River Connections for May 2014

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River Connections

May 2014

MPCA to check health of Lower Minnesota River watershed

Lower Minnesota River watershed

Crews from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will be examining the health of the Lower Minnesota River and its tributaries this spring and summer. Called biological monitoring, this effort helps scientists determine the condition of rivers and streams by studying fish, aquatic invertebrates, and plant life as well as habitat, flow and water chemistry.

Examples of aquatic invertebrates include insect larvae, crayfish, snails, small clams, worms and leeches. Stream water chemistry provides information about the quality of the water where these fish and invertebrates live. All this information provides an overall picture of health, helping identify waters that meet standards and need protection or waters that fail to meet standards and need restoration.

"There is no better way to gauge the health of a river than by directly measuring the amount and diversity of fish and other aquatic species in the resource," says Bryan Spindler of the MPCA, who will be overseeing work in the western, more rural portion of the watershed.

Starting this month crews will be working at more than 100 sites in the watershed, which includes parts of Sibley, Scott, Le Sueur, Carver, Hennepin, Dakota, Rice, Nicollet, Renville, and McLeod counties. Local water management groups will also be sampling a smaller set of sites for water chemistry from May through September.

Lake-monitoring crews as well as local water groups will sample 14 lakes in the watershed. The lake-monitoring teams will focus on water clarity, nutrient concentrations, and other water chemistry attributes to assess the lakes’ suitability for recreation.

"All data collected will advance our next phase of work, where we will identify stressors and flesh out where pollutant loading is greatest. This will inform ongoing implementation efforts by our local partners," says Chris Zadak, MPCA project manager for the Twin Cities metro part of the study area.

Funded by the Clean Water Legacy Amendment, this monitoring is part of the agency’s effort to assess the condition of rivers, streams and lakes in Minnesota on a watershed basis.

The Lower Minnesota River watershed includes the lowest section of the Minnesota River and flows into the Mississippi at Fort Snelling. The second largest watershed in the Minnesota River Basin, it covers 1,760 square miles, divided by the Minnesota River itself.

Major tributaries in the rural part of the watershed include the Rush River and High Island Creek. Tributaries in the urban area include Bevens Creek, Carver Creek, Sand Creek, Nine Mile Creek, and the Credit River, among others.

A relatively flat section of river, the 50-mile stretch of the Minnesota contained within this watershed drops about 90 feet in elevation from the small town of Ottawa in Le Sueur County to its confluence with the Mississippi River in St. Paul.

For more information about the Lower Minnesota River and biological monitoring, visit the MPCA website at www.pca.state.mn.us .


Gunderson to start new role at Minnesota Dept. of Ag

Larry Gunderson

Larry Gunderson, Minnesota River Basin Coordinator, is leaving the MPCA for the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture, where he will serve as supervisor of the fertilizer technical unit based in St. Paul. Gunderson, in the photo at right, has been with the MPCA since 1996, working as the educational coordinator for the Minnesota River project before becoming basin coordinator. The Minnesota River TMDLs for dissolved oxygen and sediment were his biggest projects. Gunderson is well-respected for his factual and inclusive approach to projects that are often controversial.

“This is hard work, trying to improve the environment and water quality, but you’re also asking people to change how they do things,” he said, adding he enjoyed working with staff, stakeholders and science advisers.

Gunderson holds a bachelor of science in ag education and a master’s degree in water resources science from the University of Minnesota. With his new role at MDA, his career comes full circle, as his first job after college was in Nicollet and Brown counties, working on nitrate fertilizer Best Management Practices as part of a Clean Water Partnership project.

Gunderson’s last day with the MPCA will be June 3. 


Agency accepting proposals for Clean Water Partnership funding

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recently opened the funding round for the state Clean Water Partnership Program and the Clean Water Fund. The agency is accepting proposals through July 3 for grants and loans to facilitate projects that control nonpoint source pollution. (Note that this new deadline is later than originally announced.)

The MPCA anticipates that about $1.1 million of grant funds and about $7 million of loan funds will be available this year. At least $2 million of the loan funds will be set aside for Green Infrastructure Reserve. These proposals provide permanent stormwater treatment by preserving or restoring the site’s natural hydrologic processes through green infrastructure projects such as, but not limited to:

  • Rain water harvesting and reuse;
  • Rain gardens;
  • Green roofs;
  • Tree boxes;
  • Porous pavement
  • Street and parking lot redesign; or
  • Similar green infrastructure approaches.

Flood control may be a component, but not the primary objective of a project under this green infrastructure reserve.

