Zumbro River Reopens at Oronoco
View of the arch rapids atop the Minnesota Avenue Bridge; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
The rock rapids component of the Zumbro River Restoration Project at Oronoco is finished and open to the public. The stretch of river spanning Highway 52 downstream to the DNR canoe landing officially reopened August 1, 2017.
When standing atop the bridge on Minnesota Avenue, visitors will notice the rapids' unique arch design. This configuration, which consists of ten weirs (rock barriers) allows the river to gradually drop in elevation (8 feet) from the first weir to the last. The rocks that comprise the weirs are positioned higher at the bank of the river and lower at the center. This arrangement results in slower moving water at the river's edge. Sediment will eventually collect along this section of the riverbank and allow vegetation to take root, further stabilizing the area.
Kayakers shoot the rapids; photo credit: Terry Lee
The arch rapids, listed as class 2, have also attracted the attention of thrill seekers looking to test their skills on the river. Those intending to navigate the rapids in a kayak or canoe should take the proper safety precautions:
-Always wear a life jacket
-Wear water shoes
-Wear a helmet
-Shoot the center of the river
-Unless experienced, avoid attempting the rapids in a two-seat canoe
-Consider portaging during periods of high water
Improvements will continue on other sections of the lakebed through 2017 and into 2018. More information about the Zumbro River Restoration Project at Oronoco can be found here.
Those who wish to bypass the rapids can portage their kayaks or canoes on a trail on the north bank of the river; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
The Environmental Achievement Awards recognize community members, businesses, and organizations that are making Olmsted County a more sustainable community through innovative programs and practices.
The goal of the awards program is to promote innovative approaches to environmental challenges, encourage environmental thinking in business and farm decision making, and develop an environmental and conservation ethic in Olmsted County.
Olmsted County and Rochester Public Utilities are seeking nominations for following categories:
- Climate Change
- Conservation
- Education
- Energy
- Renewables
- Sustainable Food Production
- Water
- Other
To nominate an organization or individual, complete a nomination form and email it to Anthony Wittmer by Friday, October 6, 2017. To see a listing of last year's award recipients, visit RPU's website.
Poison hemlock, a highly toxic invasive plant native to Europe and North Africa, has found a new home in Southeastern Minnesota.
According to the University of Minnesota Extension, all parts of the plant (leaves, stem, flowers, and roots) are highly poisonous to humans and animals. Poison hemlock is a biennial plant that appears differently its first and second year of growth. Farmers, gardeners, and outdoor enthusiasts should be on the lookout for the following features:
First Year Growth
-Purple spotted stems supporting lacy, dark-green leaves
-Leaves are triangular and fern-like
Second Year Growth
-Purple spotted stems with leaves light or dark-green that are triangular and fern-like
-Plants stand 4-9 feet tall by May
-Hairless, hollow ridged stems (between nodes) characterized by purple spots and blotches...stem photo credit to Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
-Umbrella shaped clusters of small white flowers (when in bloom) on the tops of stems
-See more photos here
Poison Hemlock flourishes in sunny areas near railways, rivers, ditches, field edges, farms and bike paths.
UMN Extension recommends contacting a professional to manage poison hemlock. Those who wish to handle it themselves should wear protective clothing, gloves, and eyewear.
In Olmsted County, poison hemlock can be thrown in residential garbage. Plants should be sealed in a plastic bag to protect the health of those who collect and process garbage. More information about poison hemlock's health impacts, identification, management, and disposal can be found at the University of Minnesota Extension's website.
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Flowering poison hemlock; photo credit: Dawn Littelton, UMN Extension
AAA and its partners are collecting and recycling infant/child car seats. GREENFOREST Recycling Resources will provide pick up and transportation from nine collection sites across the state to Marshall, MN.
Families may bring up to two car seats to AAA Rochester, 1535 Greenview Drive SW, Rochester, MN 55902, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, September 18 - 22, 2017.
Employees of Advance Opportunities, a nonprofit organization that assists adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in acquiring and retaining employment, will disassemble the seats. The Lyon County Environmental Office and GREENFOREST will recycle the materials.
The cost to AAA is $7.50 per seat which covers the transportation, disassembly and recycling fees. A $5.00 voluntary contribution is requested. Only two seats per family will be accepted. Large quantities from other organizations will NOT be accepted.
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Recycling can be complicated. With good intentions, people often throw the wrong materials in their curbside recycling container.
Shredded office paper is an item that tends to confuse even the most passionate recyclers. While it seems like it should be easy to process (it is paper after all), shredded paper is actually considered a contaminant at materials recovery facilities (MRFs) -- where curbside recyclables are sorted.
Its small size allows it to slip through screens and conveyors designed to separate larger materials. In addition to making a mess, it can hinder other materials ability to be marketed.
Shredded office paper can be recycled when brought to the Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus (OCRC). The OCRC accepts recyclables "source separated" so the facility is able to bale and ship the paper directly to a paper mill without it mixing with other materials.
Residents who do not self-haul garbage and recyclables to the OCRC should throw shredded office paper in their curbside garbage. The garbage (if collected in Olmsted County) will be brought to the Olmsted Waste-to-Energy Facility where it will be used as fuel to produce steam. This steam is used to generate electricity and heat/cool buildings in the Olmsted County District Energy System.
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Shredded office paper brought to the Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus being baled for recycling; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
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