Rainy River Basin Plan

Preface

The Rainy River Basin Plan was developed under the authority of the Clean Water Act (CWA), Section 209 – Water Quality Management Plans and Section 303e Continuous Planning Process. Minnesota through the Environmental Performance Partnership Agreement (EnPPA) with EPA has agreed to develop and begin implementation of the Rainy River Basin Plan by January 1, 2004.

The CWA and EnPPA provide for water plans covering, at a minimum, Sections 302 - wastewater treatment facility priorities, 303c – water quality standards, 303d – TMDLs priorities and local involvement, 305b – water quality assessment needs, 319 – basin specific nonpoint source plans and 402 – NPDES permit basin specific goals. Table of Contents

Basin Committee Narrative ...... 7 Section I: Basin-wide Section ...... 10 A. Basin Plan Implementation Overview and Coordination Goal ...... 10 B. Communication / Coordination Goal ...... 11 C. Drinking Water Goal...... 11 D. Education Initiative ...... 12 E. Erosion Goal ...... 15 F. Forest Management Water Quality Goal...... 16 G. Groundwater Goal...... 17 H. Land Use / Shoreland Development Goal...... 18 I. Monitoring Program...... 19 Initiative 1 – Comprehensive Basin-Wide Monitoring...... 20 Initiative II – Basin Monitoring Coordinator ...... 26 Initiative III – Effectiveness Monitoring for Projects...... 27 Initiative IV – Floodplain Mapping ...... 28 J. Phosphorous and other Nutrients Goal...... 29 K. Stormwater Goal ...... 29 L. Wastewater Management Initiative ...... 29 M. Water Resources Center Initiative ...... 36 N. Wetland Management Goals:...... 37 Section II: East Local Committee...... 42 Section III: East-Central Local Committee ...... 49 Section IV: North Local Committee...... 60 Section V: South Local Committee ...... 68 Section VI: West Local Committee ...... 76 Section VII: Project List...... 92 Appendix A...... 111 Appendix B...... 200 Appendix C ...... 218 Appendix D ...... 247 Appendix E...... 277 Appendix F...... 299

Table of Figures

Figure 1. Winnipeg River Drainage Basin...... 1 Figure 2. Rainy Basin Watersheds ...... 2 Figure 3. Local Committee Planning Areas ...... 3 Figure 1. Winnipeg River Drainage Basin

Figure 2. Rainy Basin Watersheds

Figure 3. Local Committee Planning Areas

West Location

# Warroad North Location

Baudette # International Falls #

# Littlefork East Location

# Big Falls # Orr

Cook # # Ely # Bigfork Tow er #

East-Central South Location Location

Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Local Committee Planning Areas

Local Committee Meeting Locations:

East Local Committee – Schroeder East-Central Local Committee – Virginia North Local Committee – Littlefork South Local Committee – Marcell West Local Committee - Baudette

3 Acronym Glossary

ARDC Arrowhead Regional Development Commission AWQT Arrowhead Water Quality Team BWSR Board of Water and Soil Resources DTED Department of Trade and Economic Development EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESD Environmental Services Department, also ESDs FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency HRDC Headwaters Regional Development Commission ICC Itasca Community College ISTS Individual Sewage Treatment Systems MDA Minnesota Department of Agriculture MDH Minnesota Department of Health MDNR Minnesota Department of Natural Resources MLA Minnesota Lakes Association MN-DOT Minnesota Department of Transportation MPCA Minnesota Pollution Control Agency NGOs Non-governmental Organizations NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service NRRI Natural Resources Research Institute OME Ontario Ministry of the Environment OMNR Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources RC&D Resource Conservation and Development RCM Rivers Council of Minnesota RRCC Rainy River Community College RRFN Rainy River First Nation SWCD Soil and Water Conservation District, also SWCDs U of M University of Minnesota USACOE United States Army Corps of Engineers USFS United State Forest Service USGS United States Geological Survey USF&WS United States Fish and Wildlife Service (also USFWS) VCC Vermilion Community College VNP Voyageurs National Park

Participating Agencies and Organizations

Arrowhead Regional Development Minnesota Department of Natural Commission Resources 221 West First Street 1201 Highway 2 East Duluth, MN 55802 Grand Rapids, MN 55744 218-722-5545 218-327-4506 Arrowhead Region Stream Team Minnesota Lakes Association P.O. Box 61 PO Box 321 International Falls, MN 56649 Brainerd, MN 56401 218-283-2240 Arrowhead Water Quality Team Minnesota Department of Transportation Minnesota Sea Grant 1123 Mesabi Avenue 208 Washburn Hall Duluth, MN 55811 2304 East Fifth Street 218-723-4870 Duluth, MN 55812 Board of Water and Soil Resources Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Mark Nelson P.O. Box 61 394 South Lake Avenue International Falls, MN 56649 Duluth, MN 55802 218-283-2240 218-723-4923 Department of Trade and Economic Natural Resources Conservation Service Development Room 121, Federal Building Minnesota Office of Tourism Duluth, MN Tim Campbell, Regional Manager 218-720-5308 320 West 2nd Street, Suite 707 Duluth, MN 55802-1402 Headwaters Regional Development Ontario Ministry of the Environment Commission 922 Scott Street 403 – 4th Street NW Fort Francis, ON P9A 1J4 PO Box 906 807-274-8633 Bemidji, MN 56601 218-751-3108 Itasca Community College Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources 1851 East Highway 169 435 St. James Street, Suite 3 Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7E 6S7 218-327-4460 807-475-1711 Minnesota Department of Agriculture Rivers Council of Minnesota Agronomy Division 100 Second Ave. South, Suite 101 90 West Plato Drive Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 St. Paul, MN 320-259-6800 651-297-3491 Minnesota Department of Health Rainy River Community College 1705 Anne Street NW #3 1501 Highway 71 Bemidji, MN 56601-5611 International Falls, MN 56649 218-755-3820 218-285-2232

5 Rainy River First Nations United States Geological Survey PO box 450 Voyageurs Park Headquarters Emo, Ontario, POW 1E0 3131 Highway 53 807-482-2479 International Falls, MN 56649 218-283-9821 Superior National Forest United States Fish and Wildlife Service 8901 Grand Ave. Place Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Duluth, MN 55808-1102 3815 East 80th Street 218-626-4390 Bloomington, MN 55425 612-725-3548 University of Minnesota Vermilion Community College Water Resources Center 1900 East Camp Street 173 McNeal Hall Ely, MN 55731 1985 Buford Avenue 218-365-7200 St. Paul, MN 55108 612-625-9256 United States Army Corps of Engineers Voyageurs National Park 190 Fifth Street East 3131 Highway 53 South St. Paul, MN 55101-1638 International Falls, MN 56649 218-283-9821

6 BASIN COMMITTEE NARRATIVE

The Rainy River Basin encompasses a total area of 27,114 square miles, of which 11,244 square miles (41 percent) are in Minnesota and 15,870 square miles (59 percent) are in Ontario. The primary focus of the Rainy River Basin Water Plan is on the Minnesota portion of the Basin. The Minnesota portion of the Basin is bounded on the North by the Province of Ontario, the East by the Lake Superior Basin, the South by the Upper Mississippi Basin and the West by the Red River Basin. The Rainy River Basin is home to some of Minnesota’s finest forest and water resources. Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are located within the Rainy River Basin, as are several of the state’s most famous walleye fisheries and many top-notch trout streams. The majority of the land within the Basin is forested. Prominent uses of natural resources in the Basin are forestry, mining and various forms of recreation.

The headwaters of the Basin are located in Cook, Lake, Itasca and St. Louis Counties. The eastern headwaters portion of the Basin includes an extensive area of irregularly shaped lakes on Canadian Shield topography. This area includes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The southern headwaters portion includes the Vermilion Iron Range, part of the Mesabi Iron Range and numerous lakes situated in glacial till.

The central or large lakes portion of the Basin, located in Koochiching and St. Louis counties, is characterized by relatively large lakes on Canadian Shield topography. This area includes Voyageurs National Park. Lakes include Crane, Kabetogama, Namakan, Rainy and Vermilion.

The Lake of the Woods portion of the Basin, located in Koochiching and Lake of the Woods Counties, is characterized by extensive wetlands located on the old Glacial Lake Agassiz lake bed and, of course, Lake of the Woods. The Basin is made up of nine watersheds. These watersheds are: Rainy River Headwaters, Vermilion River, Rainy River/Rainy Lake, Rainy River/Manitou, Little Fork River, Big Fork River, Rapid River, Rainy River/Baudette, and Lake of the Woods.

The complete Rainy River Basin Water Plan consists of two volumes. The first, the Rainy River Basin Information Document (BID) contains summary water management information for the Rainy River Basin. The BID concentrates on information that describes water quality, quantity and the aquatic and riparian environment. Whenever possible, the information is presented by major watershed. For those individuals needing additional information, specific websites are cited throughout the BID.

Copies of the BID may be accessed at libraries throughout the Rainy River Basin or on the internet at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/basins/rainy/index.html .

This volume, the actual Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan, covers goals, objectives, strategies and indicators designed to maintain or improve the waters of the Rainy River Basin. The plan was developed by residents, stakeholders, local elected officials and representatives from local, state and federal agencies. The plan consists of seven sections, five watershed plans, a combined basin-wide section and a basin project list.

7 The local sections (Sections II through VI) were developed by local committees focusing on distinct geographic areas. The East Local Committee concentrated on the eastern portion of the Rainy Headwaters Watershed. The East-Central Local Committee focused on the western portion of the Headwaters Watershed along with the Vermilion, and eastern portions of the Rainy Lake and Little Fork Watersheds. The North Local Committee was concerned with the western portion of the Rainy Lake Watershed and the Rainy River/Manitou Watershed along with the northern portion of the Little Fork and Big Fork Watersheds. The South Local Committee had the southern portions of the Little Fork and Big Fork Watersheds. The West Local Committee concentrated on the Rapid, Baudette and Lake of the Woods Watersheds.

The Basin-wide Section (Section I) was developed by the Basin Committee. The Rainy River Basin Committee, composed of representatives of each of the five local committees, basin residents, stakeholders, local elected officials and representatives from local, state and federal agencies, was established as an ad hoc committee with the following three tasks:

1. Merge goals, objectives and strategies from local committees into a basin-wide section for the basin plan.

2. Identify conflicts between local committees and ask the local committees to resolve the conflicts.

3. Identify any basin-wide water management issues not addressed by local committees and develop appropriate goals, objectives and strategies to address the issues.

The local committees began their work of development of goals, objectives and strategies for water management activities in April 2002. In November, with the local committees having completed most of their work, the Basin Committee began meeting to address their tasks. The Committee grouped similar goals into frameworks and established subcommittees to develop goals, objectives and strategies suitable for the basin section of the plan for the Committees consideration. For stand alone or relatively straightforward goals, the Committee reviewed and revised those members felt appropriate for the basin section. In general, the Committee required that a goal have basin-wide significance or be very important locally in order to be included in the basin section. The Committee’s approach was that the local sections are just as valid as the basin section and that issues primarily of local concern were adequately covered in the local sections.

The Basin Committee found minimal conflicts between local committees. These differences were generally so minor that members saw no need to request that the local committees revise their goals. The basin section reflects areas of agreement among local committees.

The Basin Committee did not identify any basin-wide issues of significance not already identified by the local committees.

8 The Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan calls for a significant water monitoring effort. This effort includes expansion of existing programs and creation of new programs. The Basin Plan does not call for monitoring simply for the accumulation of data. Rather, the Plan calls for monitoring to meet basin-wide needs identified by the plan developers. The emerging theme of the Plan is to maintain high quality waters and improve waters in need of restoration. Participants in the planning process do not want to wait until rivers and lakes degrade to state standards (MN Rules 7050). Development and implementation of the comprehensive basin- wide monitoring effort will provide decision-makers with the information necessary to make informed decisions about future development. Plan developers have voiced concerns that if comprehensive condition monitoring does not begin soon, water quality degradation may go unnoticed resulting in significant impacts to the environment. Identifying and recording existing conditions are necessary to development of appropriate strategies.

The Basin Committee recognizes that some of the Goals, Objectives and Strategies will need further development during implementation before appropriate lead and supporting organizations can be determined. The Committee also noted that some of the Goals and Objectives were intended as policy statements to help guide water management activities throughout the Rainy River Basin, thus not requiring an identified lead.

9 SECTION I: BASIN-WIDE SECTION

Maintain or improve the existing condition of streams, rivers, lakes and groundwater in the Rainy River Basin.

A. Basin Plan Implementation Overview and Coordination Goal Provide a mechanism to allow for continued input regarding plan implementation from basin residents, stakeholders, local elected officials and local, state and federal agencies.

Strategy The Basin Committee will continue to meet to provide overview and coordination for implementation of the Rainy River Basin Plan. The committee will consist of basin stakeholders and partners, local, state and federal agencies, and citizens from within the basin. Membership is open to those that want to participate though the Committee and the Basin Coordinator will actively seek representation of certain groups. The committee would be responsible for coordination of plan implementation, assessing the “state of the waters” within the basin, ensuring communication and coordination of water management activities among agencies and further developing the priorities, goals and strategies for implementation as the plan evolves. This group will also provide input to the MPCA on proposals for the agency’s competitive financial assistance programs, helping with the prioritization of proposals within the basin provided to the statewide Project Coordination Team. Members would be responsible for keeping their agency, organization or government informed about implementation activities and directions and to represent the interests of their agency, organization or government at Team meetings. The Committee would meet at least twice per year, but could meet more if the Committee determines that more frequent meetings are desirable. The Committee will develop by-laws or rules of operation and select a committee chair or co-chairs. Potential Members (would be invited to participate and remain on distribution list unless individuals request otherwise): Basin residents, stakeholders, water treatment plant operators, wastewater treatment plant operators, water planners, SWCDs, city and township zoning administrators, county ESDs, representatives from state, federal, regional and international agencies: ARDC, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians, BWSR, Coast Guard, MDNR, DTED, Environment Canada, EPA, HRDC, International Joint Commission, Manitoba Environment, MDA, MDH, MN-DOT, MPCA, NRCS, Ontario Ministry of Environment, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Rainy River First Nations, Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, U of M, Laurentian RC&D, USGS, USFWS, USFS, RRCC, VCC, ICC, VNP, local elected officials, industry, and NGOs. Basin Committee Chair and Coordinator will meet annually with county boards within basin to review and revise the implementation work plan. Basin Committee Coordinator: MPCA Rainy River Basin Coordinator

10 B. Communication / Coordination Goal Establish a program to promote communication and coordination among local, state and federal agencies and between agencies and the public.

OBJECTIVES: Encourage agencies to provide public meetings and field trips to provide continuing information about ongoing projects. Examine state and federal land acquisition and land use, integrate/coordinate with other land management activities. − Encourage open lines of communication among land use agencies at a local level. − Ensure communication/coordination among land management agencies; use National Environmental Policy Act and Minnesota Environmental Policy Act. Including communication and coordination with other government agencies regarding land swaps.

C. Drinking Water Goal Protect drinking water sources for current and future uses.

OBJECTIVES: Support efforts by public water suppliers to provide potable water to consumers at reasonable cost through the use of preventative measures and protection of the source water.

Strategies: Groundwater Sources: Support public water supplier’s efforts to develop wellhead protection plans including delineation of drinking water supply management areas; inventory of potential contaminant sources; and development of management strategies. Support public water supplier’s implementation of wellhead protection management strategies. Lead: Public Water Supplier Support: MDA, MDH, MPCA, LGUs

Surface Water Sources: Support public water supplier’s development of voluntary source water protection plans including delineation of drinking water supply management areas; inventory of potential contaminant sources; and development of management strategies. Support public water supplier’s implementation of source water protection management strategies. Lead: Public Water Supplier Support: MDA, MDH, MPCA, LGUs

Encourage the state to develop programs that provide financial incentives (for example, revolving loan funds) to upgrade small public water supply treatment systems.

11 D. Education Initiative

General Water Management Education Goal The Basin Committee has requested that the Arrowhead Water Quality Team serve as the lead for water management education activities. The Team will provide draft education goals for the consideration of the Basin Committee early in 2004.

Stream Team Goal: Establish an “Arrowhead Region Stream Team” to provide hydrology and geomorphology technical assistance and training to resource managers throughout the Rainy River and Lake Superior Basins. Lead: MPCA Support: USFS, VNP, MDNR, MN-DOT, SWCDs, USGS and local water planners

Watershed Assessment Tool Goal: Develop an assessment tool for bays, lakes, subwatersheds and watersheds that integrates all the following system components:

• watershed health • recreation

• water quality • resorts and tourism

• hydrology • seasonal and year around residences

• aquatic and riparian ecosystems • drinking water

• transportation • development

• economics

12 OBJECTIVES: Develop a watershed health vulnerability model for bays, lakes, subwatersheds, watersheds, that may be used as a tool by local land use decision-makers. The model should establish a baseline and provide a method for quantifying watershed health and assessing cumulative effects for the following categories: water quality, hydrology, aquatic and riparian ecosystems, and exotics.

Strategies: Support development of the Itasca County Lake Vulnerability Analysis Model to serve as the base on which to develop the comprehensive model. Lead: Itasca SWCD

During completion of the Itasca County Lake Vulnerability Analysis Model, form a work group (composed of local, state and federal staff) with the following tasks1: − Scope the tasks described in the objectives. − Form a steering committee (composed of residents, local decision makers and representatives of basin stakeholder groups). − Form a Research Partnership of public and private institutes, educational institutions, and local, state and federal agencies to complete the research and provide data and models to the steering committee for review and approval. Under the direction of the Steering Committee, the Research Partnership performs the research and develops the models to provide a comprehensive watershed and social health vulnerability tool described in the Objectives. The Partnership should: − Coordinate with efforts to develop basin health thresholds, − Examine other regional efforts (Lake Tahoe, Chesapeake Bay, New Jersey, etc.) − Integrate the quantitative ranking scales from all metrics to provide weighting based upon the priorities developed by the Steering Committee.

1 Applies to Watershed Health and Social Health Objectives. 13

OBJECTIVES: Develop a social health vulnerability model for bays, lakes, subwatersheds and watersheds. The model shall be integrated with the watershed health model described above. The model should establish a baseline and provide a method for quantifying social health and assessing cumulative effects for the following categories: transportation, economics, recreation, resorts and tourism, seasonal and year around residences, drinking water, and development.

Strategies: During completion of the Itasca County Lake Vulnerability Analysis Model, form a work group (composed of local, state and federal staff) with the following tasks2: − Scope the tasks described in the objectives − form a steering committee (composed of residents, local decision makers and representatives of basin stakeholder groups) − Form a partnership of public and private institutes, educational institutions, and local, state and federal agencies to complete the research and provide data and models to the steering committee for review and approval. Under the direction of the Steering Committee, the Research Partnership performs the research and develops the models to provide a comprehensive watershed and social health vulnerability tool described in the Objectives. The Partnership should: − Coordinate with efforts to develop basin health thresholds − Examine other regional efforts (Lake Tahoe, Chesapeake Bay, New Jersey, etc.) − Integrate quantitative ranking scales from all metrics to provide weighting based upon priorities developed by the Steering Committee.

2 Applies to Watershed Health and Social Health Objectives. 14 E. Erosion Goal Prevent or reduce erosion and run-off where feasible and remediate existing and future erosion and run-off problems.

OBJECTIVES: Support Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ (SWCD) efforts to prevent, reduce and remediate erosion. Utilize recommendations of the River Management Plans of the counties regarding erosion control. Recognize and support existing ordinances addressing erosion, vegetation removal, shoreland setbacks and control of run-off. Consider impacts of water level fluctuation on tributaries of the Rainy River. Monitor and analyze existing run-off conditions in urban areas. Improve run-off management where needed. − Existing active road and drainage ditches should receive needed maintenance and repairs to ensure adequate drainage for existing development and to provide drainage for stormwater management. Recognize the effectiveness of Agricultural Best Management Practices in controlling run-off and minimizing erosion. Recognize the effectiveness of forestry Voluntary Site Level Forestry Management Guidelines in controlling run-off and minimizing erosion. Inventory stream bank erosion and other problems, prioritize and develop strategies for implementation. Provide public information and education regarding erosion correction and prevention to river shoreline and lakeshore residents. Recognize and support efforts to identify causes of accelerated erosion on Lake of the Woods and other areas. Ensure appropriate management of beavers. − Restore funding for local beaver control efforts. − Control beaver to maintain the timber industry, farming and prevent road damage. − Ensure connectivity for fish migration.

15 F. Forest Management Water Quality Goal Support the forest product industry’s efforts to protect water quality.

OBJECTIVES: Encourage the employment of MN’s Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines and associated effectiveness monitoring.

Strategies Communicate the importance of the MN Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines to logging professionals and private landowners. Lead: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Forest Resources Council, and Minnesota Logger Education Program. Support: Cloquet Forestry Center, University of Minnesota Center for Continuing Education. Support continued training opportunities for MN loggers and forest professionals. Lead: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Forest Resources Council, and Minnesota Logger Education Program. Support: Cloquet Forestry Center, University of Minnesota Center for Continuing Education.

OBJECTIVES: Encourage efforts to retain forests (vs. development and parcelization) such as the recently enacted Sustainable Forest Incentive Act.

Strategies: Develop a ‘statement of support’ encouraging efforts to maintain forest land uses and forest management. Forward this statement of support to local planning groups. Lead: Rainy River Basin Committee Support communications to small private landowners to broaden awareness of the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act. Lead: USFS, MN Department of Natural Resources, American Tree Farm, MN Sustainable Forestry Initiative State Implementation Committee.

16 G. Groundwater Goal Analyze and maintain or improve groundwater quality in the Rainy River Basin.

OBJECTIVES: Increase the knowledge of groundwater resources in Rainy River Basin.

Strategies: Improve existing monitoring efforts by continuing to offer local water testing opportunities and expand to areas where they are not currently established. Encourage state agencies to make the County Well Index available to local units of government. Encourage state and federal agencies to develop detailed groundwater maps for use by local units of government. Encourage development of local water quality databases that are compatible with the County Well Index so water quality can be correlated to well construction and geology and aquifers of concern can be identified.

OBJECTIVES: Support efforts by local government to protect groundwater resources.

Strategies: Continue the existing abandoned well sealing program. Encourage participation in state and federal groundwater protection programs that are consistent with local water planning and mutually beneficial.

17 H. Land Use / Shoreland Development Goal Rely on existing governmental systems of land use management and seek tools to help assure shoreline and watershed land uses do not have adverse impacts on water resources.

OBJECTIVES: Support efforts to better understand land use impacts to water quality, fish and wildlife habitat. Support efforts to assure recreational activities are compatible with maintaining good water quality, fish and wildlife habitat.

Strategies: Develop a system of determining lake sensitivity to nutrient loading from land use changes; Develop criteria and identify shallow lakes, parts of lakes and rivers that are or could be managed for waterfowl use and hunting; Develop management strategies to maintain or improve water quality of lakes and rivers, including: − Applying appropriate zoning standards; − Development/Expansion of educational programs for landowners, contractors, and natural resource professionals on shoreline Best Management Practices and ISTS regulations; − Protecting shoreland areas, particularly shore impact zones; − Encouraging land exchanges and easements to protect water resources compatible with recreation opportunities; − Development of methods for applying financial incentives to landowners for practices that benefit water resources; − Cooperation with lake and river associations and Coalitions of Lake Associations.

