June 10, 2015 CAC Meeting Packet

Citizen Advisory Committee 7:00 PM, Wednesday, June 10, 2015 – Capitol Region Watershed District 1410 Energy Park Drive, Suite 4, Saint Paul, MN 55108 Agenda

Materials Enclosed

7:00

I)

Welcome, Announcements and Updates – Introductions

7:05

II)

Public Comment for issues not on the Agenda (3 minutes per person)

7:08

III)

Approval of the Agenda

7:09

IV)

Approval of Minutes A) Approval of the May 13, 2015 Minutes

7:10

V)

District Initiatives for Review, Comment and Recommendations A) CRWD 2010 Watershed Plan Mid-Term Update

8:30

VI)

CAC Initiatives A) Student Worker Program B) July 15th CAC Tour C) 2015 Awards Program D) Fall Freshwater Society Moos Family Lecture Series Update E) Master Water Stewards F) 2016 Work Plan and Budget

8:45

VII)

Project and Program Updates A) 2015 CRWD Events

8:50

VIII) CAC Observer Update

8:55

IX)

Discussion A) New & Old Issues B) CAC Observer June 17th and July 8th 2015 Board of Managers Meetings C) 2015 Meeting Schedule

9:00

X)

Adjourn

W:\05 Citizen Advisory Committee\Agendas\2015\June 10, 2015 CAC Agenda.docx

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

Draft

Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting Wednesday, May 13, 2015 – 7:00 p.m.

CAC Members Present: David Arbeit Bill Barton Pat Byrne Steve Duerre Rick Sanders Nicole Soderholm Kathryn Swanson Michelle Ulrich Richard Weil Gwen Willems

Others Present: Mark Doneux, CRWD Michelle Sylvander, CRWD Lindsay VanPatten, CRWD Joe Collins, CRWD Board President Monica Siems McKay, University of Minnesota

Members absent: Mike MacDonald, w/notice Ted McCaslin Welcome, Announcements, and Updates Ms. Willems opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Willems requested any announcements.

Public Comments Ms. Willems requested any public comments. No public comments were made.

Approval of Agenda Ms. Willems asked for any additions or changes to the Agenda. No additions or changes were made.

CAC 15-018 Motion: To approve the CAC May 13, 2015, agenda.

Arbeit/Duerre Unanimously approved Approval of the April 8, 2015 CAC Minutes No changes or corrections were noted.

CAC 15-019 Motion: To approve the April 8, 2015 CAC Minutes.

Duerre/Sanders Unanimously approved District Initiatives 1

A)

CRWD 2010 Watershed Plan Mid-Term Update

Administrator Doneux reviewed that on September 1, 2010, the Board of Managers adopted the District’s Watershed Management Plan (WMP). The plan covers the term from 2010—2020. The District is currently at the half-way point in the term of the WMP. Staff and EOR, Inc. have completed significant work on the on Mid-Term WMP Review. Specifically, the Initiatives, Goals, Issues, and Themes. A special meeting for the CAC was held on April 29th. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss direction from the CAC on the Mid-Term review. Mr. Fossum was very pleased with the feedback from the CAC. The structure of the report was changed because of the input from the special meeting. President Collins thanked the CAC members that attended the special meeting. The input from the CAC is needed to determine priorities for the District. The Board Managers also had a workshop on May 12th.

It was decided to have further discussion on the Mid-Term Watershed Management Plan at the June 10th CAC meeting. The annual CAC tour will be moved to July 15th.

B)

2015 Lake McCarrons Aquatic Plant Harvesting Update

Administrator Doneux provided a review of the Lake McCarron’s Aquatic Plant Harvesting. The west end of the lake was reviewed in 2014 for harvesting areas with and without a permit. It appears that vegetation harvesting on Lake McCarrons is not needed for invasive species control, nor is it a cost-effective means of improving water quality. Weed harvesting has very limited benefit to the general public. St. Paul coordinates harvesting for Lake Como and Lake Phalen to control Eurasian Water Milfoil and improve lake-wide recreational access. In most cases, near-shore harvesting is managed by individual homeowners or a lake association. Two rounds of weed harvesting for access would be the approach for this year. The homeowners would be able to harvest additional rounds at their own expense. Twenty one homeowners will participate in two rounds of the plant harvesting.

CAC Initiatives A) Student Worker Program Earlier in 2015 CAC member, Katheryn Swanson recommended the CAC look into involving a Student through the Student Worker program the University of Minnesota. Ms. Swanson has worked with student workers in the program. Ms. Monica Siems McKay from the University of Minnesota was invited to provide an overview of the student worker program and feedback on the CAC’s project ideas. CAC Members took a survey to rank a list of project ideas. Ms. VanPatten reviewed the feedback provided by the survey. The Service Learning Coordinator from the University of MN, Monica Siems McKay provided feedback on the list of project ideas. Ms. McKay recommended that the CAC consider multiple students and allow the students to select from a list of potential projects. This would give the student a greater sense of ownership of the project. The CAC, would still provide direction and supervision. Administrator Doneux suggested an outline of expected outcomes from the student worker and drafting an example of the position descriptions.

Additional discussion and adoption of the position descriptions will occur at the August 12th, 2015 CAC Meeting.

“Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.”

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B)

CAC By-Laws Adoption

The Bylaws were presented to the Board of Managers for suggested edits. The Board of Managers reviewed and approved the changes. The committee reviewed and made a few changes in the Bylaws.

CAC 15-020 Motion: To adopt the CAC Bylaws as approved by the Board of Managers.

Duerre/Ulrich Unanimously approved C)

June 10th CAC Tour Planning

Administrator Doneux reviewed a list with two groups of potential sites for the annual tour. The first group of sites would focus along the Mississippi River corridor. Proposed tour sites include: Kellogg Blvd.

Reconstruction, Island Station, Highland Ravine, Crosby Lake, Hidden Falls/Ford Site, St. Anthony Outlet Monitoring Site. The second group of sites would be current or future project sites. Proposed tour sites include: Eustis Street, German Emersion School, Willow Reserve, Great River School and Victoria Park.

The date of the tour will be moved to July 15th. Additional discussion of the Mid-Term Watershed Management Plan will take place at the June 10th meeting instead.

D)

2015 Awards Program

Administrator Doneux reviewed the Blooming St. Paul Awards. CRWD will no longer be providing the staff time to the Blooming St. Paul awards but will continue to provide financial support. The CAC discussed adding an additional project award category. Administrator Doneux will discuss drafting a new award criteria with Mr. Arbeit and Mr. MacDonald to be adopted by the August 12th, CAC meeting.

