Agenda - Council Work Session - 02/23/2021

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The Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (LRRWMO) Watershed Management Plan (Plan) provides a framework for the protection, restoration, and management activities of the LRRWMO over a 10 year period. The Plan provides resource data and background information, prioritizes natural resource management issues, establishes measurable goals, and details policies, regulations, and implementation activities intended to achieve those goals. The Plan implementation program describes the administrative and cooperative roles, programs, and projects carried out by the LRRWMO. The Plan is organized into five major sections, summarized as follows: Section 1 of this Plan summarizes the LRRWMO's location and history, purpose, and management structure. Like all watershed management organizations (WMOs), the LRRWMO is a special purpose unit of local government that manages water resources on a watershed basis. The LRRWMO's jurisdiction covers approximately 57 square miles in Anoka County and includes the City of Anoka, the City of Ramsey, and a portion of the City of Andover. The LRRWMO was formed in 1985. This watershed water management plan replaces the 2011 LRRWMO Water Management Plan (2011 Plan). The purposes of the LRRWMO, consistent with Minnesota Statutes 103B.201, include: • Protect, preserve, and use natural surface and groundwater storage and retention systems; • Minimize public capital expenditures needed to correct flooding and water quality problems; • Identify and plan for means to effectively protect and improve surface and groundwater quality; • Establish more uniform local policies and official controls for surface and groundwater management; • Prevent erosion of soil into surface water systems; • Promote groundwater recharge; • Protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat and water recreational facilities; and • Secure the other benefits associated with the proper management of surface and groundwater. The Board of Commissioners of the LRRWMO consists of three commissioners and three alternates appointed by the member cities. The powers of the Board are detailed in the most current iteration of the LRRWMO Joint Powers Association (JPA, see Appendix A). Section 2 of this Plan contains information on the presence and condition of natural resources within the watershed, as well as the impact of human development. Information is provided as text, tables, and maps; topics presented include: • Climate and precipitation • Topography and drainage • Land use ES-1