18 I. Monitoring Program

The Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan calls for a significant water monitoring effort. This effort includes expansion of existing programs and creation of new programs. The Basin Plan does not call for monitoring simply for the accumulation of data. Rather, the Plan calls for monitoring to meet basin-wide needs identified by the plan developers. The emerging theme of the Plan is to maintain high quality waters and improve waters in need of restoration. Participants in the planning process do not want to wait until rivers and lakes degrade to state standards (MN Rules 7050). Rather they want to establish “thresholds,” locally identified standards, and ask the MPCA and the MDNR to assist in maintaining basin waters at or above these thresholds. Further, development and implementation of the comprehensive basin-wide monitoring effort will provide decision-makers with the information necessary to make informed decisions about future development. Plan developers have voiced concerns that if comprehensive condition monitoring does not begin soon, water quality may degrade, resulting in significant impacts to the environment. Identifying and recording existing conditions are necessary to development of appropriate strategies.

The Monitoring Goals, Objectives, and Strategies are intended to provide a basin-wide monitoring effort that includes comprehensive water monitoring, integrating water management sciences (physical, chemical and biological), monitoring technologies (remote sensing, geomorphology, paleolimnology, etc.) and efforts (agencies, research institutions, citizen organizations). These Goals, Objectives and Strategies are designed to provide usable information to local resource managers and local decision-makers. To ensure that data is accessible and useful, the water monitoring effort is integrated with the development of the Rainy River Basin Water Resources Center.

The plan also recognizes the difficulties associated with coordinating monitoring efforts for a basin that is shared by two countries, one province, one state, several tribal and numerous local governments. Developers of the Plan realize that all these difficulties likely will not be resolved in the five-year plan implementation period; however, their hope is that implementation of the Plan will improve communication and coordination.

This effort is structured with a listing of the overall monitoring goals first, followed by four initiatives containing detailed objectives that further define the goals and strategies to accomplish the goals and objectives.

• Develop a comprehensive basin-wide monitoring effort integrating chemical, physical and biological monitoring and data gathering activities for the Rainy River Basin. • Ensure that the basin-wide monitoring and data management effort encompasses local needs and expectations. • Coordinate water monitoring efforts or studies from all agencies and organizations working within the Rainy River Basin. • Continue and expand existing monitoring efforts in the Rainy River Basin, including but not limited to:

19 Initiative 1 – Comprehensive Basin-Wide Monitoring

Narrative: Initiative I outlines the development of a comprehensive basin-wide monitoring effort that integrates data collection and management activities for all water monitoring activities in the Rainy River Basin. This includes monitoring activities by citizen-based groups, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), resource management agencies, educational and research institutions. This effort is intended to ultimately provide – chemical, physical and biological - baseline information and data needed to establish locally identified, quantitative goals based on current and desired conditions. Water monitoring activities must be integrated with the water resources center and the basin monitoring coordinator.

As stated, the basin monitoring effort will incorporate citizen-based monitoring efforts where appropriate. The following graphic, provided by the Rivers Council of Minnesota, provides an excellent overview of how citizen monitoring can be used with professional monitoring.

Use and Purpose for River Monitoring (and the role of citizens)3

While this initiative is primarily concerned with condition monitoring, it will be integrated with the problem investigation monitoring activities for the Lake of the Woods Erosion Work Group, the Effects of Lake Levels Management for Rainy and Namakan Lakes and the Exotic Species mapping.

Complete implementation of a comprehensive monitoring program for the entire basin may take decades. The intent of the objectives and resulting strategy for this initiative is to identify the monitoring effort structure, determine iterative phases of program implementation, identify potential funding sources and develop an implementation time line.

Finally, monitoring should be built around hydrological units (i.e. watersheds) and monitoring of individual streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands should include and enhance the watershed monitoring effort.

3 From Rivers Council of Minnesota, Strategic Plan 20

OBJECTIVES: Coordination Coordinate and integrate monitoring efforts of citizen-based efforts, research institutions and local, state and federal resource management agencies, including long-term monitoring efforts, special studies and data generated through water quality permitting activities. Coordinate and integrate monitoring efforts with the Rainy River Basin Water Resources Center.

Indicator Watersheds Identify Indicator (representative) Watersheds for Phase I intensive monitoring and analysis. Criteria should include development pressure, land use changes, availability of existing data, Ecological Classification System Subsections, and watersheds generally representative of the basin’s landforms. The indicator watersheds should be representative of either landforms (Canadian Shield, glacial moraines and old glacial Lake Agassiz lake bed), Ecological Classification System Subsections or Northern Lakes and Forests and Northern Minnesota Wetlands Ecoregions. Specific priorities for monitoring, identified by local committees: − Rapid River − Zippel Creek − Bostic Creek − Winter Road River − Baudette River

Indicator Lakes Identify Indicator (representative) lakes for Phase I intensive monitoring and analysis. Criteria should include development pressure, land use changes, availability of existing data, Ecological Classification System Subsections, and lakes generally representative of the basin’s landforms. The indicator lakes should be representative of either landforms (Canadian Shield, glacial moraines and old glacial Lake Agassiz lake bed), Ecological Classification System Subsections or Northern Lakes and Forests and Northern Minnesota Wetlands Ecoregions. Specific priorities for monitoring, identified by local committees: − Lake of the Woods • Assess nutrient input and develop a nutrient budget − Basswood Lake − Gunflint Lake − Lac la Croix − Loon Lake − Namakan Reservoir lakes − Saganaga Lake − Sea Gull Lake − Rainy Lake − Other lakes or projects to be identified

OBJECTIVES: Indicator Wetlands Identify Indicator (representative) wetlands for Phase I intensive monitoring and analysis. Criteria should include development pressure, land use changes, availability of existing data, Ecological Classification System Subsections, and wetlands generally representative of the basin’s landforms. The indicator wetlands should be representative of either landforms (Canadian Shield, glacial moraines and old glacial Lake Agassiz lake bed), Ecological Classification System Subsections or Northern Lakes and Forests and Northern Minnesota Wetlands Ecoregions. Use existing special area (e.g. Scientific and Natural Areas, Marcell Experiment Station, and other appropriate sites) data where ever possible.Coordinate and integrate monitoring efforts with the Rainy River Basin Water Resources Center.

Monitoring Coordinator for Citizen-based Efforts Establish a permanent position to coordinate the activities of citizen-based monitoring efforts and ensure integration with agency and research institution monitoring activities. Use and expand the following existing programs, and others, where appropriate: − Citizens Stream Monitoring Program (CSMP), − Citizens Lake Monitoring Program (CLMP), − Citizens Lake Monitoring Program Plus (CLMP+), − Lake Association monitoring programs, − MPCA Lake Assessment Program, − RRFN Rainy River Monitoring − Promote and expand the River Watch program in the Rainy River Basin • Establish a Quality Assurance / Quality Control program in cooperation with the MPCA and the Water Resources Center.

Target Streams identified by local committees: − Continue the Big Fork River Watch program. Expand the program to include biological monitoring on the tributaries. − Establish River Watch program for the following watersheds; include chemical and biological monitoring. • Little Fork River • Vermilion River • Rapid River • Zippel Creek • Bostic Creek • Winter Road River • Baudette River • Warroad River • Willow Creek 22

OBJECTIVES: Geomorphology and Hydrology With the support of the Arrowhead Region Stream Team, incorporate geomorphology and hydrology (baselines and monitoring) into the comprehensive Rainy River Basin monitoring plan. Include: − Geomorphologic analysis of each minor watershed (as close to the outlet as possible). • Evaluate potential of using LIDAR mapping. − Stream-length geomorphologic survey of the Dark River. • Evaluate potential of using LIDAR mapping. − Inventory hydrologic modifications, identify problem crossings for fish migration, and determine Rosgen classification and stream morphology at each modification. • Control structures • Road, railway, trail crossings − Expand the river flow and stage gaging to include the following: • Road, railway, trail crossings − Expand the river flow and stage gaging to include the following: • Upper Rainy River (above the Little Fork River confluence) − Additional gages close to Rainy mainstem confluence: • Little Fork • Big Fork • Rapid • Baudette − Expand lake level monitoring efforts to include: • Lake of the Woods: Springsteel Wheeler’s Point • Lake Vermilion • Rainy and Namakan Effects of lake level management Others

OBJECTIVES: Biological Biota Monitoring

− Identification of fish assemblages and condition of fisheries community. − Develop indices of biotic integrity for the waters of the Rainy River Basin. Incorporate biotic integrity monitoring into the comprehensive monitoring program for the basin. − Determine and map the extent and intensity of exotic species within the basin. • Eurasian Water Milfoil • Purple Loosestrife • Carp • Rusty Crayfish • Spiny Water Flea • Smelt • Round Gobies • Others

24 Areas of Interest Identified by Local Committees:

The following list contains areas/subjects for potential research or monitoring efforts identified by local committees, but not reflected in the Monitoring Program’s Initiative I. Initiative I is primarily about basin-wide condition monitoring. These areas/subjects were included to ensure that these monitoring concerns were not overlooked.

I. Effects of climate change II. Effects of changes in land use III. Effects of fires on water quality. IV. Sediment sampling, analysis and development of a historical profile of lake water quality, total cumulative effects and ecology for the basin: a. Historical sedimentation rates. b. Historical plankton community diversity and density. c. Calibration of nutrient loading and other controlling variables linked to landscape- scale stressors, diatom inference of past baselines, magnitudes of change, and trends in any depositional basin (including wetlands) of interest. V. Rainy River nutrient and sediment loads study.

VI. Include SO2 in routine lake and stream chemistry monitoring to track acid deposition and the effect of SO2 on the methylization of mercury. VII. Need more information on ground water – surface water interactions within the basin. VIII. Effects of Rice paddies, include flow, physical and chemical and fisheries, annual condition monitoring. a. Sample rice paddy discharges for nutrients and toxics. b. Measure discharge flows and capacity of pump. IX. Effects of beavers on water quality and fisheries.

Strategy I: In the fall of 2003, establish an interagency work group with the task of development of a basin-wide monitoring plan that addresses the following: − Initiative I objectives including identification of the monitoring effort structure, − Determination of iterative phases of program implementation, − Identification of potential funding sources, − Development of an implementation time line (implementation targeted for spring 2004), − Continuing implementation coordination. Lead: MPCA/SWCDs or local water planners Support: MLA, RCM, SWCDs, counties, Water Resources Center, RRCC, VCC, NRRI, UM, MDNR, USGS, USF&WS, USFS, VNP, RRFN. OME, OMNR

25 Initiative II – Basin Monitoring Coordinator

Narrative:

Developers of the Basin Water Plan believe that the complexities of the basin (size, topography, geology, and local, state, national and international relationships) require the establishment of a monitoring coordinator position to ensure communication and coordination at all levels throughout the basin.

OBJECTIVES: The State of Minnesota should establish a Rainy River Basin Monitoring Coordinator position to coordinate water monitoring efforts among local, state, tribal and federal agencies – including Canadian and Ontario agencies - in the basin. Identify and develop a working relationship with partners throughout the basin. Develop better coordination of monitoring activities and studies on lakes and rivers straddling the international border between the U.S. and Canada. Coordinate periodic evaluation of monitoring programs to determine those that are no longer needed and develop new programs when needed. Coordinate with Water Resources Center to provide basin water management information to local, state and federal agencies and decision- makers as needed for assistance with developing legislation, rules and other regulations. Position should come from existing resources/staff. Coordinate monitoring coordinator positions among basins.

Strategy II: To be developed dependent on resources and funding. Lead: Support: BWSR, MDNR, MDA, MDH, MPCA, Water Resources Center

26 Initiative III – Effectiveness Monitoring for Projects

Narrative:

Developers of the Basin Water Plan have expressed their concern that projects are not evaluated to determine success or failure. They have indicated that Basin Projects must include effectiveness monitoring to ensure that projects meet their goals.

OBJECTIVE: All protection and/or restoration projects must have a monitoring plan (before and after) component to determine effectiveness.

Strategy III: The project manager will have the primary responsibility for ensuring that the proposed project has an effective, pre- and post-implementation monitoring component. The Rainy River Basin Committee will include adequacy and effectiveness of the project’s monitoring component in ranking projects included on the Basin Project List. Lead: Rainy River Basin Coordinator Support: MDNR, MDA, MDH, MPCA, USFS, VNP, USGS, USFWS, RRFN

Initiative IV – Floodplain Mapping

Narrative:

Floodplain maps are used by local land-use managers, lending institutions, private landowners, land surveyors, and others to guide the placement of structures and design vehicular access to lands situated in flood prone areas. The availability of accurate maps and related information that identify areas subject to flooding are essential for advising landowners, administering construction/sewage system permits, and determining the suitability of lands for subdivision and residential development.

OBJECTIVES: The State in cooperation with local governments and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) should strive to improve the availability and accuracy of information that describes the extent of flood hazards within areas that are known to be flood prone. Improve the accuracy of existing floodplain maps and expand mapping to areas where it is currently unavailable. Develop 100-year flood elevations as a guide for future development in areas where elevations are currently lacking. Establish elevation reference marks in areas of likely development to assist in conducting floodplain surveys and determining site-specific flood elevations.

Strategies: Obtain digital elevation mapping at two-foot contours for all flood prone areas. Lead: FEMA, MDNR Support: USACOE, Local Governments Develop a streamlined methodology for computing site-specific 100-year flood elevations and Floodway/Flood Fringe boundaries in areas lacking this information. Lead: MDNR, FEMA Support: USACOE, USGS In areas of existing/potential development where elevation reference marks are unavailable, set new reference marks and establish vertical control elevations for each as resources allow. Lead: Local Governments Support: MDNR, MN-DOT, USCOE, USGS

28 J. Phosphorous and other Nutrients Goal Manage phosphorus loading to surface waters for the purpose of minimizing impacts.

OBJECTIVES: Encourage the availability of phosphorus-free fertilizer. Educate people about adverse impacts of phosphorus and nitrogen use in near shore areas. Assess effects of beneficial use land application programs (sewage sludge and ash). Assess effects of septage management programs. Encourage the use of filter strips to prevent nutrients from reaching waterways.

K. Stormwater Goal Facilitate implementation of stormwater regulations for communities.

OBJECTIVE: Find funding for implementation of stormwater regulations.

L. Wastewater Management Initiative

The Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan recognizes that proper treatment of wastewater is essential to maintaining the quality of surface and ground waters. The shallow soils overlying bedrock and high water tables of the basin create many challenges for individual sewage treatment systems. These challenges have resulted in many failed systems throughout the basin, creating a great need for system replacements and upgrades. In the Wastewater Initiative, the Plan recognizes that the complexity of individual sewage treatment system operation and maintenance may be best addressed through an administrative entity. Administrative entities may include wastewater cooperatives, districts or other appropriate alternatives.

The Initiative also cautions against the assumption that a centralized sewer system is always the best solution for unsewered areas. The Initiative recommends evaluating centralized systems and individual or cluster systems and using the alternative appropriate to the area.

The Initiative examines the complexity of individual sewage treatment regulations with local and state agencies having different, often conflicting, responsibilities. The Initiative recommends ways for better coordination among agencies.

Finally, the Initiative makes recommendations to assure continued funding for publicly owned wastewater treatment systems including operation, maintenance and upgrades.

29 Education Goal

Educate County Boards, Planning/Zoning Commissions, Board of Adjustments and other local decision-makers about wastewater management needs and the relationship to planning and zoning.

OBJECTIVE: To ensure proper education and information about wastewater management for decision-makers enabling them to make knowledgeable decisions on Zoning and Wastewater concerns.

Strategy: Hold an annual or semiannual seminar designed to provide continuing education about wastewater management and local zoning to local decision-makers. Lead: AWQT? Water Resources Center? Other? Support:

Individual Sewage Treatment System Operation, Maintenance, Repair and Upgrade Goal

Develop a program that encourages individuals and businesses to upgrade their Nonconforming/Failing sewage treatment systems and inspect and maintain Individual Sewage Treatment Systems.

OBJECTIVES: Management Ensure that the program is long-term. Develop an incentive to encourage administrative structures to maintain and repair the sewage treatment systems. Options include: − Districts − Cooperatives − County record keeping systems. − Others − Ensure that the systems are monitored (environment and system) to assure adequate treatment. Find ways to allow for land swaps or use of state land when needed to provide appropriate space for sewage treatment for existing development.

30 Strategies: Funding Maintain/increase the Natural Resources Block Grant to provide a secure source of funding for Individual sewage treatment system administrative structures. Encourage the state to provide technical information to local units of governments on record keeping systems and other administrative databases. (Workshops, seminars – the objective is to keep paper work to a minimum). Encourage the state to provide seed money to counties and local units of governments to establish revolving loan programs as allowed by state law. The Revolving Loan Fund should provide money for new and replacement (including upgrades) to Individual Sewage Treatment Systems. The program should also allow for limited grants based on need. Encourage funding for Individual Sewage Treatment Systems (individual or cluster systems) through the Wastewater Infrastructure Fund, State Revolving Fund, and other local, state and federal programs. The state should identify successful incentives and provide these incentives to local governments to assess adaptations for local implementation. Administrative structure should develop a database that tracks individual sewage treatment system construction, maintenance, repair and inspections. Look at options for Operating Permits that may include some type of sewage surcharge for individual sewage treatment system – payable to local governments that have conforming Individual Sewage Treatment System Ordinances. Encourage funding from private foundations to address “quality of life issues.” Lead: Support:

Education Promote and provide continuing education and utilize existing information regarding individual sewage treatment system, update as necessary, print and provide copies to local governments for distribution to the public. Cooperate with lake associations and Coalitions of Lake Associations on property owner education/information programs. Compile information on successful enforcement programs. Follow state shoreline regulations especially pertaining to individual sewage treatment system compliance. Compile information on successful enforcement programs and distribute to local governments. Lead: Extension/AWQT

31 Strategies Compliance Develop a cooperative program with lake associations and Coalitions of Lake Associations for property owner education/information. Assess, and adjust as necessary, local shore land regulations and implementation programs to ensure compliance with state shoreline regulations especially pertaining to individual sewage treatment system compliance. Lead: Counties/Townships, lake associations, MLA Indicators: Number of systems upgraded Number of incentive programs implemented or expanded Dollars allocated.

OBJECTIVE: Technology Develop alternatives (performance standards) as allowed by current state individual sewage treatment system regulations (7080).

Strategies: Develop performance-based standards. Allow replacement / reconstruction in-situ for old systems. Examine costs/benefits of centralized sewer systems verses individual and cluster treatment systems. Provide funding for planning and installation of managed Individual Sewage Treatment Systems or municipal waste water treatment facilities based on the appropriate solution for the service area (i.e. discontinue the incentive to use the “BIG PIPE” solution). Explore the feasibility of using state and federal lands for sewage treatment – for existing development - in areas where other options are not available. Lead: TBD (local units of government implementing individual sewage treatment system ordinances?) Support: UM Extension, NRRI, MPCA, Local Governmental Units.

OBJECTIVE: Inspection Encourage point of sale Inspection/Certificate of Compliance to make sure individual sewage treatment systems are compliant when property is either transferred or building permits are issued.

Strategies: Encourage Local Units of Government, lending institutions and realtors to require point of sale compliance inspections. Provide education to Local Units of Government, lending institutions, realtors and the general public. Lead: University Extension, County, MPCA etc.

Indicators: Number of system upgraded at time of sale or with permit issuance.

OBJECTIVE: Education Encourage more Lake, River and Property Owners Associations to be formed and encourage these associations to promote proper individual sewage treatment system and operation and maintenance to ensure water quality protection. Utilize existing information regarding individual sewage treatment systems in compliance with state shoreline regulations.

Strategy: Develop an incentive to encourage administrative structures to maintain and repair the sewage treatment systems. Options include: − Districts − Cooperatives − County record keeping systems. − Ensure that the systems are monitored (environmental and system) to assure adequate treatment Indicator: Properly operating individual sewage treatment system and ensure water quality protection.

Operation & Maintenance Goal

Ensure proper Operation and Maintenance on all types of Individual Sewage Treatment Systems.

OBJECTIVES: Review the EPA performance program models to see how they could fit into existing programs. To make sure operation and maintenance of all systems is performed and proper installation and operation and maintenance of all systems is accomplished. To fill the gap between basic individual sewage treatment systems, performance systems and Municipal wastewater operator licensing programs, create a new license and training program for proper operation and maintenance of all systems.

Strategies: Responsible Units of Government should identify successful incentives and provide these incentives to local governments to assess adaptations for local use. The state should work cooperatively with counties, counties with townships, etc. Administrative structure (Responsible Units of Government with assistance from the MPCA) should develop a database that tracks individual sewage treatment system construction, maintenance, repair and inspections. Work with the MPCA and Minnesota Extension individual sewage treatment system training programs to create this program and support a law/rule changes if need be.

33 Wastewater Cooperative Goal

Encourage the review of the Rainy Basin Cooperative Wastewater permit to see if it could be used to accomplish basin-wide individual sewage treatment system compliance.

OBJECTIVE: Achieve Basin wide consistency and proper installation and O&M of individual sewage treatment system and programs.

Strategies: Determine if the basin-wide cooperative program would work effectively in the Rainy River Basin. Identify existing Sewer Districts and other Responsible Units of Government in the Basin. Identify areas in need of a sewer district or management framework. Assess the Basin’s geology and geography to determine system management and structure options. Lead:

Municipal System Goal

Facilitate required upgrades to community wastewater treatment systems.

OBJECTIVES: Provide funding for required upgrades to publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities. Ensure that publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities are self sufficient for future upgrades or other capital expenses.

Strategies: Operation, Maintenance & Replacement (OMR) costs for publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities must be covered by user fees. The state and/or federal government should fund upgrades resulting from new regulations.

34 Septage and Sludge Goal

Proper management of septage and sludge.

OBJECTIVES: Provide adequate areas for proper management of septage and sludge to include land application sites and septage disposal options at wastewater plants. Develop a licensing program that would better integrate Local Units of Government in the management of septage. Determine appropriate responsibility for regulating sewage sludge and septage to ensure proper disposal.

Strategies: Work with the MPCA, local units of government, disposal plants, agricultural land owners, forested land owners, County Extension Offices etc. to establish a program that will be cost effective and work properly. Encourage local units of government to keep records for pumping of all holding tanks.

Houseboat Wastewater Goal

Develop management options for houseboat greywater discharge.

OBJECTIVES: Determine who has the authority to regulate houseboat greywater discharge. Scope the problem. Determine number of houseboats without greywater holding. Determine infrastructure capabilities and need (include blackwater needs).

