IQ Magazine - Fall 2006 by Initiative Foundation

Bethel University • St. Paul, MN

NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS – UP NORTH. Bethel University’s MBA program at Cragun’s Resort. Good. For Business. Advance your career with the MBA program designed for busy career persons. Your cohort will meet at Cragun’s monthly and in as little as 21 months you will have earned your MBA. Learn more about the MBA degree that weaves Christian ethics throughout the fabric of the program by calling 651-635-8000 or toll free 800-255-8706, ext. 8000. Register now for the cohort that begins in February of 2007.

www.bethel.edu

Our Home Permanent Supportive Housingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Isle, MN This rental townhome development provides housing opportunities and support services for families. The project was a coordinated partnership between Central Minnesota Housing Partnership and Volunteers of America, with funding provided through local contributions, Volunteers of America, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Housing and Urban Development, and the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund.

National Award-Winning Builder Brainerd, Baxter / 218-829-0707 www.kuepers.com MN LIC 0002599

FALL 2006

CONTENTS FEATURES 8

Welcome to the NextGeneration Neighborhood

Classic Curb-Appeal Proves Deadly for Waterways

Exotic Species Threaten Minnesota Waters

Minnesota’s Wastewater Crisis: Seeping Septics and Maxed-Out Municipals

What Everyone Can Do to Preserve Our Water

Wide Open Spaces

Pretty Ugly

Space Invaders

Waste Deep

10 Tips for 10,000 Lakes

DEPARTMENTS 4 Beginnings Paddles

28 KeyNotes The Foundation Newsletter

34 Clean Water Legacy Act Current Affairs

40 Outdoors Common Ground

6 Minnesota Waters Tributaries

32 Economics Depth Charges

38 Good Business Natural Selection

48 Guest Editorial Liquid Assets

“Our mission is to unlock the potential of the people of central Minnesota to build and sustain healthy communities.”

Cass Lake Schley Bena

Wilkinson Federal Dam Leech Lake

Boy River

Tobique

Onigum Walker

Brevik

Remer

CASS

Ah-Gwah-Ching

Whipholt

Longville Inguadona Hackensack

INITIATIVE FOUNDATION FOCUS AREAS

Pontoria Backus

Outing

Oshawa

Huntersville

Chickamaw Beach

Menahga

Fifty Lakes Emily

Swanburg

Manhattan Beach

Pine River

Crosslake Nimrod

Sebeka

Jenkins Pequot Lakes

WADENA

Breezy Point

Oylen

Blue Grass Leader

Nisswa Lake Shore

Leaf River

Trommald

Lake Hubert

Cuyuna

Crosby Ironton

Merrifield

Riverton

Wadena

Deerwood

Legionville

CROW WING

Verndale E Gull Lake

Aldrich

BAXTER Hewitt

Bay Lake Duquette Kerrick Ellson

Barrows

Philbrook

Willow River

Garrison

Bruno Rutledge

Bertha

COVER “Preserving Our Greatest Gift.” Special thanks to hand models, Harry Dinndorf and Simon Meer. Photograph by Jim Altobell.

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

Lincoln

Pine Center

Opstead

Finlayson

Shephard Vineland

Cushing

Clarissa

TODD

Warman

M O R R I Pierz SON

Hillman

MILLE LACS KANABEC

LITTLE FALLS

Genola

Flensburg Sobieski

Round Prairie

Gregory

Elmdale

Holdingford

St. Rosa

Opole

St. Anna

Freeport New Munich

Albany

Farming

Jakeville Gilman

Roscoe

Cold Spring St. Nicholas

Carmody Long Siding

Watkins

ISANTI

Wyanett Pine Brook

CAMBRIDGE

Walbo

SHERBURNE

Clear Lake St. Augusta Luxemburg Clearwater

Orrock

Zimmerman

Oxlip

Bodum

Isanti

Rock Creek

Rush City

Stark

Spring Lake

Bradford Spencer Brook

Rush Point

Edgewood

West Point

Palmer

Blomford Weber

Harris

NORTH BRANCH

Kimball

Hasty

Almelund

Center

Lindstrom City Stacy

BIG LAKE

Enfield

Fair Haven

Silver Creek

ELK RIVER

MONTICELLO

South Haven

Annandale Albertville

Maple Lake

French West Lake Albion

W R I G H TBUFFALO

ST. MICHAEL

Albion Center Knapp

Cokato

Albright Highland

Waverly

Lake Rice Lake

Rockford Montrose

Stockholm Howard

Oster

Delano

Sunrise

CHISAGO

Crown

Becker Marty Maine Prairie

Eden Valley

Greeley

Braham Stanchfield Springvale Grandy

Dalbo Estes Brook

Glendorado Santiago

ST. CLOUD Cable

Richmond

Paynesville

Coin Day

Pease

Foley

Duelm

Princeton

WAITE PARK

West Rock

Brunswick

Milaca

Foreston

Oak Park

Ronneby

SAUK RAPIDS

Grasston

Bock

St. Joseph

Jacobs Prairie Rockville

Lake Henry

Pine City

Rum River

BENTON Popple Creek

SARTELL Collegeville

STEARNS

Spring Hill St. Martin

Belgrade Georgeville

Watab St. Wendel

Avon

Greenwald

Cloverdale

Beroun

Ogilvie

Granit Ledge

Novak's Corner

Mayhew

St. Stephen

St. Anthony

Melrose Meire Grove

Elrosa

Brennyville Silver Corners

Rice

St. Francis

Sauk Centre

Ramey

Morrill

North Prairie

Padua

Brooten

Little Rock

Royalton

Bowlus

Upsala

Hinckley

Henriette

Mora Burtrum Grey Eagle

Ward Springs

Brook Park

Quamba

Buckman

Swanville

Little Sauk

West Union

Wyoming

Chisago City

Cloverton Duxbury

Friesland

Kroschel

Onamia

Lastrup

Freedham

Darling

Long Prairie

Gutches Grove

Sandstone

Wahkon

Cove

Harding

Camp Ripley Junction

PINE

Groningen

Isle Bayview

Randall Browerville

Kingsdale

Askov

Fort Ripley

Eagle Bend

Clotho

Nickerson

Sturgeon Lake Denham

BRAINERD

Pillager

Motley

Palmdale

Taylors Falls Shafer Franconia

Markville

• Strengthen Children, Youth, and Families • Promote Economic Stability • Preserve Space, Place, and Natural Resources • Build Capacity of Nonprofit Organizations • Embrace Diversity & Reduce Prejudice • Increase Utilization of Technology

BEGINNINGS

Paddles Dear Friends, Black water swirled around our paddles as thunderheads swelled in the twilight sky. After the first low rumble, the coming rain was no longer a laughing matter. My sister-in-law, Cora Jean, and her husband, Jerry, looked nervous in the next canoe. “Paddle a little harder, honey,” chirped my newlywed husband, Neal, for the umpteenth time. “We all have to paddle harder.” “I – am – paddling – harder – Neal!” I unleashed a glare that he would come to know as a telltale sign to cut the motivational sweet-talk. The Boundary Waters is famous for testing the mettle of marriages and I knew from the get-go that it was no place for a southern California transplant. Other than the Gunflint Trail outfitters, there was no shopping for miles. When the lightning snapped, so did I. We reached the muddy shoreline in a torrent of rain and tears. Neal calmed me down by promising a campfire steak dinner. It was wet, rare, and mostly inedible. At midnight, a tree crashed on our first choice for a tent site. I demanded that he paddle me back to L.A. When the sun broke over the pines two days later, I breathed in deeply, admired the orange and purple reflections on the motionless water, and then fell in love with Minnesota. The rest of the trip was magical. Most Minnesotans have a lifetime love-affair with water, but our lakes and rivers are weathering a storm of human activity that now requires all of us to learn more and to “paddle harder.” In partnership with Minnesota Waters, this special issue of IQ profiles the grave challenges and hopeful solutions for preserving our greatest gift. Enjoy the magazine!

Kathy Gaalswyk, President Initiative Foundation

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

Building a lifetime of care.

> VOLUME 4, FALL 2006 INITIATIVE FOUNDATION Executive Editor & Director of Communications / MATT KILIAN Communications Associate / ANITA HOLLENHORST PUBLISHERS Evergreen Press / CHIP & JEAN BORKENHAGEN EDITORIAL Editorial Director / JODI SCHWEN Assistant Editor / TENLEE LUND ART Art Director / ANDREA BAUMANN Senior Graphic Designer / BOB WALLENIUS Graphic Designer / BRAD RAYMOND Production Manager / BRYAN PETERSEN Lead Photographer / JIM ALTOBELL ADVERTISING / SUBSCRIPTIONS Business & Advertising Director / BRIAN LEHMAN Advertiser Services / MARY SAVAGE Subscriber Services / MARYANN LINDELL IQ EDITORIAL BOARD Initiative Foundation President / KATHY GAALSWYK University of Minnesota Extension / ELEANOR BURKETT Minnesota Department of Natural Resources / ED FEILER Program Mgr. for Planning & Preservation / DON HICKMAN 1,000 Friends of Minnesota / PHIL HUNSICKER Minnesota Waters / BRUCE JOHNSON Sauk River Watershed District / JULIE KLOCKER V.P. for Community Initiatives / KARL SAMP Board of Trustees / GENE WALDORF Board of Trustees / G. GEORGE WALLIN, PH.D. Minnesota Waters / PAULA WEST Initiative Foundation 405 First Street SE Little Falls, MN 56345 320.632.9255 www.ifound.org IQ is published by the Initiative Foundation in partnership with Evergreen Press of Brainerd, Minnesota. www.evergreenpress.net For advertising opportunities, contact: Lois Head 320.252.7348, lmhead@stcloudstate.edu Brian Lehman 218.828.6424 ext. 25, brian@evergreenpress.net Kristin Rothstein 320.251.5875, kristin@cpionline.com Tina Vossen 320.251.5875, tina@cpionline.com

Family Practice is about ensuring a healthier life for your family. It’s about building a relationship with a dedicated family practice physician starting at birth, continuing with you throughout your entire life. There’s a lot to know about personal and family health, so ask us. We have a lot of family practice.

