Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 12/01/2014

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Effectiveness of Past Efforts During the planning process ACD staff and supervisors identified the policies, practices, programs, and services that were the most successful and the least successful. As we plan for the future we need to emulate our most successful efforts and modify those that fell short to maximize our positive impact on Anoka County's natural resources. Successes • Focus on customer service. • Model water quality and hydrologic impacts of projects. • Conduct analyses of subwatersheds to identify BMP opportunities. • Actively promote conservation projects in optimum locations. • Design off-line water quality improvement practices in-house. • Consider cost -benefit for all projects. • Focus on project installation and serving as a project manager. • Serve as writer, coordinator, manager for multi -partner grants. • Coordinating large scale projects and partners (Geologic Atlas, Carp Barriers, Oak Glen Creek Stabilization, Rum River WRAPS) • Work across county boundaries to assist neighboring jurisdictions with conservation efforts. • Creating high quality work products (Water Almanacs, SRAs, erosion inventories, project profiles, websites, videos, displays, brochures, comprehensive and annual plans, handbooks) • Creating a highly productive work atmosphere of mutual respect and dedication to conservation vision. • Advance the practice of conservation efforts through innovation. • Commitment to long-term project success and follow-up. • Adapt to changing needs and opportunities. • Maintain highly trained staff. • Maintain updated computer software and hardware. • Contract out IT services. • Develop and patent the Rain Guardian pretreatment chamber. • Promote Rain Guardian sales nationally through distributorships. • Purchase office headquarters and assume role as landlord. • Affect state policy and procedures through advocacy directly, through the MASWCD, and by participating in regional commissions and taskforces. • Program and project promotion through direct communication with elected officials, frequent newspaper articles, and current websites. Improvements Needed • Open space planning is a priority to ensure the preservation of our ecological heritage in a sustainable network of wildlife hubs and corridors. To succeed long- term, with turnover on city councils and planning and zoning commissions, assistance to LGUs needs to be supported with long-term stable funding so it can be institutionalized. Anoka Conservation District Comprehensive Plan October 2014 page 41