Strategies: The State should examine federal and state regulations to determine who has authority to regulate houseboat greywater discharge and develop a written report delineating the scope of regulatory authority. Lead: PCA Support: MDNR, US Coast Guard

Develop a work group to scope the issue. Scoping report should include: Number of private and commercial houseboats operating within the basin Number of houseboats with out greywater storage capability and a determination of greywater discharge volumes. Determine potential impacts from greywater discharge based upon volumes and receiving waters. Inventory greywater and blackwater infrastructure for all basin lakes on which houseboats operate. Determine capacities and needs. Lead: PCA Support: MDNR, US Coast Guard, VNP

35 M. Water Resources Center Initiative

Develop and establish a Rainy River Basin Water Resources Center at Rainy River Community College (RRCC), with a satellite campus at Vermilion Community College (VCC). The Water Resource center will have four major emphases: Research, data management, education, and communication between interested U.S. and Canadian groups in the Rainy River Basin.

OBJECTIVES: The Water Resources Center will perform water quality research specific to the Rainy River Basin. − Perform water quality, water quantity (hydrology and geomorphology) and aquatic ecology monitoring and research. − Gain EPA certification for coliform testing and nutrient analysis at RRCC.

Strategies: Seek funding for development of a water quality lab and office space for research personnel at RRCC and VCC. Work with Minn. Department of Health to develop a plan, which leads to EPA certification for coliform testing and nutrient analysis. Lead: Rainy River Community College

OBJECTIVES: The Water Resource Center will serve to collect, store, manage, and disseminate data resulting from research initiatives within the basin. − Develop a basin data repository to include the following: precipitation; watershed land use information; water quality indicators; flow, stage and lake levels; fisheries, quantitative and qualitative information for macro-invertebrate species and other biota. − Combine data from all agencies and organizations involved in water monitoring into a comprehensive water quality, quantity and aquatic ecology basin assessment. − Develop data summaries and analyses. − Coordinate data compatibility among agencies and organizations.

Strategies: Incorporate the Mankato State/Minnesota River Basin Data Warehouse program as a model for organizing information. Research methods for organizing and storing data in Web format. Lead: Rainy River Community College

N. Wetland Management Goals: 1. Protect wetland types and functions throughout the basin. 2. Recognize the potential of wetlands to maintain or improve water quality.

Strategies: Support each county’s existing program to manage wetland types and functions throughout the Rainy River Basin. When counties share jurisdiction for specific wetlands the counties should coordinate management. Lead: Basin counties Support: BWSR, MDNR, MPCA , USACOE

37 Rainy River Basin Plan – Implementation Time Line

TBD refers to goals, objectives or strategies that are not ready for implementation at this time due to timing, local or organizational capacity. TBD items will be addressed by the Basin Committee during implementation.

Strategy 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Continuing A Basin Plan Implementation Overview and Coordination Goal Basin Committee Operation County Review of Annual Work Plan B Communication / Coordination Goal Establish a program to promote communication and coordination among local, state and federal agencies and between agencies and the public. TBD Examine state and federal land acquisition and land use, integrate/coordinate with other land management activities TBD C Drinking Water Goal Strategies for groundwater sources Strategies for surface water sources D Education Initiative General Water Management Education Goal TBD Stream Team Goal Watershed Assessment Tool Goal, Strategy 1 E Erosion Goal Prevent or reduce erosion and run-off where feasible and remediate existing and future erosion and run-off problems TBD F Forest Management Water Quality Goal Communicate the importance of the MN Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines to logging professionals and private TBD landowners Support continued training opportunities for MN loggers and forest professionals TBD Encourage efforts to retain forests (vs. development and parcelization) such as the recently enacted Sustainable Forest Incentive Act TBD

38 Rainy River Basin Plan – Implementation Time Line

Strategy 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Continuing Develop a ‘statement of support’ encouraging efforts to maintain forest land uses and forest management. Forward this statement of support to TBD local planning groups Support communications to small private landowners to broaden awareness of the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act TBD G Groundwater Goal Increase the knowledge of groundwater resources in the Rainy River Basin TBD Support efforts by local government to protect groundwater resources TBD H Land Use / Shoreland Development Goal Develop a system of determining lake sensitivity to nutrient loading from land use changes TBD Develop criteria and identify shallow lakes, parts of lakes and rivers that are or could be managed for waterfowl use and hunting TBD Develop management strategies to maintain or improve water quality of lakes and rivers TBD I Monitoring Program In the fall of 2003, establish an interagency work group with the task of development of a basin-wide monitoring plan Establish a permanent position to coordinate the activities of citizen- based monitoring efforts and ensure integration with agency and research institution monitoring activities. The State of Minnesota should establish a Rainy River Basin Monitoring Coordinator position to coordinate water monitoring efforts among local, TBD state, tribal and federal agencies – including Canadian and Ontario agencies - in the basin All protection and/or restoration projects must have a monitoring plan (before and after) component to determine effectiveness Obtain digital elevation mapping at two-foot contours for all flood prone areas TBD

39 Rainy River Basin Plan – Implementation Time Line

Strategy 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Continuing Develop a streamlined methodology for computing site-specific 100-year flood elevations and Floodway/Flood Fringe boundaries in areas lacking TBD this information In areas of existing/potential development where elevation reference marks are unavailable, set new reference marks and establish vertical TBD control elevations for each as resources allow J Phosphorous and other Nutrients Goal Manage phosphorus loading to surface waters for the purpose of minimizing impacts TBD K Stormwater Goal Facilitate implementation of stormwater regulations for communities TBD L Wastewater Management Initiative Education Goal TBD Individual Sewage Treatment System Operation, Maintenance, Repair and Upgrade Goal TBD Operation & Maintenance Goal TBD Wastewater Cooperative Goal TBD Municipal System Goal TBD Septage and Sludge Goal TBD Houseboat Wastewater Goal TBD M Water Resources Center Initiative The Water Resources Center will perform water quality research specific to the Rainy River Basin The Water Resource Center will serve to collect, store, manage, and disseminate data resulting from research initiatives within the basin

40 Rainy River Basin Plan – Implementation Time Line

Strategy 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Continuing The Water Resources Center will initiate and coordinate educational opportunities related to the Rainy River Basin The Water Resource Center will foster communication between U.S. and Canadian agencies, organizations and citizen groups involved in basin activities N Wetland Management Goals Support each county’s existing program to manage wetland types and functions throughout the Rainy River Basin TBD When counties share jurisdiction for specific wetlands the counties should coordinate management TBD

SECTION II: EAST LOCAL COMMITTEE

Narrative:

The Rainy River Basin – East Local Committee was formed to provide local perspective and develop locally identified goals, objectives and strategies for the eastern portion of the Rainy Headwaters watershed. This watershed is entirely within the Ecological Classification System’s Border Lakes Class (characterized by Canadian Shield topography). This portion of the Headwaters watershed is contained within Cook and Lake Counties. The Gunflint Trail area and much of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are within the Headwaters watershed.

Committee members indicate that waters of the Headwaters watershed are currently in a high quality state, but there exists the potential for degradation due to stresses from development. They indicate their desire for protection of water quality rather than allowing waters to degrade. Members stress the cost savings of protection verses restoration. Committee members view the Overall Goal as calling for no decrease in water quality. They believe that this goal is compatible with development as long as the development is carefully planned and managed through a process that includes local decision-makers. Committee members have discussed the copper, nickel and platinum-mining activities proposed for the headwaters of the Kawishiwi system. Members expect that state-of-the-art technologies will be utilized to protect water quality as the extraction and processing proceeds.

Committee members describe the basin plan as a partnership between residents, stakeholders, local elected officials and local, state and federal agencies. They accept their local responsibilities, but stress that the partnership will not succeed unless state and federal agencies are active participants. This state and federal participation must include cooperation and coordination along with technical assistance and financial support.

Committee members remind the state and federal agencies, the Minnesota legislature and congress that basin planning and management was developed and encouraged by state and federal policies and rules. Local residents, stakeholders, elected officials and agency staff had full workloads, but made time to participate in this important partnership at the request of state and federal agencies. The East Committee members invested in this process and are committed to implementation of the basin plan. The committee finished its work with this statement to federal and state agencies and elected officials, “We’ll do our part; you now need to provide the resources to achieve success.” .

Maintain or improve the existing condition

River Basin to meet th

e following objectives: Provide for basin-wide application of the MPCA’s non-degradation regulations. Provide for basin-wide application of the MPCA’s Phosphorus Strategy. of streams, rivers and lakes in the Rainy Provide for MDNR’s application of similar, basin-wide, non-degradation regulations for water appropriation and work in Protected Waters.

Goal I. Address/assess watershed health, including information on water quality, water quantity, aquatic and riparian communities, transportation, economics and development. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Develop an assessment tool for bays, lakes, sub watersheds and watersheds that integrates all the following system components:

watershed health recreation − resorts and tourism − water quality − seasonal and year around residences − hydrology − drinking water − aquatic and riparian ecosystems transportation development economics

Objectives Develop a watershed health Strategies: vulnerability model for bays, lakes, sub Support development of the Itasca County Lake Vulnerability Analysis Model to watersheds and watersheds, to serve serve as the base on which to develop the comprehensive model. as a tool that may be used by local land use decision-makers. The model Lead: Itasca SWCD should establish a baseline and During completion of the Itasca County Lake Vulnerability Analysis Model, form provide a method for quantifying a work group (composed of local, state and federal staff) with the following watershed health and assessing tasks4: cumulative effects for the following categories: scope the tasks described in the objectives − water quality form a steering committee (composed of residents, local decision makers and representatives of basin stakeholder groups) − hydrology Form a Research Partnership of public and private institutes, educational − aquatic and riparian ecosystems institutions, and local, state and federal agencies to complete the research − Exotics and provide data and models to the steering committee for review and approval. Lead: TBD Support: TBD Under the direction of the Steering Committee, the Research Partnership performs the research and develops the models to provide a comprehensive watershed and social health vulnerability tool described in the Objectives. The Partnership should: Coordinate with efforts to develop basin health thresholds, Examine other regional efforts (Lake Tahoe, Chesapeake Bay, New Jersey, etc.) Integrate the quantitative ranking scales from all metrics to provide weighting based upon the priorities developed by the Steering Committee. Lead: TBD Support: TBD

4 Applies to Watershed Health and Social Health Objectives. 44

Objectives Develop a social health vulnerability Strategies: model for bays, lakes, sub watersheds During completion of the Itasca County Lake Vulnerability Analysis Model, form a and watersheds. The model shall be work group (composed of local, state and federal staff) with the following tasks5: integrated with the watershed health model described above. The model − Scope the tasks described in the objectives should establish a baseline and provide a method for quantifying social health − Form a steering committee (composed of residents, local decision makers and assessing cumulative effects for and representatives of basin stakeholder groups) the following categories: − Form a partnership of public and private institutes, educational institutions, transportation and local, state and federal agencies to complete the research and provide data and models to the steering committee for review and approval economics Lead: TBD recreation Support: TBD − resorts and tourism − seasonal and year around Under the direction of the Steering Committee, the Research Partnership residences performs the research and develops the models to provide a comprehensive watershed and social health vulnerability tool described in the Objectives. The − drinking water Partnership should: development − Coordinate with efforts to develop basin health thresholds − Examine other regional efforts (Lake Tahoe, Chesapeake Bay, New Jersey, etc.) − Integrate the quantitative ranking scales from all metrics to provide weighting based upon the priorities developed by the Steering Committee Lead: TBD Support: TBD

5 Applies to Watershed Health and Social Health Objectives. 45

Goal II. More incentives are needed to encourage/assist people and business with upgrades to sewage treatment systems and drinking water systems. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Develop a program that encourages individuals and businesses to upgrade their failing sewage treatment systems and inadequate drinking water systems and inspect and maintain ISTS.

Objectives: Ensure that the program is long term Strategies: and with adequate funding. The state should increase the NRBG to provide a secure source of funding for Develop an incentive to encourage ISTS administrative structures. administrative structures to maintain The state should provide technical information on databases. (Workshops, and repair the sewage treatment systems. Options include: seminars – the objective is to keep paper work to a minimum). The state should provide seed money to counties to establish revolving loan − Districts programs as allowed by state law. The Revolving Loan Fund should provide − Cooperatives money for new and replacement (including upgrades) ISTS, for public drinking water suppliers (business). The program should also allow for limited grants County record keeping systems. − based on need. Ensure that the systems are monitored The legislature needs to provide funding for ISTS (individual or cluster systems) (environment and system) to assure through funds appropriated for WIF, SRF, etc. adequate treatment. The state should identify successful incentives and provide these incentives to Development and enact a statute that local governments to assess adaptations for local use. mandates a Operating Permit (including a sewage surcharge) for Administrative structure should develop a database that tracks ISTS construction, ISTS – payable to local governments maintenance, repair and inspections. that have conforming ISTS ordinances Indicators: – once a system has been checked, by a certified inspector, and found # of systems upgraded compliant the surcharge will be lifted # of incentive programs implemented or expanded for that property (5 year period). $ allocated by legislature Protect drinking water sources for current and future uses.

Shared Goal: Promote and provide continuing education about Riparian Best Management Practices and ISTS to the public.

Objectives: Utilize existing information regarding Strategies: Best Management Practices and ISTS, 1. Education: update as necessary, print and provide copies to local governments for DTED should provide money to fund education programs for exotics and distribution. resort drinking water needs. Cooperate with lake associations and Assemble existing information regarding Best Management Practices and COLAs on property owner ISTS, update as necessary, print and provide copies to local governments for education/information. distribution. Concentrate on: Compile information on successful Within the Shore Impact Zone: enforcement programs − Vegetation management Follow state shoreline regulations especially pertaining to ISTS − Impervious surface compliance. Compile information on successful enforcement programs and distribute to local governments. Lead: Extension/AWQT 2. Compliance: Develop a cooperative program with lake associations and COLAs for property owner education/information. Assess, and adjust as necessary, local shoreland regulations and implementation programs to ensure compliance with state shoreline regulations especially pertaining to ISTS compliance. Lead: Counties/Townships, lake associations, MLA

Goal III. Examine state and federal land acquisition and land use, integrate/coordinate with other land management activities. (High Priority)

Shared Goals: 1) Ensure communication/coordination among land management agencies, use National Environmental Policy Act and Minnesota Environmental Policy Act. 2) Find ways to allow for land swaps when needed to provide appropriate space for sewage treatment for existing development. Including communication and coordination with other government agencies regarding land swaps. 47

Goal IV. Better communication between agencies and the public. (Medium Priority)

Shared Goal: Establish a communication program to promote communication among local, state and federal agencies and between agencies and the public.

Objectives: Establish widely distributed Rainy River Strategies: Basin Newsletter providing information Develop and publish (quarterly) a widely distributed (internet & snail mail) Rainy from all local state and federal River Basin Newsletter providing information from all local state and federal agencies in the basin. agencies in the basin. Establish a Rainy River Basin website that provides links to all agencies Lead: Water Resources Center operating within the basin and Develop and publish a Rainy River Basin website that provides links to all containing brief information and links to agencies operating within the basin, containing brief information and links to special areas of interest. special areas of interest. Encourage agencies to provide public Lead: Water Resources Center meetings and field trips to provide continuing information about ongoing projects.

Goal V. Monitoring needs: blow down effects; Quantitative information on: sediments, biota, nutrients, and exotics; Monitoring to assess effectiveness of: sewage treatment upgrades, and protection and restoration projects; and Must include a public information and education component. (Medium Priority)

Shared Goal: Establish a basin-wide monitoring and data management framework that encompasses local needs and expectations. The monitoring framework should coordinate water monitoring efforts or studies from all agencies and organizations working within the Rainy River Basin.

SECTION III: EAST-CENTRAL LOCAL COMMITTEE

Narrative:

The Rainy River Basin – East-Central Local Committee was formed to provide local perspective and develop locally identified goals, objectives and strategies for the western portion of the Rainy Headwaters, Vermilion, eastern portion of the Rainy Lake, and eastern portion of the Little Fork watersheds. These watersheds include the Ecological Classification System’s Border Lakes Class (characterized by Canadian Shield topography) along the north with Littlefork-Vermilion Upland and Nashwauk Upland classes on the south. Glacial moraines and outwash plains characterize these southern classes with a gradual transition from bedrock on the east to peatland on the west. The local economy includes taconite mining, forest products production, recreation and tourism, and some farming. The area includes all of the Vermilion Range and much of the Mesabi Range along with substantial portions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park. This area also is the fastest growing region within the Rainy River Basin. Committee members indicate that headwaters of the Kawishiwi system are generally of high quality, however, the presence of metallic sulfides in an area called the contact zone south of both the South Kawishiwi River and Birch Lake is now becoming economic. The resource was recognized in the early 1900’s but technologies didn’t exist until recently to safely utilize them. It is reasonable to expect that state- of-the-art technologies will be utilized to protect the resource as the extraction and processing of copper, nickel, and platinum group minerals proceeds.

The primary emphasis of the Goals, Objectives and Strategies for this committee has been protection. Committee members have expressed a desire to protect existing industries like mining, forest products and tourism and allow for continued residential and commercial development while maintaining or improving the quality of the rivers, streams and lakes that make the area so attractive. Committee members stress that their quality of life and economic well being is intimately tied to the quality of the water.

Due to the rapid growth in the western portion of the planning area and the leadership of St. Louis County, residents of these watersheds have adopted watershed planning as a means of appropriately managing local land uses. Excellent examples of locally initiated watershed planning include the current effort to develop a new comprehensive plan for Lake Vermilion and the existing plan for Burntside Lake. This truly exhaustive effort involves residents, stakeholders, and local elected officials, along with staff from local, state and federal agencies. Participants are determining what the desired future conditions are for Lake Vermilion, examining the scientific data then developing a land use plan for the watersheds upstream of Lake Vermilion. Townships and St. Louis County will adopt this plan and develop ordinances to implement the goals and objectives of the plan.

On the eastern end of the planning area, Lake County contains some 1000 square miles of the Headwaters Watershed consisting mainly of oligotrophic lakes set both in the Laurentian shield and the glacial till uplands. Lake County revised its Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Land Use Ordinance in 2002, incorporating many ideas from the County Comprehensive Local Water Plan. One of the unique aspects to Lake County’s approach is its use of a multi- disciplinary Hydrology Task Force where state, county and federal professionals collaborate to manage the resource. Significant countywide efforts have been made to educate the public in its role of stewardship and the recently released, “Property Owner Resource Guide,” received a state award.

Because of this existing local commitment to watershed planning, goals developed by the East-Central Committee focus primarily on tools that will help local planning and management efforts. Committee members emphasize that tools developed through the basin plan, whether they are data management, environmental assessment or regulatory, must be flexible enough to allow for local customization to reflect the local environment and culture.

Committee members further express the need for funding for implementation of water management activities. They point out that their investment in local watershed management can only be successful if they have the commitment of state and federal agencies as partners, providing their share of resources and funding.

Committee members see their goals fitting into three broad categories. These categories, education, monitoring and local enforcement, all are intended to enhance their efforts to protect their local environment and way of life.

Maintain or improve the existing condition

Provide for basin-wide applicationRiver Basin of thtoe meet MPCA’s th non-degradation regulations, Provide for basin-wide application of the MPCA’s Phosphorus Strategy to: − Maintain or improve the tropic state of Lake of the Woods (the lake is exhibiting early affects of nutrient over e following objectives: enrichment via algae blooms). Provide for MDNR’s application of similar, basin-wide, non-degradationof regulations streams, for rivers wate andr appropriation lakes in the and Rainy work in Protected Waters permits following necessary rule changes. Implement the following Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators:

Goal VI. Sewage Treatment needs. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Facilitate required upgrades to community wastewater treatment systems.

Objectives: Provide funding for required upgrades to publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities. Ensure POWWTF are self sufficient for the future upgrades or other capital expenses.

Goal VII. Stormwater management needs. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Facilitate implementation of stormwater regulations for communities.

Objectives: Find funding for implementation of stormwater regulations

Goal VIII. Lake water levels. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Examine management of lake water levels.

Objectives: Minimum/Maximum Control structure management plans. Inventory control structures and assess maintenance needs. FERC reauthorizations. Downstream effects: Fall lake

Goal IV. Need for maintenance and repair of existing ditches. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Existing active road and drainage ditches should receive needed maintenance and repairs to ensure adequate drainage for existing development and to provide drainage for stormwater management.

Objectives: Inventory active ditches, non right-of-way, and determine maintenance needs.

Goal V. Road design standards have too much of an impact on the character of an area and the environment. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Advocate for more sensitive and low impact road design.

Objectives: New roads and new road alignments must be viewed in a big picture context and developed to eliminate haphazard development. Road crossings of streams should have minimal impact on normal, low and flood flows. Minimize clear cutting of right-of-way. In-slopes, ditches and back slopes should be planted to native plants. Examine roads to determine if reconstruction should be to CSAH Standards (55 MPH) or if the road should be constructed to Scenic By-way Standards. Consider alternate standards for local roads.

Goal VI. Education needs. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Education needs.

Objectives: Inventory existing educational materials and determine additional materials needed.

Goal VII. Shoreline development issues on lakes and rivers. (High Priority)

Shared Goals: 1) Examine/assess effects of shoreline development on lakes, rivers and streams; 2) Develop and recommend low impact development alternatives; and 3) Encourage development of lake associations.

Objectives: Preservation/Protection of shoreline and Strategies: surface waters – shore impact zone - Incorporate objectives in watershed planning activities. using sustainable development principles. Lead: varies (generally county or township government). Encourage adherence to floodplain Support: county planning department, county health department, SWCD, lake regulations. associations, river boards, BWSR, MDNR, MPCA, USFS, etc. Support implementation of the local Wetland Management Plan. Funding: sources to be determined.

Minimize impervious surface. County, state and federal governments should assess impacts of government Control stormwater runoff on individual land swaps or sales. Consider public value of shoreland, essential character of lots. neighborhoods; seek input from the local land use entity. Protect and restore shore impact zones. Lead: varies. Assess impacts of 2nd, 3rd and 4th tier Funding: sources to be determined. development. Develop management practices that minimize negative Encourage local government to provide funding necessary to provide one-on- impacts. one information to property owners on-site. Assure low impact land divisions - Ensure sustainable funding to: Divisions of any type should be reviewed for buildable area, septic and − Continue and expand educational programs. expansion area, slope, wetlands and access. Expand existing education programs for Shoreline Best Management Practices. Develop new programs as needed especially for excavation contractors. Regulations and enforcement should require restoration.

Goal VIII. Concern about phosphorus impacts on surface waters. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Concern about phosphorus impacts on surface waters.

Objectives: Removal of phosphorus from fertilizers Strategies: except for fertilizers used on soils Develop targeted educational programs to inform residents about the adverse tested and found to be low in impacts of phosphorus and nitrogen on rivers and lakes. phosphorus. Target audiences: Educate people about adverse impacts of phosphorus and nitrogen use in near − Shoreline property owners (continue/expand the Shoreline Best Management shore areas. Practices information program developed by the AWQT). Assess impacts from land application − Farmers. of sewage sludge and septage. − Golf course owners. Lead: AWQT Support: Counties, SWCDs, MDA, MDNR, MPCA Develop a monitoring program to assess phosphorus loading and effects on tributaries and cumulative effects on rivers and lakes basin-wide. Lead: MPCA Support: MDNR, USGS, counties, SWCDs. Determine appropriate disposal sites for septage and sewage.