E)

Fall CAC “Event” Update

Administrator Doneux has meet with the Freshwater Society, they provided a list of potential speakers.

Administrator Doneux shared a list that has been paired down to five speakers that have the potential for broad general public appearance and the most relevance to CRWD Mission.

1. Bill Stowe, from Des Moines Water Works 2. Moira McDonald, Senior Program Officer for the Environmental Focus Area 3. Peter Gleick from the Pacific Institute 4. Chuck Fox, who worked in the EPA in the Clinton administration and was the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay “czar” early in the Obama administration.

5. Charles Fishman, investigative journalist who wrote the book “The Big Thirst”.

CAC members ranked the list of speakers. Administrator Doneux will follow up with the Freshwater Society with the preferred list of potential speakers.

Project and Program Updates A) 2015 CRWD Events Administrator Doneux reviewed a list of upcoming events with CRWD. A number of events are coming up in May and June that need additional support.

“Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.”

3

CRWD Staff is seeking help from the CAC to attend events.  Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Grand Opening Sat. May 30th 1-3  St. Paul Arbor Month Celebration Sat. May 30th 10-2  Landscape Revival Native Plant Expo, Sat., June 6th 9-3  Great River Greening Rain Garden Plantings, date to be announced CAC Observer Update Ms. Nicole Soderholm attended the April 15th Board of Managers meeting. Ms. Soderholm reported that Ms. Beckman reviewed the draft of the 2014 Annual Report. The City of St. Paul is currently in an evaluation phase of redeveloping the former Ford site. CRWD has been asked to serve on a subcommittee for the redevelopment at the former Ford site.

Mr. Duerre attended the May 6th Board of Managers meeting. Students from the University of Minnesota provided a presentation on their Capstone Project of the Trout Brook East Branch subwatershed. A grant was approved to the City of Roseville to purchase a parcel of wetland. The Managers discussed artwork for the Lowertown Ballpark. An update was given on the Lake McCarron’s Plant Harvesting. A public meeting is scheduled in June for the Ford Site Redevelopment.

Discussion – A) New & Old Issues No new or old business.

B) Identify CAC Observer for the May 20th and June 3rd Board of Managers Meetings.

No one was identified.

C) June 10th CAC Agenda Overview The annual tour planned for June 10th has been moved to July 15th. The June 10th meeting will include: awards program development, event planning, WMP mid-term review and development on the 2016 work plan.

Adjourn – CAC 15-021 Motion: To adjourn the May 13, 2015 CAC Meeting.

Weil/Sanders Unanimously approved The meeting was adjourned at 9:12 PM. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Sylvander W:\05 Citizen Advisory Committee\Minutes\2015\May 13, 2015 Draft Minutes.doc

“Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.”

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June 10, 2015 V. District Initiatives A. 2010 WMP Mid-term review

DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT:

June 4, 2015 CRWD CAC Bob Fossum, Water Resource Program Manager 2010 Watershed Management Plan Mid-Term Review

Background On September 1, 2010, the Board of Managers adopted the District’s Watershed Management Plan (WMP).

The plan covers the term from 2010—2020. As the District is approaching the half-way point in the term of the WMP, it is a good time to evaluate implementation of the plan and consider adjustments (if any) to the WMP. At the February 18, 2015 Board meeting the Managers approved 2010 WMP Mid-Term Review Project. The project includes three phases: Data Gathering, Evaluation of WMP Progress, and Final Report. At the April 29th special CAC meeting the Committee reviewed the draft Summary of Progress toward Addressing Issues document.

Issues Staff have revised the Summary of Progress toward Addressing Issues memo based on input and discussion with the CAC and Board. The latest revision is enclosed. Also enclosed is a financial summary of the planned vs. actual expenditures for the first for years of the WMP. Staff and EOR, Inc. have worked to develop a draft list of recommendations for the reminder of the WMP period (enclosed). Staff will review the draft recommendations with the CAC. Requested Action Provide review and comment on the draft recommendations for the 2010 WMP Mid-term Review enc:

Summary of Progress toward Addressing Issues (Draft) Financial Summary--WMP Planned Expenditures vs. Actual Expenditures Draft Recommendations for the 2010 WMP Mid-term Review

W:\06 Projects\WMP 2010\Mid-Term Review\CAC Packet 6-4-2015\CAC Memo WMP Mid-term Review, 06-04-2015.docx

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

memo Project Name | To / Contact info | From / Contact info | Regarding |

Date |

CRWD Watershed Management Plan Mid Term Review

May 7, 2015

Bob Fossum Pat Conrad Summary of Progress Toward Addressing Issues (Draft)

The following is a summary of the CRWD staff and CAC impressions of the progress that has been made in addressing the 20 issues that were identified in the 2010 Watershed Management Plan.

Included for each issue statement is a brief summary of the goals and objectives that were developed for addressing the issue. Following that is listing of the Initiatives completed that have addresses the Issue. The narrative describing the progress that has been made was developed through a working session with District Staff and CAC. This is intended to serve as a starting point for discussions with the Board of Managers.

Issue 1: Many District residents, businesses and institutions do not feel a personal connection with water and natural resources and therefore do not have a sense of responsibility or ownership which negatively impacts their ability to change behaviors and increase stewardship Goals: Increase awareness of water, appreciation for local resources, the District.

Initiatives that helped address Issue 1: Education/Outreach Events Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality.

Workshop on landscaping for clean water Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program.

Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Updated District Education Plan Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Stewardship and Partner Grant Program Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals Education outreach is one of the core programs of the District. The District has conducted surveys (baseline survey in 2009, Como Lake survey in 2011 and informal perception studies) in an attempt to measure changes in awareness. It should be noted that measuring changes in awareness and actions taken is difficult task. The District does keep track of the contacts that are made with the

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memo 2 of 18 public and the messages that are delivered. Signage is used at District projects in an attempt to educate the public. One specific area the CRWD staff identified as lacking is in the District educating the public on groundwater issues.

Issue 2 The District’s diverse community has a wide range of cultural, social and political relationships with water, community interests, priorities, and opinions of the District’s water resources Goal: Increase communication and encourage involvement Initiatives that helped address Issue 2: Education Outreach Events Supported Children’s Water Fest Supported a water themed dance event at the first Open Streets celebration in Saint Paul Interpretive signage Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Educational signage and construction of rain gardens at Beacon Bluff Stewardship and Partner Grant Program Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals The District has made some progress to address this issue through it partner grant programs, but additional effort could be made on this issue. Due to the significant diversity in the District continued work to better connect with the many different groups of citizens in the community is an area that could receive more attention in future years. Despite the effort that has been put forth, the District is far from attaining the goals established for this issue. Particularly, the District has not achieved its goal of getting its materials into other languages with the exception of some project specific signage.