David F. Boran, M.D. James A. Gelbmann, M.D. Roger F. Macy, M.D. FAMILY PRACTICE

Where talent and technology come together.™

218.855.5470 | 800.277.8262 | 2024 South Sixth Street | www.brainerdclinic.com

FALL 2006

MINNESOTA WATERS

BY BRITTA REQUE-DRAGICEVIC

Tributaries Minnesota Lakes Association, Rivers Council of Minnesota Join Forces as “Minnesota Waters”

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

K EN F RIBERG

CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

P HOTO

innesota Waters is proof that there is power in unity. When two of Minnesota’s largest water preservation organizations merged this year into the newly formed nonprofit, lakes and rivers throughout the state gained a powerful advocate. Formerly, the Minnesota Lakes Association and the Rivers Council of Minnesota, both nonprofit organizations, had worked extensively to accomplish very similar goals: promote public awareness of water quality issues, encourage citizen participation in good water practices, and influence and support public policy that benefits watersheds. “We had already formed several partnerships with each other around different programs and had a joint state conference,” says Bruce Johnson, executive director of Minnesota Waters and the past executive director of the Rivers Council. “The issues we were focused on were essentially the same—merging simply made sense,” he adds. “By combining resources, we allowed staff members to specialize more and cut overhead and increase efficiency.” The two organizations also unite more than 350 member groups made up of nearly 60,000 individuals. “One of the biggest benefits of merging is simply our increased strength in numbers,” says Johnson, “and the ability to have more influence on policies that affect our water resources.” “The responsibility of taking care of our waters is fragmented and shared out among a dozen different agencies and offices,” says Dick Fowler, board chair of Minnesota Waters and past president of the Minnesota Lakes Association. “Minnesotans want our waters clean and proSupporters of the newly formed Minnesota Waters take in the metro skyline at River Night 2006. tected into the future. Minnesota Waters is in a position to help make that happen.” The organization will continue the essence of the previous assisting the DNR and water-resource management efforts. Citizen volunteers take a hands-on approach—wading into goals the individual organizations had focused on—now streamrivers and lakes and performing routine tests to determine the lined into core programs of citizen-monitoring, public policy, health of the water. watershed stewardship, and direct-action work. As a leader in public policy, Minnesota Waters encourages Citizen-monitoring is a program that trains volunteers to get local citizens to get involved in the decision-making processes actively involved in the scientific monitoring of a body of water,

What is Minnesota Waters? We are a merger of the Minnesota Lakes Association and Rivers Council of Minnesota.

What are Minnesota Waters’ Program Areas?

In a state with 11,800 lakes greater than 10 acres in size and 92,000 miles of rivers, Minnesota Waters is the only nonprofit organization in the state dedicated exclusively to protecting and improving Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.

By coming together, Minnesota Waters: ♦ Advocates for our waters with a stronger voice—locally, regionally, and statewide. ♦ Impacts public policies for water resource protection. ♦ Teaches citizens and citizen groups to lead local efforts for water resources protection. ♦ Connects lakes and rivers for more effective water management. ♦ Engages more than 3,500 members in its mission to protect the waters of the state.

What is Minnesota Waters’ Vision and Mission? Minnesota Waters believes the lakes and rivers in our state are irreplaceable natural assets to be held in trust for future generations. Minnesota Waters promotes responsible stewardship of these waters by engaging citizens, state and local policy makers, and other like-minded partners in the protection and restoration of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.

Citizen Monitoring: Enhancing the ability of volunteer monitors to understand the health of our lakes and rivers.

Public Policy: Influencing public policies at the local, regional, and state levels to protect and improve Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.

What are the membership benefits? ♦ Quarterly Minnesota Waters newsletter. ♦ Monthly electronic newsletter, the Confluence. ♦ Bi-weekly legislative reports during the session. ♦ Conference and publication discounts. ♦ Free websites for lake associations and river groups. ♦ Answers and assistance with your lake and river questions.

Coming Soon: Minnesota, Naturally Magazine A new magazine for members and the public dedicated to creating an appreciation for our water resources—which is the first step in taking action to protect them.

Watershed Stewardship: Encouraging citizen stewardship for healthy waters through individual education and by building and supporting lake associations and rivers groups with educational services, training, resources, curricula, and direct-action advocacy campaigns.

Minnesota’s Lakes and Rivers Need Your Help! Please join Minnesota Waters—with your help we can protect Minnesota’s waters from overuse, overdevelopment, infestation with aquatic invasive plants and animals, and pollution. It’s not too late to protect and preserve Minnesota’s lake and river resources today and for future generations! Working together we can make a difference.

Why Join Minnesota Waters? ♦ To bring local water resource concerns to statewide attention. ♦ To stay informed about critical lake and river issues. ♦ To learn to be good stewards of our state’s lake and river resources. ♦ To join a partnership that encompasses action at the local, regional, and state levels to restore and protect our waters. ♦ To make a difference in preserving and protecting Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.

Join Minnesota Waters today—on-line at www.minnesotawaters.org or use form below. MEMBERSHIP FORM

Name Address City/State/ZIP E-mail Phone Lake/river you reside at or use frequently County Tax-Deductible Memberships: Individual $ 25

Enthusiast $250

Family $50

Steward $500

Supporter $100

Other $

Call office for lake or river association membership information METHOD OF PAYMENT: Card Number Signature

CHECK

VISA/MASTERCARD Exp. Date

MAIL TO: Minnesota Waters, 17021 Commercial Park Rd., Suite 4, Brainerd, MN 56401 or join online at www.minnesotawaters.org 800-515-5253

The Johnsons established their roots in a conservationdesigned neighborhood.

Welcome to the

Next-Generation Neighborhood

Every hour, Minnesota loses seven acres to development. Seven acres of oaks or pines, prairie grasses, and wild, black-eyed Susans; habitat for whitetail deer, butterflies, and bluejays. Seven acres that will never be regained, as traditional developments spread out over large parcels.

It was a fact that Mark Ronnei knew he wanted to help change when he decided to develop a planned-unit development in Nisswa. Using conservation design, a cutting-edge neighborhood planning method that preserves open space, Ronnei presented his idea to create sixteen units and preserve more than 75 percent of forty acres. Nisswa planner Ann Beaver couldn’t believe her ears. “We were very pleased that a developer would approach us,” says Beaver, “and ask to be allowed to do something that was essentially better than what our ordinance allowed at the time.” That is a very rare thing indeed. Many developers follow conventional development practices where the land is sliced up and sold in larger parcels. Conservation design is a new way of thinking and an amazing way to create beautiful developments that guarantee that natural open space and features will be permanently preserved. The concept centers on the idea that instead of offering many large lots to individual homeowners in often copycat neighborhoods, they offer smaller lots and shared ownership in a large, undisturbed parcel of natural land. Ronnei, CEO of Nisswa-based ETOC Development, a branch of the Cote Family Companies, Inc., knew that when the eighty-year-old Nisswa-based business decided to build a development, they wanted to do something different.

By Britta Reque-Dragicevic Photography by J im Altobell FALL 2006

Mark Ronnei: “It’s a process that takes educating people and cooperation.”

“Fawn Ridge is the result of our efforts to establish ourselves in the development industry by doing the right thing,” says Ronnei, “by setting a high standard and being responsible developers.” The development borders Fawn and Edna lakes and has Hidden Lake—its own natural environmental lake—within its boundaries. There are sixteen building sites, with homes clustered in groups of two to three on small lots. Altogether they share only four septic drainfields. The design was drawn to place the homes around what is called the primary conservation area (considered land that would not be buildable due to wetlands, floodplains, or steep slopes, plus an additional 30 to 80 percent of the remaining land), recognized for having the best natural features. Roads are penciled in for convenience and not as establishing details. A homeowner’s association secures guidelines that will keep the community quiet (no motorized boats allowed on Hidden Lake) and traffic to a minimum. The biggest challenge for developers has been concern over whether a design of this type will be profitable. Studies have shown that with less dirt to move and less infrastructure to install, costs to develop a conservation design are lower than a conventional development. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for permanent assurance that acres of open land will be available to them forever.

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

“Fawn Ridge has been on the market for one year,” says Ronnei. “We’ve sold seven lots and have four homes going up.”

Take two hundred acres and create one hundred homes on two acres each, or create one hundred homes on one acre each and have one hundred acres preserved with walking paths and space to relax and enjoy nature. Either way, the developer sells the same number of building sites. It’s a change in how the public thinks about neighborhoods and living space. “There is growing enthusiasm for this concept as it combines long-term conservation with a community’s future growth,” says Jane Prohaska, director of the

Minnesota Land Trust (MLT), a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Minnesota’s natural land through permanent conservation easements. They work with many conservation-designed communities and developments, securing permanent easements that allow land to be farmed or possibly sold, but never developed. Minnesota Land Trust often maintains the property over the long haul. “We have fifteen years of experience in preserving property,” says Prohaska. “We’ve found that if we can get in on the early planning, we can help developers plan out the long-term caretaking of the property, where the funding will come from, and how the land will be managed.” Many communities are starting to understand that conservation design could very well be the best way to preserve their land and plan for expansion. Planning boards are faced with outdated or traditional ordinances that often do not encourage conservation design. “Mark showed us plans of what they could do under the existing ordinance language and then compared it to what they really wanted to do—which was a conservation-design-type development,” says Beaver. “They asked the city to help them do something better than conventional development. Our only concern was getting ordinance language approved that would allow their desired plan to progress. We agreed that it was a better plan than their options under the existing ordinance language.” The Environmental Protection Agency calls conservation design “Smart Growth” and outlines the following benefits: increased air quality, better water quality (open space means less run off from pavement and streets and more natural recy-

Contrasting Communities Conventional Development Land is often divided and sold in larger parcels, with each property owner receiving a piece of the best natural features. Natural areas are difficult to preserve under multiple owners. Roads and buildings are placed for convenience and may disturb or diminish forests, farmland and shoreline. There is little or no shared open space. Privacy is valued over nature and neighborhoods.

Conservation-Designed Development The best natural and cultural areas are intentionally preserved. Forty to eighty percent of the scenic land becomes permanent open space, to be enjoyed by all property owners. Buildings, roads and other infrastructure are designed on the least-sensitive areas of the property. Walking trails, parks and shared water access are often incorporated. Architecture promotes a neighborhood feel with smaller, more manageable lot sizes. Source: Minnesota Land Trust Illustrations by Ted Tollefson

cling of rainfall), the open space is permanently preserved, and in urban areas, brownfields (abandoned industrial zones) are often redeveloped. The McKnight Foundation, a key partner of the Initiative Foundation, has created a campaign to educate the Twin Cities public and communities about conservation design. Designated “Embrace Open Space,” the campaign consists of a group of local nonprofit organizations dedicated to education about land-use decisions. According to their findings, the Twin Cities loses three natural acres every hour and an area the size

of Minneapolis every seven months, an alarming rate. McKnight believes there is a tendency among Minnesota’s rural communities to take natural land for granted. With increased tourism, lake-homeownership, and the expansion of central Minnesota communities that encroach on farm land, these natural resources are, in fact, limited. Lisa Paxton, CEO for the Brainerd Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce, sees the importance of addressing this issue. “If we continue the current zoning trend of developing 1.5 to 2.5 acre lots,”

says Paxton, “we will consume a land area equivalent to the size of Brainerd and Baxter to fulfill the projected number of households in 2030.” The need to preserve natural resources is not a new call. The ability to do that while developing for the future is, however, and it must be embraced to maintain the quality of Minnesota’s natural environment. “It’s a process that takes educating people and cooperation,” says Ronnei. “This is where the Initiative Foundation can help by providing forums where all the parties can sit down and discuss what needs to take place.” IQ FALL 2006

P HOTO

J IM A LTOBELL

See if any of this sounds familiar. People move to the lake to enjoy the views of nature and wildlife, and appreciate the quiet and solitude. In order to get a better view of the lake they remove many of the trees, shrubs, and taller vegetation. Those plants are replaced with the lawn like they had at home. This gives them a clearer view and shows the neighbors that they care about their property. Now they have to maintain the lawn, just like life in the suburbsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;mowing and using fertilizers and pesticides, which gives them less time to relax.

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

FEATURE EDITORIAL BY CAROLYN J. DINDORF

Geese visit the shoreline leaving an unsightly mess behind. The property owners remove the â&#x20AC;&#x153;weedsâ&#x20AC;? in the water to create swimming and docking areas. To their surprise, the shoreline begins washing into the water, inch by inch. To protect their shore, they add rock or build retaining walls. Nearly everyone else on the lake does the same thing. Now the view across the lake looks just like the suburbs. What happened to the beautiful trees and the birds they came here to enjoy? What happened to the peace and privacy?

