Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 07/20/2009 - Special Meeting

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Information Program Subpart 4. Information Program. Each plan must provide. for the publishing of at least one written communication per year identifying the representatives on the organization's board, current advisory committee members, how to contact the organization, its role in local water management, the goals and policies of the organization, when public meetings are held, how the organization is financed, where the plan can be viewed, and other information relative to the implementation of the plan. The communication may be accomplished through the publication of a newsletter, publication of all or a portion of an annual report, an article or news release submitted to a local newspaper widely distributed in the member communities, an attachment to a sewer or water bill, or other similar media _format that annually reaches the general population. The WMO will use the existing media of its member cities and the Anoka Conservation District to publish an annual communication to the public as part of its annual reporting (see Tables 7 and 8). Each of the communities' representative of the WMO will be responsible for having the information published in their official newspaper and web site. Table 7 Public's Role in Watershed Management —Action Plan Action Plan: Public Involvement Subject: Public's Role in Watershed Management Purpose: To increase public awareness of the need to protect the natural resources of the Watershed and to make the public on active participant in Watershed Management Strategies. Goal: The WMO shall establish, undertake, and implement a public involvement program to increase citizen awareness, improve regional cooperation, build consensus regarding watershed protection strategies, initiate environmental education in the community, and achieve the goals of this plan through active community participation. Issues: 1. W.M.O. boundaries follow political lines rather than topographical lines, especially with the Upper Rum River WMO and Sherburne County. 2. Limited awareness by the general public that the WMO exists and what its role and responsibilities are. 3. Limited funds to initiate and implement a long term public involvement program. 4. Watershed administrative boundary overlaps with Coon Creek Watershed District between Hanson Boulevard and Co. Rd. 18. Comments: 1. Through the WMO's permitting process, these issues will be addressed. 2. Take a more active role in promoting WMO activities through municipal web sites and the WMO's web site link to the Anoka Conservation District. Continue with the WMO's survey program which began in 2008. 3. Develop a 10 year budget which identifies activities, costs, available funds, and benefits to the member communities. 4. Work with Coon Creek Administrative staff and Board to develop consensus on actual boundary. Water Management Plan P:\Mpls\23 MN\02\2302047\WorkFiles\3rd Gen WMP\LRRWMO 3rd Gen WMP July 2009Draft.doc 84