Issue 3 Regular maintenance is critical to the success of stormwater BMPs and is not consistently performed to achieve desired performance Goals: Improve short and long‐term maintenance of BMPs, coordinate with other jurisdictions.

Initiatives that helped address Issue 3: BMP Monitoring and Maintenance Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Chloride education workshops Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Support of a street sweeping study

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memo 3 of 18 Stewardship and Partner Grant Program District BMP Database Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals While the District does a very good job of maintaining its own BMPs they could do a better job of supporting their partners and ensuring that all BMPs installed in the District are well maintained.

BMPs that are installed either through a permitted activity or by a partner on their own projects have not had the level of maintenance that is being done on District projects. The District has built technology infrastructure, including the BMP database that will help in achieving the goal of coordinating with other jurisdiction but work remains to be done.

Issue 4 The pollutant load of stormwater has impacted the quality of water in the District’s lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi River Goals: Reduce chemical, physical and biological pollution to District lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi River.

Objectives: Several specific objectives are enumerated in the plan for how this reduction would be quantified  Como, McCarrons, Loeb and Mississippi River phosphorus loading, including internal loading  Metals, pesticides, chlorides, organic contaminants  Illicit discharges  Trash, sediment, turbidity  E. coli bacteria

Initiatives that helped address Issue 4: Center St/Rice St Subwatershed Analysis Crosby Lake Management Plan Curtiss Pond Improvement Project Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Villa Park Wetland Restoration Project William Street Pond TBI Farrington Feasibility Study Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Water quality education field trips Co‐sponsored storm drain stenciling and trash cleanup Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality.

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memo 4 of 18 Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Supported Children’s Water Fest Led a stormwater BMP tour along the Green Line Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program.

Education displays targeted at adults Neighborhood water festival Presented to attendees of the Minnesota Green Roof Symposium Led a tour of Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Education displays at community events Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Hosted the 2013 Clean Water Summit conference Updated District Education Plan Interpretive signage Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Rain barrel construction workshop grants Raingarden Stewardship Grant Green Roof Stewardship Grant Pervious Paver Stewardship Grant Erosion Control Stewardship Grant Rain Barrel Stewardship Grant Watershed Artist in Residence Stewardship Grant Community Clean up Como Lake Stewardship Grant Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Support for Friends of Mississippi River volunteers Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Rain barrel construction workshop grants Storm drain stenciling Stewardship Grant Native Plant Education Expo and Market Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Support of a street sweeping study Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Educational signage and construction of rain gardens at Beacon Bluff Stewardship and Partner Grant Program BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Stormwater Quality Monitoring Permitting Program Review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program Watershed Rule Adoption

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memo 5 of 18 Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals This is the fundamental issue facing the District. The District has worked extensively towards addressing this issue but it is an on‐going effort. Many of the specific goals (related to a particular resource) have been met (McCarrons and Loeb Lake water quality) while others are being actively worked on (Como Lake water quality. In addition to reorganizing the goals for this issue, staff recommended re‐visiting some of the specific objectives within this issue area specifically;  Achieving the TP loading requirement of the Lake Pepin TMDL (a TP reduction target was not established)  Developing a target reduction for the amount of trash entering District lakes (the District works towards reducing trash loading, the benefit of developing a target is unclear)

The primary focus of the District has been the conventional watershed pollutants, TP, sediment, nitrogen. Additional effort could be placed on additional contaminants such as pesticides, chlorides, etc.

Issue 5 The quantity of runoff from a highly urbanized area increases the risk of flooding and puts added strain on the infrastructure within the District Goals: Minimize flooding, evaluate impact of climate change, preserve and re‐establish floodplain, manage volume in the Trout Brook system.

Initiatives that helped address Issue 5: Center St/Rice St Subwatershed Analysis Como 7 Subwatershed ‐ Curtis Field Crosby Lake Management Plan Curtiss Pond Improvement Project Gottfried's Pit Improvements Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Highland Ravine Stabilization Project Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor Inspection Villa Park Subwatershed Plan and BMP Design Villa Park Wetland Restoration Project William Street Pond Sunny Slope Stabilization Feasibility Study TBI Farrington Feasibility Study Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program

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memo 6 of 18 Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Water quality education field trips Co‐sponsored storm drain stenciling and trash cleanup Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality.

Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Supported Children’s Water Fest Led a stormwater BMP tour along the Green Line Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program.

Education displays targeted at adults Neighborhood water festival Presented to attendees of the Minnesota Green Roof Symposium Led a tour of Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Education displays at community events Hosted the 2013 Clean Water Summit conference Updated District Education Plan Interpretive signage Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Rain barrel construction workshop grants Rain garden Stewardship Grant Green Roof Stewardship Grant Pervious Paver Stewardship Grant Erosion Control Stewardship Grant Rain Barrel Stewardship Grant Watershed Artist in Residence Stewardship Grant Community Clean up Como Lake Stewardship Grant Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Support for Friends of Mississippi River volunteers Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Rain barrel construction workshop grants Storm drain stenciling Stewardship Grant Native Plant Education Expo and Market Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Support of a street sweeping study Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Educational signage and construction of rain gardens at Beacon Bluff Stewardship and Partner Grant Program

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128

p: 651.770.8448

f: 651.770.2552 www.eorinc.com

memo 7 of 18 BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Stormwater Quality Monitoring Permitting Program Review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program Watershed Rule Adoption Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals The issue has been primarily addressed through the 2010 H&H Study as well as subwatershed‐ specific studies, numerous capital improvement projects, the District Rules and through the management of the Trout Brook system. Little effort has been placed in identifying opportunities to re‐establish floodplain areas as this has been determined to be a low priority activity for the District.

Issue 6 Within an urbanized area, runoff from impervious surfaces is directed to storm sewers and discharged to surface waters rather than infiltrating into the ground resulting in reduced groundwater recharge and impacts to receiving waters Goals: Promote groundwater recharge through infiltration, protect groundwater.

Initiatives that helped address Issue 6: Center St/Rice St Subwatershed Analysis Como 7 Subwatershed ‐ Curtis Field Crosby Lake Management Plan Curtiss Pond Improvement Project Gottfried's Pit Improvements Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Villa Park Subwatershed Plan and BMP Design Villa Park Wetland Restoration Project William Street Pond Sunny Slope Stabilization Feasibility Study TBI Farrington Feasibility Study Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Water quality education field trips Co‐sponsored storm drain stenciling and trash cleanup Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality.

Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128

p: 651.770.8448

f: 651.770.2552 www.eorinc.com

memo 8 of 18 Supported Children’s Water Fest Led a stormwater BMP tour along the Green Line Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program.

Education displays targeted at adults Neighborhood water festival Presented to attendees of the Minnesota Green Roof Symposium Led a tour of Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Education displays at community events Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Hosted the 2013 Clean Water Summit conference Updated District Eduction Plan Interpretive signage Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Rain barrel construction workshop grants Raingarden Stewardship Grant Green Roof Stewardship Grant Pervious Paver Stewardship Grant Erosion Control Stewardship Grant Rain Barrel Stewardship Grant Watershed Artist in Residence Stewardship Grant Community Clean up Como Lake Stewardship Grant Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Support for Friends of Mississippi River volunteers Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Rain barrel construction workshop grants Storm drain stenciling Stewardship Grant Native Plant Education Expo and Market Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Support of a street sweeping study Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Educational signage and construction of rain gardens at Beacon Bluff Stewardship and Partner Grant Program BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Stormwater Quality Monitoring Permitting Program Review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program Watershed Rule Adoption Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals

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memo 9 of 18 The District has completed significant work to encourage infiltration through Rules and various Grant programs. The District has identified areas where infiltrating stormwater is not recommended but has NOT developed a watershed‐wide evaluation of areas that are most conducive to infiltration.

This type of evaluation has been done on a site specific and subwatershed basis. The Districts approach for protecting/managing groundwater at the time the plan was written was to collaborate with Ramsey County on their County Groundwater Plan which, ultimately, was not developed. While the District’s goals relative to stormwater and water quality are well defined, the role the District should play in groundwater management is not explicitly defined. This is a common situation for many watershed districts and as such there have been discussions at the State level about making recommendations for how watershed district address groundwater issues.

Issue 7 Monitoring and research data are needed to understand the watershed, identify problems, and determine appropriate watershed management approaches within the District Goals: Monitor watershed resources and BMPs, continually refine the program and use collected data to evaluate performance of District work

Initiatives that helped address Issue 7: Monitoring Program Review Gross Solids Study East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Held a summer macroinvertebrate study 2013 International Low Impact Development Symposium Presentations WEFTEC 2013 Staff Presentations WEFTEC 2014 Staff Presentations District BMP Database BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Stormwater Quality Monitoring Lake and Wetland Monitoring

Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals Monitoring is one of the core programs of the District and a great deal of data is being collected on the Districts resources as well as on the performance of District installed practices. Additional, more frequent evaluation of the Districts work based on the findings of the monitoring data is recommended.

Issue 8 Monitoring and research data are difficult for the public to access and understand Goals: Make monitoring data available and easy to understand for a broad audience, serve as a clearinghouse, and establish partnerships.

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memo 10 of 18 Initiatives that helped address Issue 8: Internal Mapping System District BMP Database BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Stormwater Quality Monitoring

Monitoring Database Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals The District has expended some effort in making monitoring and research data more accessible to the public but additional work remains to be done in this area. In 2014, the District began implementation of a new monitoring database to more effectively and efficiently manage, analyze, and report data. The framework is in place to more effectively deliver this type of information to the public so staff is confident that these goal will be achieved in the next 5 years.

Issue 9 Future watershed management strategies need to be responsive to emerging issues resulting from climate change and technological advances Goals: Develop better understanding of climate change impacts, conduct research on stormwater management technologies, and promote use of emerging technologies and innovative management techniques.

Initiatives that helped address Issue 9: Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Real‐Time Automated BMP Controls Stormwater Reuse Projects Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Presented to attendees of the Minnesota Green Roof Symposium Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Hosted the 2013 Clean Water Summit conference 2013 International Low Impact Development Symposium Presentations WEFTEC 2013 Staff Presentations WEFTEC 2014 Staff Presentations Stewardship and Partner Grant Program Data Acquisition GIS Program Development Impervious Surfaces Data Set Internal Mapping System District BMP Database BMP Maintenance and Monitoring

Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals The District has become a leader in conducting research on stormwater management technologies (Arlington Pascal) and has been active in promoting emerging technologies through its rules and Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128

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memo 11 of 18 involvement with the Green Line. More attention could be paid on the impact climate change will have on watershed management. The District needs to determine where the balance lies between an incentive‐based vs regulatory approach to ‘promoting’ innovative watershed management techniques. The District has received several awards and had several presentations selected to be presented at national conferences which demonstrate innovative work and leadership in the watershed/water quality field.

Issue 10 Many District partners and residents are willing to help the District accomplish its mission if assistance is made available Goal: Encourage partners and residents to implement projects

Initiatives that helped address Issue 10: Center St/Rice St Subwatershed Analysis Como 7 Subwatershed ‐ Curtis Field Curtiss Pond Improvement Project Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Well Sealing Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park TBI Farrington Feasibility Study Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study District 6 Natural Resource Inventory East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Lake Study Event Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Water quality education field trips Co‐sponsored storm drain stenciling and trash cleanup Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality.

Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Supported Children’s Water Fest Led a stormwater BMP tour along the Green Line Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program.

Coordinated publicity for the Blue Thumb native plant sale Education displays targeted at adults Held a summer macroinvertebrate study Conducted fishing lessons, Neighborhood water festival Led a tour of Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128

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f: 651.770.2552 www.eorinc.com

memo 12 of 18 Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Education displays at community events Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Hosted the 2013 Clean Water Summit conference Updated District Education Plan Interpretive signage Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Sponsor a natural resource intern Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Rain barrel construction workshop grants Rain garden Stewardship Grant Green Roof Stewardship Grant Pervious Paver Stewardship Grant Erosion Control Stewardship Grant Rain Barrel Stewardship Grant Watershed Artist in Residence Stewardship Grant Community Clean up Como Lake Stewardship Grant Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Support for Friends of Mississippi River volunteers Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Rain barrel construction workshop grants Storm drain stenciling Stewardship Grant Native Plant Education Expo and Market Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Support of a street sweeping study Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Support of Friends of the Mississippi River’s river stewardship and habitat restoration programs Stewardship and Partner Grant Program

Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals This is a high priority issue for the District. The District provides financial and technical assistance through its grant program to encourage partners to implement water quality improvement projects.