The nonpoint source pollution project must be categorized either as protection or restoration:

  • The proposer of a protection project will document that the water body(ies) being addressed are currently meeting state water quality standards for a particular pollutant or have not been assessed by the MPCA, but are otherwise known to be supporting beneficial uses.
  • The proposer of a restoration project will document that the water body (ies) being addressed are impaired. These projects may or may not have a completed TMDL study or Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS).

Priority for funding will be given to protection projects, Green Infrastructure Reserve loan projects, and loan projects of at least $100,000 that are requesting up to $10,000 for grant to administer the loan. Project proposals must provide measurable project outcomes. 

The complete Request for Proposal (RFP), proposal form, and other information are available on the state SWIFT e-supplier portal.  Prospective responders must have a SWIFT Vendor ID and Supplier Portal Account set up to apply. Please note that it can take up to four days to receive your vendor ID from SWIFT.  See this SWIFT message for more information. If you need assistance registering in the Supplier Portal so you can bid on this solicitation, you may contact the Minnesota Department of Administration, Materials Management Division at 651-201-8100, option 1. Then follow the prompts to connect you to the correct contact person.  

Proposals must be electronically received through the state SWIFT supplier portal by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2014. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered. This date and all other information in this notice are subject to change and only up to date information will be found in the SWIFT Vendor ID and Supplier Portal Account.

Questions may be e-mailed to Contracts.pca@state.mn.us, Attention: Tracey Josephson. 


Federal funding round to open later in May

The funding round for federal Clean Water Act Section 319 is scheduled to open later this month with a submission deadline of June 20. For this funding, the MPCA will accept proposals for projects that reduce Nonpoint Source Pollution in Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams.

The MPCA anticipates about $2.5 million will be available this year, contingent upon Congressional appropriation. There is a maximum limit of $300,000 per project funding request. Projects must be funded with at least a 45 percent local cash or in-kind match. Grant funds are limited and MPCA urges proposers to request only those funds needed to complete a project by Aug. 31, 2018.

Proposals should be for one of the following:

  • Nonpoint source development, education or applied research projects (DER) projects; or
  • Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) or Watershed Protection and Restoration Strategy (WRAPS) implementation projects.

All DER proposals must address at least one specific Milestone (Action Step) found in Milestones (Action Steps) from Minnesota’s 2008 Nonpoint Source Management Program Plan (found in Chapter 4).

For TMDL/ WRAPS implementation projects, eligible proposers must have a TMDL Implementation Plan or WRAPS approved by the MPCA by June 30, 2014.

The complete Request for Proposal (RFP), proposal form, and other information are available on the state SWIFT e-supplier portal.  Prospective responders must have a SWIFT Vendor ID and Supplier Portal Account set up to apply. Please note that it can take up to four days to receive your vendor ID from SWIFT.  See this SWIFT message for more information. If you need assistance registering in the Supplier Portal so you can bid on this solicitation, you may contact the Minnesota Department of Administration, Materials Management Division at 651-201-8100, option 1. Then follow the prompts to connect you to the correct contact person.  
  
Proposals must be electronically received through the state SWIFT Supplier Portal no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 20. Submissions received after the deadline will not be eligible for consideration. Successful proposers will be notified around July 21 and will then be required to submit a detailed work plan, budget and timeline/Gantt chart.

The date and all other information in this notice are subject to change and updated information will only be found in the SWIFT Vendor ID and Supplier Portal Account.
 
Questions may be e-mailed to Contracts.pca@state.mn.us, Attention: Julianne.


MPCA awards 14 Surface Water Assessment Grants

The MPCA has awarded 14 Surface Water Assessment Grants (SWAG), totaling $560,000, for the 2014-15 monitoring seasons. Each year the MPCA seeks local assistance for water quality monitoring in accordance with its Intensive Watershed Monitoring Plan. With this plan, the MPCA has assigned a year to each of the 81 major watersheds in the state for sampling during a 10-year cycle.

For 2014-15, the MPCA is providing funds to assist with monitoring in the following Minnesota River watersheds: Clearwater, Des Moines River East Fork, Des Moines River Lower West Fork, West Des Moines River Headwaters, Lower Minnesota, Rainy River Headwaters, Red Lake, and Wild Rice.

Within the Minnesota and Lower Mississippi basins, grants are going to Le Sueur County, Martin County Soil and Water Conservation District, Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District, Sibley County, and Vermilion Community College. 

With these grants, local partners can gauge the health of lakes and streams, with funding for training, citizen volunteer programs, equipment, and lab analysis of water samples.

The MPCA uses the data collected to determine if the lakes and streams support designated uses such as swimming and fishing. The MPCA works with partners and citizens on the local level to identify healthy lakes and streams that need protection. They also identify waters that fail to meet state standards and require restoration. The data collected help set priorities for the agency and funding sources like the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment.