Is this your vision of the

perfect lakeshore? FALL 2006

To enjoy healthy lakes into the future, there must be a paradigm shift—a change in perspective of the perfect lakeshore lot. Lake ecosystems are being degraded by the way they are being treated. Without a buffer of plants, yard maintenance practices are contributing to lower water clarity as pollutants from homes, paved surfaces, and manicured lawns are carried into the water untreated. More boats and larger motors contribute to destruction of aquatic plants and suspension of bottom sediments. As plants and woody debris in the shallow waters are removed, fish populations are affected by the loss of spawning and nesting areas as well as protective cover. Many species of insects that rely on the water’s edge for part of their life cycle are affected by the loss of plants. Wildlife of all sizes is negatively impacted by the loss of the shoreline vegetation. Owning lakeshore property is both a privilege and a responsibility. The impact on the lake ecosystem can be lessened by preserving or creating buffers. The ideal lakeshore lot, from a healthy lakes perspec-

tive, mimics natural shoreline conditions— those that occurred prior to development. Shorelines can’t always be restored to their original condition, but many of their functions can be restored. Think about the lake as an ecosystem—a living community and its environment working together. We are a part of that system. Consider the perspective of the fish and wildlife that use the lake. A turtle basks in the sun on the log at the water’s edge. A great blue heron perches on the dead tree overhanging the water as it hunts for its next meal. Fish feed on the insect larvae living among the aquatic plants. Butterflies are attracted to the bright pink marsh milkweed where they find nectar. Songbirds pick at the seeds of the grasses and wildflowers. Aquatic plants dampen the waves as they lap against the shore, while the deep, extensive roots of the native grasses and wildflowers hold the

Landscaping vs. Lakescaping

Recommended Plants for Lakescapes

Lawn to Lake vs. Natural Upland Vegetation • Reduces lawn acreage and time for mowing and maintenance • Provides habitat and food for birds and wildlife • Deters geese from loitering on lawn with biological barrier

Plants for Sun Meadow Blazing Star Fox Sedge Wild Bergamot Black-Eyed Susan Culvers Root Blue Flag Iris Soft Rush Anise Hyssop Sneezeweed Marsh Milkweed

Retaining Walls vs. Natural Shoreline Vegetation • Reduces shoreline erosion caused by wind, boats and runoff • Filters excessive nutrients from fertilizers, pesticides and animal-waste • Improves water clarity by calming water and allowing soil particles to settle Groomed Beach vs. Natural Aquatic Vegetation • Provides underwater cover for fish and wildlife • Breaks down polluting nutrients and chemicals • Produces beneficial oxygen that is released into the water Source: Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality, Minnesota DNR

upland soils in place and absorb and filter water and pollutants. Natural shoreline functions can be restored through lakescaping. Lakescaping, a term coined for landscaping at the water’s edge, involves the planting of a strip or buffer of vegetation from the water up onto the land. A buffer protects the lake by intercepting pollutants. Buffers of native vegetation, plants originating from the area prior to human arrival, are helpful in lessening the impact on lakes. Ideally, a buffer should extend from shallow water up onto the land as far as possible. Think about how much area a family really uses. Perhaps only twenty-five feet of a one hundred foot shoreline is needed to access the lake—maybe even less. The rest could be preserved or planted as a buffer. Buffers have been used effectively in agriculture for many years. With guidance from the Initiative Foundation, the Big Birch Lake Association discovered this firsthand. The association convinced a farmer to install a buffer between cropland and a tributary draining to

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

Plants for Shade Sprengel’s Sedge Wild Germanium Big Leaf Aster Columbine Bottle Brush Grass Zig Zag Goldenrod Virginia Waterleaf

Shoreline Shrubs Black Chokeberry Bush Honeysuckle False Indigo Red Osier Dogwood Meadow Sweet Red Berried Elder Speckled Alder Sandbar Willow

Water experts rate natural buffers as the most effective strategy to restore and preserve Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. P HOTO

J OHN L INN

JoAnn and Art Weaver tour a home near Brainerd with mature lakescaping. They hope to see the same results in another year at their property.

the lake. Within two years, water clarity increased by almost three feet. If a shoreline hasn’t been altered, don’t change it. Minimize the area needed for lake access and recreation. If it has been mowed, try not mowing and see what grows. This can be effective for areas that haven’t been highly altered. A buffer can be enhanced by adding additional native plants. If faced with a highly altered shoreline with a manicured lawn, a homeowner will probably need to start over. This involves removing, smothering, or using herbicides on the grass, and replanting. It can be done with seed or plants. With seed, it may be necessary to till the soil to get good soil contact, but not right up to the water’s edge. Costs vary from free to substantial, depending upon site conditions and methods. Seeding is cheaper,

but it provides a random mix of plants. If a more planned look is preferred, use plants or shrubs and trees. If the shoreline is eroding, costs can be high. Another factor a homeowner needs to consider is whether he or she is a do-ityourselfer or needs professional help to complete the project. It took several years of convincing for one woman to talk her husband into restoring a buffer on their lakeshore. He wondered what the neighbors might think and thought it would decrease their property value. They had an artificial sand beach, rock wall, and lawn all the way to the house. When she refused to have friends over any more because she was embarrassed about their landscaping, he gave in and they planted a native buffer. Over the past five years, he has grown to like the new look. C O N T I N U E D O N PAG E 4 6 FALL 2006

D e sPAC INVa Ers Exotic Species Threaten Minnesota Waters By Mike Rahn

lown by the wind, washed by waves, plants and animals native to places beyond our boundaries have become our neighbors. A species expanding its range is nothing new. Words we choose to describe such species convey value judgments. “Invasive” clearly conveys an attack or threat. And “threat” is exactly what is confronting Minnesotans in the form of two aquatic newcomers—Eurasian watermilfoil and the zebra mussel—and one plant that has been in Minnesota since the early 1900s, curly-leaf pondweed.

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

Photography by Jim Altobell

Eurasian Watermilfoil Beneath the surface of tranquil Lake Alexander in Morrison County, the aquatic community is changing. Lake Alexander’s 2,700 acres lie in northern Morrison County and have long been known for exceptionally clear water and good fishing. In 2003, Eurasian watermilfoil was first identified in a limited area at the lake’s eastern end. Tim Brastrup, area fisheries manager with the DNR, reports it has spread well down the lake’s northern shore. “Milfoil” grows up from the lake bottom to the surface to form dense, tangled mats, which

make swimming, fishing, and boat travel difficult, even impossible. Motor damage is not uncommon. Diminished property values understandably follow milfoil’s arrival. It spreads primarily via plant fragments broken or torn loose by wind, boating activity, or even well-meaning efforts to clean a beach. These fragments take root in depths up to fifteen feet. Many believe that Eurasian watermilfoil was dispersed into lakes in the eastern United States in the 1940s, from its home in tropical fish aquariums. Then, as the theory goes, its westward spread was made possible by boaters.

Wendy Crowell, Minnesota DNR, immerses herself in the battle against invasive species, such as the Eurasian watermilfoil lurking below.

AlieNs in MinNesota

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Scientific Name: Myriophyllum spicatum Origin: Europe,

Asia, and northern Africa. Believed to have entered the United States in the 1940s via tropical fish aquariums.

Appearance:

Slender stems encircled by feathery leaves in groups. Commonly grows up to ten feet. Produces small, four-part flowers that stick out of the water two to four inches. Plant stem is often reddishbrown with olive leaflets.

Impact:

Rapidly forms dense mats that shade out native plants. Reduces habitat and food for fish and birds. Decreases water oxygen levels upon decay. Impedes boat travel and recreational activities. Plant fragments are capable of reproduction and commonly spread by boats and trailers.

Curly Leaf Pondweed Scientific Name: Potamogeton crispus Origin: Eurasia, Africa, Australia, and North America. Believed to have entered United States in the late 1800s via shipping vessels and tropical fish aquariums.

Appearance: Leaves are somewhat stiff and crinkled. Approximately 2 to 3 inches long and arranged alternately around the stem. Small “teeth” visible along edge of leaf. Plants appear reddish-brown in the water, but are actually green when examined closely.

Impact: Tolerance for low light and low water temperatures allow it to get a headstart on native plants in the spring. Reduces habitat and food for fish and birds. Dense beds impede boat travel and recreational activities. Commonly spread by boats and trailers.

Zebra Mussel Scientific Name: Dreissena polymorpha Origin: Eastern

Europe, Western Asia. Believed to have entered Great Lakes via large vessels dumping ballast water in 1988.

Appearance: Small shellfish named for their dark, striped pattern. About one-quarter inch to two inches long. Typically found attached to objects, surfaces, or each other. Impact:

Clogs water-supply pipes of power plants and industrial facilities. Suffocates native mussels and clams by anchoring themselves by the thousands. Consumes the same algae that feeds native microscopic organisms, which are an important part of the food chain that supports fisheries. No natural predators in North America. Females can produce more than one million eggs per spawning season.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey, Global Invasive Species Database

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

Live fragments of milfoil can cling to trailers, motors, or boats, and float free when launched into a new body of water—aggressively taking root in a new environment. Earlier, milfoil was considered a Twin Cities area problem—Lake Minnetonka being its “poster child.” Milfoil is now found in lakes in Cass, Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, and Todd counties. More than 175 Minnesota lakes have been identified as infested. Don Hickman, the Initiative Foundation’s program manager for planning and preservation and an aquatic biologist, assists lake associations or units of government that are grappling with controlling the spread of milfoil and other detrimental aquatic vegetation. The foundation may provide seed money to jump-start aquatic weed-control efforts, but this assistance is conditioned on evidence that a lake association or unit of government is serious about following through with its program. “The Initiative Foundation doesn’t give ‘haircut grants’ for one-shot control efforts,” says Hickman. “When we consider a grant, we want to see a group submit at least a three-year budget for aquatic weed control.” It may provide a challenge grant of as much as $5,000 to $7,000, but it’s likely that the control may cost as much as $20,000 to $30,000 per year over several years. “We want groups to show us by their planning that they’re going to follow up and stick with it.” To ensure that a control program it supports is likely to be sound, foundation grants are only given to groups that have completed an aquatic vegetation management plan, which must be approved by the Minnesota DNR. Ed Feiler of the DNR’s Brainerd office, and Audrey Kuchinski of its Little Falls office, work with lake associations and units of government in this process. One phenomenon emerging in the fight against invasive aquatics is the lake improvement district, or LID, says Hickman. These groups request authority from their county board to levy taxes within a local area for a limited period of time for lake improvements, such as aquatic plant control. Hickman notes that there are already two such districts in Morrison County, two in Crow Wing County, and others around the state. Both Hickman and the DNR’s Tim

Brastrup describe permanently eliminating Eurasian watermilfoil from any lake as highly unlikely, but it can be managed, though at great costs. Ongoing expenditures are likely to be needed to keep it in check.

