February 2020
The Basin Alliance for the Lower Mississippi in Minnesota (BALMM) will meet Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 18 Wood Lake Drive S.E., in Rochester.
Agenda as follows:
- 9:00 – 9:30: MPCA’s 319 grant program overview – Greg Johnson, MPCA
- 9:30 – 10:00: BALMM draft nitrogen memo – Caitlin Brady, BALMM Chair
- 10:00 – 10:15: BREAK
- 10:15 – 11:30: One Watershed One Plan Panel
- 11:30 – noon: Regional updates
- Noon: Adjourn
The MPCA provides financial and technical assistance to local governments to address nonpoint-source water pollution through the federal Clean Water Act Section 319 program. At the Feb. 19 meeting, Greg Johnson will give an overview of MPCA’s 319 Small Watersheds Focus Program, including information on the next round of focus watersheds selection.
In an effort to summarize the southeast Minnesota region’s information, tools and data needs related to nitrate reduction work, BALMM leadership has drafted a memorandum. Input from the inter-agency nitrogen workgroup was used to identify specific resource needs and priorities. Caitlin Brady, BALMM chair, will walk through the memo at the Feb. 19 meeting to get member feedback on content and next steps.
Staff from around the southeast Minnesota region will share their experiences about One Watershed, One Plan at the Feb. 19 BALMM meeting. A panel discussion will cover working with consultants, engagement throughout the planning process, plan administration and governance, and plan implementation.
- Throughout February: Smart Salting training, metro area.
- March 20: Commercial Animal Waste Technician Training, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m., Steele County Four Seasons Center, Owatonna.
- March 21: Cover Crops 101, Owatonna: 9-11 a.m. at the Four Seasons Centre (1525 S. Elm Ave.). Part of the North American Farm & Power Show.
- March 20 - 22: Cover Crops 101, Winona (tentative).
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