Shared Goal: Facilitate upgrades to failing individual sewage treatment systems. (High Priority)

Objectives: Develop an inspection program for old Strategies: systems on shoreline. Establish a work group, led by the County Health Department to develop appropriate options for St. Louis County, include: − Townships − Lake associations − SWCD Options may include: − Aerial survey. − Encourage point of sale disclosure programs. − Prioritize shoreline areas and develop an individual sewage treatment system compliance program to address the identified areas. − Cooperative project between the county and lake associations to identify and replace failing systems. − Provide ISTS education to shoreland property owners. − Continue to require failing ISTS upgrades before construction permits are issued. − Develop a system to provide financial and technical assistance to property owners replacing failing systems. Lead: St. Louis County Support: SWCDs, lake associations, townships, MPCA. Funding:

Shared Goal: Determine appropriate locations and methods for forest application of sludge. (Medium Priority)

Objectives: Identify potential biosolid application sites based EPA’s Biosolid Application Criteria. Coordinate with all levels of governments to select appropriate sites and develop an Application Site list for the Rainy Basin.

Shared Goal: Develop alternatives (performance Standards) as current state individual sewage treatment system regulations now allow. (Medium Priority)

Objectives: Develop performance-based standards. Allow replacement / reconstruction in-situ for old systems. Examine costs/benefits of centralized sewer systems verses individual and cluster treatment systems. Provide funding for planning and installation of managed Individual Sewage Treatment Systems or municipal waste water treatment facilities based on the appropriate solution for the service area (i.e. discontinue the incentive to use the “BIG PIPE” solution). Explore the feasibility of using state and federal lands for sewage treatment – for existing development - in areas where other options are not available.

Shared Goal: Develop management options for houseboat greywater discharge. (Medium Priority)

Objectives: Determine who has the authority to Strategies: regulate houseboat greywater The State should examine federal and state regulations to determine who has discharge. authority to regulate houseboat greywater discharge and develop a written report Scope the problem: delineating the scope of regulatory authority. − Determine # of houseboats w/o Lead: PCA greywater holding Support: MDNR, US Coast Guard − Determine infrastructure Determine other counties interest (i.e. is this an issue for a basin-wide strategy). capabilities and need (include blackwater needs). Lead: Basin Coordinator Support: Local Committees Develop a work group to scope the issue. Scoping report should include: − Number of private and commercial houseboats operating within the basin − Number of houseboats with out greywater storage capability and a determination of greywater discharge volumes. − Determine potential impacts from greywater discharge based upon volumes and receiving waters. − Inventory greywater and blackwater infrastructure for all basin lakes on which houseboats operate. Determine capacities and needs. Lead: to be determined based on whether this is to be a basin-wide strategy.

Goal IX. BWCA Blow-Down concerns. (Medium Priority)

Shared Goal: USFS updates on BWCA Blow-down monitoring data.

Goal X. Beavers (Low Priority)

Goal XI. Trail management issues. (Low Priority)

Shared Goal: Recreational trails (hiking, ATV and snowmobile. etc.) are very important to the local economy; however trails should be developed and maintained in a sensitive and environmentally friendly manner.

Objectives: Identify recreational transportation corridors, including appropriate recreational trails. Inventory and map existing trails. Identify new trail needs and trail maintenance needs. Develop and implement a review process for siting new trails with special attention to stream and wetland impacts.

Shared Goal: Provide informational signs when entering/leaving major watershed and river/stream names at stream crossings.

Shared Goal: If it is necessary for Minntac to discharge from its tailing ponds, the discharge should not degrade existing conditions of waters. The committee also expressed concerns about seepage from the tailings ponds.

SECTION IV: NORTH LOCAL COMMITTEE

Narrative:

The Rainy River Basin – North Local Committee was formed to provide local perspective and develop locally identified goals, objectives and strategies for the Big Fork, Little Fork, Rainy River/Manitou, Rainy River/Rainy Lake and Rapid watersheds. These watersheds include MDNR’s Ecological Classification System’s Agassiz Lowlands and Little Fork/Vermilion Uplands, as well as smaller portions of Rainy River/Rainy Lake and Chippewa Plains. Much of the topography is flat and comprised of wetlands, peat bogs and marshes, while the middle to east has Canadian Shield topography and sub-boreal vegetation and the southwest rolling glacial moraines. The local economy emphasizes forest products production as well as smaller sectors of recreation/tourism and agriculture. The area has most of the Rainy River and portions of Rainy Lake and Voyageurs National Park. In many ways the North Area may be called the heart of the Rainy River Basin 60% of which lies within Canada.

The primary emphasis of the Goal, Objectives and Strategies is upon maintaining the high level of water quality and gathering information sufficient to develop a baseline description of the water quality of Rainy River, Rainy Lake, Big Fork River and the Little Fork River. The highest priority goals are 1) to address failing ISTS (Individual Sewage Treatment Systems), 2) monitor water quality of Rainy Lake and major rivers, 3) prevent or reduce erosion of the rivers and Rainy Lake, 4) analyze maintain or improve groundwater quality, 5) ensure Rainy Lake retains its classification of an Outstanding Resource Value Water (ORVW).

Lower priority goals are related to land use, transportation, forestry and agriculture. They are rated a lower priority primarily because they are addressed in Koochiching County’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan. While recognized as important issues, they are more appropriately dealt with in the Comprehensive Plan. This reserves the Rainy Basin Plan to focus more directly on water quality and water quantity.

The North Committee devoted long portions of four meetings, and near failure to reach consensus, to reach agreement on an over-arching goal. This near failure reflects the triumph of diversity. The North Committee is truly made up of diverse interests. Committee members were concerned that an over-arching goal might be subject to misinterpretation. There were objections raised over various combinations of seemingly bland words or phrases. Finally, at the last meeting the Committee agreed to a concise, one sentence over-arching goal.

The North Local Committee wants to stress the importance of several factors pertaining to the Koochiching County portion of the Rainy River Basin. Generally speaking the area has a healthy environment. There are no known impaired waters. Public drinking water is safe, after minimal treatment. Air quality exceeds State and Federal standards. There is little traffic congestion. Attention is paid to environmental protection. The timber industry is vital to the local economy and also conducts sustainable, environmentally friendly forestry practices. The recreation industry prospers from its natural resource base and depends on good environmental stewardship to sustain any meaningful expansion of tourism. While the area’s topography is generally flat, it is characterized by being relatively pristine, and draws people in to partake in natural activities taking place in natural, non-urban settings. Even artificial devices have a natural setting. The lake levels of Rainy, Kabetogama and Namakan Lakes are closely controlled by an internationally agreed upon Rule Curve. The dams at International Falls and Kettle Falls are responsible for maintaining the water level within the Rule Curve.

The North Local Committee believes in the viability of local planning and implementation. It welcomes State and Federal participation to help meet locally identified needs. Meaningful collaboration is the best way to address and resolve water quantity and quality issues. Each level functioning in its appropriate capacity offers the best opportunity to be efficient and effective in spending dollars to resolve mutually identified environmental problems.

Maintain or improve the existing conditions,

rivers and lakes in the Rainy River Basin.

Goal I. Address failing Individual Sewage Treatment Systems. (High Priority)

consistent with local plans, for streams, Shared Goal: Address failing Individual Sewage Treatment Systems and Unsewered Communities, especially along Rainy Lake and rivers and streams. Objectives: Develop performance standards that Strategies: could allow surface discharge. Implement the Jackfish Bay sewer extension project. Develop an administrative system to Lead: Koochiching County ensure that performance-based systems are properly maintained. Support: Extend centralized sewer where Establish a program to find sewage treatment solutions for the remaining unsewered environmentally and economically area of Rainy Lake. feasible. − Provide funding for Rainy Lake Coop. or other appropriate management option. Support the continued development of new individual sewage treatment Lead: Koochiching County systems technology and Support: management options. Funding:

Establish a public education program designed to provide accurate information to property owners and local decision-makers. Lead: Koochiching County Support: Funding: Establish a basin-wide or state wide program to provide a secure funding source for individual, and collective, small sewage treatment systems. Lead: MPCA Support: Funding 62

Goal II. More monitoring information is needed for Rainy Lake and the Rainy, Big Fork and Little Fork Rivers. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Develop monitoring programs to provide information about the water quality of Rainy Lake and the Rainy, Rat Root, Big Fork and Little Fork Rivers.

Objectives: Support the continued operation and Strategies: expansion of the RRCC Partnership. Develop and establish a Rainy River Basin Water Resources Center at Rainy Encourage development of River River Community College to include the following: Watch Programs for Rivers currently not monitored. − Water quality, water quantity and aquatic ecology monitoring and research. − Water resources data management. Need to establish baselines for WQ − Public information and education about water management sciences. throughout the basin − Rainy Basin River Watch coordination. Annual River Watch celebration. Lead: Need more dissemination of WQ Support: RRCC, MDNR, BWSR, MPCA, U of M, U of M Extension, VNP, information USGS, basin counties, KEDA. Funding: Need a coordinator for the River Watch program. Explore the possibility of a monitoring/data coordinator for the basin.

Goal III. Address run-off and erosion problems in the various areas of interest: urban, rural and agricultural areas. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Prevent or reduce erosion and run-off where feasible and remediate existing and future erosion and run-off problems.

Objectives: Support Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ (SWCD) efforts to prevent, reduce and remediate erosion. Utilize recommendations of the River Management Plans of the counties regarding erosion control. Recognize and support existing ordinances addressing erosion, vegetation removal, shoreland setbacks and control of run- off. Consider the impacts of water level fluctuation on tributaries of the Rainy River. Monitor and analyze existing run-off conditions in urban areas. Improve run-off management where needed. Recognize the effectiveness of Agricultural Best Management Practices in controlling run-off and minimizing erosion. Recognize the effectiveness of forestry Voluntary Site Level Forestry Management Guidelines (VSLFMG) in controlling run-off and minimizing erosion. Encourage MNDOT to work with the Stream Team to minimize the impacts to streams and rivers from erosion and runoff from Hwy. 11 and 53.

Goal IV. Recognize the importance of groundwater. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Analyze and maintain or improve groundwater quality in the Rainy River Basin.

Objectives: Protect groundwater quality of wells Strategies: providing a public water supply. Prepare wellhead protection plans for wells providing a public water supply. Analyze groundwater characteristics Prepare a groundwater inventory for the Rainy River Basin. throughout the Rainy River Basin. Continue local county water testing programs and expand to offer them where not already in place. Continue the existing abandoned well sealing program.

Shared Goal: Protect surface water drinking water supplies. (High Priority)

Objectives: Support the MDH source water protection program.

Goal V. Ensure that Rainy Lake retains Outstanding Resource Value Water classification. (Medium Priority)

Shared Goal: Protect the special qualities of Rainy Lake that enabled ORVW classification.

Objectives: Strategies: Consultation and coordination with Canadian agencies, communities, First Nations and organizations to ensure cooperation towards implementation of water management goals.

Goal VI. Ensure healthy wetlands across the basin. (Medium Priority)

Shared Goal: Protect wetland types and functions throughout the basin. Recognize the potential of wetlands to maintain or improve water quality,

Objectives: Strategies: Support each county’s existing program to manage wetland types and functions throughout the Rainy River Basin. When counties share jurisdiction for specific wetlands the counties should coordinate management. Support: Basin counties, BWSR, MDNR, MPCA

Goal VII. Concern about unmanaged and unplanned development on lakes, rivers and streams. (Low Priority)

Shared Goal: Ensure planned and environmentally sensitive development. Shoreline development should proceed in a manner that protects the lifestyle, environment and economy of the area.

Objectives: Specific areas of concern: Strategies: − 2nd and 3rd tier development Utilize and periodically update the existing plans: − loss of agriculture lands − CLWP − soils unsuitable for building or − Land Use Plan sewage treatment − Big Fork River Plan − Rainy / Rapid River Plan − Little Fork / Rat Root River Plan − Wetland Flexibility Plan

Goal VIII. Recognize the importance of the forest products industry to the basin. (Low Priority)

Shared Goal: Support the forest products industry.

Objectives: Encourage the employment of MN’s Strategies: Voluntary Site-Level Forest Communicate the importance of the MN Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines and associated effectiveness monitoring. Management Guidelines to logging professionals and private landowners. Lead: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Forest Resources Council, and Minnesota Logger Education Program. Support: Cloquet Forestry Center, University of Minnesota Center for Continuing Education. Provide continued training opportunities for MN loggers and forest professionals. Lead: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Forest Resources Council, and Minnesota Logger Education Program. Support: Cloquet Forestry Center, University of Minnesota Center for Continuing Education.

Develop a ‘statement of support’ encouraging efforts to maintain forest land uses and forest management. Forward this statement of support to local planning groups.

Lead: Rainy River Basin Committee Support communications to small private landowners to broaden awareness of the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act. Lead: MN Department of Natural Resources, American Tree Farm, MN Sustainable Forestry Initiative State Implementation Committee.

SECTION V: SOUTH LOCAL COMMITTEE

Narrative:

The Rainy River Basin – South Local Committee was formed to provide local prospective and develop locally identified goals, objectives and strategies for the headwaters of the Little Fork and Big Fork watersheds. The headwaters of these watersheds lie primarily within the Ecological Classification System’s Little Fork-Vermilion Border Lakes Subsection, but also include areas of Nashwauk Uplands, St. Louis Moraines and Agassiz Lowlands subsections. This headwaters area includes portions of Itasca, Koochiching and St. Louis Counties. These headwaters include many large and small lakes along with numerous rivers, streams and wetlands with relatively low development densities.

The primary emphasis of the Goals, Objectives and Strategies for this committee has been protection. Committee members have expressed a desire to protect and expand tourism and allow for continued residential development while maintaining or improving the quality of the rivers, streams and lakes that make the area so attractive. Toward that end, members have expressed the need for more information about the current conditions of waters and the need for tools that will provide local decision makers with a method to assess and interpret data. They hope to eventually use the information from the condition monitoring to develop locally identified “thresholds.” These thresholds will be locally identified water quality goals, generally more protective that the statewide standards identified in Minnesota Rules 7050. Thresholds will be designed to maintain water quality to ensure waters will maintain the ability to support locally identified uses. Members have developed goals requesting assistance from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Pollution Control Agency to prevent degradation of waters while the condition monitoring and development of thresholds is underway.

The Committee has developed goals and strategies designed to protect, and if necessary restore, the streams, rivers and lakes they believe are intrinsic to their lifestyles and quality of life. These goals have been carefully crafted to ensure they are compatible with local needs and lifestyles, yet based on sound science. Committee members stress the cost savings of protection verses restoration and recognize the importance of good water quality for maintaining property values and a secure tax base.

Committee members remind the state and federal agencies, the state legislature and congress that basin planning and management was developed and encouraged by state and federal policies and rules. Local residents, stakeholders, elected officials and agency staff already had had full workloads, but they found the time to participate in this partnership at the request of state and federal agencies. They have spent time and are committed to implementation of the basin plan; however as with any partnership everyone must do their share. In short, we’ll do our part; we expect you to do yours. Provide the resources and funding necessary to implement the plan.

Maintain or improve the existing conditions y River Basin.

Goal I. Correct failing Individual Sewage Treatment Systems. for (High streams, Priority) rivers and lakes in the Rain

Shared Goal: Replace failing ISTS on lakeshore and along rivers and streams.

Objectives: Get off the dime. Replace or install Strategies: systems as needed. Include: MPCA should provide expedited approval for systems >10,000 gallons per day. − Individual Change or revise NPDES regulations as needed to allow for performance − Cluster system approval w/o worrying about technology. Include a management structure to Counties should provide expedited approval for systems <10,000 gallons per provide system maintenance and day. monitoring. Form partnerships with other agencies and organizations to ensure adequate Encourage and promote performance funding. based ISTS and cluster systems. Provide funding assistance since this is not a cheap project.

Goal II. Need to provide accurate water quality information to the public. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Develop/expand education and outreach activities for water management.

Objectives: Alternative and performance system, Strategies: ISTS and Cluster systems The AWQT should take the lead on ISTS information/education programs. Information/Education: The proposed Rainy River Basin Water Resources Center should be the − Designers basin lead on water monitoring information and education. − Installers Information should be available via a basin website. Incorporate public education and outreach into each strategy. The state should incorporate water quality information into curriculum. Ensure that information about water monitoring activities gets to the public and resource mangers in a standardized and understandable format.

Goal III. Need more water quality information about area streams, rivers and lakes. Basin watershed health and quality characterization and expectations. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Establish or continue monitoring programs that provide comprehensive water quality/quantity information for the main stem, tributaries and lakes within each major watershed. Ultimately, monitoring should provide current baseline information and information needed to establish quantitative goals based on current and desired conditions. However, since it will take a long time to develop baseline information, the interim goal shall be to prevent any degradation to current watershed health.

Objectives: Provide for basin-wide application Strategies: of the MPCA’s non-degradation regulations, Ensure continuation of the River Watch program on the Big Fork River. Expand the program to include biological monitoring on tributaries. Provide for basin-wide application Establish a River Watch program on the main stem of the Little Fork River and of the MPCA’s Phosphorus others to be identified bases on interest. Include water chemistry and biological Strategy. monitoring. Provide for MDNR’s application of similar, basin-wide, non- degradation regulations for water appropriation and work in Protected Waters permits following necessary rule changes. Monitoring activities should include: flow monitoring, lake level monitoring and effects of climate change. Lake monitoring, CLMP, CLMP+, Lake Association. River Monitoring: River Watch River Monitoring: CSMP

Goal IV. Continue to develop a method to quantify vulnerability of lakes. (Medium Priority)

Shared Goal: Continue/expand Itasca County’s investigation into lake vulnerability and sustainability based on watershed size and land uses.

Objectives: Develop a lake nutrient sensitivity Strategies: model based on lake and watershed morphology and Continue development of Itasca County’s Lake Nutrient Sensitivity Model. potential land use. Provide for basin-wide application of the MPCA’s Phosphorus Strategy. Develop new shoreland and wetland guidelines or standards that minimize impacts for shallow lakes (waterfowl and wild rice production areas). Determine if there is a need for a new lake classification category for shallow lakes. Monitoring activities should include: flow monitoring, lake level monitoring and effects of climate change. Develop a lake social sustainability model to provide a means of assessing neighborhood expectations/satisfaction for the following categories: − fishing − swimming − boating − lifestyle

Goal V. Need for historical baseline information for lakes in the Northern Lakes and Forests Ecoregion. (Medium Priority)

Shared Goal: Complete Itasca and St. Louis County sediment sampling, analysis and archiving project.

Objectives: Complete sediment sampling from Northern Lakes and Forests Ecoregion lakes. Analyze sediments using diatoms to establish a historical picture of lakes in the Northern Lakes and Forests Ecoregion. Using data from diatom analysis, develop a historic characterization manual for lakes in the Northern Lakes and Forests Ecoregions. Examine archived sediments to develop a historical profile of nutrients. Include nutrient data in the characterization manual.

Goal VI. Road signs. (Medium Priority)

Shared Goal: Road signs informing drivers when entering/leaving major watersheds and river/stream names at stream crossings.

Objectives: Provide informational signs at Strategies: watershed boundaries and stream Funding: crossings within five years on all state and federal highways in the basin. − EPA − LCMR Provide informational signs at − Counties watershed boundaries and stream − Townships crossings within ten years on all CSAH roads in the basin. Signing on trails for hikers and bikers.

Goal VII. Determine hydrologic condition of streams and rivers. (Low Priority)

Shared Goal: Determine hydrologic condition of streams and rivers.

Objectives: Inventory hydrologic modifications, Strategies: identify problem crossings for fish Establish Rosgen classification and stream morphology at each crossing. migration, include: − Control structures FEMA should do more mapping and more detailed mapping. − Road, railway, trail crossings. Floodplain mapping

Goal VIII. Need to know if acid deposition is affecting area lakes. (Low Priority)

Objectives: Strategies:

Include SO2 in routine lake and stream chemistry monitoring to track acid deposition and the effect of SO2 on the methylization of mercury.

Shared Goal: Identify Priority Waters.

Objectives: Develop criteria for identifying Priority Strategies: Waters Criteria include, but not limited to: Identify Priority Waters − Potential land use change that could produce a negative impact. − Other criteria?

SECTION VI: WEST LOCAL COMMITTEE

Narrative:

The Rainy River Basin - West Local Committee was formed to provide local perspective and develop locally identified goals, objectives and strategies for the Rapid, Baudette and Lake of the Woods watersheds. These watersheds lay within the Lake Agassiz lowlands. The area is substantially different than the Canadian Shield topography of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area; much of it bearing a closer resemblance to the Red River Valley than the rest of the Rainy Basin. The topography is generally flat with many wetlands and more erosive soils. Large areas of non-private lands exist, especially in southern portions of the area, which consists mainly of bogs and other wetlands. Recreation, agriculture and timber production comprise most of the local economy. The dominant feature of this area is Lake of the Woods, a remnant of glacial Lake Agassiz.

The primary emphasis of the basin plan for other areas of the Rainy River Basin centers on protection. However, for the watersheds in the West Committee’s planning area and for Lake of the Woods, the emphasis is also on restoration. The watersheds have been extensively drained with many rivers and streams channelized. Many waterways no longer have viable riparian corridors or adequate buffer zones. Agriculture is a major land-use in the Lake of the Woods and Baudette watersheds, and cultivated wild rice paddies occur in the Rapid River watershed. Intensive agriculture is a major contributor of sediment and nutrients to surface waters, especially in the Lake of the Woods watershed.

The committee was very concerned about Lake of the Woods. The lake is experiencing algae blooms, a potential indication of excess nutrients. Extensive monitoring is necessary to determine the extent and cause of these algae blooms, and to aid in the development of lake management strategies to maintain or improve the tropic status of Lake of the Woods.

The severe erosion occurring on the south shore of Lake of the Woods is a major concern. Erosion has reduced Pine and Curry islands by 20% since 1975. Lakeshore erosion is affecting private as well as public land. Some lakeshore landowners have lost up to 50 feet in the last three years. Resort owners and public officials in Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties are concerned that the loss of sand beaches and potential impacts to the fishery may severely impact the local economy. Resorts and lakeshore residences are at risk of destabilization and undermining due to continued erosion. Bays and harbors are experiencing increased rates of sedimentation, resulting in reduced navigability during low or average water levels and increasing the need for dredging.

Present and future water quality protection capabilities have been diminished due to reduced buffering capacity from the loss of lakeshore wetlands and residential property. Many sewage treatment systems no longer meet the required setbacks due to encroachment of lake waters, increasing the potential for pollution. Loss of trees to erosion of residential property has reduced the screening required by the local shoreland ordinance. Similar erosion problems are being experienced on Garden Island (especially the east end, which is used extensively by resorts and tourists for shelter and as a shore-lunch area) the Northwest Angle, and islands.

Finally, the committee voiced concerns about the effect of extreme weather events and potential climate change on the waters of the basin. Uncertainty surrounding the frequency and severity of future weather events increases the difficulty and need to identify management strategies to mitigate the negative effects of such events. Committee members voiced concern about the potential for increased flows resulting in increased erosion and nutrient loading.

