Like a stream or river channeling its course across the landscape, the movement toward some form of collaboration among citizens, organizations, and all government units in the Minnesota River basin will begin to take shape at the second Minnesota River Congress Oct. 30 in New Ulm.
Voices heard at past meetings call for some type of organization to promote communication and collaboration that will help unify the scores of groups pursuing environmental, economic, and social vitality in the basin.
“The second congress will begin with a review of ideas gathered at the first congress June 19, and six regional meetings,” says Scott Sparlin, of Coalition for a Clean Minnesota River and one of the congress organizers. “We’ll try to define a mission, and then rank the top themes heard at the previous meetings.”
Following a review of the main purpose and themes, the discussion will turn to potential structures of an organization, Sparlin says. “It will wrap up with representation. Who wants to be represented? What groups or segments should have representation in this organization? We’ve been focusing on citizen leadership at a basin-wide scale.”
Everyone is welcome to attend the congress at Turner Hall, 102 S. State St., New Ulm. A networking fair with displays by organizations will be from 4-6 p.m. A build-a-burger buffet will start at 6 p.m.
Background on the basin
Within its natural borders, the Minnesota River Basin holds nearly 11 million acres, more than 700,000 people, and thousands of farms and industries. Within Minnesota it has all or portions of 37 counties and more than 100 cities and towns. All depend on its land and water. The people in the basin are represented by one or more of the many groups in the basin. Yet there is no collective voice speaking solely for the land and water throughout the entire basin, for what they need to stay healthy and productive.
Organizers believe there’s a need for a citizen-led entity that is inviting and all inclusive for the many different groups active in the Minnesota River Valley, including agriculture, industry, natural resources, recreation, economic development, tourism, all levels of government, faith communities, first nations, and watershed organizations.
How to register for Congress
Pre-register for the congress by contacting the Coalition for a Clean Minnesota River, PO Box 488, New Ulm, MN 56073. The cost is $15 per person and includes the buffet dinner. Admission is free for young adults under 19 or with a college ID. Admission at the door is $20. Networking fair space rental is $30. You can register for admission and/or the networking fair by mail at the above address, or go online for individual registration and networking fair registration.
Minnesota River Valley Congress schedule for Oct. 30, 2014, Turner Hall, 102 S. State St., New Ulm:
- 4-6 p.m. – Networking Fair-displays by organizations, Turner Hall.
- 6 p.m. – Buffet dinner.
- 6:30 p.m. – Overview-purpose of congress.
- 7 p.m. – Small and large group discussion.
- 9 p.m. – Adjourn.
Congress co-sponsors include: Minnesota River Watershed Alliance, Coalition for a Clean Minnesota River, Friends of the Minnesota Valley, Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center, Water Resource Center-Minnesota State University, Clean Up our River Environment, Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Earth Sabbath, Clean Up the River Environment, Wild River Academy, New Ulm Area Sport Fishermen, U of M Southwest/Southeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, and Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance.
For more information contact Sparlin at 507-276-228 or, yasure@lycos.com. A summary of the June 19 congress is posted on the Minnesota River Watershed Alliance webpage.
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