Curly-Leaf Pondweed Aquarium hobbyists appear to have another aquatic nuisance to their credit. Curly-leaf pondweed, like Eurasian watermilfoil, is believed to have been introduced into the wild in the United States through disposal of live aquarium plants. Like milfoil, it is native to Eurasia, and also to Africa and Australia. This plant has been in Minnesota since the early 1900s. It has only recently become a problem and more widespread—now more than eight hundred Minnesota lakes are known to contain CLP. Its ecological advantage over native plants is its ability to grow under low light and low temperature conditions. New plants form under lake ice in winter. This gives curly-leaf pondweed a head start in spring over native plants, which it can crowd out. In mid-summer, when most other plants are growing, curly-leaf pondweed dies off, depleting lake oxygen, increasing algae blooms, and fouling beaches. Like milfoil, it forms dense mats that can interfere with boating, fishing, swimming, and other water activities.

Milfoil-Pondweed Pilot Projects The Minnesota DNR is undertaking a pilot project to determine whether it is possible to achieve long-term reduction—not elimination—of curly-leaf pondweed or Eurasian watermilfoil on a lakewide basis. Funding was made available to county, city, township, and lake association applicants that wished to participate, with $120,000 available for 2006. The DNR’s Wendy Crowell is program coordinator. One central Minnesota grant recipient is the Mission Lakes Association, for the treatment of Lower Mission Lake for curly-leaf pondweed. “One of the purposes of this pilot program,” says Crowell, “is to evaluate the correlation between curly-leaf pondweed and poor water clarity. If we can kill all, or most, of a lake’s curly-leaf pondweed, will we see a reduction in excess nutrients in the lake, an improvement in water clarity, and encourage the growth of native plant species? That’s what we hope to learn.”

Zebra Mussel In the summer of 2005, a striped shell caught the eye of young Gil Millette of Brainerd. He was lifting a minnow bucket tied to the dock on Rice Lake, which is formed by the impoundment of the Mississippi River. The DNR office confirmed its identity as a zebra mussel. This year, Millette has found them on the pontoon, on the poles of the dock, and attached to clams. Zebra mussels are native to the Caspian Sea and several river systems in Russia, and are believed to have hitchhiked to the Great Lakes in the ballast water of ocean-going cargo vessels. The mussels were first seen east of Detroit, Michigan, in 1988, and have since spread rapidly through the Great Lakes region. Zebra mussels are 1⁄4 to 11⁄2 inches long, are shaped like the letter “D,” and often bear alternating dark and light stripes. They attach themselves in dense clumps to subaquatic surfaces, including lake or river bottoms, docks, boat lifts, boats and motors, water treatment facilities, industrial water intake systems, even other bottom-dwelling creatures. They damage outboard motors, clog intake pipes, cut swimmers’ feet, and replace native species. They feed by filtering algae and microscopic plankton from the water. This leaves much cleaner, but nutrient-depleted water for the rest of the food chain. With greater water clarity comes greater light penetration, which can lead to a shift in plant and algal species, and thus alter the ecosystem. One mature female zebra mussel can produce a million eggs per year. These hatch into microscopic larvae, called veligers, which drift until they attach, after which they grow and mature. At the microscopic stage, zebra mussels are able to hitch a ride in live wells, bait containers, and boat bilges. Chemical agents have not been found to be a truly effective means of control and pose risks to other aquatic life. There is no model for successfully eliminating zebra mussels from a large body of water. There is no magic bullet for the elimination of invasive species—here in Minnesota or anywhere else. But there are forces, agencies, and funds at work to make the best out of a bad situation. Perhaps perseverance and innovation will provide the tools and techniques to help us at least co-exist with, if not conquer, these invasive threats. IQ

Native Advice for

Exotic Species Drain all water from your boat, including the livewell, bilge, motor, and bait containers before leaving a lake or river access. Remove all vegetation, mud, or sediment clinging to your boat, trailer, anchor, or other equipment. Let your boat and trailer airdry for five days before launching on any uninfected body of water or rinse with high-pressure or hot water. Clean your scuba equipment, even fishermen’s waders— particularly those with felt soles that may remain moist for several days. REMEMBER: It is illegal to transport aquatic plants from infested waters, or on public roads—infractions are punishable by fines up to $1,000. There is a general lack of enforcement, however, and in 2005, only five people were fined. Source: Minnesota DNR

FALL 2006

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

By Britta Reque-Dragicevic Photography by Jim Altobell

it’s not polite and it’s not what anyone wants to talk about. But citizens across Minnesota are discovering that a little discussion can go a long way in avoiding a big problem. The issue is wastewater, human waste in particular and how we go about getting rid of it. There are big city pipes and small septic tanks and things about them that most people never know.

Tom Phelps, Brainerd Public Utilities.

“It’s one of those out-of-sight, out-of-mind things,” says Valerie Prax, a University of Minnesota Extension Service educator who spends her day educating communities and homeowners on wastewater management. The average homeowner doesn’t know that a private septic system needs to be inspected and usually pumped every three years or that chemical additives don’t enhance a system’s ability to function. The average business doesn’t realize that using phosphorus-laden cleaning products in excess kills fish in our rivers. “Most people think if the toilet is working, the system is working,” says Prax, “but that is not always the case.” Wastewater treatment presents several other challenges across central Minnesota. It’s a subject that is impacting Minnesotans more than they realize. If a septic drainfield is saturated, wastewater could enter groundwater or surface water and contaminate a homeowner’s drinking water as well as that of the neighbors. Wastewater from antiquated systems still runs into lakes and streams in some parts of the state, raising bacteria levels so it isn’t safe for swimming and fisheries decline. Contaminated water causes disease and is very hard to clean up. Some homeowners don’t realize that drainfield areas should not be driven over with vehicles or that plants with deep roots need to be kept away from drainfields. If roots wrap around drain

pipes, they can reduce the efficiency of the field and cause the system to block or freeze up. Other concerns occur when seasonal cabins are converted into permanent lake homes, leading to updated systems. Occasionally, lots are too small to install new ones, which then requires the installation of carefully planned “cluster” systems. Cities are expanding so quickly, with industries that produce high-phosphorus waste, it leads to the endangerment of healthy aquatic life. Rural areas are faced with older or ill-maintained systems that can fail and cause public health concerns. And homeowners must face the growing cost of installing and repairing problem systems that could have been prevented with a little care. “What we are really talking about is recycling used water and solid material,” says Prax. A private septic system consists of pipes from a house that send waste to a tank where the solid material sinks to the bottom. The liquid is moved out into a drainfield where water slowly seeps into the ground after being “decontaminated” by naturally occurring bacteria and nutrients. The liquid then returns to the groundwater source or enters lakes and rivers. Solids remain in the tank until they are pumped out. A municipal system works on the same principle, but on a much larger scale. Houses are hooked up to a main sewer line where lift stations (pumps) force the waste to a central FALL 2006

MnTAP’s Cindy McComas helps businesses reduce water-threatening phosphorus waste.

Valerie Prax: “Most people think that if the toilet is working the system is working, but that’s not always the case.”

wastewater treatment facility. Once there, the liquid is separated from the solid. Solid waste is treated with chemicals, put through a digester machine where it is broken down, and then taken to state-approved farm fields and “injected” back into the ground as organic material. The liquid is treated, chlorinated, disinfected, and de-chlorinated before being pumped back into a river or natural water source. When these systems are not maintained or become overloaded, things can go wrong. Private or “on-site” systems can fill up with solids known as “sludge” and clog the filters on the tank, drainfields can become saturated from overload so the ground can no longer remove pathogens. Municipal systems face challenges from too much phosphorus and fats, oils, and greases. “When you have too much phosphorus entering a river, it causes algae growth to explode and then quickly die off,” says Cindy McComas. “The decomposing plants take up oxygen that fish and vegetation need to survive. In extreme cases, we have had fish-kill from this.” McComas is the director of the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP), at the University of Minnesota. MnTAP is a McKnight Foundation-supported organization that works with businesses and communities to identify cost-effective methods to reduce phosphorus at the source by exploring ways to change practices. “Phosphorus comes from three main sources,” says McComas, “cleaners and sanitizers used in food processing, restaurants, medical centers and in most

When these systems are janitorial work; natural by-products of animal processing- such as blood, waste, dairy, and canning; and from metal finishing, called phosphoretizing, when they prepare metal for paint.” Phosphorus is one challenge that MnTAP is helping the Brainerd and Baxter areas address. With plans to upgrade and expand their wastewater treatment facility in the next few years, the cities knew they needed to address the influx of industries that are flooding the system with too much phosphorus. With new requirements on phosphorus coming soon, Brainerd sought out MnTAP to assist them in determining how they could make changes. “It’s a matter of education,” says McComas. MnTAP hired a Central Lakes College student, provided training, and then gave her the task of contacting dozens of businesses in the Brainerd and Baxter area to survey their phosphorus practices, provide education on how

Aerial infrared photos help to identify pollution sources from shoreline septic systems. Infrared imagery detects subtle increases in water temperature, which is often caused by excessive nutrients from septic discharges. In this enhanced North Carolina photo, a failing drainfield is likely discharging untreated sewage into the stream. Outdated and overtaxed septic systems are one of the most disturbing challenges facing Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. Stockton Infrared Thermographic Services, www.stocktoninfrared.com

to reduce it, and asked them to make changes. The project concluded in August. “But it won’t stop then,” says Tom Phelps, director of the Brainerd Public Utilities. “We’ll carry on an education campaign and will continue to ask businesses to change their methods.” So far the response has been positive, with several major businesses, restaurants, medical facilities, nursing homes, the school district, and smaller businesses indicating that they’re willing to change. These efforts involve switch-

Crow Wing townships,” says Walters. “Each homeowner with a septic system will receive a notice in the mail, indicating that they need to have their system inspected by their choice of approved inspectors, within a certain timeframe. The inspector will send a form back to the county for our record-keeping.” Walters does not consider himself an environmentalist, but he agrees that improving septic system functioning will have positive effects on lakes and rivers.

septic districts represent one of the most promising and affordable solutions to the wastewater dilemma—exorbitant infrastructure vs. water preservation. Stearns County has been working on surveying septic systems around lake areas. One survey found that nearly a quarter needed some corrective measure. “Eventually all septic systems will be inspected and brought into compliance with current requirements, but it will take a long

not maintained or become overloaded, things can go ing to low/no phosphorus cleaners, maintaining grease traps better, and employing more-efficient production methods. Municipalities aren’t the only ones taking action. Crow Wing County citizens became so worried about the future of their lakes, they spurred a new way of county-wide septic management. Referred to as the Crow Wing County Septic District, the district allows the county to demand that septic systems are inspected, and if necessary, pumped every three years. “This has been done at smaller lake association levels before, but not at a county level,” says Gary Walters, Crow Wing County Commissioner. The district required special legislation from the state and was implemented early this year. “We have a pilot project in the northern

“I came at this from a cost-effective perspective,” he says. “This will cost each homeowner up to $25 a year to maintain the district and every three years around $100 to $200 to have an inspection and pump. That’s a far cry from what it costs to put homes on sewer lines. The average cost to the homeowner to be hooked up to a municipal line is around $20,000. And then you have a monthly water and sewer bill. A septic and the district costs between $5,000 to $7,000 on average.” In March 2006, USDA Rural Development awarded the Initiative Foundation a $300,000 grant to help lowincome, rural communities assess wastewater treatment options, gather public input and conduct studies. The foundation believes that Crow Wing County’s shared

WRONG.

time,” says Susan McGuire, with the Stearns County Environmental Service Department. It doesn’t take much to make sure that water and waste systems work properly and protect the environment and public health. Homeowners can use less water in their daily routines and maintain their septic systems. Businesses can investigate new or improved methods for production and waste disposal. Citizens and governments can work together to improve waste management. “Communities that have taken the initiative to have their own septic systems inspected and brought into compliance should be congratulated,” says McGuire. “It shows a tremendous sense of personal responsibility for the environment and taking care of your own backyard.” IQ FALL 2006

1 Keep it natural— restore your shore Preserving or installing a shoreline landscape that is rich in native species allows water to soak in rather than run off. Plants absorb nutrients, and vegetative buffers along shorelines also trap sediments that fill in wetlands and lakes. Natural erosion controls are more consistent with an “up-north” look than unnatural shoreline erosion treatments such as rip-rap.

