 April 2024
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Environmental intern
Environmental Services is currently accepting applications for an environmental intern position. The position will help Environmental Services staff implement and coordinate department programs. The focus of the work will be in the solid waste field assisting operation of the Environmental Center.
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Watercraft inspector
The Carver County Water Management Organization is hiring multiple watercraft inspectors. Inspectors provide boat inspections at public boat accesses and help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Candidates will build knowledge and skills of aquatic ecology, aquatic invasive species, public education, and local government.
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Many organizations are tracking changes in weather patterns, temperatures, and precipitation. The Carver County Water Management Organization has been gathering and summarizing local data to better understand how the changes are affecting our local lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
These are some of the changes observed.
- There are fewer storm events, but more rain in each storm event. There is also an increasing number of mega-rain events.
- Streams are receiving more water with these storms. More water flowing to streams during rainstorms and more dry spells between storms can lead to unstable streambanks, erosion, and sediment pollution in streams.
- The frost-free season is growing longer. This is the time between the last spring freeze and the first fall freeze.
- The length of pollen season and the amount of pollen in the air is increasing.
- The number of days with winter ice cover on lakes is decreasing.
Data sources include the Carver County Water Management Organization, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota Department of Health. These data sets do not include the most recent information from 2023.
Sampling well water can be tricky because water samples are time sensitive and labs are a good drive away.
To help with this, residents can pick up sampling kits at special waste events this spring and return them locally on designated drop off days for analysis.
Special waste collection event dates.
- April 27 in Watertown.
- May 18 in Cologne.
If you’ve been thinking about testing your well water, now is the time! The County is partnering with a local lab to provide a local drop off location for samples.
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New deconstruction grants available
 Carver County Environmental Services is proud to launch a new grant program designed to keep building materials out of landfills through Minnesota Pollution Control Agency grant funding. Offering a maximum of $5,000 to qualifying projects, the Building Material Reuse Grant is designed to offset the higher costs associated with dismantling, rather than demolishing buildings.
This initiative will reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote the responsible reuse of materials in construction projects. “Almost 70% of construction and demolition waste ends up in our landfills in Minnesota,” says Carver County MN GreenCorps member Zach McCarty, “We want to do our part to support projects that recognize the value in those materials being removed.”
Sale! Carver County residents get a $20 discount.
 Sale information
- Supplies are limited.
- Visit website to pre-order rain barrel and/or compost bin.
- Use code CARVER20 to get discount (Valid for Carver County residents only).
- Select Carver County as your pickup location. You will be able to pick up your items at the Carver County Environmental Center during open hours beginning in late April.
As you're cleaning out your storage this spring, hang on to unneeded yard tools and gardening items and bring them to the Garden Tool Swap hosted by the City of Chanhassen. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned green thumb, all are welcome to exchange tools, equipment, and materials. Master Gardeners from the University of Minnesota Extension will also be present, eager to answer your green-thumb questions.
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