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<br />Case #2 <br /> <br />MN Naturalists Program <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that the main purpose of bringing this issue in front <br />of the EPB was to get the board updated on the program and possibly make a motion in support <br />of it as well. The Parks Supervisor presented the naturalist program to Council at a work session <br />and it was well received. The Parks Supervisor was directed to bring forward a case for <br />consideration at a regular Council meeting. Coordinator Anderson stated that Parks Supervisor <br />Riverblood is now certified as a MN Naturalist Program instructor. He reported that the class <br />would cost $200, of which the U ofM gets $150 and Ramsey would get $50. He stated that the <br />U of M handles almost everything from registration to materials etc, and that the City would be <br />responsible for providing a facility for the class, and off course the time commitment ofMr. <br />Riverblood. <br /> <br />Board Member Max stated that just shortly after he heard of the program is when he found out <br />that Mr. Riverblood had become certified as a teacher for this. He explained that the U of M is <br />in their second round of this program and already it is a very popular class. He stated that within <br />days of a class being announced it is already filled. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that there are roughly 150 people on the waiting list <br />currently for this program. He advised that 10 seats at this class could be 'earmarked' for <br />Ramsey residents if the class is held in Ramsey, with the remainder open to the general public. <br />He gave a brief power point presentation on the Master Naturalists Program. He explained that <br />the class would potentially begin in late January. He advised that Staff believes that one of the <br />many benefits of this program will be enhanced volunteerism in terms of conversation efforts <br />and education. He stated that Staff is contemplating various volunteer opportunities of interest to <br />capture some of those volunteer hours. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that he has purchased two weed wrenches that can <br />be used to remove woody plants like buckthorn. He also advised that starting in the spring they <br />would be available for residents to check out for one week at a time, with a returnable $25 <br />deposit. <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda and Board Members Freeburg and Max would all like to attend the <br />Minnesota Master Naturalist Program. <br /> <br />Motion by Board Member Max and seconded by Board Member Sibilski to encourage City <br />Council to authorize Staff to proceed with the Master Naturalist Program. <br /> <br />Motion carried. V oting Yes: Chairperson McDilda, Board Members Max, Sibilski, Bentz, <br />Freeburg, and Olds. Voting No: None. Absent: Board Member Harvey. <br /> <br />Case #3: <br /> <br />2008 Work Plan <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson summarized that with the end of the year quickly <br />approaching it is time for the Board to begin considering a work plan for 2008. In contemplating <br />potential projects/initiatives for 2008, Staff thought it would be prudent to reiterate the role of the <br />Board as outlined in City Code. The primary goal ofthe Board is to ". ..review, consider, initiate <br />and recommend to City Council such policies, plans or projects which will enhance and preserve <br />the natural environment of the City". The Board's scope shall include, but not necessarily be <br />Environmental Policy Board / December 3, 2007 <br />Page 4 of7 <br />