Issue 11 The District is uniquely positioned to be able to identify and support collaborations between various partners/stakeholders with compatible projects and programs Goal: Coordinate efforts with partners to ensure cost effective use of funds for water resource management.

Initiatives that helped address Issue 11:

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memo 13 of 18 Center St/Rice St Subwatershed Analysis Como 7 Subwatershed ‐ Curtis Field Crosby Lake Management Plan Curtiss Pond Improvement Project Gottfried's Pit Improvements Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park Sunny Slope Stabilization Feasibility Study TBI Farrington Feasibility Study Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study District 6 Natural Resource Inventory East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Lake Study Event Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Water quality education field trips Co‐sponsored storm drain stenciling and trash cleanup Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality.

Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Supported Children’s Water Fest Led a stormwater BMP tour along the Green Line Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program.

Coordinated publicity for the Blue Thumb native plant sale Education displays targeted at adults Held a summer macroinvertebrate study Conducted fishing lessons, Neighborhood water festival Led a tour of Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Education displays at community events Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Updated District Eduction Plan Interpretive signage Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Sponsor a natural resource intern Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Rain barrel construction workshop grants Raingarden Stewardship Grant Green Roof Stewardship Grant Pervious Paver Stewardship Grant

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128

p: 651.770.8448

f: 651.770.2552 www.eorinc.com

memo 14 of 18 Erosion Control Stewardship Grant Rain Barrel Stewardship Grant Watershed Artist in Residence Stewardship Grant Community Clean up Como Lake Stewardship Grant Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Support for Friends of Mississippi River volunteers Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Rain barrel construction workshop grants Storm drain stenciling Stewardship Grant Native Plant Education Expo and Market Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Support of a street sweeping study Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Support of Friends of the Mississippi River’s river stewardship and habitat restoration programs Stewardship and Partner Grant Program Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals Coordinating efforts with partners is an overarching principle of the District and is the approach used in all aspects of watershed management: District rules, CIPs and programs.

Issue 12 Multiple funding mechanisms and outside funding sources are available for the District to pursue to offset financial needs

Goal: Increase the funds available to meet the goals and objectives of the District.

Initiatives that helped address Issue 12: Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor Villa Park Subwatershed Plan and BMP Design Villa Park Wetland Restoration Project William Street Pond East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis

Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals The District has been very successful pursuing and obtaining grant money from sources that are typically available for watershed management activities. Additional effort could be spent investigating additional, non‐traditional sources.

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128

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memo 15 of 18

Issue 13 The District must prioritize programs and projects to ensure that goals are met in the most efficient, and cost effective manner Goal: Utilize long‐term planning and pursue cost effective solutions

Initiatives that helped address Issue 13: Data Acquisition Subwatershed Analysis GIS Program Development Impervious Surfaces Data Set Internal Mapping System District BMP Database

Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals The District conducts a periodic review of its programs, sets priorities and evaluates cost/benefits.

The annual work plan and budgeting process is also used to evaluate priorities and ensure that goals are being met in a cost effective manner.

Issue 14 An effective watershed organization needs to plan for change, growth, and development Goals: (from the 2008 Strategic Plan) Strengthen the District’s capacity to accomplish its mission, Strive for excellence, with competent, knowledgeable, committed, and innovative Board members, advisory committees, and staff, Provide research‐based, informed, mission‐driven decision making, Be an open, approachable, facilitator of partnerships to enhance the District’s capacity to protect, maintain and improve water resources

Initiatives that helped address Issue 14: Data Acquisition GIS Program Development Impervious Surfaces Data Set Internal Mapping System District BMP Database BMP Maintenance and Monitoring CSE Equipment Safety Program Updates/Audits Stormwater Quality Monitoring

Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals The District strives to accomplish all of the stated goals for this issue.

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128

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f: 651.770.2552 www.eorinc.com

memo 16 of 18

Issue 15 The District needs to maintain clear and effective Rules utilizing the most current research and science available Goals: Review and update the rules regularly

Initiatives that helped address Issue 15: Permitting Program Review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program Watershed Rule Adoption Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals The District has annual TAC meetings to review the rules and has had 2 rule revisions in the last 5 years.

Issue 16 Coordination with District partners on regulatory issues is needed for more efficient and effective stormwater regulation across all jurisdictions Goals: Work with partners to improve rules and ordinances, collaborate to ensure proper BMP construction and erosion and sediment control techniques are implemented, work with neighboring WMOs and state agencies on consistency, comply with applicable local, state, federal regulations.

Initiatives that helped address Issue 16: Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Chloride education workshops Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Interpretive signage Permitting Program Review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program Watershed Rule Adoption

Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals The Districts rules and permitting program has evolved significantly from the time the Plan was written. Most of the goals for the issue were addressed in the rule development process and now are largely accomplished. In the context of overall Plan the goals under this issue may appear to be overly emphasized based on how the District relationships have evolved since the writing of the plan. Some outstanding issues exist such as maintaining consistency with neighboring entities and achieving volume reduction on sites less than 1 acre.

Issue 17 The ecological integrity of many District lakes, wetlands, and the Mississippi River has degraded to a point where the resources are not providing their original level of function or value

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128

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memo 17 of 18 Goal: Improve ecological integrity of District lakes, wetlands and Mississippi River

Initiatives that helped address Issue 17: Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park District 6 Natural Resource Inventory Lake Study Event Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Held a summer macroinvertebrate study Sponsor a natural resource intern Support of Friends of the Mississippi River’s river stewardship and habitat restoration programs St. Paul Parks and Recreation: Swede‐Hollow Stream Analysis Restoration Feasibility Study Design Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals Although not a primary area of focus for the District some work towards realizing this goal has been completed. When ecological improvement can be achieved along with the primary focus of a project it is included. The upcoming Willow Reserve Restoration project may be the first project that has ecological integrity as its primary focus.

Issue 18 The loss of natural areas has decreased the ability of the watershed to capture, filter and infiltrate rainwater prior to discharging to District lakes, wetlands, and the Mississippi River Goals: Support increasing open space, mitigate loss of pervious areas by incorporating green infrastructure.

Initiatives that helped address Issue 18: Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Green Line BMPs Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park District 6 Natural Resource Inventory Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsor a natural resource intern Support of Friends of the Mississippi River’s river stewardship and habitat restoration programs St. Paul Parks and Recreation: Swede‐Hollow Stream Analysis Restoration Feasibility Study Design Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals The District has addressed this issue through its rules, management of the Trout Brook system and through collaborations with partners, for example the installation of green infrastructure on the Green Line.