2 Know your lake & river rules Shoreline areas provide important habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and fish and are crucial for maintaining healthy populations of the native species that Minnesotans cherish. It is unlawful in Minnesota to knowingly alter shoreline, fish habitat, or aquatic vegetation without a permit from the Minnesota DNR. Upland permits are often required by the coun-

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

ty or city—check local ordinances. Educate yourself about other water use rules, such as boat and water safety, installing permanent and floating docks, or hunting/fishing regulations.

3 Appreciate aquatic plants Aquatic “weeds” are a critical life-support system for our lakes. With their amazing filtering abilities, native aquatic plants such as cattails and bulrushes are natural water purifiers -- taking up nutrients and allowing sunlight to penetrate into the lake and create the base of the food chain. The rooted aquatic vegetation is also a veritable fish nursery. Work to minimize the removal of shoreline aquatic vegetation.

4 Reduce your lawn The fertilizers and clippings from traditional lawns contribute to poor lake water quality. Install a native landscape and mow less. Once

established, natural landscapes are less expensive and easier to maintain than traditional lawns. If lawn is desired, use only phosphorusfree fertilizers and maintain a lawn that is at least thirty feet from the lake. Keep native trees and vegetation, with their extensive root systems—they help stabilize the landscape, aid in groundwater recharge, and reduce runoff.

5 Maintain your septic system Keep your septic system in good working order. Pump at least every three years (more if you use a garbage disposal), conserve water; properly dispose of harmful paints and household chemicals, fix leaky faucets, and consider service agreements with regular maintenance.

6 Reduce roofs and roads Roofs, sidewalks, paved driveways, and roads increase the amount of water that runs off into

our lakes. Run-off water carries fertilizers, household cleaners, paints, solvents, pesticides, and motor oil. Decrease the amount of hard surfaces on your property. Use newer, more pervious materials for sidewalks, driveways, and patios.

7 Properly dispose of animal waste Controlling pet and livestock waste improves the quality of our waters. Pet and livestock waste can travel into our waters more easily than human-produced wastes, because they are not subject to the same wastewater treatment that human wastes are. Dispose of such wastes far from the water’s edge to help ensure that bacteria, phosphorus and nitrogen from these wastes don’t end up in our lakes.

8 Be considerate of all lake & river users Shoreland owners and users value Minnesota waters in many different ways. Consider some of the many different ways we use our lakes: personal watercraft, boating, tubing, water-skiing, fishing, hunting, canoeing, wildlife-watching, and swimming. Part of being a good lake steward and neighbor is being considerate of everyone’s values. Follow local watercraft rules and noise ordinances to help ensure a positive experience for everyone who uses Minnesota’s waters for recreation.

9 Support land conservation The donation or purchase of conservation easements is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect sensitive shorelines from development. Shoreland owners and users can help by maintaining records of changes to shoreline; keep-

ing a watchful eye out for upcoming land sales or transfers; and encouraging donations (land or financial) to conservation easement programs, projects, committees, or land trusts.

10 Show up. Speak up. Write a check. Decisions are made by those who show up and speak up. Join your lake association or river group. Give money, time, input, and feedback to support organizations working to protect Minnesota’s waters for future generations. Share your knowledge with your neighbors and with those elected and appointed officials who represent you. Be vigilant.

Source: Communications Committee of the North Central Lakes Project.

FALL 2006

Resource

Directory

SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE FOR PROTECTING YOUR LAKE OR RIVER

If state or local agencies could manage waters themselves, the job would already be done. In reality, it takes effort from everyone—from the kids who swim in the local creek to the plumber who fixes leaky sinks, from the cabin owner with shoreline flowerbeds to the development contractor or average suburban homeowner. There are countless resources available to help everyone protect Minnesota’s precious water resources. The organizations listed below are just a sampling. Give them a call or check out their websites.

1000 Friends of Minnesota www.1000fom.org (651) 312-1000 / (218) 824-5095 Dedicated to addressing the connections among development patterns, the health of our communities, and the environment. Promotes development that creates healthy communities while conserving natural areas, family farms, woodlands, and water. Association of Minnesota Counties www.mncounties.org (651) 224-3344 Unless a lake or river abuts federal or tribal lands, virtually all land-use choices are determined by a county’s or municipality’s local comprehensive land-use plan and associated ordinances. The association’s website contains a list of county websites; many of which have information on city and/or county planning, zoning, and the associated ordinances. Ducks Unlimited www.ducks.org (952) 820-8174 Conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. Their Living Lakes initiative works to enhance, restore, and protect shallow lakes, creating key steppingstones for migrating waterfowl traveling through Minnesota.

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

Embrace Open Space www.embraceopenspace.org A partnership among local nonprofit organizations to protect open space in the Twin Cities region. Supported by The McKnight Foundation. Environmental Protection Agency’s Smart Growth Program www.epa.gov/dced (202) 566-2878 Helps states and communities realize the economic, community, and environmental benefits of smart growth and conservation design. They work to remove federal barriers that may hinder smarter community growth and create new resources and incentives for those pursuing smart growth. Green Communities, Minnesota www.greencommunitiesonline.org/ minnesota 1-800-277-2258 Supports the production of affordable homes with markedly reduced energy costs, use of materials beneficial to the environment, conservation-minded land-use planning, and attention to the creation of healthy environments and lifestyles for individuals, children, families, and communities. Government Training Services www.mngts.org (651) 222-7409 Offers training opportunities on the legal,

civic, and cultural skills needed to serve in elected offices and on Planning Boards and Boards of Adjustment. Frequently offered sessions include, “The Basics of Planning and Zoning,” “Your Role as a Planning Commission Member,” and “Getting the Most Out of Your Comprehensive Plan.” Initiative Foundation www.ifound.org 1-877-632-9255 Provides a variety of programs, including training, grants, technical assistance, and resource referral to communities and nonprofit organizations seeking to develop and implement strategic plans to protect all types of natural resources. The foundation also has financing opportunities for “green businesses,” and can provide donor services to individuals or communities seeking to develop financial tools to support community-based conservation initiatives. Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources www.bwsr.state.mn.us (651) 296-3767 Works through local governments to protect and enhance the state’s soil and water resources by implementing the state’s conservation policies, comprehensive local water management, and the Wetland Conservation Act. Website provides assistance in identifying local water-planners or district conservationists, or for those seeking technical assistance.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources www.dnr.state.mn.us 1-888-646-6367 The primary agency responsible for Minnesota’s fish and wildlife resources. Website allows users to search databases for fishery survey, management plan data, water chemistry data, recreational and topographic maps, and other information relative to a specific body of water. Also has valuable information on aquatic invasive species.

Minnesota Waters www.minnesotawaters.org 1-800-515-5253 Promotes responsible stewardship of our water resources by engaging citizens, state and local policy makers, and other likeminded partners in the protection and restoration of our lakes and rivers. Provides watershed education, conducts citizen monitoring programs, supports conservation stewardship, influences public policy, and empowers citizen groups.

Minnesota Land Trust www.mnland.org (651) 647-9590 Dedicated to permanently protecting the lands and waters that define our communities and enrich our quality of life. The Land Trust is the only statewide organization that extensively uses conservation easements as a preservation strategy.

National Environmental Education and Training Foundation www.greenbiz.com Provides information, resources, and learning opportunities to help companies of all sizes and sectors integrate environmental responsibility into their operations in a manner that supports profitable business practices.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency www.pca.state.mn.us 1-800-657-3864 Provides statewide monitoring of quality, regulatory controls for pollution as well as technical assistance and education regarding pollution control practices. Website includes information on their Citizen Lake and Stream Monitoring Programs, a variety of brochures, lists of the state’s impaired waters, and online tools for charting and interpreting lake data. Minnesota Rural Water Association www.mrwa.com (218) 685-5197 Provides technical assistance to small municipal and non-municipal systems operators, and rural water and wastewater districts with populations less than 10,000. Also provides training across the state to educate water and wastewater operators, community leaders, and elected officials on the latest regulatory information, management, financial stability, operation, and maintenance of their systems.

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota www.parksandtrails.org 1-800-944-0707 Acts to help establish, develop, and enhance Minnesota’s parks and trails, and to encourage their protection and enjoyment by working with “friends” groups, the state legislature, and local government. Pheasants Forever www.minnesotapf.org (320) 354-4377 Focuses on protection and enhancement of pheasant and other wildlife habitat through habitat improvement, management, education, and legislation. Has played an active role in Farm Bill policy development and implementation, which includes the Conservation Reserve Program. Trust for Public Land www.tpl.org (651) 917-2240 Helps conserve land for recreation and spiritual nourishment and to improve community health and quality of life. Pioneers new ways to finance parks and open space, helps generate conservation funding, and promotes the importance of public lands.

U.S. Green Building Council www.usgbc.org (202) 828-7422 A coalition of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy. Develops a variety of programs and services, and forges alliances with key industry and research organizations and federal, state, and local government agencies. University of Minnesota Extension Service, Water Resources Center wrc.umn.edu (612) 624-9282 Onsite Sewage Treatment Program septic.coafes.umn.edu Offers training on appropriate wastewater treatment technologies, from simple operation and maintenance of a septic system to helping guide a community. Shoreland Management Information www.shorelandmanagement.org The Extension service, in partnership with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, provides copies of several helpful guides on the website, including “Developing a Lake Management Plan.” Shoreland Volunteer Program wrc.umn.edu/outreach/shore Training includes water-quality monitoring, aquatic-plant identification, and lakescaping. Youth Outdoor Corps www.outdoor-corps.org Trains students to collect water-quality data for analysis by certified laboratories, and assists community organizations in evaluating the data. University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program www.seagrant.umn.edu (218) 726-8106 Provides staff, research, outreach, and research funding to expand understanding about Minnesota’s aquatic resources and economies. The Sea Grant Program has outstanding training materials on exotic species.

