Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 06/01/2009

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Anoka's greatest natural asset. A commitment needs to be made to the enhancement and improvement of the landscaping on the Rum River frontage. 8. What concerns you most about the natural resources of the watershed? . Control of storm water runoff volume and quality (2) . Destruction of wetlands and natural habitat in general; loss of buffers (8) . Diverting watershed off site. . Efforts to clean outfalls to the river in urbanized areas should be funded with conservation dollars . Lack of enforcement and the Supreme Court decision that leaves their status in a questionable state. . Minimum understanding . Overuse of or damage from boats I snowmobiles (2) . Increasing demand for water; water supply; groundwater levels; decrease in rainfall (6) . Pollution associated with development; overall water quality; groundwater quality (15) . The Anoka section of the Rum River is an urban asset. I fear there is too much emphasis on leaving it in its natural untouched state so as to become something for viewing and not using. The Rum River in the non-urban areas needs protection. The river in the urban areas needs to be used by swimmers, ice skaters, fisherman, boaters, floaters, clam diggers, hikers and bikers as well as painters, photographers and dreamers. . The Mississippi reservoir lakes are being threatened by choices made by people downriver. . Urban congestion and infringement 9. The Rum River Dam near Anoka is 39 years old. What are your thoughts on its replacement? . As needed (5) . Consider ecological impacts that the dam, or more specifically the raising and lowering of the water pool, has on the aquatic ecosystem(s). . Could it possibly be an electricity generator...due to possible invasive species coming up Mississippi not anxious to see any lock or other method of movement from Mississippi to Rum . Depends on how it's holding up. . Does it need it? Seems there are Jots of other uses for available funds. · Does there need to be a dam there? What purpose does it serve? Forty years does not seem old in the life of a dam. Why does it need to be replaced? . Find a replacement that "does no harm" to the environment; include recreational fishing areas around the dam . I consider it a landmark in our community and would like to see it maintained well. If that requires replacing it I would like to cost to be contained and minimal and the original look maintained with better fishing and boating opportunities added. . I think that a dam has been there for 150+ years and that its historic nature in Anoka is greater than the natural impact. However, I am for replacement if it includes hydroelectric power. I believe the negative impacts of having a dam there would be outweighed by the positive impact of green power. But if it is replaced as is without this function, I think it is hard to justify the expense if it is only for looks. . I would need more information as far as cost, what's wrong with it etc.