Maintain or improve the existing condition

River Basin

Provide for basin-wide application of the MPCA’s non-degradation regulations. − This objective calling for rigorous implementation of the State-wide Non-degradationof streams, rivers Rules and (Minnesota lakes in Rules the Rainy 7050.0185) is intended to serve as an interim measure to prevent any degradation to current watershed health, pending development of a water quality baseline for all lakes, rivers and streams in the basin. − When the existing quality of the stream, river or lake (receiving water) is unknown, efforts should be undertaken to establish and document the present water quality prior to setting permit discharge limits. − Permit effluent limits should include consideration of cumulative effects from all inputs (point and nonpoint) for the watershed. − Ultimately, comprehensive monitoring should provide baseline information and information needed to establish quantitative goals based on current and desired future conditions for lakes, rivers and streams within the basin.

Provide for basin-wide application of the MPCA’s Phosphorus Strategy to: − Maintain or improve the tropic state of Lake of the Woods (the lake is exhibiting early affects of nutrient over enrichment via algae blooms). − Provide for MDNR’s application of similar, basin-wide, non-degradation regulations for water appropriation and work in Protected Waters permits following necessary rule changes.

Goal I. Restore shoreline buffers and riparian corridors. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Maintain and establish riparian corridors and buffers (filter strips) to protect or restore high priority rivers, streams and lakes.

Objectives: Maintain existing riparian corridors and Strategies: buffers. Inventory areas eligible for filter strips or riparian buffers. Re-establish riparian corridor along the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Prioritize sites with greatest erosion potential. Educate landowners on the importance of buffer strips, their functions, and the Establish riparian corridors and buffers availability of CRP and other possible funding sources. along intermittent or continuous flow rivers and streams. Push for higher CRP, RIM and CREP-type payment rates, and more program flexibility, for buffer strips in Lake of the Woods County. Establish buffers along drainage ditches Identify alternative buffer strip options, including vegetation that may provide a cash crop. Develop and implement a local buffer strip program. Identify and contact qualifying landowners along intermittent or continuous flow rivers and streams to encourage riparian corridor replacement and buffer installation or protection of existing buffers. Lead: LoW SWCD and Roseau SWCD, LoW and Roseau NRCS. Support: Funding: CRP, WRP,RIM, LCMR

Indicators: Total miles and acres of corridor/buffer protected or restored. Landowners contacted. Participating landowners.

Goal II. Monitoring: River Watch, Rapid, Zippel, Bostic, Winter Road, Baudette, and a Basin River Watch Coordinator. (Medium Priority)

Shared Goal: Establish a River Watch program on the following rivers and streams: Rapid, Zippel, Bostic, Winter Road, Baudette, Warroad, and Willow. Continue the River Watch program on the Warroad River. Add Biota monitoring.

Objectives: Promote and expand the River Watch Strategies: program in the Rainy River Basin Determine testing sites and parameters. Establish a permanent Basin River Initiate water quality sampling program. Watch Coordinator position. Establish a Quality Assurance / Quality Control Certification program in cooperation with the MPCA. Target Streams: Continue the Warroad River Watch program. Expand the program to include biological monitoring on the tributaries. Establish River Watch program for the following watersheds; include chemical and biological monitoring. − Rapid River − Zippel Creek − Bostic Creek − Winter Road River − Baudette River − Warroad River − Willow Creek

Goal III. Lake WQ monitoring on Lake of the Woods. (Medium Priority)

Shared Goal: Sediment sampling and analysis to determine cumulative effects since European settlement.

Objectives: Sediment sampling, analysis and development of a historical profile of lake water quality, total cumulative effects and ecology for the basin: − Historical sedimentation rates − Historical plankton community diversity and density

Goal IV. Lake water quality monitoring on Lake of the Woods. (Medium Priority)

Shared Goal: Comprehensive LAP of all of LoW. Assess LoW nutrient input and develop a nutrient budget. CLMP on LoW.

Objectives: Continue and expand the MPCA Lake Strategies: Assessment program: Continue water quality monitoring. Target Lakes: Lake of the Woods Take sediment core samples in Zippel Bay to provide additional − Assess nutrient input and develop a information on the timing, extent, and sources of deposition. nutrient budget. Expand the Citizens Lake Monitoring Program Plus (CLMP+): Target Lakes: Lake of the Woods

Rainy River nutrient and sediment loads study

Goal V. Flow Gauges – 1) Rainy River upper reach; 2) Additional gauges close to Rainy mainstem confluence: Little Fork, Big Fork, Rapid, and Baudette. (Medium Priority)

Goal VI. Effects of Rice paddies on Rapid River? (Medium Priority)

Shared Goal: Effects of Rice paddies on Rapid River, flow physical and chemical and fisheries, annual condition monitoring?

Objectives: Strategies: Sample rice paddy discharges for nutrients and toxics. Measure discharge flows and capacity of pump. Determine river levels at which discharges and withdrawals have a negative impact on the river. Evaluate effects of fertilizer and pesticide use in paddies.

Goal VII. Lake level for Wheeler’s Point and Springsteel. (Medium Priority)

Shared Goal: Expand lake level monitoring efforts to include: Lake of the Woods, Springsteel, and Wheeler’s Point.

Shared Goal: Expand Surface Water Education Efforts. Objectives: Continue to support and expand local Strategies: student involvement in the Envirothon. Potential Funding Sources: NRB Grant, MDNR Continue Take-A-Kid-Fishing and MinnAqua programs. Implementation Responsibility: Lead: MDNR, SWCD Continue SWCD and MDNR involvement in LOW high school Supporting: LOW Environmental Services, Extension, LOW School, environmental projects. LOW Captain’s Association Develop and implement adult target educational programs concerning wetlands, zoning, drainage, etc.

Goal VIII. Restore a natural channel between Bostic Creek and Canfield Creek. (Medium Priority)

Shared Goal: Restore a natural channel between Bostic Creek and Canfield Creek.

Objectives: Enhancements: Strategies: − Fish habitat Seek 206 funding from the USACOE, or Rainy Wetland bank or MDNR shoreland − Reduce erosion along road (current restoration funds or 319. ditch) Indicators: − Healthy stream channel Fish habitat − Wetland restoration Reduce erosion along road Healthy stream channel − Storm water retention Wetland restoration Reduce peak flow Storm water retention Reduce peak flow

Goal IX. Erosion - Rainy River. (Medium Priority)

Shared Goals: Reduce erosion on both the US and Canadian sides of the Rainy River and the effect of erosion.

Objectives: Determine if peaking is increasing Strategies: erosion. Peaking:

− Support the efforts of the International Peaking Committee to determine if peaking of the hydropower facility at International Falls exacerbates erosion along the Rainy River.

− If the peaking committee determines peaking increases erosion, work with the IJC and the operators of the dam to find a solution. Lead: Koochiching SWCD and Lake of the Woods SWCD.

Support: LoW County ESD, BWSR, MDNR, MPCA, NRCS

Re-establish riparian corridors or Establish an international work group to implement livestock exclusion, riparian corridors and buffers along the Rainy River. A joint US and Canadian steering buffers. (Medium Priority) committee should be established to ensure communication and coordination

across the international border.

The work group should work with the Canadian and US governments (including provincial and state) to ensure adequate, long term funding for easements, fencing and other program costs.

Inventory stream bank erosion and other problems.

Determine priority areas for riparian buffers. Determine appropriate corrective actions and implement them.

Provide public information and education regarding erosion correction and prevention to river shoreline residents. Lead: Steering Committee, Koochiching SWCD, Lake of the Woods SWCD and Rainy River First Nations.

Support: Rainy/Rapid River Board, OMNR. OME, DFO, EC, IJC, BWSR, MDNR, MPCA, NRCS, USF&WS, USACOE, USGS, EPA.

Objectives: Assess building and land use setbacks, Study impacts and effects of land use (setbacks, land use changes, lot size, revise if indicated to reduce impacts of bluffs) on erosion along Rainy River. Provide data to LoW County. erosion. (Medium Priority) Lead: LoW County ESD Support: LoW SWCD Funding: CWP, Challenge Grant

Shared Goal: Restore funding for local beaver control efforts. (Low Priority)

Objectives: Control beaver to maintain the timber industry, farming and prevent road damage. Ensure connectivity for fish migration.

Goal X. Erosion: Rapid River, Warroad, and Zippel Bay Watershed. (Low Priority)

Shared Goal: Reduce erosion on rivers and streams.

Objectives: Specific Streams: Strategies: − Rapid Establish a work group to implement livestock exclusion, riparian corridors and buffers along the rivers. A steering committee should be established to ensure − Warroad communication and coordination. Zippel Bay Watershed − The work group should work with the state and US governments to ensure Re-establish riparian corridors or adequate, long term funding for easements, fencing, restoration (channelized buffers: reaches of Rapid) and other program costs. Inventory stream bank erosion and other problems. Determine priority areas for riparian buffers. Check old ditch inputs. Determine flow contributions and whether increased flows are contributing to erosion. Continue and expand efforts to stabilize creek banks by use exclusion, buffer strips, reconstruction and other appropriate corrective actions. Provide public information and education regarding erosion correction and prevention to river shoreline residents. Determine appropriate corrective actions and implement them. Provide public information and education regarding erosion correction and prevention to river shoreline residents. Lead: Steering Committee, Koochiching SWCD and Lake of the Woods SWCD. Support: Rainy/Rapid River Board, BWSR, MDNR, MPCA, NRCS, USF&WS, USACOE, USGS, EPA.

Goal XI. Address erosion and degradation of Lake of the Woods Shoreline and degradation of Pine and Curry islands. (High Priority)

Shared Goal: Reduce shoreline erosion on Lake of the Woods, protecting the Lake of the Woods fishery and the local economy.6

Objectives: Protect Valuable lakeshore property Strategies: from erosion. Continue and expand the Lake of the Woods SWCD program to identify at risk Protect Pine Island and other areas of areas and engineer and install shoreline protection solutions including armoring high public value. (rip-rap, head walls, etc.), bio-engineering projects and shoreline and island protection/restoration projects as appropriate.

Implement long term solutions described in Strategy 2. Lead: Lake of the Woods SWCD

Support: Lake of the Woods County ESD, MDNR, BWSR, MPCA, NRCS,

USF&WS

Funding Sources:

Indicators:

Determine the annual shoreline loss. Linear feet of shoreline needed and protected.

Advocate a change in the management Establish a program to determine the causes of erosion and shoreline and island plan of Lake of the Woods, taking into degradation on the south side of Lake of the Woods and to implement identified consideration local priorities and the solutions. effects of high water levels on the south end of the lake. Phase 1: Establish a technical work group to determine the causes of the Advocate re-negotiation of the “1925 shoreline erosion and degradation and the degradation of Pine, Garden and Lake of the Woods Convention and Curry islands. The work group should develop a final report by August 30, 2003 Protocol,” which set up the LoW delineating causes and potential solutions. Control Board in its present form. Lead: PCA/MDNR Support: Lake of the Woods SWCD, Lake of the Woods County ESD, Roseau SWCD, Roseau County ESD, MDNR, BWSR, MPCA, USGS, USACE, USF&WS,

6 Goals and Objectives from the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Local Water Plan. 87

Objectives: Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, OMNR, ME, Environment Canada, IJC.

Phase 2: Work with local, state and federal elected and appointed officials to

implement long term solutions identified in Phase 1.

Lead: Lake of the Woods SWCD and Lake of the Woods County. Support: Roseau SWCD, Roseau County ESD, Warroad River Watershed District

Indicators: (ask work group for indicators)

Direct local representation on the board. Improve Land use planning efforts in order to reduce future economic and Review shoreline development patterns and current shoreline zoning environmental impacts from high water requirements, including building and septic system setbacks, minimum lot size, events and lakeshore erosion. floodplain requirements, etc. Lead: LoW County, Roseau County Encourage increased setbacks and lot sizes and other alternatives for new developments in an effort to reduce the impacts of erosion. Lead: LoW County, Roseau County Consider establishing Lake of the Woods an ORVW. Lead: LoW County

Goal XII. Exotics (Low Priority)

Shared Goal: Prevent the expansion of exotics in the Rainy River Basin.

Objectives: Assess extend of exotics in the RRB Develop education program for LoW

Shared Goal: Increase the availability and quality of recreation lands in LoW County. (Low Priority)

Objectives: Improve public landings along the Strategies: Rainy and Rapid Rivers. Identify funding sources to develop and improve public landings along the Develop additional public landings and Rainy and Rapid Rivers. recreation areas on Lake of the Woods. Activities: Identify and acquire ownership or use leases for public access sites. Determine cost share responsibilities. Improve sites to allow parking and eating facilities. Potential Funding Sources: MDNR, NRB Grant, City of Baudette Implementation Responsibility: Lead: MDNR, City of Baudette Supporting: LOW Environmental Services, LOW HWY Dept. Identify potential locations and funding sources to develop additional public landings and recreation areas on Lake of the Woods. Activities: − Identify areas with the potential for public ownership as public landings or recreation areas. − Prioritize those that would provide the most public good and local benefits. − Determine ownership, development, use, maintenance responsibilities, etc. − Identify funding sources. − Acquire land and develop facilities. Potential Funding Sources: MDNR, Challenge Grant, LOW County Implementation Responsibility: Lead: MDNR Supporting: SWCD, LOW Environmental Services

Shared Goal: Protect unique features and areas of high public value to enhance the county’s natural resources and economic viability. (Medium Priority)

Objectives: Purchase permanent conservation Strategies: easements in riparian and other high Inventory and prioritize areas eligible for easements. priority areas Utilize and promote existing programs such as RIM, WRP, and Wetland Banking. Develop a local program, complimenting existing programs where possible, and incorporate into the local buffer strip program. Potential Funding Sources: LOW County, NRB Grant, RIM, WRP, State Wetland Banking Program Implementation Responsibility: Lead: SWCD Supporting: NRCS, LOW Environmental Services

Goal XIII. ISTS, cluster systems and unsewered communities. Funding Specific areas: Warroad Estates, Wheeler’s Point, Springsteel, Rocky Point and other areas as identified. (Medium Priority)

Shared Goal: Improve sewage treatment, protect surface and ground water, protect public health, and promote planned development.

Objectives: Apply MPCA’s Failing ISTS Corrective Strategies: Action Alternative Selection Hierarchy for the Wheeler’s Point Community: Gain community endorsement through newsletters and public meetings. Conduct median household income survey. − Replace existing failed ISTS with new ISTS with centralized Form a steering committee that is representative of all interests. management to provide assured Establishment of a sewer district or other management structure. monitoring, operation and maintenance. Obtain funding. − Decentralized wastewater systems Installation of system. that combine localized failed ISTS into a multi-household, soil-based Potential Funding Sources: USDA Rural Development Grant, LOW County system with centralized Implementation Responsibility: management. − Connect the failed unsewered area Lead: LOW Environmental Services to an existing wastewater treatment Supporting: Midwest Assistance Program, MPCA facility with available capacity. − Connect the failed unsewered area Continue education program on ordinance updates and new floodplain to an existing wastewater treatment rules. facility, which requires additional − Maintain inventory of non-conforming on-site sewage systems. capacity through an expansion. − Investigate funding mechanisms that may exist to aid in upgrading − Development of a new wastewater systems. collection-and-treatment facility − Select enforcement procedures. able to assist them. − Improve land use planning Potential Funding Sources: LOWC general fund or permit and efforts to identify future inspection fees (in-kind), State Shorelands Implementation Grant development patterns and Program. community system needs. Implementation Responsibility: − Research alternative community Lead: LOWC Environmental Services Office system.

Shared Goal: Continue comprehensive program to inventory substandard on-site sewage treatment systems that can pollute ground and surface water. (Low Priority)

SECTION VII: PROJECT LIST

Narrative:

The projects listed represent those identified by local resource managers as being high priority and ready to proceed immediately with the required technical assistance or funding. The Basin Committee will update and prioritize the Basin Project List annually beginning in 2004.

General:

Project Name: Rainy River Basin Water Resources Center Objective Establish a Rainy River Basin Water Resources Center. Lead Rainy River Community College Supporting Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative Develop and establish a Rainy River Basin Water Resources Center at Rainy River Community College (RRCC), with a satellite campus at Vermilion Community College (VCC). The Water Resource center will have four major emphases: Research, data management, education, and communication between interested U.S. and Canadian groups in the Rainy River Basin. Applicable Strategies (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

Project Name: St. Louis County Zoning Ordinance Update Objective Update the county zoning ordinance. Lead St. Louis County Supporting Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative

Applicable Strategies (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

Project Name: Expand Lake Associations in the Rainy River Basin Objective Promote the development of effective lake associations in the Rainy River Basin Lead WICOLA Supporting MN Lake Association, MDNR, MPCA Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative Identify best practices of lake association for replication in the Rainy River Basin.

Applicable Strategies (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

Project Name: Water Quality Volunteer Service Award Objective Garner increased involvement and contribution to water quality of individuals in the Rainy River Basin Lead WICOLA Supporting Lake Associations, Resort owners, citizens, business, MLA, RCM, BWSR, MPCA, MDNR, Rainy River Basin Water Resources Center Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative Educate, recruit, train, and recognize individual volunteers who contribute to maintaining the water quality of the waters of the Rainy River Basin.

Applicable Strategies (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

Monitoring:

Project Name: Rainy River Basin Comprehensive Monitoring Objective Establish a basin-wide, comprehensive, condition monitoring program. Lead MPCA and local water planners. Supporting MLA, RCM, SWCDs, counties, Water Resources Center, RRCC, VCC, NRRI, UM, MDNR, USGS, USF&WS, USFS Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative Develop a comprehensive basin-wide monitoring effort that integrates data collection and management activities for all water monitoring activities in the Rainy River Basin. This includes monitoring activities by citizen-based groups, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), resource management agencies, educational and research institutions. This effort is intended to ultimately provide – chemical, physical and biological - baseline information and data needed to establish locally identified, quantitative goals based on current and desired conditions.

The basin-wide monitoring effort includes comprehensive water monitoring, integrating water management sciences (physical, chemical and biological), monitoring technologies (remote sensing, geomorphology, paleolimnology, etc.) and efforts (agencies, research institutions, citizen organizations). These Goals, Objectives and Strategies are designed to provide usable information to local resource managers and local decision-makers.

Applicable Strategies (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

Project Name: Effects of Lake Level Management Objective Assess the environmental effects of the 2000 Rule Curve for Rainy and Namakan Lakes. Lead IJC Lake Levels Committee Supporting Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative

Applicable Strategies (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

Project Name: Sediment Sampling, Analysis and Archiving Project Objective Complete sediment sampling from Northern Lakes and Forests Ecoregion lakes. Lead Supporting Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative • Analyze sediments using diatoms to establish a historical picture of lakes in the Northern Lakes and Forests Ecoregion. • Using data from diatom analysis, develop a historic characterization manual for lakes in the Northern Lakes and Forests Ecoregions. Examine archived sediments to develop a historical profile of nutrients. Include nutrient data in the characterization manual. Applicable Strategies South GOSI, priority 4. (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

Protection and Restoration:

Project Name: Reduce Shoreline Erosion on Lake of the Woods - 1 Objective • Protect Valuable lakeshore property from erosion. • Protect Pine Island and other areas of high public value. Lead Lake of the Woods SWCD Supporting Lake of the Woods County ESD, MDNR, BWSR, MPCA, NRCS, USF&WS Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line In progress, ongoing Narrative Continue and expand the Lake of the Woods SWCD program to identify at risk areas and engineer and install shoreline protection solutions including armoring (rip-rap, head walls, etc.), bioengineering projects and shoreline and island protection/restoration projects as appropriate.

Applicable Strategies CLWP – Basin Plan - West Committee Priority 1 Strategy Milestones 2000 - (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

Project Name: Reduce Shoreline Erosion on Lake of the Woods - 2 Objective Establish a program to determine the causes of erosion and shoreline and island degradation on the south side of Lake of the Woods and to implement identified solutions. Lead Lead: PCA/MDNR Supporting Support: Lake of the Woods SWCD, Lake of the Woods County ESD, Roseau SWCD, Roseau County ESD, MDNR, BWSR, MPCA, USGS, USACE, USF&WS, Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, OMNR, ME, Environment Canada, IJC. Estimated Cost $25,000 (not including staff time) Potential Funding Sources Time Line In progress, completion 2003 Narrative Establish a technical work group to determine the causes of the shoreline erosion and degradation and the degradation of Pine, Garden and Curry islands. The work group should develop a final report by August 30, 2003 delineating causes and potential solutions.

Applicable Strategies CLWP – (from CLWP, Basin Plan Basin Plan - West Committee Priority 1 Strategy or State Water plan) Milestones 2000 -

Project Name: Reduce Shoreline Erosion on Lake of the Woods - 3 Objective • Advocate a change in the management plan of Lake of the Woods, taking into consideration local priorities and the effects of high water levels on the south end of the lake. • Advocate re-negotiation of the “1925 Lake of the Woods Convention and Protocol,” which set up the LoW Control Board in its present form. Lead Lead: Lake of the Woods SWCD and Lake of the Woods County. Supporting Support: Roseau SWCD, Roseau County ESD, Warroad River Watershed District Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative Work with local, state and federal elected and appointed officials to implement long term solutions identified in LoW Erosion Project 2.

Applicable Strategies CLWP – (from CLWP, Basin Plan Basin Plan - West Committee Priority 1 Strategy or State Water plan) Milestones 2000 -

Project Name: Lake of the Woods Riparian Corridor and Buffer Strip Project Objective • Maintain existing riparian corridors and buffers. • Re-establish riparian corridor along the south shore of Lake of the Woods. • Establish riparian corridors and buffers along intermittent or continuous flow rivers and streams. • Establish buffers along drainage ditches Lead Lead: LoW SWCD and Roseau SWCD, LoW and Roseau NRCS. Supporting Estimated Cost Potential Funding Funding: CRP, WRP,RIM, LCMR Sources Time Line Narrative Inventory areas eligible for filter strips or riparian buffers. Prioritize sites with greatest erosion potential. Educate landowners on the importance of buffer strips, their functions, and the availability of CRP and other possible funding sources. Push for higher CRP, RIM and CREP-type payment rates, and more program flexibility, for buffer strips in Lake of the Woods County. Identify alternative buffer strip options, including vegetation that may provide a cash crop. Develop and implement a local buffer strip program.

Identify and contact qualifying landowners along intermittent or continuous flow rivers and streams to encourage riparian corridor replacement and buffer installation or protection of existing buffers. Applicable Strategies CLWP – (from CLWP, Basin Plan Basin Plan - West Committee Priority 2 Strategy or State Water plan) Milestones 2000 -

100

Project Name: Bostic Creek Restoration Objective Lead Supporting Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative Applicable Strategies CLWP – (from CLWP, Basin Plan Basin Plan - West Committee Priority 3 Strategy or State Water plan) Milestones 2000 -

Project Name: Rainy River Erosion Project Objective Reduce erosion on both the US and Canadian sides of the Rainy River Re-establish riparian corridors or buffers. Lead Steering Committee, Koochiching SWCD, Lake of the Woods SWCD and Rainy River First Nations. Supporting Rainy/Rapid River Board, OMNR. OME, DFO, EC, IJC, BWSR, MDNR, MPCA, NRCS, USF&WS, USACOE, USGS, EPA. Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative Establish an international work group to implement livestock exclusion, riparian corridors and buffers along the Rainy River. A joint US and Canadian steering committee should be established to ensure communication and coordination across the international border. The Rainy/Rapid River Board should be approached to determine if they would like to serve as the US portion of the steering committee.