> KEY STORY

GREEN LIGHT Initiative Foundation, Northwest Area Foundation Partnership Yields “Green Business Loan Fund”

ay Idzorek once collected Ironton-area restaurant grease to make biodiesel fuel in his garage. His venture intersected paths with the Initiative Foundation and its new business financing program that is unmistakably green. Idzorek joined forces with entrepreneurs Ryan Hunt and Jeff Baldridge to foray into the booming renewable energy market with Green Range Renewable Energy located in the Ironton industrial park. The venture received business financing from the Initiative Foundation and serves as a model for a new $1 million Green Business Loan Fund, formed by a cutting-edge partnership with the Northwest Area Foundation. The fund will target entrepreneurs whose products and services help to protect and preserve the environment—recycling, renewable energy, waste management, and emerging technology. From its staunch commitment to local suppliers to the wind turbines that power its biodiesel pumps, Green Range fits the bill, even though the fund is brand-new. The plant, which opened as a retail gas station in January, needed working capital to bring it from the engineering stage into production. A package that included financing from Deerwood State Bank and consulting assistance from the Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corporation and Small Business Development Center allowed it to go from buying biodiesel from other manufacturers to producing their own. Green Range purchases soy-

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

From left: Ashley Vargo, Ryan Hunt, and John Kaliszewski are knee-deep in Minnesota-grown soybeans—one of the green ingredients in biodiesel.

bean oil from local producers and waste grease from local restaurants, then refines it to remove pollutants and water. Add a catalyst and it becomes eco-friendly fuel that gives petroleum diesel a run for its money. Biodiesel costs about ten to twenty-five cents less per gallon, it’s safe for diesel-fueled engines, and it produces 50 to 80 percent fewer toxic emissions. The company is northern Minnesota’s only biodiesel plant. “We believe in renewable energy—trying to find a long-term way for our children and grandchildren to live,” says Hunt. “We enjoy inspiring people to believe

that renewable sources of energy are practical, profitable and available in their community.” Baldridge reports that initial sales have exceeded expectations. “We believe that we have arrived at the right time for this,” he says. “Our plan is to produce from local plant oils and to be a local retail source for area fleets, farmers, and construction industries.” The Green Business Loan Fund will help the foundation invest $2.6 million in central Minnesota businesses and create more than one hundred quality jobs in the next ten years. “We like to call them ‘green collar’ jobs,” Hunt adds. Loans will range from

$50,000 to $250,000, and like its other funds, they’ll fill financing gaps that occur when primary lenders have concerns about risk or equity that could kill a promising, but too precarious, project. The Initiative Foundation’s economic development programs provide loans to businesses that create living wage jobs—jobs that pay $15 per hour or more and that have a positive economic impact on central Minnesota hometowns. Businesses must secure primary loans from traditional lenders and demonstrate community commitment and effective management skills. The Green Business Loan Fund opens up a new resource for environment-focused businesses to bridge the gap in their financing and will help attract green businesses to economically distressed areas in central Minnesota. “I’m excited about the integration of our economic development and our environmental preservation programs,” says John Kaliszewski, Initiative Foundation vice president for economic development. “Some lenders are wary of financing businesses that are entering uncharted territory. Now, we can help allay some of the risk, because the rewards are so great.” “Green business is good business,” adds Ashley Vargo, business finance officer. “It makes economic sense.” For more information on green business loans through the Initiative Foundation, contact Ashley Vargo: 1-877-632-9255 or avargo@ifound.org. IQ

> LEADERSHIP

THREE TO GET READY Foundation Board Elects New Leaders

new triad of board leadership will usher the Initiative Foundation into its next five-year campaign to strengthen central Minnesota communities. The thirteen-member board of trustees elected Warren Williams, Gene Waldorf, and Janet Moran to its volunteer leadership posts. Each will serve a renewable one-year term. Warren Williams, Pequot Lakes, will become the new board chair. An eight-year veteran of the foundation board, Warren was president and CEO of Bremer in Brainerd for twenty-two years. He’s

held volunteer leadership positions with St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Central Lakes College Foundation, and the Salvation Army. Gene Waldorf, Grey Eagle, was elected board vice-chair. He has served on the foundation board for three years. A Minnesota state senator from 1980 to 1992, Waldorf has held volunteer leadership positions with the Sauk River Watershed District and Big Birch Lake Association. Janet Moran, Nisswa, will serve her sixth year on the foundation board and her second

Warren Williams

Gene Waldorf

term as secretary/treasurer. A former Brainerd school board chair and representative for more than fifteen years, Moran has held volunteer leadership positions with the St. Joseph’s Medical Center Foundation and the Benedictine Foundation.

Janet Moran

“We are a volunteer-driven organization, and strong leadership is essential,” says Kathy Gaalswyk, Initiative Foundation president. “Warren, Gene and Jan are outstanding leaders and selfless volunteers who have proven their commitment to central Minnesota.” IQ

FALL 2006

> DONOR PROFILE

THE BLUE-CHIP FOUNDATION? Financial Institutions Among Top “Investors”

ou invest in your bank. It’s quite possible your bank invests in the Initiative Foundation. Since 1986, more than 105 financial institutions have contributed more than $1 million in charitable gifts to strengthen central Minnesota hometowns. Add to that two recent “deposits” from longtime allies, US Bancorp & Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union. US Bancorp awarded a $10,000 grant to the foundation’s Healthy Communities Partnership program and they expect a return on their investment. The funds will

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

help low-income communities increase access to home ownership, quality jobs, workforce education, and business development. “When people work together, great things happen,” says Mike Markman, regional president for US Bank in central Minnesota. “Our employees and our company share a strong tradition of joining forces to build great places that we call home.” A $15,000 gift from MidMinnesota Federal Credit Union (MMFCU) is taking a different approach, by investing in the foun-

dation’s children and youth programs. A portion of the gift will benefit the Minnesota Early Childhood Initiative, which works to improve quality care and education for children ages five and Mike Markman, US Bank. younger. It will also support efforts to engage adolescents in community our youngest community memleadership and service through the bers,” says Chuck Albrecht, MMFCU president/CEO. “Investing Youth as Resources program. “We are proud to join with the in who they will become makes it a Initiative Foundation in supporting better community for all.” IQ

> WEBSITE

INNOVATIVE INTERNET AT IFOUND.ORG Foundation Unveils New Website

hat has the Initiative Foundation done for you lately? Browse through grants and business loans that were awarded in your hometown as recently as last month. A searchable investment database is one of several new features that web-surfers will discover at the foundation’s remodeled website, www.ifound.org. “The new website has a lot more content and is much more user-friendly,” says Anita Hollenhorst, communications associate. “Virtually all of our resources are now online.”

Instead of requesting paper applications, users can now begin an online application process for grants, business loans, and programs, with links to technical resources and answers to FAQs. The foundation also built an extensive Donor Resource Center that features a library of articles and online calculators that estimate tax benefits for planned gifts. “We will also offer convenient online giving opportunities and event registration services that accept all major credit cards,” adds Hollenhorst.

Many of the foundation’s publications, including IQ magazine and annual reports, will also be posted. A new online version of IQ magazine will allow readers to click through the issue just as if they were flipping Check out the new www.ifound.org. the pages at home. For more information or to share feedback about Anita’s response in less than the website, visit www.ifound.org forty-eight hours, yet another and click “Contact Us.” You’ll get new feature. IQ

FALL 2006

ECONOMICS

Noticeably different. Assurance | Tax | Accounting Consulting | Advisory

Lars nAllen

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

BY BRENDA MAAS

Depth Charges New Research Places Price Tag on Water Quality

magine searching for lakeshore property. A real estate agent takes you to two sites of equal lakeshore footage and price. The structures are identical on each site, but they are on different lakes. Site A has lawn to the water’s edge, a fieldstone retaining wall, and an artificial beach. The water is green and murky. The Site B property has as much “wild” space as well-kept lawn, including the lakefront. There are birds, squirrels, even a startled deer. A heron takes off, while the loons give a warning, collect their young, and dive away. On the dock, you look down to see sunfish and bluegills among the aquatic plants; minnows zigzag around; dragonflies hover. Looking across the lake and down the shore, you see similar scenes—native vegetation playing peeka-boo with buildings so the lake, not the homes, remains the centerpiece. Which property would you buy? A recent study by Bemidji State University may help your decision. Retrofitting a study originally completed on lakes in Maine, researchers examined thirty-seven lakes in the eight-county Mississippi Headwaters Board region and concluded that lake water clarity affects lake property prices. The study provides hard facts for a “direct and dramatic link between good stewardship practices” and property owners’ pocketbooks, according Hickman of the Initiative Foundation’s Healthy Lakes and Rivers Partnership (HLRP) program.

Source: Bemidji State University study.

Through HLRP grants and training, nearly 1,200 citizen volunteers have created water management plans for 150 Minnesota lakes and rivers. “Preserving water quality is always the number-one goal,” adds Hickman. “We primarily work with shoreland property owners who have the most impact on the lake as well as the most to gain and the most to lose.” The Bemidji State research team calculated how property prices would change if water clarity decreased by one meter. Brainerd’s Gull Lake, for example, would decrease nearly $53 per frontage foot for a total change of more than $8.8 million across the entire lakefront. By improving water quality, Gull’s property prices could increase more than $39 per frontage foot for a lake-wide total of more than $6.5 million. Considering a lakehome as an asset, that’s a serious capital investment to protect. Looking beyond property values, water quality should be considered an invaluable eco-

ERICKSON

PEARSON &AANES LAW OFFICES

nomic asset for the community. Dr. Harold Dziuk, of the Itasca Coalition of Lake Associations, examined the economic contribution of ten lakes in the Turtle Lake Watershed in Itasca County. He notes that property taxes on these lakes contributed less than 7 percent of the total annual income ($4,975,831) generated. He attributes the remaining 93 percent to consumer purchases by residents, their guests, and tourists buying items and services. If this is the impact of only ten lakes, what about thousands of others throughout the state? It is often said that time equals money. The same is true for personal investments in lake water quality. Preventative measures are onetenth the cost of restoration projects, according to Hickman. “It’s certainly in our interest to preserve our water quality,” he says, and points to the HLRP program and the Minnesota DNR’s “Top Ten” (see page 24) as ways for property owners to invest their own sweat equity. Garry Johanson, residential property developer with Naterra Land, has been involved with local and state policies for nearly twenty years. Many clients research a lake, especially its water quality, before even investigating the property itself. They want assurance that their investment will appreciate. “If the lake turns green, who wants to live there?” asks Johanson. He provides clients with copies of local ordinances and lauds local, regional, and state rules, such as setbacks and septic compliance, initiated to retain the value in Minnesota’s lakes. Kenzie Phelps, president of the Brigg’s Lake Chain Association believes that many Minnesotans care deeply about their lake legacy, but are unsure of the next step. “There’s a critical mass beginning to say, ‘Things aren’t going the way we want them to. Maybe we should look at what’s happening, pay more attention to water quality and not take our lake and water quality for granted,’” notes Phelps. “There’s a self-interest here and there’s economics.” Indeed. There is a price tag on Minnesota’s envious lakeside lifestyle—and it’s time to put the money where the lake is. IQ

Brainerd (218) 829-7852 EricksonPearsonLaw.com Lighthouse, Two Harbors, Minnesota 2006—John Erickson

Families are part of our electric co-op. Only your local electric co-op makes every customer an owner of the business. Unlike other electric utilities, your co-op exists to make sure your needs are always met, not to make a profit. And since every electric co-op is locally owned and operated, your co-op is always there with you, reinvesting in your community. That’s why in an electric co-op, the people have the power.

Your Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

FALL 2006

CLEAN WATER

BY ANITA HOLLENHORST

Current Affairs Clean Water Legacy Act Includes $25 Million, More Testing a band-aid, this new legislaM oretion than is an ambulance. According to the

WE CARE ABOUT YOU AS MUCH AS YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR CAR. What you and your car need is an insurance agent who cares. That’s just what you’ve got. Call me today.