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128

p: 651.770.8448

f: 651.770.2552 www.eorinc.com

memo 18 of 18

Issue 19 Reduced connectivity of natural habitat areas in the District limit movement between the District’s resources Goal: Coordinate with partners to improve accessibility and movement between natural areas.

Initiatives that helped address Issue 19: Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park District 6 Natural Resource Inventory Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Conducted fishing lessons, Sponsor a natural resource intern Support of Friends of the Mississippi River’s river stewardship and habitat restoration programs St. Paul Parks and Recreation: Swede‐Hollow Stream Analysis Restoration Feasibility Study Design Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals The Districts goals and objectives for this issue were deliberately written to be ‘collaborative’ in nature. The District has been supportive of the type of activities that would increase connections to the Districts nature areas.

Issue 20 The land within the District developed during a time when resource protection was not a priority. As a result, there are a number of opportunities to restore historic resources Goals: Identify opportunities to restore historic stream and wetland resources and increase the awareness of current and historic water resources.

Initiatives that helped address Issue 20: Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park District 6 Natural Resource Inventory St. Paul Parks and Recreation: Swede‐Hollow Stream Analysis Restoration Feasibility Study Design Progress made towards addressing Issue and meeting goals The District has restored a historic portion of Trout Brook but has not restored any historic wetlands, although the upcoming Willow Reserve restoration project will accomplish this goal in part. The District has increased awareness of existing water resources but little effort has been placed in raising the awareness of historic resources. This District is currently beginning a proactive planning effort to reestablish a headwaters portion of Hidden Falls Creek on the redeveloping Ford Site.

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128

p: 651.770.8448

f: 651.770.2552 www.eorinc.com

Financial Summary‐‐WMP Planned Expenditures vs. Actual Expenditures 2011‐2014 Planned Budget 2011‐2014 Actual Difference Percentage Spent 18,217,000 18,094,063.73 ‐122,936.27 99.33 Administration 1,640,000 1,769,180 129,180 107.88 Administration 1,640,000.00 1,769,179.87 129,180 107.88 Programs 5,237,000.00 4,203,856 ‐1,033,144 80.27 Groundwater 218,000.00 29,249.52 ‐188,750 13.42 Rulemaking/Rule Revisions 116,000.00 41,645.75 ‐74,354 35.90 Permitting 622,000.00 787,429.48 165,429 126.60 Stewardship Grants 469,000.00 840,103.39 371,103 179.13 Monitoring and Data Collection 1,277,000.00 1,711,519.83 434,520 134.03 Education/Outreach 862,000.00 551,540.78 ‐310,459 63.98 Technical Resources & Information Sharing 657,000.00 110,132.56 ‐546,867 16.76 Future Trends: Research & Positioning 575,000.00 15,830.30 ‐559,170 2.75 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 366,000.00 61,822.00 ‐304,178 16.89 Safety Program 75,000.00 54,582.72 ‐20,417 72.78 Projects 3,082,000.00 1,608,463.08 ‐1,473,537 52.19 Shoreline & Streambank Maintenance 152,000.00 33,703.29 ‐118,297 22.17 Como Lake Subwatershed 508,000.00 410,926.71 ‐97,073 80.89 Lake McCarron's Subwatershed 134,000.00 35,014.70 ‐98,985 26.13 Loeb Lake Subwatershed 64,000.00 401.88 ‐63,598 0.63 Crosby Lake Subwatershed 100,000.00 60,344.28 ‐39,656 60.34 Trout Brook Subwatershed 872,000.00 545,979.86 ‐326,020 62.61 Wetland, Stream and Ecosystem Restoration‐Planning 515,000.00 309,249.77 ‐205,750 60.05 Mississippi River Subwatershed 670,000.00 197,382.66 ‐472,617 29.46 Watershed Management Planning 0.00 11,923.60 11,924 #DIV/0!

Special Projects & Grants 67,000.00 3,536.33 ‐63,464 5.28 Capital Improvement Projects 8,258,000.00 10,512,564.45 2,254,564 127.30 Shoreline Restoration Fund 302,000.00 25,788.87 ‐276,211 8.54 Como BMP Fund 1,924,000.00 731,883.82 ‐1,192,116 38.04 Lake McCarron's Subwatershed BMPs 780,000.00 1,872,197.91 1,092,198 240.03 Loeb Lake Subwatershed BMPs 150,000.00 0.00 ‐150,000 0.00 Crosby Lake Subwatershed BMPs 38,000.00 544,327.11 506,327 1432.44 Trout Brook Subwatershed BMPs 790,000.00 5,040,247.90 4,250,248 638.01 Wetland, Stream and Ecosystem Restoration‐Implementation 793,000.00 253,958.83 ‐539,041 32.03 Mississippi River Subwatersheds BMP's 575,000.00 772,101.92 197,102 134.28 Stormwater Impact Fund Implementation 53,000.00 0.00 ‐53,000 0.00 Special Projects and Grants 1,162,000.00 600,870.59 ‐561,129 51.71 Future Trends: Implementation 949,000.00 0.00 ‐949,000 0.00 Debt Services 742,000.00 671,187.50 ‐70,813 90.46 TOTAL COST

Code 101 Code 201 207 208 210 211 220 225 228 230 240 Code 301 305 313 315 317 320 325 330 370 390 Code 401 405 413 415 417 420 425 430 435 440 450 490

memo Project Name | To / Contact info |

Date |

CRWD WMP Mid-Term Review

6/4/2015

Bob Fossum

Cc / Contact info | From / Contact info | Regarding |

Pat Conrad Draft Recommendations

Introduction After reviewing the work that has been conducted during the first portion of the 2010 WMP it is clear that CRWD is meeting its mission. Since 2010, CRWD has committed financial resources equal to the projected plan dollars, hired four additional staff, completed numerous capital improvement projects, partnered with its cities to complete water quality practices, won several awards and was awarded nearly a million dollars in Clean Land and Water Legacy Grant dollars. Staff are regularly presenting at national conferences and participate in local, state and national advisory panels. The Citizen Advisory Committee continues to be one of the most active in the state. See Mid-Term Evaluation Summary

While CRWD has achieved many of its goals and made significant progress towards others, water resource issues still exist. Como Lake is still listed as impaired, widespread behavior change and voluntary adoption of clean water practices can improve, aquatic plants and water quality concerns still affect Lake McCarrons. Discharges from the District into the Mississippi River still are contributing to impairments. Most wetlands are degraded and few surface waters exist in the District.