The work group should work with the Canadian and US governments (including provincial and state) to ensure adequate, long term funding for easements, fencing and other program costs. Applicable Strategies CLWP – (from CLWP, Basin Plan Basin Plan - West Committee Priority 5 Strategy or State Water plan) Milestones 2000 -

101

Project Name: Rapid and Warroad Rivers Erosion Project Objective Reduce erosion on rivers and streams within the Rapid and Warroad watersheds. Lead Steering Committee, Koochiching SWCD and Lake of the Woods SWCD. Supporting Rainy/Rapid River Board, BWSR, MDNR, MPCA, NRCS, USF&WS, USACOE, USGS, EPA. Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative Establish a work group to implement livestock exclusion, riparian corridors and buffers along the Rainy River. A steering committee should be established to ensure communication and coordination. The Rainy/Rapid River Board should be approached to determine if they would like to serve as the steering committee.

The work group should work with the state and US governments to ensure adequate, long term funding for easements, fencing and other program costs. Applicable Strategies CLWP – Basin Plan - West Committee Priority 6 Strategy Milestones 2000 - (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

102

Project Name: Dark River Restoration Project Objective Watershed scale stream restoration for the benefit of Northern Brook Lamprey (Icthyomyzom fossor), Creek Heelsplitter Mussel (Lasmigona compressa) and Black Sandshell Mussel (Ligumia recta). Lead MDNR Supporting USFS-SNF, Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwa, Potlatch Corporation, Trout Unlimited and American Tree Farm System Estimated Cost • Phase I (design) $162,000 • Phase II (construction) Potential Funding Sources Time Line Phase I - 2003 Phase II - TBD Narrative Recent surveys indicate that key sensitive species habitat in the Dark River is seriously impacted by sediment loading. The majority of this loading is caused by channel instability. The goal of the restoration will be to reach long-term stability for the entire length of the Dark River from Dark Lake to the confluence with the Sturgeon River. The restoration will use natural stream design principles to achieve the long-term persistence of native aquatic species in the watershed and on the forest.

Phase I of the project will produce a contractor ready group of stream restoration designs suitable for partners to develop necessary National Environmental Policy Act documentation and implement (Phase II) as funding is secured.

Phase II will consist of implementation of restoration projects. Applicable Strategies (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

103

Project Name: Jessie Lake Phase II Objective Implement restoration strategies identified in CWP diagnostic study. Lead Itasca SWCD Supporting Jessie Lake Association, MDNR, MPCA, USFS-CNF Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative Applicable Strategies (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

Project Name: Sturgeon River Restoration Objective Lead Supporting Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative Applicable Strategies (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

104

TMDLs:

Project Name: Baudette River TMDL Objective Restore Baudette River to fully support aquatic life Lead Lake of the Woods SWCD Supporting MPCA Estimated Cost Potential Funding 319 Sources Time Line Narrative The Baudette River has been listed as not supportive of aquatic life due to low oxygen. The SWCD has identified feedlots along the river that are loading BOD and bacteria to the river. The primary focus of this restoration project will be to implement Best Management Practices and manure management for the feedlots along the Baudette. Applicable Strategies (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

105

Project Name: SE Lake of the Woods TMDL Objective Study to determine why Williams Creek and other hydrologically connected stream are not supportive of aquatic life. Lead Lake of the Woods SWCD Supporting MPCA Estimated Cost Potential Funding TMDLs, 319, CWP Sources Time Line Narrative Williams Creek, from its headwaters to Zippel Creel (River Reach # 09030009-116), was put on the TMDL list for low oxygen affecting aquatic life. Based on monitoring data from the Lake of the Woods (LoW) Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the MPCA and field surveys by MPCA staff it was determined that all watersheds, from Tomato Creek-West Branch Zippel Creek to Canfield-Bostic Creek were connected hydrologically through judicial ditches (County Ditch Number One). Low oxygen was a common occurrence throughout all the watersheds. In addition erosion, sediment deposition and elevated nutrients along with sediment and nutrient loading to LoW were common throughout all the watersheds. Applicable Strategies (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

106

Tools:

Project Name: Lake Vulnerability Model Objective Develop a lake nutrient sensitivity model based on lake and watershed morphology and potential land use. Lead Itasca SWCD Supporting MDNR, MPCA, UM Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative Applicable Strategies South GOSI, Priority 3. (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

107

Project Name: Watershed Health Assessment Tool Objective Develop a watershed health vulnerability model for bays, lakes, subwatersheds, watershed, to serve as a tool for local land use decision-makers. The model should establish a baseline and provide a method for quantifying watershed health and assessing cumulative effects for the following categories: water quality, hydrology, aquatic and riparian ecosystems, exotics. Lead Supporting Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative Support development of the Itasca Lake Vulnerability Analysis Model to serve as the base on witch to develop the comprehensive model. During completion of the Itasca Lake Vulnerability Analysis Model, form a work group (composed of local, state and federal staff) with the following tasks: scope the tasks described in the objectives form a steering committee (composed of residents, local decision makers and representatives of basin stakeholder groups) Form a Research Partnership of public and private institutes, educational institutions, and local, state and federal agencies to complete the research and provide data and models to the steering committee for review and approval. Under the direction of the Steering Committee, the Research Partnership performs the research and develops the models to provide a comprehensive watershed and social health vulnerability tool described in the Objectives. The Partnership should: Coordinate with efforts to develop basin health thresholds, Examine other regional efforts (Lake Tahoe, Chesapeake Bay, New Jersey, etc.) Integrate the quantitative ranking scales from all metrics to provide weighting based upon the priorities developed by the Steering Committee. Applicable Strategies (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

108

Project Name: Watershed Social Health Assessment Tool Objective Develop a social health vulnerability model for bays, lakes, subwatersheds and watersheds. The model shall be integrated with the watershed health model described above. The model should establish a baseline and provide a method for quantifying social health and assessing cumulative effects for the following categories: Transportation, economics, recreation (resorts and tourism, seasonal and year around residences, drinking water, development). Lead Supporting Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line 1. During completion of the Itasca Lake Vulnerability Analysis Model, form a work group (composed of local, state and federal staff) with the following tasks: • scope the tasks described in the objectives • form a steering committee (composed of residents, local decision makers and representatives of basin stakeholder groups) • Form a partnership of public and private institutes, educational institutions, and local, state and federal agencies to complete the research and provide data and models to the steering committee for review and approval. 2. Under the direction of the Steering Committee, the Research Partnership performs the research and develops the models to provide a comprehensive watershed and social health vulnerability tool described in the Objectives. The Partnership should: • Coordinate with efforts to develop basin health thresholds, • Examine other regional efforts (Lake Tahoe, Chesapeake Bay, New Jersey, etc.) • Integrate the quantitative ranking scales from all metrics to provide weighting based upon the priorities developed by the Steering Committee. Narrative Applicable Strategies (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

109

Wastewater:

Project Name: French Cluster Sewer Project Objective Address failing or non-compliant ISTS in unsewered areas. Lead St. Louis County Supporting Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative Applicable Strategies (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

Project Name: Sand Lake Sewer Project Objective Address failing or non-compliant ISTS in unsewered areas. Lead St. Louis County Supporting Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources Time Line Narrative Applicable Strategies (from CLWP, Basin Plan or State Water plan)

110

APPENDIX A

Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003

Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 Basin Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, November 20, 2002

Location: Room SC 115 Rainy River Community College International Falls, Minnesota

Agenda

10:00 am Welcome and Introductions

10:10 am Overview of Rainy River Basin Planning Process

• Brief Process Description • Local Committees • Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators Table • Narrative • Project List • Basin Committee • Tasks • Time Line

11:00 am Review and discuss Local Committees’ GOSI Tables

12:00 Noon Lunch (on your own)

1:00 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

1:15 pm Committee member’s tasks

1:45 pm Select Meeting Dates, Times and Locations

2:00 pm Adjourn

A-112 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 Basin Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Wednesday, November 20, 2002

Location: Room SC 115 Rainy River Community College International Falls, Minnesota

Attending: Bob Anderson, Boise; Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Larry Chezick, Koochiching County Commissioner; Howard Christman, DNR Waters; Catherine Crawford, resident; Ray Doran, WICOLA; Leo Dugas, resident; Robert Eide, resident; Thor Eide, resident; Jan Emmert, resident; Tim Engrav, Itasca County ESD; Karen Evens, Cook County ESD; Don Graves, RRCC; Kevin Guttormson, USGS; Chris Holbeck, VNP; Jeff Hrubes, BWSR; Nathan Kestner, Lake of the Woods County ESD; Chulsung Kim, RRCC; Beth Kluthe. MDH; Dick Lacher, Big Fork River Board; Mike Larson, DNR Fisheries; Richard Lehtinen, Koochiching County ESD; Steven Lotz, Vermillion Lake Township; Dan Logelin, MPCA; Art McKenzie LOWDPOA; Chuck Meyer, Red Lake Nation, DNR; Martin Nantel RRFN; Don Ortley WICOLA; Don Parmeter, City of Ranier; Rian Reed, DNR Fisheries; Dave Reimer, Boise; Michael Salo, Greenwood Township; Steven Sindelir, Lake of the Woods County ESD; Cade Steffenson, Lake of the Woods SWCD; Tom Toratti, Koochiching SWCD.

Summary:

10:00 am Welcome and Introductions

Baratono welcomed everyone to the 1st meeting of the Rainy River Basin Committee. He indicated that this ad-hoc committee was being established to complete development of the Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan.

Everyone present introduced themselves.

Baratono passed out copies of the Basin Committee Membership List. He indicated that these were the folks who have committed to serve on the committee. He asked who else wanted to formally commit to the committee? Who was missing that should be included on the committee? Should we do more to actively recruit Canadian folks?

Jan Emmert indicated that she would like to be included as a committee member.

Baratono reminded everyone that this is an inclusive process. Anyone who wants to participate is welcome at the table.

10:10 am Overview of Rainy River Basin Planning Process

• Brief Process Description

Baratono explained that because of the large geographic area of the basin, 5 local committees were established to begin development of the plan. They meet in Schroeder, Virginia, International Falls, Marcell and Baudette.

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Baratono explained that these committees have been meeting since April. That they’ve made significant progress on development of their local Goals, Objectives, Strategies and some progress identifying Objectives, developing Narratives and Project Lists. Everything developed by the local committees will be included in the Plan as approved by the individual committees. Each of the local committees will have their own section of the plan.

Baratono stated that it was now time to begin the work of the Basin Committee. The Basin Committee has the responsibility to develop basin-wide Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators, along with a project list, all based on the work of the local committees. The Basin Committee will also identify conflicts between local committees and ask the local committees to resolve these conflicts. Finally, the Basin Committee will determine if there are any basin-wide issues not addressed by the local committees. The Committee will develop appropriate Goals and Strategies for these issues.

Baratono explained that as with the local committees, the Basin Committee will work via consensus. For important / controversial issues – at the discretion of the facilitator – we’ll use a modified version of informed consent, i.e. “Can you live with this?” If anyone with standing on the issue can’t live with it, we’ll leave it out of the basin-wide portion of the plan.

• Local Committees • Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators Table

Baratono distributed the 4TH Round GOSI Review Packet. He explained that the Basin Committee would not amend these tables. These are the products of each local committee and, as mentioned before, will be printed in the plan as approved by the local committee. Baratono told the Committee that these products from local committees were to be used to begin development of basin-wide goals. He reminded the committee, that while it may be necessary to rewrite the goals to facilitate implementation, that the committee must maintain the intent of the local committees.

Baratono said that he would encourage local committees to hold a meeting in late spring to allow them to review the Basin Committee’s progress prior to completion of the public review draft.

Baratono explained that Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators, along with projects are the “heart” of any plan. He again reminded the committee that they would be using these goals as the building block for the basin-wide section of the plan.

There was a lengthy discussion regarding whether the basin-wide section takes precedence over the local sections. Baratono explained that the basin-wide section would include goals that everyone could agree to, but did not take precedence over the local sections. The example used was the East-Central Committee’s desire to remove phosphorus from most fertilizers used in the Headwaters and Vermilion watersheds. If this goal does not receive sufficient support to be included in the basin-wide section, it would only apply to the watersheds covered by the East-Central Committee’s planning area. The East-Central Committee would be free to continue to seek the phosphorus removal as a component of the Rainy Basin Plan. Conversely, should four of the local committees want the phosphorus removal, with one committee dissenting, the goal will have to reflect the geographic area it covers.

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Baratono told the committee that in general, the primary focus of the goals is protection. He suggested that another thing to keep in mind was that in many cases the committees have used the term “water quality” to include physical, chemical and biological aspects of water management.

• Narrative

Baratono explained that some local committees are developing 1 – 2 page narratives to better describe specific issues than allowed by the GOSI Table format. None of these are developed beyond the 1st draft. He indicated that he would provide copies to the committee as they are further developed. He suggested that these narratives may help the committee understand the local committee’s intentions and also provide ideas for the overall narrative.

• Project List

Baratono stated that he was working with all local committees to develop a prioritized, Project List. That all of these projects will need to be merged, along with any projects developed by the Basin Committee, into a Basin Project List.

• Basin Committee Tasks

Baratono explained that the Basin Committee has 3 primary tasks:

1. Merge the plan components - including goals, objectives, strategies, indicators, priority waters and projects - from the local committees into an integrated, basin-wide water management plan. This will include integration and further development of goals, objectives and strategies, and development of appropriate indicators. 2. The second is to identify conflicts between local committees, if any, and assist the local committees with resolution of the conflict or difference. 3. Finally the Basin Committee will identify any basin-wide issues not addressed by the local committees and develop appropriate goals, objectives, strategies and indicators.

• Priority Waters: Baratono explained that the idea behind Priority Waters was to help focus limited state and federal resources on locally identified areas of importance. Most committees are having difficulty identifying Priority Waters due to lack of identifying criteria and concerns about identifying some watersheds for special emphasis (and, by definition saying others are not as important). He indicated that it may not be possible to determine Priority Waters in this generation of the plan. However, it may be possible to develop criteria, with plan implementation, that will help people identify Priority Waters in the next plan update in 2007.

• Basin Projects: Basin Projects should come from the Strategies, or at least relate to a Strategy. Some of the Strategies, and resulting Projects, are straightforward. Once funding and resources are in place it will take a year or two to complete the project. Other strategies are much more complex and will result in multi year efforts, including creation of steering committees and work groups. To simplify matters, Baratono suggested referring to multi- year efforts as Initiatives.

• Baratono explained that projects include bricks and mortar projects, but also include studies, educational programs and other focused, sustained efforts.

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Baratono discussed the following project examples:

Project Examples: • Bostic Creek Restoration • Dark River Restoration

Initiative Examples: • LoW Erosion Work Group – IN PROGRESS • Stream Team – IN PROGRESS

Baratono discussed the task of merging the local goals (shorthand for Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators) into a basin-wide document. He suggested committee members keep in mind that some of the locally identified Strategies relate to local prerogatives like land use and development. He cautioned the committee to be careful to not give the impression that the Basin Plan is telling local decision-makers how to proceed. Rather, the basin plan should provide these local decision-makers with tools that help them with their jobs.

Baratono suggested that the committee should refine and revise these goals – in ways that remain true to the intent of the local committees – to work with existing programs when possible and to delineate how to develop new programs when necessary.

Baratono passed out 5 basin-wide frameworks or compilations of local committees’ Goals, Objectives and Strategies relating to Monitoring, Development, Education, Communication/Coordination and Wastewater. In response to a question, Baratono stated that he had drafted these frameworks with the intent that, if desired, the Basin Committee could use these as a starting point for merging local goals into the basin-wide section.

Baratono said that there were likely other framework categories that should be developed, and may well be additional goals that should be included with the current 5 frameworks. He suggested that the committee, at least, needed to develop a “General” framework.

Baratono suggested the committee develop sub-committees to work on specific categories. These sub-committees can be made up of committee members and other interested individuals. In many cases development of these frameworks.

Baratono stated that one of the things he hoped to accomplish in the afternoon was to identify a lead for each of the five frameworks, and perhaps identify additional frameworks to be developed.

• Time Line

Baratono distributed the preliminary time line for the Basin Committee’s work. He pointed out that the committee needed to finish its work by December 2003. He noted that the time line called for a Public Review Draft (i.e. the bulk of the committee’s work) by June.

Baratono indicated that another item he hoped to accomplish at today’s meeting was to determine meeting dates, times and locations. He suggested the committee consider moving the meeting locations around the basin to allow more participation from local residents.

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11:00 am Review and discuss Local Committees’ GOSI Tables

Committee members reviewed and discussed the current GOSI Tables with local committee representatives.

1:00 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

Baratono recommended that the committee select a chair and vice-chair, co-chairs to run the meetings. He suggested that chair may choose to review and approve the advance packets prior to distribution, but that depends on his or her time constraints. The primary duty of the chair would be to run the meetings; however, he or she could be as involved in the oversight of development of the plan as desired.

The committee decided to wait until a future meeting to select a chair.

12:00 Noon Lunch (on your own)

1:15 pm Committee member’s tasks

Baratono suggested that the committee start by identify leads for the existing five frameworks. He reminded the committee that these subcommittees will merge and refine these locally identified goals, and suggest basin-wide goals, for the committee’s consideration.

• Monitoring: • Section A, Water Monitoring Efforts and Studies

The committee’s consensus was that the MPCA should be the lead, with support from SWCDs, counties, RRCC, VCC, NRRI, UM, MDNR, USGS, USFWS, USFS and VNP, RCM, Red Lake Nation.

• Section B, Basin Water Resources Center

The committee’s consensus was that RRCC should be the lead with support from SWCDs, counties, KEDA, VCC, NRRI, UM, MDH, MDNR, USGS, USFWS, USFS and VNP.

• Development: • Stream Team

Committee members asked Baratono to bring more information about the Stream Team to the next meeting.

• Assessment Tool

There was a lengthy discussion regarding whether this goal was appropriate for the basin-wide section of the plan. Some committee members thought this goal was an anti-development tool. Others explained that the intent was not to limit development, rather to provide a tool to local decision makers when determining where to encourage and allow development. It was pointed out that it would be a tool that local decision makers could choose to use if appropriate or choose not to use if inappropriate.

The committee did not reach consensus on this issue, so it will be discussed further at the next meeting.

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1:45 pm Select Meeting Dates, Times and Locations

After much discussion, the committee decided to meet the first Wednesday of each month indicated in the time line, starting at 9:00 am working through 2:30 pm. The committee decided to meet again at RRCC for the December meeting.

2:10 pm Adjourn

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Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 Basin Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, December 4, 2002 / 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Location: Room SC 115 Rainy River Community College International Falls, Minnesota

Agenda

9:00 am Welcome and Introductions

9:10 am Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

9:20 am Review, revise and approve 11/20/02 Meeting Summary

9:30 am Follow-up from 11/20/02 Meeting

• Frequently Asked Questions • Distribution of Phosphorus Strategy information • Distribution of Stream Team information

10:00 am Continue discussion regarding sub-committee assignments

• Development – Assessment Tool • Determine if this is an appropriate issue for the basin-wide section of the Basin Plan. If so: • Determine Lead • Determine Supporting Agencies and Organizations. • Education • Signing • Determine if this is an appropriate issue for the basin-wide section of the Basin Plan. If so: • Determine Lead • Determine Supporting Agencies and Organizations. • General Education • Determine if this is an appropriate issue for the basin-wide section of the Basin Plan. If so: • Determine Lead • Determine Supporting Agencies and Organizations. • Communication/Coordination • Determine if this is an appropriate issue for the basin-wide section of the Basin Plan. If so: • Determine Lead • Determine Supporting Agencies and Organizations. • Wastewater • Determine if this is an appropriate issue for the basin-wide section of the Basin Plan. If so: • Determine Lead

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• Determine Supporting Agencies and Organizations.

12:00 Noon Lunch (on your own)

1:00 pm Continue discussion regarding sub-committee assignments

• Additional frameworks and sub-committees needed?

2:00 pm Other

2:15 pm Next Meeting Location

The next Basin Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 5th at 9:00 am. Where would you like to meet?

2:30 pm Adjourn

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Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 Basin Committee

Summary

Date/Time: Wednesday, December 4, 2002 / 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Location: Room SC 115 Rainy River Community College International Falls, Minnesota

• Welcome and Introductions:

° Called to order at 9:09 am. ° At the request of committee various members, Baratono indicated that he would try to tape the meeting with a handheld tape recorder. ° Introductions were made. ° Present: Bob Anderson, Boise; Dan Logelin, MPCA-Duluth; Dick Lacher, Dona Lake; Chuck Meyer, Red Lake Nation-DNR; Steven Lotz, Tower; Howard Christman, DNR Waters-Grand Rapids; Richard Lehtinen, Koochiching County ESD; Tom Toratti, Koochiching SWCD; Michael Salo, Greenwood Township; Nathan Kestner, LoW County ESD; Cade Steffenson, LoW SWCD; Dick Sigel Lack County Land Use Administrator; Jan Emmert, Littlefork; Beth Kluthe, MDH; Don Graves, RRCC; Chris Holbeck, Voyageurs National Park; Don Ortley, WICOLA; Ray Doran, WICOLA

• Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs:

° Cade Steffenson asked for the motion to be tabled till the next meeting while everyone settles in and gets a feel of things. Consensus agreement.

• Review, revise and approve 11/20/02 Meeting Summary:

° Steven Lotz’s name was corrected. ° Page 5 under Monitoring; Section A: RCM and Red Lake Nation added. ° Glossary requested to reference all the acronyms. ° Summary approved

• Follow-up from 11/20/02 Meeting:

o Frequently Asked Questions: Baratono gave a brief presentation on frequently asked questions to clarify for and inform the committee. Emmert asked for clarification on how this is supposed to enhance the local plans when they are not even mentioned. − Baratono explained that they are built from the local plans. Packets of the presentation were distributed. o Distribution of Phosphorus Strategy information: Passed around two sheets concerning phosphorus and the NPDES Detailed Information was made available to anyone who wished a copy of it.

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Legislative Fact Sheet NDPDES Phosphorus Fact Sheet NPDES detailed information Bob Anderson inquired as to whom may be affected by the Phosphorus Regulations. Baratono explained that North Koochiching could be affected but it seems that regulations requiring phosphorus monitoring are going to be implemented by 2004 anyway. Nathan Kestner, concerned about algae blooms in Lake of the Woods, inquired if there is any literature out there about phosphorus levels from the boundary waters? Baratono displayed a diagram illustrating the different phosphorus levels in different lakes in the basin and explained the causes (some theoretical) of certain higher levels. Dick Sigel inquired about the pH of these lakes and that this too could be affecting the phosphorus levels. Chuck Meyer asked if core samples have been taken from Lake of the Woods. Baratono explained that it is in progress on the Canadian side and that there is some antidotal evidence that algae blooms on Lake of the Woods may be relatively common and might be naturally occurring events. Baratono informed the committee that within a year there should be an interactive web site up and running to enable individuals to zero in on specific water sheds and any information that could be available to the public through the MPCA.

o Baratono distributed information about the Arrowhead Stream Team.

