned meeting will be posted on the project webpage.  The list of Advisory Team members is posted at the project webpage.

PROJECT WORK

DNR staff and the Advisory Team continue to evaluate options for the initial working boundary of the GWMA, and have started work on the situation analysis, which includes a more detailed evaluation of:

• Water use - current and future
• Status of water appropriation permits
• Water conservation measures
• Water level trends for aquifers within the working boundary
• Water dependent ecologic features and biological communities

These and other issues will be discussed at the January 16, 2014 project Advisory Team meeting.

Opportunities for you to engage

• January 8, 2014 – Stakeholder Meeting. Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria Street North, Shoreview.   6:30 – 8:30 pm. This meeting is open to all interested parties.
• January 16, 2014 – Project Advisory Team Meeting. DNR Central Office, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul. 8:30 – 11:30 am. The agenda includes time for interested parties to participate.
• Web based Survey – Read the Draft Groundwater Strategic Plan, complete the survey and send us your comments.
• Project Updates Available - For information about the project, updates have been posted on the project webpage.
• Two Other GWMA’s In Minnesota - For information about the other GWMA projects, including updates and details on upcoming meetings, and to sign up for our email notifications please visit the webpages for the Bonanza Valley GWMA and the Straight River GWMA.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have questions about this project, please contact Paul Putzier (DNR project manager at 651-259-5692; paul.putzier@state.mn.us) or visit our website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/gwmp/areas.html.