WE LIVE WHERE YOU LIVE.TM Paul Gazelka Ins. Agency Inc. 15229 Edgewood Drive Baxter, MN 218-829-9694 LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR STATE FARM IS THERE.® Providing Insurance and Financial Services State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (Not in NJ) Bloomington, Illinois

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) only 10 percent of Minnesota’s rivers and 16 percent of Minnesota’s lakes have been tested for contamination. Of those tested, 40 percent violate at least one of the state’s standards for mercury, phosphorus, fecal coliform bacteria, or other contaminants. Provisions within the recently passed Clean Water Legacy Act would increase the amount of water quality testing while also increasing funding to find solutions. In its inaugural year, the Clean Water Legacy Act will garner just over $25 million for Minnesota’s state and government agencies. The new Clean Water Legacy Act intends to help communities comply with regulations set forth by the 1972 Federal Clean Water Act. The U.S. government began distributing federal money that reached all levels of state and local governments. Now the financial burden has shifted from the federal level to state and local levels. By passing the Legacy bill into law on June 2, 2006, the Minnesota Legislature made it clear that more testing, funding, and locally led solutions are a high priority. Population growth is a major reason why the new law was enacted. The federal Clean Water Act limits new or expanded discharges to impaired waters. A city that discharges to an impaired water may issue permits only if the discharges add no nutrients to the water. When enforced, this hinders economic expansion in Minnesota’s growing cities. Take the cities of Annandale and Maple Grove, where a lawsuit was recently filed against the MPCA. The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the MPCA, by granting a permit to allow the two cities to build a $9.2 million wastewater treatment facility, violated fed-

Minnesota State Senator Dennis Frederickson, Clean Water Legacy Act co-author.

eral laws. The plant would have annually discharged 2,200 pounds of phosphorus into the North Fork of the Crow River, which ultimately drains into Lake Pepin, an impaired water. Because the cities’ current systems are almost at capacity, city officials can’t even look at new development plans. This new law may help prevent other lawsuits like the one against the MPCA from occurring. Similar successful charges in other states have been effective at forcing them to take action in order to avoid federal intervention. “We want to demonstrate that Minnesota is taking a very logical and reasonable approach,” says state representative Dennis Ozment, the

bill’s co-author. Increased local planning and collaboration would ensure that contaminated waters and the source(s) of the problems are identified and reasonable progress is made to improve them. “The ‘one-time’ money appropriated for CWLA is less than is needed, but it will allow us to complete more assessments and management plans to address the impaired waters,” says Reed Larson, manager of MPCA’s North Central Region. “If we can build on the last legislative session by securing permanent funding—Minnesotans will begin to see a reversal of a trend toward declining water quality.” The legislature has yet to approve an annual $80–100 million for the next ten years. The Clean Water Legacy Act contains no new regulations, mandates, or fees. “It’s really a framework for the future,” says Craig Johnson, Intergovernmental Relations Representative for the League of Minnesota Cities. “As the state starts identifying impaired waters, the law puts in place a process for doing it consistently.” The League of Minnesota Cities was one of sixteen organizations that formed the “G16”— businesses, agricultural interests, local governments, and environmental organizations that helped create the bill and push it into law. “Groups that have been at each other’s throats linked arms and said, ‘We’ve got to do this,’” adds State Senator Dennis Frederickson, the bill’s co-author. Highlights of the new law include: •Creating the Clean Water Council, a citizen/government advisory board to oversee implementation and funding distribution. •Increased assessment, monitoring, and continued evaluation. •Submitting total maximum daily loads, a federally mandated tool, to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in a timely manner. •Funding directed toward restoration activities and construction and upgrading of municipal facilities and systems. IQ

Learning to touch the world through The College of St. Scholastica

2 4

Accelerated Degree Evening Program

Earn your 4 year degree in 3 years by attending class 2 nights a week with just 1 phone call.

St. Scholastica’s accelerated degree evening program is a wonderful opportunity for working adults who want to grow in their careers.

Finish your Bachelor’s degree in: • Accounting • Management • Marketing • Organizational Behavior • Nursing • Natural Resources Attain your Master's degree in Management in as little as 14 months! St. Scholastica Brainerd Campus 800.933.0346 ext. 8006 An equal opportunity educator and employer

adep.css.edu

St. Scholastica St. Cloud Campus 866.211.2337

FALL 2006

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

FALL 2006

A Visit With Friends

GREEN BUSINESS

BY AMI OHMANN

Natural Selection Syvantis Chooses “Green Business” Design

If friendly conversation, a relaxed atmosphere and consistently prompt, personal attention aren't what you'd normally associate with financial planning providers, it's time to discover DeGraaf. We'd be honored to discuss how we can help you meet your financial objectives. We're experienced, easy to talk to, and our independence allows us to offer the complete spectrum of investment options. For a no-obligation meeting to discuss your financial goals, call or visit us today.

320-251-6968 • 800-226-5759

215 Park Avenue South, Suite 100, St. Cloud Mutual Funds • Stocks • Bonds • Annuities Life, Long-Term Care and Disability Insurance Retirement Plans and Other Group Benefits Insurance and investments are offered through Fintegra Financial Solutions, an independent registered broker/dealer, Member NASD/SIPC, phone 763-585-0503. DeGraaf Financial, Inc. and Fintegra are not affiliated. Investment Representatives are registered representatives of Fintegra.

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

arly in 2006, Janelle Riley, primary owner and operator of Syvantis Technologies, faced a challenge. The Baxter office space currently leased by the family owned business would soon be unavailable. Their Computer One Plus retail division could stay in its current space, so they bid on a piece of property to house the Syvantis division, with specialities including network infrastructure, systems management, and financial accounting systems. When the bid on the fourand-one-half acre property was accepted, they discussed options for constructing a new building. Jackie Froemming, Janelle’s sister-in-law and a biologist with the University of Minnesota Extension Service, suggested they put in rain gardens—an environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing way to Janelle Riley and Dan Froemming display solar panels for their new Baxter technology office. The building will be a regional minimize water run-off. model for green design. “I’d love to be environmentally friendly,” says Janelle. “I soon found that it wasn’t as simple as agreeing to do it, but tance, the Minnesota DNR, commercial real the more I learned about measures we could estate, and the chamber of commerce. take, the more I wanted to do.” “As a group, we realized that there are barriers to conservation designs in this part of the When the family applied for, and ultimatestate, due to a lack of knowledge of available ly received, a $40,000 grant offered by the conservation alternatives,” says Cheryal Hills, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Janelle executive director of Region Five researched low-impact development options Development Commission. “There are no and other environmentally friendly measures. local resources available to help developers “There are two certified, low-impact develmake wise conservation choices.” opments in the state,” says Janelle. “In our area, “The government agencies know the we lacked the education component. No one low-impact technologies and the guidelines knew how to implement these technologies.” or ordinances,” adds Janelle. “The businesses In April, they met with Baxter county comand developers know about developing. We missioners, city planners and administrators, needed to put our heads together to develop developers, architects, and personnel from the expertise.” county development and environmental assis-

Sweet Dreams. Although one-third of our lives is spent asleep, most don't know much about sleep, not even our own. If you’re only dreaming of getting enough or the right kind of sleep, come talk to us at the Brainerd Lakes Sleep Health Center. We’ll help you get more z’s.

Todd Greatens, M.D. John Wills, RPSGT

Cost weighs heavily in any business decision, but Janelle learned that the cost is actually the same as in many traditional ways of developing and building. “For example, our engineering company is going with a natural design of the land,” says Janelle. “The buildings will be clustered in the higher part, rain gardens will occupy the lower depressions, and we’ll preserve about one acre of woods, so we won’t be moving as much dirt as a traditional excavation.” In August, Syvantis Technologies broke ground on the first of eight buildings for their business park. In addition to the grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Syvantis has received in-kind donations from environmental organizations, city organizations, contractors, publishing companies, real estate companies, nonprofit organizations, garden clubs, and others to create the facility. Along with being the first of its kind in North Central Minnesota, the business park will also become an educational resource for others wanting to “go green.” Once complete, the Syvantis business park will serve as an educational tour site for others wanting to learn more about low-impact development and conservation technologies. Janelle will help the Region Five Development Commission to create a guidebook to encourage other commercial landowners and developers to implement conservation-design alternatives—approaches that work for this area, a cost benefit of green alternatives, potential funding sources, and a list of local vendors or experts who can complete the work. Janelle called the Initiative Foundation for advice and resources to learn more about lowimpact development. The Initiative Foundation also provided a grant to help create the guidebook so others can find the resources they need. “I’m so excited about this project,” says Janelle. “It’s moved far beyond my expectations. I can’t wait until these types of efforts are the standard and we can all do our part in sustaining the beauty of this incredible area.” IQ

PULMONOLOGY & SLEEP HEALTH

218.855.5479 | 800.277.8262 | 2024 South Sixth Street | www.brainerdclinic.com

You can build, or you can Build wisely.™ For more than 68 years, Strack has been a trusted building partner for hundreds of organizations, delivering value-driven, individualized solutions to best serve their needs. Strack focuses on providing building solutions that work for organizations in: Industrial / Retail / Service / Healthcare / Manufacturing / Recreation / Office / Worship

Commercial Construction • Project Management • Real Estate Services 888-687-7225 320-251-5933 www.strackcompanies.com

FALL 2006

OUTDOORS

BY SHEILA PETERSON HELMBERGER

Common Ground Wetlands Unite Sports Enthusiasts, Conservationists of M innesota—Land 10,000 Lakes. Our

L EHMAN & A SSOCIATES

C O N S U LT I N G , I N C .

T HE

BUSINESS DOCTOR

Business Planning & Development Management Services Public Relations & Communications Strategizing IQ Magazine Advertising

Brian Lehman cell. 218.838.4158 Nisswa, MN

lehmanconsulting@arvig.net www.nisswa.com

KEEPING YOUR B U S I N E S S H E A LT H Y

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

lakes and watersheds are some of our most important resources. Because of that, innovative steps are now being taken every day to try to preserve their quality. Sometimes these efforts come in the way of surprising alliances. Conservationists and sportspeople are two groups that haven’t always seen eye to eye, yet such partnerships are common Pheasants Forever’s Jason Selvog and Stearns County’s Greg Berg work in numerous areas together to preserve wetlands, a natural filter for surface water. throughout our state. The results benefit everyThe result is about twenty-eight acres of trees one and have led to a number of successful and/or grasses planted for water quality and lake and land preservation projects. wildlife habitat. One such partnership is the Grand Lake “Working with local groups like the project created between Pheasants Forever and Grand Lake Association and Stearns SWCD is the Stearns County Soil and Water a great benefit, “ says Selvog. “They have Conservation District (SWDC). The SWDC’s knowledge of where these programs are needshoreland specialist, Greg Berg, and Pheasants ed within their areas, and in many cases, have Forever farm bill biologist, Jason Selvog, names of landowners that have already helped spearhead that project. The Grand Lake expressed interest.” Options available to Area Association wanted to step up its effort to landowners include implementing filter preserve the watershed and incorporate addistrips, using riparian buffers, field windtional conservation projects to benefit the lake breaks, shelterbelts, or living snow fences. In and surrounding area, which is located about a nod to unusual groups finding a way to ten miles south of St. Cloud. work together for a common good, Berg says, Its residents had already connected to “This has been a unique opportunity to partcity sewer as a means to eliminate runoff from ner with a diverse group of partners.” failing septic systems and were seeking other Ducks Unlimited also works to keep possible options. Berg and Selvog worked land friendly for wildlife, but functional, too. closely with the association. Since an initial “A lot of people look at Ducks Unlimited meeting in February, three landowners on the as a hunting organization,” says Bill Aldinger, lake have qualified and signed on board. Ducks Unlimited state chair. “It actually startThey are participating in the federal governed out that way. It began [in 1937] with a ment’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