He explained that the Stream Team is a core group of individuals from local, tribal, state and federal agencies working to provide geomorphic and hydrologic technical assistance and training within the Lake Superior and Rainy River Basins.

Baratono covered the Stream Team high priority tasks:

Form Team Founding members training Develop Recommendations for crossing designs: Coordinate with MN DOT to incorporate geomorphology principles into design manual. Provide technical assistance for projects: Begin development of a program to establish a geomorphic watershed baseline for each minor watershed within the Rainy River Basin. Begin development of regional hydrology curves to aid design in the Arrowhead Region. Gather information of eastern states (MD & WV) requiring used of stream geomorphology principles in construction and design.

Jan asked what types of bridges are of concern in the Rainy River Basin. Baratono explained that crossings were mostly culverts and small bridges.

Baratono provided information regarding the Arrowhead Wetland Mitigation Bank Proposal

Objective:

Establish a wetland mitigation bank within the Rainy River Basin consisting of traditional wetland restorations and stream restoration projects (with associated riparian wetlands). Including stream restorations in the mitigation bank will provide the opportunity for wetland mitigation within each of the 9 major watersheds comprising the US portion of the Rainy River Basin. Provide mitigation opportunities for projects impacting wetlands under federal and state jurisdiction. Maintain and restore the following wetland functions: Water quality,

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Flood water and storm water retention, Low-flow augmentation, Fish, wildlife and native plant habitat, Public recreation and education, and Commercial uses.

Implementation:

The Arrowhead Regional Stream Team would develop wetland and stream/floodplain bank criteria for approval by participating agencies. Criteria include wetland and stream function values, and the acres of wetland and stream/floodplain restored. The Stream Team would also have the responsibility of reviewing and approving projects submitted for inclusion in the mitigation bank.

Local, state, or federal governments may submit projects. The project submitter will be the lead for project implementation and maintenance. Projects will be reviewed for conformity with the criteria and ranked accordingly.

The bank would be administered by a Minnesota State agency. Administration would include managing funds paid into the bank, final approval of projects recommended by the Stream Team and disbursement of money to approved projects. Administrative responsibilities could be assumed by BWSR, MDNR, MNDOT or the MPCA. Supporting agencies include Rainy River Basin counties and SWCDs, USACOE, USFS, USF&WS and USGS.

• Continue discussion regarding sub-committee assignments

o Handed out copies of the frameworks. o Baratono briefed what NEMO is. Development – Assessment Tool: Baratono and Dick Lacher explained what the assessment tool is and what its purpose will be. Jan Emmert stated that she felt the Assessment Tool doesn’t have a place in the basin wide plan because it is still just a model. She reinforced that she thinks it is a great thing and educational tool but doesn’t have a place in a plan. Baratono explained that basin plan could say we want it developed, not requiring every land use entity to use the model. That putting it in the plan is simply a tool for getting funding to help develop the model. Richard Lehtinen stated that he finds it inappropriate for the Rainy River Basin and is more for highly developed areas. Chris Holbeck clarified that he feels that everyone is talking about different things and that this is formalizing things that everyone already does, not something really complicated. Baratono offered to go back to the East local committee and ask them about their feelings of wiping out the social aspect, since they were the ones that came up with that concept. Chuck Meyer felt that it is appropriate to do it at a basin level, especially the environmental aspect, and that the social side can possibly be implemented later. Richard Lehtinen expressed the concern that the basin plan should focus on water planning and impacts on water, not land use planning.

• Baratono said that the watershed assessment model proposal was something like the NEMO program. o Richard Lehtinen stated that he felt they are two different programs and should be kept separate. o Tom Toratti voiced his opinion that we should put them both aside because they are too specific and Itasca’s wording isn’t going to work. Education: Signing: − MNDOT now has a rule not allowing watershed signs to be posted any longer.

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− Baratono will look into this. − Dick Lacher wants to know MNDOT’s rational for not allowing basin signs. − Tom Toratti suggested placing signs at rest stops and/or tourist information sights if not allowed to post signs on the highway. − Jan Emmert asked what these signs are really going to change. − Dick Lacher clarified that it’s not to change people but to inform and educate them. − Chris Holbeck stated that he will let the Parks Naturalist, that visits schools, know about the proposal and maybe they can get together a program for the children and start them out young. − Jan Emmert asked where the funds for the signs are coming from. Baratono explained that a funding source hasn’t been established yet. − Beth Kluthe likes Tom Toratti’s idea of placing signs at rest stops and tourists information sights. − Baratono suggested that if the Committee believes the watershed signing goal has merit, perhaps the first strategy needed is to get MNDOT to change the rule restricting watershed signing.

General Education: Baratono explained that the Arrowhead Water Quality Team had met and that they are discussing several topics that have been brought up through the basin planning process. Baratono explained that they covered all of the goals developed through the basin planning process, plus quite a few more educational activities. Richard Lehtinen elaborated on the Arrowhead Water Quality Team and its goals. Baratono explained that in order to help the Arrowhead Team get funding for their educational programs that they may be willing to cooperate with plan implementation. At the next meeting he will see if more details can be obtained and if they come any farther in their prioritizing. Beth Kluthe asked for elaboration on the goal with exotics in resort drinking water. o Baratono explained that Karen Evans brought the issue up and that she really needs to be present to elaborate on the issue. Baratono asked if it is okay to hold off on the issue until more is known regarding the Arrowhead Water Quality Team willingness to partner up and help out with this goal.

Communication/Coordination: Baratono brought up the topic of a Basin-wide Newsletter. Suggested the possibility of expanding The Arrowhead Currents newsletter. Next Baratono brought up the goal of establishing a website that could possibly link people to more information. Dick Lacher commended the DNR and PCA’s websites as excellent models to go off of. Richard Lehtinen stated that the website idea was brought up and that there was some skepticism about it. Rainy River Community College had been brought up as a possible lead for the website as a component of the Water Resources Center. Regarding the objective of better communication between State, Federal, and Local land management agencies: o Beth Kluthe stated what we really want to do is explore NEPA-MEPA and invite their participation. o Discussion of how land sale and acquisition can directly affect other land management activities. o Changed objective to “Ensure coordination among private stakeholders, local, state and federal agencies in land use planning.” o Determined that the last objective is appropriate. o Howard Christman suggested changing land use to land management, changed to, “Ensure coordination among private stakeholders, local, state and federal agencies in land management planning.”

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− Determined that: − Website: • Determine Lead: RRCC − Newsletter: • Determine Lead: AWQT? • Decided to set next meeting location before lunch: o Greenwood Town Hall was discussed and will be looked into for February 5th o Virginia is alternate site

• Broke for lunch at 11:56 am.

• Resumed meeting at 1:05 pm.

Continue discussion regarding sub-committee assignments: • Wastewater o Objective #1: Dick Sigel brought up the point that when many of the facilities were built, but there was no capital replacement fund. Baratono commended his point and brought up the point of the cost/benefits of centralized sewer systems vs. ISTS and cluster systems. He noted that each technology has their appropriate use and location. Michael Salo brought up that people who have already paid a great deal of money for their individual systems and now they have to pay to be hooked up and not use what they have paid for. Nathan Kestner brought up the point that many are not willing to pay for the sewer hook up or to update their own systems. Lake of the Woods is working on a project to educate people and somehow fix the failing systems in their area. They are trying to get some input from everyone. Baratono brought up the concept of a wastewater cooperative. The workings and functions of a Cooperative were discussed. Dick Lacher brought up the fact that there are lots of solutions out there but they are all expensive. Tom Toratti brought up some of the options that they have been using. Also brought up that there are already lots of educational opportunities out there for people. Determine Lead: − Discussed that there really needs to be a head person who really knows what they are doing. − Extension was discussed as a possible lead. − Dan Logelin discussed that some of what we are trying to accomplish is already happening. There are some committee’s that are obtaining some really good information. − Dick Sigel mentioned that sometimes there isn’t a problem with the system but with the homeowner that cannot manage they’re own systems themselves. He also mentioned that the MPCA is still not of one mind on ISTS and they should be. − Dan Logelin pointed out that there are some cities that do manage some mound systems with in their cities. Also mentioned that coops and system managers are good solutions to mismanagement on individual’s part. − Baratono suggested that we might place Dan Logelin as the lead. − MPCA (Dan Logelin) = Lead Determine Supporting Agencies and Organizations. − Counties, REAs, NRRI, ISTS Technical Committee, Lake Association, MPCA Regulators, o Objective #2: Baratono explained that the East Committee understands that this is specific to St. Louis County and won’t be included in the overall plan.

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o Objective #3: Baratono explained that he is still trying to figure out who has the authority on houseboat greywater. Explained that everyone is pointing fingers at everyone else. Chris Holbeck pointed out that once it is discovered who has authority it needs to be taken care of. But how are we going to get a person to stop, who is going to take care of the waste. Howard Christman pointed out that the discharge and the intake are not far from each other on the bottom of houseboats so if a boat is parked and they are discharging and intaking, its not a healthy situation. Dick Sigel mentioned that the pump operator, the owner, and the county all get receipts and if a person wants to sell they have to have proof of pumping. Added “Develop a generic pumping reporting protocol.” • Additional frameworks and sub-committees needed? o Tom Toratti brought up that we might need to reorganize the common goals. Didn’t get into forestry, roads, etc. are missing. o Baratono suggested cutting and pasting everything into different frames. Merging them all together. o Dick Sigel stated that he also felt that everything needs to be addressed and included. o Baratono agreed to redraft it.

• Other ° None

• Adjourned at 2:13 p.m.

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Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 Basin Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 5th / 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Location: Greenwood Town Hall St. Louis County Road 77 Lake Vermilion area (see directions below)

Agenda

9:00 am Welcome and Introductions

9:10 am Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

9:20 am Review, revise and approve 12/4/02 Meeting Summary

9:30 am Updates from Subcommittees

• Monitoring - Baratono • Water Resources Center - Graves • Education – (AWQT?) • Communication Coordination (RRCC?) • Wastewater - Logelin

10:00 am Continue discussion regarding sub-committee assignments

• Frameworks: • Stormwater? • Erosion? • Groundwater? • General Goals: • East-Central Committee (page 28 of 1/16/03 Frameworks) • North Committee (page 31) • West Committee (page 33)

12:00 Noon Lunch (on your own)

1:00 pm Continue discussion regarding sub-committee assignments

• Continue discussion of Assessment Tool.

2:00 pm Other?

2:15 pm Next Meeting Location

The next Basin Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2nd at 9:00 am. Where would you like to meet?

2:30 pm Adjourn

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Directions to Greenwood Town Hall:

From the east, Highway 169 to CSAH 77. CSAH 77 to Greenwood Town Hall (North [right] side of the road about 3.6 miles past the casino turnoff.) There are signs for the town hall on CSAH 77.

From the west, Highway 53 to CSAH 115 (approximately 1 mile north of Cook). CSAH 115 to CSAH 77 (keep going straight, 115 ends). It’s approximately 1 mile from the 115/77 junction to the town hall on your left. There are signs for the town hall on CSAH 77.

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Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 Basin Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 5th / 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Location: Greenwood Town Hall St. Louis County Road 77 Lake Vermilion area

9:00 am Welcome and Introductions

Baratono welcomed everyone to the 3rd meeting of the Basin Committee. He passed around an attendance sheet and an updated Acronym Glossary as requested at the December meeting.

Self introductions. Present: Bob Anderson, Boise; Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Steve Bradach, Senator Dayton’s Regional Director; Howard Christman, DNR; Tim Engrave, Itasca County ESD; Jan Emmert; Susan Hiller, VRNPA; Chrin Holbeck, Voyageurs National Park; Jennifer Hunt, VRNPA; Larry Kallemeyn, USGS; Nathan Kestner, Lake of the Woods County ESD; Beth Kluthe, MDH; Dick Lacher, RCM; Richard Lehtinen, Koochiching County ESD; Charles Lepper Koochiching County Commissioner; Dan Logelin, MPCA; Steven Lotz, Vermilion Lake Township; Marie Moe; Walt Moe; Art Norton, Itasca SWCD; Jim Plummer, St. Louis County Planning Department; Rian Reed, MDNR; Michael Salo, Greenwood Township; Marge Sella, NRCS; Dick Siegel, Lake County; Cade Steffenson, Lake of the Woods SWCD

9:10 am Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

The consensus of the committee was that selection of a committee chair was unnecessary at this time. This item will not be included in future agendas unless requested by the committee.

9:20 am Review, revise and approve 12/4/02 Meeting Summary

Baratono distributed copies of the December 4th meeting summary. He noted that the tape recorder used at the meeting did not pick up anything except for those individuals sitting a few feet from the recorder.

The committee approved the summary via consensus.

9:30 am Updates from Subcommittees

• Monitoring – Baratono

Baratono told the committee that the Monitoring subcommittee at it’s first meeting had discussed ways to implement the local committee’s monitoring wishes and determined a method to develop goals, objectives and strategies for the Basin Committee. He reported that the subcommittee would have their work ready for the April 2nd meeting.

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• Water Resources Center – Graves

No report.

• Education – (AWQT?)

Baratono indicated that he was to meet with the AWQT Executive Committee to discuss the team’s involvement with the Education GOSIs.

• Communication Coordination (RRCC?)

No report.

• Wastewater – Logelin

Logelin told the committee that the Wastewater subcommittee had met and would have their work ready for the April 2nd meeting.

10:00 am Itasca County Lake Vulnerability Model

Art Norton, Itasca SWCD, provided a presentation on the Itasca County Lake Vulnerability Model. The presentation covered objectives, data use, management and interpretation and use of the model by local decision-makers.

11:00 am Continue discussion regarding sub-committee assignments

Baratono reminded the committee that its job is to determine 1. Do these belong in the basin-wide section of the plan, 2. Changes – additions – deletions to the Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators, 3. Should these be a Framework (i.e. via a subcommittee), 4. If not handled by a subcommittee, how and when?

• Frameworks:

• Stormwater?

After much discussion, the committee determined that this funding related goal does belong in the basin-wide section and that Stormwater should remain in a category separate from Erosion/Runoff due to the fact that it’s a regulatory program.

The committee revised the goal and approved it for final review at the April 2nd meeting.

• Erosion?

The committee determined that Erosion belonged in the basin-wide section. They combined and revised locally developed goals to eliminate specific location references and better reflect basin-wide needs.

The committee approved the Erosion goal for final review at the April 2nd meeting.

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• Groundwater?

The committee discussed the Groundwater goals and determined that they belong in the basin-wide section. The committee determined that since most of the Groundwater goals relate to drinking water, it might make sense to change the focus from groundwater to drinking water and include surface water sources.

At the request of the committee, Beth Kluthe, MDH, agreed to draft drinking water goals, objectives, strategies and indicators for the submission to the committee.

• General Goals:

• East-Central Committee

Shoreline Development – Some members of the committee expressed concerns about including anything relating to land use in the basin-wide section of the plan. Others stated that it was impossible to address water management without acknowledging the effects of land use. Following an extended discussion, the committee formed a subcommittee to develop land use goals and objectives for the committee to review at the April 2nd meeting. Cade Steffenson, Lake of the Woods SWCD, agreed to lead this committee.

Phosphorus – The committee revised the Phosphorus goal and objectives to better reflect basin-wide interests. The committee approved the Phosphorus goal for final review at the April 2nd meeting.

There was not time for the committee to complete review and revision of all the remaining local goals. These will be addressed at the April 2nd meeting:

• Ditch Maintenance • Road Design Wetlands • Development • Support for the Forest Products industry • Riparian Corridors and Buffers • Bostic Creek • Erosion on Rainy River • Rainy Buffers and Corridors • Setbacks • LoW Erosion • LoW County Recreational Availability • Unique and high value resource protection

2:15 pm Next Meeting Location

The Basin Committee decided to hold their next meeting in Marcell. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2nd at 9:00 am. The committee also determined that the May meeting will be held in Baudette.

2:30 pm Adjourn

A-131 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 Basin Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, April 2nd / 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Location: Marcell Family Center Highway 38 Marcell

Agenda

9:00 am Welcome and Introductions

9:10 am Review, revise and approve Agenda and 2/5/03 Meeting Summary

9:20 am Status Update

• Committee Approved Goals final review, revision and approval: • Erosion (page 1) • Phosphorus (page 2) • Stormwater (page 3) • Updates from Subcommittees: • Communication / Coordination (page 4) • Newsletter (AWQT or WRC?) • Website (WRC) • Public meetings and field trips (?) • Integration/Coordination among land use authorities (?) • Education – AWQT (page 6) • Groundwater – Kluthe (page 7) • Land Use – Steffenson (page 8) • Monitoring – Baratono (page 9) • Review, revise and approve • Wastewater – Logelin (page 17) • Review, revise and approve • Water Resources Center – Graves (page 23) • Review, revise and approve

10:20 am Continue discussion of Goals not yet addressed:

• General Goals: • East-Central Committee (page 25) • North Committee (page 26) • West Committee (page 28)

12:00 Noon Lunch (on your own)

1:00 pm Continue discussion of Goals not yet addressed

2:00 pm Discussion of Plan layout and format.

A-132 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

2:15 pm Other?

Next Meeting Location

The next Basin Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7th at 9:00 am at Baudette.

2:30 pm Adjourn

A-133 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 Basin Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Wednesday, April 2nd / 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Location: Marcell Family Center Highway 38 Marcell

Agenda

9:00 am Welcome and Introductions

Baratono welcomed everyone to the 4th meeting of the Basin Committee. He passed around and attendance sheet.

Self introductions. Present: Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Jason Butcher, SNF; Howard Christman, DNR; Jan Emmert; Tim Engrav, Itasca County Planning and Zoning; Mike Forsman, St. Louis County Commissioner; Don Graves, RRCC; Chris Holbeck, VNP; Jeff Hrubes, BWSR; Larry Kallemeyn, USGS; Beth Kluthe, MDH; Dick Lacher, Big Fork River Board; Richard Lehtinen, Koochiching ESD; Dan Logelin, MPCA; Steve Lotz, Vermilion Lake Township; Jim Plummer, St. Louis County Planning; Rian Reed, DNR; Dave Reimer, Boise; Mike Salo, Greenwood Township; Tony Seme, City of Ely; Tom Torratti, Koochiching SWCD.

9:10 am Review, revise and approve Agenda and 2/5/03 Meeting Summary

Due to the storm, Logelin had not arrived with extra copies of the handout, but committee members shared available copies of the Agenda and the February 5th Summary.

The committee approved the Agenda and Summary via consensus.

9:20 am Status Update

• Erosion The committee reviewed, revised and approved the Erosion Goal.

• Phosphorus The committee reviewed, revised and approved the Phosphorus and other Nutrients Management Goal.

• Stormwater The committee reviewed and approved the Stormwater Goal.

• Updates from Subcommittees:

• Communication / Coordination:

A-134 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

• Newsletter The committee determined that the Newsletter Objective should be included in the Water Resources Goal.

• Website The committee determined that the Website Objective should be included in the Water Resources Goal.

• Public meetings and field trips

• Integration/Coordination among land use authorities The committee reviewed, revised and approved the Public Meetings and Field Trips, and Integration/Coordination Objectives.

• Education Lehtinen and Baratono explained that the Arrowhead Water Quality Team would have the Draft Education Goals, Objectives and Strategies for the June meeting.

• Groundwater Kluthe passed out copies of draft Drinking Water Goals. The committee reviewed, revised and approved the Drinking Water Goals and created a separate Groundwater Goal.

• Land Use Baratono and Reed explained that the subcommittee should have draft Goals for the committee’s consideration at the May meeting.

• Monitoring The committee decided to defer consideration of the Monitoring Project to the May meeting to give members time to thoroughly review this lengthy set of Initiatives.

• Wastewater The committee reviewed, revised and approved the Wastewater Management Initiative.

• Water Resources Center The committee decided to defer consideration of the Water Resources Center Initiative to the May meeting to allow time for the subcommittee to make a few changes and to allow member more time to review the proposed Initiative.

10:20 am Continue discussion of Goals not yet addressed:

• General Goals:

• East-Central Committee The committee decided that the Goal related to drainage ditches was not appropriate for inclusion in the basin-wide section of the plan.

The committee developed a Road Design Goal for final review, revision and approval at the May meeting.

A-135 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

• North Committee The committee developed a Wetlands Goal for final review, revision and approval at the May meeting.

The committee developed a Support the forest Products Efforts to Protect Water Quality Goal for final review, revision and approval at the May meeting.

• West Committee The committee indicated that it seems the West Committee’s erosion goals are too specific and already covered by the Erosion Goal to be included in the basin- wide section. However, the committee instructed Baratono to ask the West Committee to review their erosion goals to ensure they were compatible with the basin-wide Erosion Goal and if not to suggest changes to the Erosion Goal.

The committee determined that the recreation goals were too specific to be included in the basin-wide section of the plan.

2:45 pm Discussion of Plan layout and format.

Baratono distributed copies of the first draft of the Table of Contents for the plan. He outlined when the committee would receive complete drafts of the plan. May 7th – First complete DRAFT. June 4th – Final DRAFT in final layout and format for review, revision and approval.

2:55 pm Other?

The next Basin Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7th at 9:00 am at Baudette.

3:00 pm Adjourn

A-136 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 Basin Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 7th / 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Location: Boardroom Lake of the Woods County Courthouse Baudette

Agenda

9:00 am Welcome and Introductions

9:10 am Review, revise and approve Agenda and 4/2/03 Meeting Summary

9:20 am Discussion of Plan layout and format.

9:40 am DRAFT Goals under consideration by the Basin Committee for inclusion in the basin-wide section:

Review, revise and approve.

• Monitoring – Baratono (page 2) • Review, revise and approve • Water Resources Center – Graves (page 10) • Review, revise and approve • Road Design (page 12) • Forest Management Water Quality Goals (page 13) • Wetland Goals (page 14)

11:00 am DRAFT Goals to be addressed by the Basin Committee:

Review. Revise and approve?

• Education – AWQT (page 16) • Land Use – Steffenson (page 17) • Technical Assistance – (page 18) • Stream Team • Watershed Assessment Tool • Overall Goal “Maintain or improve the existing condition of streams, rivers and lakes in the Rainy River Basin. (page 21)

12:00 Noon Lunch (on your own)

1:00 pm Continue discussion of Goals not yet addressed

2:00 pm Discussion of Implementation Overview/Coordination Options

A-137 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

2:15 pm Other?

Next Meeting Location

The next Basin Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th.

Where would you like to meet?

2:30 pm Adjourn

A-138 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 Basin Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 7th/ 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Location: Lake of the Woods Courthouse Baudette

Agenda

9:00 am Welcome and Introductions

Baratono welcomed everyone to the 5th meeting of the Basin Committee. He passed around an attendance sheet.