To better position itself in the next five years, CRWD have set out to evaluate progress towards implementing its watershed management plan and achieving it goals. The Board of Managers also wished to make budget decisions based on priority and focus. To do this the CRWD Watershed Management Plan Mid-Term Review was initiated. The following are draft recommendations for how the District could modify its focus moving forward. No changes to the Issues and Goals identified in the WMP are proposed, rather, the recommendations are adjustments/modifications to the level of focus for the remainder of the planning period. There are many high priority issues and goals that will maintain their current level of focus and thus are not addressed in the following recommendations.

1.

Programs and Planning Efforts a) 220—Education/Outreach: General (Issue 1)

Review Summary: The District has not dedicated the level of effort or allocated the amount of funding to this issue as compared to what was envisioned when the plan was developed. Also, the Board of Managers recognizes the importance of education and outreach and commonly expresses the desire to do more in this area.

EOR is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.

651 Hale Ave N.

Oakdale, MN 55128

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memo 2 of 5 Recommendation #1: The District should allocate additional resources, staffing and/or outside assistance to education and outreach activities. b) 220—Education/Outreach: General

There has not been an adequate amount of effort spent addressing the need to engage the diverse groups present in the District.

Recommendation #2: Additional focus should be placed in meeting the goal of increasing communication and encouraging long term commitment with groups not previously involved in District programs. c) 208, 305, 313, 317, 320, 330—BMP Maintenance

Review Summary: While the District does a thorough job of maintaining its own BMPs, additional work could be done assisting District partners with maintenance of their BMPs. Also, greater emphasis could be placed on enforcing maintenance of BMPs that are constructed to meet the District rules, i.e. permit-related BMPs.

Recommendation #3: The District should develop a comprehensive BMP Maintenance approach and program that can more efficiently and effectively ensure BMP’s are functioning as planned and designed on all BMPs within the District. d) 201--Groundwater

Review Summary: The District does not currently have a well-defined role in groundwater management nor is there an agreed-upon approach for groundwater management in Ramsey County.

Recommendation #4: Determine what, if any, role the Watershed District should have in groundwater management should be a priority.

Recommendation#5: The District should also focus on increasing its knowledge of the local groundwater system and how it interacts with District surface water resources and stormwater management practices (infiltration areas). e) 211--Monitoring

Review Summary: While the monitoring program has grown considerably over the past few years, it is NOT expected to expand any further.

Recommendation#6: The District should focus on increased efficiency with the current level of resources allocated to the Monitoring Program.

Recommendation#7: The District should focus on its goal to make monitoring and research data easily understood and accessible to the public. f) 228—Future Trends: Research and Positioning

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memo 3 of 5 Review Summary: To date, the District has incorporated its research largely into the monitoring program. There have been on-going external requests for research partnerships and internal needs for research and analysis.

Recommendation #8: The District should develop a research approach and program that can more efficiently and effectively ensure appropriate research is conducted for specific District needs as well as the needs of the larger stormwater community both regionally and nationally.

Recommendation #9: The District should determine the impact climate change may have on the way water resources are managed and incorporate climate adaptation into its programs and projects. g) 305, 405—Como Lake Subwatershed

Review Summary: Throughout the existence of the District and during the first half of the current Plan period the focus on Como Lake water quality improvement has been on reducing watershed loading to the lake.

Recommendation #10: The primary focus for management of Como Lake should remain on reducing watershed loading but a greater emphasis should be placed on in-lake management practices/techniques. h) 325, 425—Wetland, Stream, and Ecosystem Restoration

Review Summary: To date, the District has accomplished ecosystem restoration as a secondary objective in conjunction with its water resource focused projects.

Recommendation #11: Additional emphasis should be placed on improving wetland, stream and lake ecosystem health within the District.

Recommendation #12: Additional emphasis should be made to establish greenways and wildlife corridor connections.

Recommendation #13: Ecological restoration of wetlands within the District should be emphasized. The District should develop a specific work plan that identifies wetland restoration opportunities along with an implementation schedule and budget.

2. District Operations a) 450—Future Trends: Implementation

Review Summary: During the first half of the WMP planning term, some advance work on a new District facility location has been completed.

Recommendation #14: The District should prioritize moving into a new facility that can better achieve its mission and accommodate its various programs.

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128

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memo 4 of 5 b) 200—Multiple Plan Categories

Review Summary: The District has made incremental improvements in all of its programs.

Some of the programs have had formal program reviews while others have not. The District has been successful in determining which projects to pursue through Subwatershed Analysis. The District has been able to include public art and historical references in some projects.

Recommendation #16: The District should develop a more formal process/schedule to review its programs.

Recommendation #17: The District should use the “Prioritize Target Measure” focus for its programs and projects (while this is currently accomplished through the District’s Subwatershed Analysis approach there may be value in adopting the PTM terminology to be consistent with statewide efforts).

Recommendation #18: Additional emphasis should be placed on incorporating art and historical context into the projects and programs of the District.

3. Capital Improvement Projects

a) 405—Como Lake Subwatershed BMPs

Review Summary: It is evident that greater emphasis has been placed in the McCarrons Subwatershed during the early phase of the 2010 WMP Plan and less emphasis was placed on the Como Subwatershed (emphasis had been on Como lake pre-2010) than had been contemplated. This is mainly due to two large projects being implemented in the Lake McCarron’s Subwatershed.

Recommendation #20: For the remainder of the Plan period, the District should increase its focus on Como Subwatershed BMPs. Specific focus should be given to the subwatershed areas outside of Como Subwatershed 7. b) 413—Lake McCarrons Subwatershed BMPs

Review Summary: It is evident that greater emphasis has been placed in the McCarrons Subwatershed during the early phase of the 2010 WMP Plan and less emphasis was placed on the Como Subwatershed (emphasis had been on Como lake pre-2010) than had been contemplated. This is mainly due to two large projects being implemented.

Recommendation #22: For the remainder of the Plan period, the District should reduce its focus on McCarrons Subwatershed BMPs.

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128

p: 651.770.8448

f: 651.770.2552 www.eorinc.com

memo 5 of 5 Items noted with strong emphasis or important to continue.

1. The District should continue to advance the staffing/organization plan to achieve mission.

2. The District should continue to use grants and other funding mechanisms to more effectively address mission.

3. The District should continue to be a leader nationally in urban stormwater management

4. The District should continue to conduct cutting edge research and approach stormwater management in an innovative manner.

5. The District should continue to invest strategically by weighing alternatives to effectively use public money to best address water resource issues.