group of duck hunters that wanted to give back to the resources. A lot of our members are hunters, that’s true, but we’re also proud of the fact that we believe in giving back.” His group has about 46,000 members in the state of Minnesota. Conservation efforts by DU affect about six hundred different species of animals and waterfowl. The group hosts nearly three hundred annual events to raise funds for their work. Around 86 percent of those funds goes back into preserving the land. Aldinger says that the money they raise is often multiplied by grants and matching funds from our government. Through programs like the Living Lakes Initiative, DU works to restore lakes to the kind of habitat that is favorable for waterfowl. Fish barriers, dams, and other methods work to keep a lake shallow enough for the birds to find nourishment on their way south during migration. They also partner with farmers to make the projects work for everyone’s benefit. “We don’t want to make it difficult for the farmers to do their work,” he says. “We all work together so it’s a good thing for everyone.” Another successful program is the Little Nokasippi Wildlife Management Area, located on the Little Nokasippi River. The property encompasses 145 acres of grassland and combined the interests of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Camp Ripley, and the Nature Conservancy. The property is open to the public for hunting, hiking, and other nonmotorized recreational activities. Funding for some of these group projects has come through grants. The Initiative Foundation helped with funding in the Grand Lake Area Association. The McKnight Foundation awarded a two-year grant to Pheasants Forever to be used to promote landowner enrollment in the USDA’s Continuous Conservation Reserve Program. The health of our watersheds and the quality of our water affect everyone. When organizations like Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever work together, everyone wins. IQ

One-of-a-kind preparation for college

A Catholic, Benedictine day and boarding school for students in grades 7-12 sharing the campuses and resources of Saint John’s University and the College of Saint Benedict.

s Campu ble. aila tours aovre information.

m Call for

Fall V isit Collegeville, MN 56321 www.sjprep.net • admitprep@csbsju.edu 320-363-3321 • 1-800-525-7737

ays Octobe r 5th Novem ber 3rd

FALL 2006

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

it's not just finding a home. . . it's fulfilling a dream.

218 | 963.8797 â&#x20AC;˘ 866 | 963.8797 www.GrandViewVacationProperties.com

FALL 2006

MINNESOTA WATERS

The right crew for the job. Every time. No matter what your job requires, we manage every aspect of it from start to finish. And along the way, we hand assemble the best team of craftsmen for the task.That means more accountability and meticulous attention to detail.

C O N S T R U C T I O N

W W W. H Y T E C C O N S T. C O M • ( 2 1 8 ) 8 2 9 - 8 5 2 9 • B R A I N E R D , M N

31 53 81 38

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 2004.

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

that affect lakes and rivers. They advocate the best interests of the water. The nonprofit is currently focusing on aquatic invasive species, alternative shoreland rules, and state funding through the 2006 Clean Water Legacy Act, to clean up some of the mostimpaired waters in the state. Under the watershed stewardship program, the organization helps lake and river associations achieve success. Whether it is administrative advice or resources, they provide educational guides and information that help associations manage and achieve their goals. Minnesota Waters collaborates with local partners in direct-action campaigns aimed at addressing troublesome lake and stream management issues and provides the back-up that lake and river associations need to address tough situations. “There was a situation where an ATV track was proposed, literally, on the Mississippi,” says Johnson. “We collaborated with several local groups and helped find a better solution.” He credits the organizations’ members with much of their success. “The average citizen is very good at telling us the challenges they see facing our waters and they have been wonderfully diligent at picking up the phone and voicing their opinions to legislators.” Minnesota Waters offers members a

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

quarterly newsletter and a monthly e-mail newsletter free to the public. They also have featured articles and informational brochures and workbooks that can be downloaded or purchased from its website. Recently, its Lakes and Rivers Conference provided more than forty sessions on many aspects of lake and river management. The efforts of Minnesotans engaged in water protection were honored during RiverNight—an annual event aboard a paddleboat on the Mississippi. In collaboration with Anheuser Busch and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a conservation partnership has been launched offering matching grants for on-the-ground protection and restoration projects. Organizations wishing to join Minnesota Waters can apply and donate online—there are various membership categories. Donors receive a quarterly newsletter, discounts on conferences and publications, legislative reports during the session, and websites for lake and river questions. Members and supporters have offered enthusiastic response to the merger. The organization received a grant from The McKnight Foundation for operational support. “Our merger decision seems to be the right thing at the right time,” says Fowler, “because all of our constituents and funders have fully supported Minnesota Waters.” IQ

At Lakes Printing we are dedicated to keeping the Lakes Area beautiful. We work with Lake Associations to help promote the quality of our lakes. It is important to us. We live here. We work here. We play here. 218.829.7790 I www.lakesprinting.com I 1223 Oak Street, Brainerd

FALL 2006

PROBLEM PARTS?

We have been providing cost effective metal spinning solutions for over 50 years. Our cutting edge Leico CNC technology is supported by a superior commitment to product quality, highly empowered employees, and commitment to being the number one U.S. source for close toleranced heavy gauge CNC spinnings.

LAKESCAPING

TO LEARN MORE: www.glennmetalcraft.com FOR ASSISTANCE with production orders: call direct [800] 388-5355 or e-mail jglenn@gmc-mn.com

Lakes Area Premier Repair Specialists!

Collision & Marine Repair

Fiberglass Gel-Coat Aluminum Metal Flake

218-824-4222

We want you floating on our reputation

The Weavers’ lakescaping is only two years old, but as JoAnn said, “The first year it sleeps, the second year it creeps, and the third year it leaps.”

“A lake without a native

Medical care. Non-medical care. Or just someone to talk to. People need us for different reasons, but the outcome is the same. Compassion, kindness and companionship are what you can expect with each and every home visit.

We’ll be there. (218) 829-9238 | (888) 221-5785 | www.gnhomecare.com

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

plant buffer is like a painting without a frame. The buffer provides beauty, variety, and protection.” —Carolyn Dindorf

Interestingly, a picture of their property was included in a series of twenty photos of lake properties shown to two large groups of realtors in Baxter and Edina. Although the groups ranked the slides differently, both chose their property as the favorite. Another success story comes from Pelican Lake in Crow Wing County. After attending Minnesota Waters lakes and rivers conference, JoAnn Weaver came home and said to her husband, Art, “How would you feel about getting rid of some of the sand beach and replacing it

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

P HOTO

J OHN L INN

with something beautiful that would attract birds and butterflies?” “You’re kidding,” he said. He later agreed to try it and now they’re enjoying the second season of their lakescaped shoreline and are both very proud of it. “It’s changed the way we perceive lakeshore,” says JoAnn, referring to the lakeshore planting. “We would never have a shore with an all-sand beach again. The area is prettier to look at, more peaceful, and we’re really enjoying the birds and butterflies.” Now both Weavers are working to promote the idea to other Pelican Lake property owners. IQ Author Carolyn Dindorf is a limnologist with Fortin Consulting, Inc., a small environmental consulting firm. She co-authored L AKESCAPING FOR W ILDLIFE AND WATER QUALITY, and contributed to the CD, RESTORE YOUR SHORE. She also wrote the MINNESOTA WATERS’ LAKE ECOLOGY curriculum and revised the F RESHWATER S OCIETY ’ S G UIDE TO L AKE PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT. Dindorf has worked on lakescaping and lake protection for the past twenty years. Carolyn@fortinconsulting.com or visit www.fortinconsulting.com.

FALL 2006

sGUEST

EDITORIAL

BY BRUCE JOHNSON

Liquid Assets Someone is protecting them, right?

e’ve seen the polls— Americans support clean water. As many as 95 percent say a healthy environment is important. Focus groups tell us that one of the first things folks say they like about Minnesota is the water. Lakes and streams refresh us, offer solitude, and create lifetime memories. Those values are a prominent feature in Minnesota’s economic portfolio. Tourism is a $9.2 billion industry—greater than agriculture. Anglers spend $1 billion in Minnesota each year—$350 million more than the annual sales at Mall of America. Lakeshore property values rise and fall with the health of the lake. There’s one boat for every five Minnesotans. These facts are well-known within our state agencies and in the state legislature. Yet, although only a fraction of our lakes and streams have been tested for meeting water quality standards, more than two thousand lakes and stream segments are listed as “impaired” (polluted and therefore of limited use). How is it we’ve lost 60 percent of our wetlands—one of the primary filters of our lakes and streams? How did we let 35 percent of Minnesota’s primary recreational lakes become infested with aquatic invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and zebra mussels? Why have state expenditures on the environment dropped 50 percent to a mere 1 percent of its budget over the last few years? Public surveys show that many of us aren’t worried about environmental issues because we think it’s being taken care of. Laws have been passed, government agencies created, money spent—someone’s doing something about it, right? Wrong. For a variety of reasons, many of the laws passed are not enforced or only partially so. In too many places, variances from the rules are the norm, not the exception. Some of the rules are outdated—most are underfunded. Some are mired in complacency, controlled by a bureaucracy that is rewarded for defending the status quo rather than innovation. Those whose business it is to manage our communities are worried about our liquid assets. The League of Minnesota Cities 2006 “State of the Cities” Report states: “Where and how growth will occur in the decades to come will be determined by decisions made today about how Minnesota’s public policies address the need for clean water.” Passing a law or creating an institution to clean up and protect

INITIATIVE QUARTERLY

I LLUSTRATION

BY CHRIS MC A LLISTER

our waterways are milestones on the journey to clean water, not the end. For the same reason, we don’t drop our kids off at school or church and drive away thinking “someone else is taking care of it.” We do everything to make sure they are sheltered, fed, and clothed so they can do their best. We make them do their homework and set them back on course when they make poor choices. So, too, must we remain diligent. Managing a community asset is complex and challenging and our liquid assets are no exception. Our communities are not getting adequate resources to manage a critical piece of their infrastructure—the lakes, streams, and the lands that surround them (watersheds). Even if they were, it’s up to us to make sure those resources are spent wisely in implementing programs and enforcing regulations that improve what has been damaged and preserve what is in good shape. That’s our responsibility—yours and mine—not someone else’s. Don’t wait for a river to catch fire or a lake to become biologically dead to act. Regularly attend your local planning commission meetings, city council, water planning and/or watershed district board of managers’ meetings—even when the wetland in your backyard isn’t on the agenda. Read your community’s long-range plans and ask whether or not they’re actually being implemented. Too big a task? Ask your friends and neighbors to share the load. The cars heading out of the city on Friday afternoon aren’t rushing to parking lots. More Minnesotans realize that managing our shared assets means commitment to Minnesota’s waters. IQ Bruce Johnson has been Minnesota Waters’ executive director since January 2006 and its interim director since 2005. During his six-year tenure directing the Rivers Council of Minnesota, he helped win the Initiative Foundation’s 2004 Outstanding Nonprofit Organization Award. Bruce and his family live in Sartell, where he serves as a member of the Park Commission and the Youth Board of Salem Lutheran Church. For more information: www.minnesotawaters.org