The MPCA is responsible for carrying out and overseeing the monitoring of Minnesota’s lakes and streams using Clean Water Legacy funds. SWAGs channel these funds to local organizations to assist with these activities. Additional information for this program can be found at the MPCA’s SWAG webpage.


Annual Mississippi River Forum workshop May 30

Dr. Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota will give the keynote address on the intersection of science and policy, using the recent triclosan legislative debate as a case study, at the Annual Mississippi River Forum Workshop Friday, May 30, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul. Other presentations will include:

  • "The Mystery of the Cottonwoods"
  • "Sentinels for Clean Water: What Bald Eagles Tell Us about the Health of our Environment"
  • "Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program: An Update"

There is no admittance fee, but an RSVP by tomorrow, May 22, to Lark Weller (651-293-8442) of the National Park Service is requested. This workshop is sponsored by the Mississippi River Fund and the McKnight Foundation.


June 19 congress to focus work on health, vitality of Minnesota River Valley

Minnesota River Congress

Citizen groups and agencies focused on Minnesota River natural and economic environments are planning to hold the first Minnesota River Congress Thursday, June 19, at Turner Hall in New Ulm. The schedule begins with afternoon events, followed by dinner, and discussion in the evening (see agenda below). The public is welcome and invited to attend.

The Minnesota River Valley covers about one-fourth of the state, and offers some of the best land in the world for raising crops and livestock. Flowing from Big Stone Lake on the state’s western border, about 318 miles to the Mississippi at Fort Snelling, the Minnesota River and its tributaries offer undiscovered outdoor recreation.

Although scores of groups have worked for years to promote the economic and natural vitality of the valley, the effort at times may seem to be a fractious chorus of conflicting voices. Some contend that while we have spent millions of dollars over the years, measureable results are modest.

In April the former Minnesota River Board disbanded; for some, it was a welcome departure of an unnecessary "layer of government." However, others believe the need still exists to create more unity and harmony among the many groups working to sustain the land and water in the valley.

Organizers believe there is a need for a watershed wide, non-governmental, non-regulatory organization to provide vision, leadership, coordination, and advocacy to improve the land and water connection in the Minnesota River valley. Working to sustain and improve its natural resources promises a better future for food production, recreation, and economic development.

"We also want to celebrate the many positive achievements surrounding the Minnesota River in recent years," says Ted Suss of Wabasso. "We’ve seen significant improvements in water quality such as the reduction of phosphorus, erosion control by conservation farming practices, increased recreational use, and a rapidly improving public attitude about the importance of the Minnesota River. We want to identify ways to continue these positive developments and to replicate the good things that are occurring in the valley."

The main purpose of the first congress would be to discuss the merits of having a citizen-led, basin-wide organization, and how it could be structured. Results of the discussion would be shared in following months at several regional locations. A second congress would be convened in the fall to review the actions and steps resulting from the first congress, and to move forward.

Pre-register for the Congress by contacting the Coalition for a Clean Minnesota River, P.O. Box 488, New Ulm, MN 56073. The cost is $15 per person, with checks payable to CCMR. Admission is free for young adults under 19 or with a college ID. Admission at the door is $20. For more information, contact Scott Sparlin, 507-726-2280, yasure@lycos.com.

Minnesota River Valley Congress schedule June 19, 2014, Turner Halle, 102 S. State St., New Ulm:

  • 1-3 p.m. – Tour of the Minnesota River History Center, Riverfront Park.
  • 3-5 p.m. – Networking Fair-displays by organizations, Turner Halle.
  • 5 p.m. – Social hour and music.
  • 5:30 p.m. – Buffet dinner.
  • 6:15 p.m. – Presentation by Natalie Warren and Wild River Academy students.
  • 6:45 p.m. – Overview-purpose of congress.
  • 7 p.m. – Small and large group discussion.
  • 9 p.m. – Adjourn.

June 26 event to focus on ag drainage and water quality future

State and local partners will present "Agricultural Drainage and the Future of Water Quality" on June 26, from 7:15 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato. This workshop will kick off at 7:15 a.m. that Thursday with breakfast. The indoor session will include panel discussions, speakers and breakout sessions until 2:30 p.m., followed by an optional tour of the Blue Earth County Ditch 57 project near Mapleton in the Le Sueur River watershed.

Topics include drainage water management, law change updates, and in-field techniques for water quality. Sponsoring the workshop are Blue Earth County, I + S Group, Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture and Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources. To register, contact Kelli Renstrom at kelli.renstrom@is-grp.com or 507-387-6651.


TMDL project contacts