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128

p: 651.770.8448

f: 651.770.2552 www.eorinc.com

July 15th CAC Tour Planning The following is a list of July Tour sites for discussion at the June 10th CAC meeting. The group of sites are deliberately focused along the Mississippi River corridor for planning and logistics.

1. Highland Ravine a) Project Goals and Benefits b) Ravine/Gully Stabilization Engineering c) Landowner Cooperation and Easements d) Construction Challenges and Solutions 2. Crosby Lake a) Crosby Lake Management Plan History and Update b) Projects Completed c) Elmer Street Parking Lot Improvements d) Crosby Lake Water Quality and Monitoring Efforts 3. Hidden Falls Creek and Hidden Falls Regional Park a) Park History and Development b) Hidden Falls Creek c) Hidden Falls Creek Feasibility Study 4. Ford Site a) Ford Site History b) Previous Planning Efforts and Studies c) Demolition, 2014-present d) Ford Site Planning – 2015 e) CRWD Role in Current Planning

W:\05 Citizen Advisory Committee\Tours\CAC Tour July 15 2015\July 15 2015 Tour Sites.docx

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

June 10, 2015 VII. Project and Program Updates A) 2015 CRWD Events

DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

June 4, 2015 Citizen Advisory Committee Lindsay VanPatten 2015 CRWD Events

Trout Brook Grand Opening – Grand Opening of Trout Brook with St. Paul Parks and GRG’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Saturday May 30, 2015 12:30 – 3 pm Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary  Many Staff, Board and CAC members attended. Thank you.

Saint Paul Arbor Month Celebration – Community tabling event celebrating Arbor Month Saturday May 30, 2015 10 am – 2 pm Linwood Recreation Center 860 St. Claire, St. Paul, MN 55105  Thank you Michelle and Steve for tabling at the event!

Landscape Revival Native Plant Expo and Market – Native Plant Expo and Market with 12 Growers Saturday, June 6, 2015 9 am – 3 pm Here are the shifts for staffing the table:  8-11 am Set up - Gustavo Castro, CRWD Staff  9 am -12 pm Joe Lochner, RCD Staff  10 am-1 pm Bill Barton, CRWD CAC  11 am-2 pm Rick Sanders, CRWD CAC  12-3 pm David Arbeit, CRWD CAC - Forrest will come to pick up materials.

Hamline Midway Spring Festival – D11 Community Festival Tuesday, June 16, 2015 4 – 8:30 pm Hancock Recreation Center 1610 Hubbard Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104  4 – 6 pm________________________________________________  6 – 8 pm ________________________________________________ Bugs’ Night Out at Como Lake – Macroinvertebrate sampling and identification for youth Thursday June 18, 2015 6 – 7:30 pm Como Lakeside Pavilion 1360 N Lexington Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55108  5:30 – 7:30 pm__________________________________________

Frogtown Neighborhood Association annual meeting Tuesday, June 23, 2015 5 – 8 pm Frogtown Park along Victoria  5 – 6:30 pm _______________________________________  6:30 – 8 pm________________________________________ Minnesota Green Roofs Council Annual Green Roof Bike Tour Sunday, June 28, 2015, 12 – 5 pm Tour of six green roofs in St. Paul Purchase tickets on the MGRC website: mngreenroofs.org Frogtown Garden Tour – Self-guided tour of gardens that include some rain gardens Saturday, July 11, 2015, 10 am – 2 pm Purchase $5 tickets starting July 1 at NeighborWorks Home Partners, 533 N. Dale or visit frogtowngreen.com for more info Como Lake Land and Water Clean Up – In-lake Cleanup event with MN Standup Paddle Board Association during Como Fest: Como Fest is July 10 – 1 2 Sunday, July 12, 2015 10 am – 1:00 pm Como Lakeside Pavilion 1360 N Lexington Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55108  9:30 am – 12 pm_________________________________________  10:30 am – 1 pm_________________________________________ Little Mekong Night Markets – Open-air market coordinated by CRWD Partner Grant recipient, Asian Economic Development Association Friday and Saturday, July 3, 4 and August 7, 8 from 5 pm – 12 am Corner of University and Western SPSVP Boulevard Rain Garden Maintenance meetups for Montana Greenbrier and Montreal Projects Monday, July 13, 6:30 – 7:30 pm -- Montana Greenbrier project area – location TBD Monday, July 20, 6:30 – 7:30 pm -- Montreal project area – location TBD Frogtown Splashdown! – Water festival at Minnehaha Mall in Frogtown Friday, July 31, 10 am – 2 pm 779 N Milton St, St Paul, MN 55104 Loeb Lake Family Fishing – Family Fishing Event with CRWD and DNR, MinnAqua Wednesday, August, 12, 2015, 6 – 8 pm Marydale Park Meet near the doc on the east side of Loeb Lake off of Mackubin  6 – 8 pm________________________________________________ W:\05 Citizen Advisory Committee\2015 Files\6-10-15 2015 CRWD Event Signup Memo.docx

Capitol Region Watershed District Citizen Advisory Committee 2015 Agenda Plan CAC Meeting Date January 14, 2015

District Initiatives - District 6 NRI - 2014 Fish Survey

CAC Initiatives -Stewardship Awards Recap -2015 CAC Meeting Plan

February 11, 2015

- Education Program Review - 2015 Rule Revisions - Upper Villa Park Project Review - Rules Review - 2014 Permit Program Review

Discuss 2015 “Event”

May 13, 2015

- North & East Metro GW Plan Update - By Law Amendments Adopted -Watershed Plan Mid-Term Review - Lake McCarrons Aquatic Plan Harvesting

June 10, 2015

WMP Mid Term Review

- Election of Officers - Student Worker Program -Awards Program -Event Planning -CAC Tour Planning -Student Worker -Tour Planning -Event Planning Update -Master Water Stewards -Student Worker Update

July 15, 2015 (3rd Wednesday) August 12, 2015

Tour of District Projects

March 11, 2015

April 8, 2015

Review and Comment on 2016 Budget

September 9, 2015 October 14, 2015

Special and Partner Grant Committees

November 12, 2015 (2nd Thursday) December 9, 2015

RSVP Program Update 2016 Reappointment Recommendations

Updated: June 4, 2015 Pervious Parking Lot Eustis Street Feasibility Study Willow Reserve Lafayette Park

Lakes Report Stormwater Report

W:\05 Citizen Advisory Committee\Agendas\2015\2015 CAC Agenda Plan 6-5-15.doc

- Event Planning - By Laws Review

-2015 Awards Program Adoption -Student Worker Program Approval -Awards Program -CAC Recruitment - Awards Program