Self introductions. Present: Bob Anderson, Boise; Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Wayne Bendickson, LoW Assessor; Jason Butcher, SNF; Howard Christman, DNR; Jan Emmert; Jim Fisher, MN Townships Association; Mike Forsman, St. Louis County Commissioner; Kiley Hanson, Rainy River First nations; Don Graves, RRCC; Nathan Kestner, LoW ESD; Kevin Guttormson, USGS; Larry Kallemeyn, USGS; Gene Krause, UM Extension; Dick Lacher, Big Fork River Board; Richard Lehtinen, Koochiching ESD; Charles Lepper, Koochiching County Commissioner; Steve Lotz, Vermilion Lake Township; Chuck Meyer, Red Lake Nation; Martin Nantel, Rainy River First Nations; Rian Reed, DNR; Dave Reimer, Boise; Mike Salo, Greenwood Township; Cade Steffenson, LoW SWCD.

9:10 am Review, revise and approve Agenda and 4/2/03 Meeting Summary

The committee had no revisions to the agenda.

The 4/2/03 Meeting Summary was approved via consensus.

9:20 am Discussion of Plan layout and format.

Baratono distributed draft copies of Section I (the basin-wide section) as an example of the proposed final plan layout and format.

While there was some limited discussion of the format, the committee made no recommendations for format and layout changes.

Baratono said that he would have copies of the (next to) final, complete draft for the Committee’s review at the June meeting. He explained that he would make changes the Committee identifies at the June meeting and prepare the final Draft for the public comment period (July 1 through August 30). He said that following the public comment period, he would compile the comments for the Committee’s review and response at the October 1st meeting.

A-139 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

9:40 am DRAFT Goals under consideration by the Basin Committee for inclusion in the basin-wide section:

• Monitoring – Baratono (page 2) • The Committee reviewed and revised the Draft Monitoring Project for final review, revision and approval at the June meeting. • Water Resources Center – Graves (page 10) • The Committee reviewed and revised the Draft Water Resources Center Initiative for final review, revision and approval at the June meeting. • Road Design (page 12) • The Committee decided that the Road Design Goal did not belong in the basin- wide section of the plan. • Forest Management Water Quality Goals (page 13) • The Committee approved the Forest Management Water Quality Goals for inclusion in the basin-wide section of the plan. • Wetland Goals (page 14) • The Committee approved the Wetland Goals for inclusion in the basin-wide section of the plan.

11:00 am DRAFT Goals to be addressed by the Basin Committee:

• Education – AWQT (page 16) • The Education Goals were not available for review at this meeting. • Land Use – Steffenson (page 17) • The Committee reviewed and revised the Draft Land Use Goals for final review, revision and approval at the June meeting. • Technical Assistance – (page 18) • Stream Team • The Committee approved the Stream Team Goal for inclusion in the basin- wide section of the plan. • Watershed Assessment Tool • The Committee approved the Watershed Assessment Tool Goals for inclusion in the basin-wide section of the plan. • Overall Goal “Maintain or improve the existing condition of streams, rivers and lakes in the Rainy River Basin. (page 21) • The Committee approved “Maintain or improve the existing condition of streams, rivers and lakes in the Rainy River Basin” as the overall goal for the basin-wide section of the plan.

12:00 Noon Lunch

1:00 pm Continue discussion of Goals not yet addressed

A-140 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

2:00 pm Discussion of Implementation Overview/Coordination Options

The Committee reviewed three options for overview and coordination of plan implementation.

1. Basin Interagency Team

Composed of representatives from local, state, federal and international resource management agencies. The Basin Team would be charged with coordination of plan implementation. Members would be responsible for keeping their agency or government informed about implementation activities and directions and to represent the interests of their agency or government at Team meetings.

2. Basin Committee This committee, established as an ad hoc work group to develop the basin plan, consists of basin stakeholders and partners, local, state and federal agencies, and citizens from within the basin. Membership is open to those that want to participate though the Committee and the Basin Coordinator will actively seek representation of certain groups. The committee would be responsible for coordination of plan implementation, assessing the “state of the waters” within the basin, ensuring communication and coordination of water management activities among agencies and further developing the priorities, goals and strategies for implementation as the plan evolves. This group will also provide input to the MPCA on proposals for the agency’s competitive financial assistance programs, helping with the prioritization of proposals within the basin to be provided to the statewide Project Coordination Team. Members would be responsible for keeping their agency, organization or government informed about implementation activities and directions and to represent the interests of their agency, organization or government at Team meetings.

3. Basin Council

A formal version of the Basin Committee established via a Joint Powers Agreement operating under by-laws with formal membership of agencies, organizations and governments. The responsibilities and authorities of the Council would be determined during development of the joint powers agreement. Due to the legal status of a joint powers board, the Council has the potential to have significantly more authority than either the Basin Team or the Basin Committee.

The Committee decided that the Basin Committee (option 2) was the most reasonable option for overview and coordination of plan implementation. The Committee indicated that they would like the Committee to meet at least twice per year, but meet more often if the Committee determines that more frequent meetings are desirable, develop by-laws or rules of operation and select a committee chair or co-chairs. In addition, the Committee wants the reorganized Basin Committee Chair and the Basin Coordinator to meet annually with county boards within the basin to review and revise the implementation work plan. Baratono will draft a goals and strategies for the Committees review, revision and approval at the June meeting.

2:15 pm Other?

Next Meeting Location

The next Basin Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th at Rainy River Community College in International Falls.

2:30 pm Adjourn

A-141 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 Basin Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 4th / 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Location: Room SC 115 Rainy River Community College International Falls

Agenda

9:00 am Welcome and Introductions

9:10 am Review, revise and approve Agenda and 5/7/03 Meeting Summary

Summary will be distributed at the meeting.

9:20 am DRAFT Goals to be addressed by the Basin Committee:

FINAL review, revision and approval.

• General Water Management Education Goal (page 2) • Beaver Management Goal (page 2)

9:45 am DRAFT Goals under consideration by the Basin Committee for inclusion in the basin-wide section:

FINAL review, revision and approval.

• Plan Implementation Overview and Coordination Goal (page 4)

10:15 am Goals the Basin Committee has approved for inclusion in the basin-wide section of the plan.

FINAL review, revision and approval.

• Overall Goal (page 6) • Education Initiative (page 7) • Forest Management Water Quality Goals (page 9) • Land Use Shoreline Development Goal (page 10) • Monitoring Program (Page 11 – note changes to first paragraph) • Water Resources Center Initiative (page 20 – note changes to Goal and new Objective 4) • Wetland Management Goals (page 23)

12:00 Noon Lunch (on your own)

1:00 pm FINAL review, revision and approval of Public Review DRAFT

2:00 pm Begin discussion of Narrative

A-142 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

2:15 pm Other?

Next Meeting Location

The next Basin Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9th.

Where would you like to meet?

2:30 pm Adjourn

A-143 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 Basin Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 4th / 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Location: Room SC 115 Rainy River Community College International Falls

Agenda

9:00 am Welcome and Introductions

Baratono welcomed everyone to the 6th meeting of the Basin Committee. He passed around an attendance sheet.

Self introductions: Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Bob Berrisford, USFS; Larry Chezick, Koochiching County Commissioner; Howard Christman, DNR; Kara Dunning, Boise Paper; Jan Emmert; Tim Engrav, Itasca County Planning and Zoning; Jim Fisher, Minnesota Townships Association; Mike Forsman, St. Louis County Commissioner; Don Graves, RRCC; Chris Holbeck VNP; Larry Kallemeyn, USGS; Dick Lacher, RCM; Richard Lehtinen, Koochiching County ESD; Dan Logelin, MPCA; Steve Lotz, Vermillion section of the plan.

FINAL review, revision and approval. Lake Township; Chuck Meyer, Red Lake Nation; Mark Nelson, BWSR; Mike Salo, Greenwood Township; Tom Toratti, Koochiching SWCD.

9:10 am Review, revise and approve Agenda and 5/7/03 Meeting Summary

The Summary from the 5/7 meeting was distributed and approved via consensus.

9:20 am DRAFT Goals to be addressed by the Basin Committee:

FINAL review, revision and approval.

Please see Attachment A for a description of the Committee’s actions.

9:45 am DRAFT Goals under consideration by the Basin Committee for inclusion in the basin-wide section:

FINAL review, revision and approval.

Please see Attachment A for a description of the Committee’s actions.

10:15 am Goals the Basin Committee has approved for inclusion in the basin-wide

Please see Attachment A for a description of the Committee’s actions.

12:00 Noon Lunch (on your own)

A-144 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

1:00 pm FINAL review, revision and approval of Public Review DRAFT

The Committee approved the Public Review Draft subject to the changes reflected in Attachment A.

2:00 pm Begin discussion of Narrative

The Committee began review and revision of the draft Narrative.

2:15 pm Other?

The next Basin Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9th at Rain River Community College in International Falls.

2:30 pm Adjourn

A-145 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Revisions to Section I. Changes in underlined type for additions and strikethrough for deletions, listed by goal (A, B, C, etc.).

A. Basin Plan Implementation Overview and Coordination Goal

Potential Members (would be invited to participate and remain on distribution list unless individuals request otherwise):

Basin residents and stakeholders, water treatment plant operators, wastewater treatment plan operators, water planners, SWCDs, city and township zoning administrators, county ESDs, representatives from the following state, federal, regional and international agencies: ARDC, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians, BWSR, Coast Guard, DNR, DTED, Environment Canada, EPA, HRDC, International Joint Commission, Manitoba Environment, MDA, MDH, MN-DOT, MPCA, NPS, NRCS, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Rainy River First Nations, Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, U of M, Laurentian RC&D, USGS, USFWS, USFS, RRCC, VCC, ICC, VNP, local elected officials, industry and NGOs and residents.

D. Education Initiative

General Water Management Education Goal

The Basin Committee has requested that the Arrowhead Water Quality Team serve as the lead for water management education activities. The Team will provide draft education goals for the consideration of the Basin Committee early in 2004.

Stream Team Goal:

Establish an “Arrowhead Region Stream Team” to provide hydrology and geomorphology technical assistance and training to resource managers throughout the Rainy River and Lake Superior Basins.

Lead: MPCA

Support: USFS, VNP, MDNR, MN-DOT, SWCDs, USGS and local water planners

Watershed Assessment Tool Goal:

Develop an assessment tool for bays, lakes, subwatersheds and watersheds that integrates all the following system components: • watershed health • water quality • hydrology • aquatic and riparian ecosystems • transportation • economics • recreation • resorts and tourism • seasonal and year around residences • drinking water • development

A- 146 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Objective:

Develop a watershed health vulnerability model for bays, lakes, subwatersheds, watersheds, that may be used as a tool by local land use decision-makers. The model should establish a baseline and provide a method for quantifying watershed health and assessing cumulative effects for the following categories: • water quality • hydrology • aquatic and riparian ecosystems • exotics

Strategies:

1. Support development of the Itasca County Lake Vulnerability Analysis Model to serve as the base on witch to develop the comprehensive model.

Lead: Itasca SWCD

2. During completion of the Itasca County Lake Vulnerability Analysis Model, form a work group (composed of local, state and federal staff) with the following tasks7: • scope the tasks described in the objectives • form a steering committee (composed of residents, local decision makers and representatives of basin stakeholder groups) • Form a Research Partnership of public and private institutes, educational institutions, and local, state and federal agencies to complete the research and provide data and models to the steering committee for review and approval.

3. Under the direction of the Steering Committee, the Research Partnership performs the research and develops the models to provide a comprehensive watershed and social health vulnerability tool described in the Objectives. The Partnership should: • Coordinate with efforts to develop basin health thresholds, • Examine other regional efforts (Lake Tahoe, Chesapeake Bay, New Jersey, etc.) • Integrate the quantitative ranking scales from all metrics to provide weighting based upon the priorities developed by the Steering Committee.

Objective:

Develop a social health vulnerability model for bays, lakes, subwatersheds and watersheds. The model shall be integrated with the watershed health model described above. The model should establish a baseline and provide a method for quantifying social health and assessing cumulative effects for the following categories: • transportation • economics • recreation • resorts and tourism • seasonal and year around residences • drinking water • development

Strategies:

1. During completion of the Itasca County Lake Vulnerability Analysis Model, form a work group (composed of local, state and federal staff) with the following tasks8:

7 Applies to Watershed Health and Social Health Objectives.

A- 147 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

• scope the tasks described in the objectives • form a steering committee (composed of residents, local decision makers and representatives of basin stakeholder groups) • Form a partnership of public and private institutes, educational institutions, and local, state and federal agencies to complete the research and provide data and models to the steering committee for review and approval.

2. Under the direction of the Steering Committee, the Research Partnership performs the research and develops the models to provide a comprehensive watershed and social health vulnerability tool described in the Objectives. The Partnership should: • Coordinate with efforts to develop basin health thresholds, • Examine other regional efforts (Lake Tahoe, Chesapeake Bay, New Jersey, etc.) • Integrate the quantitative ranking scales from all metrics to provide weighting based upon the priorities developed by the Steering Committee.

E. Erosion Goal

Add objectives:

• Recognize and support efforts to identify causes of accelerated erosion on Lake of the Woods and other areas.

• Ensure appropriate management of beavers • Restore funding for local beaver control efforts. • Control beaver to maintain the timber industry, farming and prevent road damage.

• Ensure connectivity for fish migration.

H. Land Use/Shoreland Development Goal:

Strategies

• Develop a system of determining lake sensitivity to nutrient loading from land use changes; • Develop criteria and identify shallow lakes, parts of lakes and rivers that are or could be managed for waterfowl use and hunting; • Develop management strategies to maintain or improve water quality of lakes and rivers, including: 1) Applying appropriate zoning standards; 2) Development/Expansion of educational programs for landowners, contractors, and natural resource professionals on shoreline BMPs and ISTS regulations; 3) Protecting shoreland areas, particularly shore impact zones; 4) Encouraging land exchanges and easements to protect water resources compatible with recreation opportunities; 5) Development of methods for applying financial incentives to landowners for practices that benefit water resources; 6) Cooperation with lake and river associations and Coalitions of Lake Associations.

8 Applies to Watershed Health and Social Health Objectives.

A- 148 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

I. Monitoring Program

Paragraph 1: The Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan calls for a significant water monitoring effort. This effort includes expansion of existing programs and creation of new programs. The Basin Plan does not call for monitoring simply for the accumulation of data. Rather, the Plan calls for monitoring to meet basin-wide needs identified by the plan developers. The emerging theme of the Plan is to maintain high quality waters and improve waters in need of restoration. Participants in the planning process do not want to wait until rivers and lakes degrade to state standards (MN Rules 7050). Rather they want to establish “thresholds,” locally identified standards, and ask the MPCA and the DNR to assist in maintaining basin waters at or above these thresholds. Further, development and implementation of the comprehensive basin-wide monitoring effort will provide decision-makers with the information necessary to make informed decisions about future development. Plan developers have voiced concerns that if comprehensive condition monitoring does not begin soon, water quality may degrade, resulting in significant impacts to the environment. Identifying and recording existing conditions are necessary to development of appropriate strategies. Plan developers stress that the monitoring is not intended to identify human caused problems, rather to assess current conditions natural and otherwise.

Areas of interest identified by local committees:

• Effects of climate change: • Wetland recycling of nutrients and metals – compare natural wetlands to ditched wetlands. • Shallow v. deep lakes. • Effects of development: • Changes in land use. • Effects of forest management: • Effectiveness of Best Management Practices, MN Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines and forest management plans. • Effects of fires on water quality. • Compare forests less than 20 years old to forests over 20 years old. • Sediment sampling, analysis and development of a historical profile of lake water quality, total cumulative effects and ecology for the basin: • Historical sedimentation rates. • Historical plankton community diversity and density. • Calibration of nutrient loading and other controlling variables linked to landscape-scale stressors, diatom inference of past baselines, magnitudes of change, and trends in any depositional basin (including wetlands) of interest. • Rainy River nutrient and sediment loads study. • Incorporation of satellite and aerial imaging in monitoring efforts: • Lake transparency • Lake chlorophyll • Land use: • Residential development • Forest management: • Best Management Practices use and compliance • Forest less than 20 years old coverage and distribution • Corroboration of satellite/aerial methods with geomorphic data. • Include SO2 in routine lake and stream chemistry monitoring to track acid deposition and the effect of SO2 on the methylization of mercury. • Comprehensive, basin-wide precipitation monitoring. • Need more information on ground water – surface water interactions within the basin. • Effects of Rice paddies, include flow, physical and chemical and fisheries, annual condition monitoring?

A- 149 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

• Sample rice paddy discharges for nutrients and toxics. • Measure discharge flows and capacity of pump. • Effects of beavers on water quality and fisheries.

Strategy I:

In the fall of 2003, establish an interagency work group with the task of development of a basin- wide monitoring plan that addresses the following: • Initiative I objectives including identification of the monitoring effort structure, • Determination of iterative phases of program implementation, • Identification of potential funding sources, • Development of an implementation time line (implementation targeted for spring 2004), • Continuing implementation coordination.

Lead: MPCA/SWCDs or local water planners

Support: MLA, RCM, SWCDs, counties, Water Resources Center, RRCC, VCC, NRRI, UM, MDNR, USGS, USF&WS, USFS, VNP

M. Water Resources Center Initiative

Goals: 1. Develop and establish a Rainy River Basin Water Resources Center at Rainy River Community College (RRCC), with a satellite campus at Vermilion Community College (VCC). The Water Resource center will have four major emphases: Research, data management, education, and communication between interested U.S. and Canadian groups in the Rainy River Basin.

Objective 1: The Water Resources Center will perform water quality research specific to the Rainy River Basin. • Perform water quality, water quantity (hydrology and geomorphology) and aquatic ecology monitoring and research. • Provide a Rainy River Basin Water Resource Center coordinator. • Gain EPA certification for coliform testing and nutrient analysis at RRCC. Strategy: • Seek funding for development of a water quality lab and office space for research personnel at RRCC and VCC. • Seek funding to hire and sustain a Rainy River Basin Water Resources Center Coordinator. • Work with Mn Department of Health to develop a plan, which leads to EPA certification for coliform testing and nutrient analysis. Objective 4: The Water Resource Center will foster communication between U.S. and Canadian agencies, organizations and citizen groups involved in basin activities.

• Provide a forum for U.S. and Canadian resource agencies to share research information related to the Rainy River Basin. • Collaborate with Canadian and U.S. citizen lake and river associations. • Promote educational opportunities on both sides of the border which concentrate on Basin issues.

A- 150 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Strategies:

• Support an annual a regular Man-O-Min conference. • Initiate and enhance K-12 education on both sides of the border. • Arrange trans-border interagency research symposia. • Collect and maintain links to Canadian water quality data from the Rainy Basin on the Water Resource Center web-site.

A- 151 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 Basin Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, November 5th/ 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Location: Commons (left of Room SC 115) Rainy River Community College International Falls

Agenda

9:00 am Welcome and Introductions

9:10 am Review, revise and approve Agenda and 6/4/03 Meeting Summary

Summary will be distributed at the meeting.

9:20 am Review Public Comments and Determine Appropriate Response and/or Action (see Public Comments Packet Options)

11:00 am Review, Revise (and Approve?) Narrative

12:00 Noon Lunch (on your own)

1:00 pm Review, Revise (and Approve?) Implementation Time Line

2:00 pm Other?

Next Meeting Date and Location

The next Basin Committee plan development meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3rd unless the committee is ready to begin implementation. For implementation, you may want to consider March or April 2004 for an organizational meeting?

Where would you like to meet?

2:30 pm Adjourn

A- 152 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 Basin Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Wednesday, November 5th/ 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Location: Commons (left of Room SC 115) Rainy River Community College International Falls

Agenda

9:00 am Welcome and Introductions

Baratono welcomed everyone to the 7th meeting of the Basin Committee. He passed around an attendance sheet.

Self Introductions: Keith Aho, Field Township; Bob Anderson, Boise; Ruth Anderson; Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Bob Berrisford, SNF; John Bruggman, NKASD; Howard Christman, DNR Waters; Les Connor, Boise Forte Band of Chippewa Indians; Jan Emmert; Mike Forsman, St. Louis County Commissioner; Leland Grim; Beth Kluthe, MDH; Mike Kolb, St. Louis County Health Dept; Dick Lacher, RCM; Richard Lehtinen, Koochiching County ESD; Chuck Lepper, Koochiching County Commissioner; Steve Lotz, Vermilion Lake Township; John McCarthy, NKASD; Shelly Micke, Lake of the Woods SWCD; Rian Reed, DNR Fisheries; Dick Sigel, Lake County ESD; Steve Sindelir, Lake of the Woods County ESD; Tom Toratti, Koochiching SWCD; Dave Reimer, Boise; Jim Weseloh, DNR; Steve Windels, VNP

9:10 am Review, revise and approve Agenda and 6/4/03 Meeting Summary

The agenda was approved via consensus. The 5/7 meeting summary was distributed and approved via consensus.

9:20 am Review Public Comments and Determine Appropriate Response and/or Action

Please see Public Comments Packet – Basin Committee Responses (attached) for the Committee’s actions in response to the public comments received. Discussion of the Water Resources Center – primarily lead and supporting agencies/organizations – was deferred to the December meeting.

Based on a public comment questioning the meaning/intent of the “Areas of Local Interest” referring to climate change and forests less than 20 years old, the Committee directed Baratono to develop a brief narrative for the “Local” section and to identify sources of each of the areas of interest.

11:00 am Review, Revise (and Approve?) Narrative

The Committee instructed Baratono to combine the Draft Narrative and Draft Foreword into one document to serve as a narrative for Section I. The Committee will review the combined draft at its December meeting.

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The Committee also instructed Baratono to add a draft Preface (explaining authority for development of the plan) along with maps showing the entire (international) basin, the Minnesota portion of the basin and planning areas for local committees.

12:00 Noon Lunch (on your own)

1:00 pm Review, Revise (and Approve?) Implementation Time Line

The Committee made revisions to the time line for review at the December meeting.

2:00 pm Other?

Next Meeting Date and Location

The next Basin Committee plan development meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, December 3rd in the International Falls area.

2:30 pm Adjourn

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From: Karen Evens [[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2003 9:27 AM To: 'Baratono, Nolan' Subject: RE: Narrative and plan

Thanks Nolan: I'm going to pass this along to Suzanne as well since she is sitting in on the internal organization meetings. Apparently there are still quite a few people who don't understand pre and post project monitoring as part of any decent assessment, plus it's the same old reward the polluters mindset - an ounce of prevention makes the tax dollar stretch -- we need a catchy slogan or some such - Karen

-----Original Message----- From: Baratono, Nolan [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2003 9:21 AM To: 'Karen Evens' Subject: RE: Narrative and plan

Karen,

I haven't heard any comments - yet - but I imagine they'll start coming in soon. I expect we'll hear many comments from folks (especially consultants?) regarding the need to do bricks and mortar projects. It's going to be difficult to get people to understand that our primary concern is protection and many of our protection projects will involve monitoring or studies or cooperation among agencies and other non-bricks and mortar activities.

I guess we can tell them that the plan does have bricks and mortar projects when needs have been identified. Others will be added as we identify additional needs (sometimes through monitoring).

Nolan

-----Original Message----- From: Karen Evens [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2003 9:41 AM To: 'Baratono, Nolan' Subject: RE: Narrative and plan

Hi Nolan: sorry to be late but I think the wording looks good. Spoke with Norm Wenck of the Wenck engineering firm, a group that sponsored the governor at a TMDL workshop - perhaps you were there. Norm's take on everything is we are now in the project mode -- not the monitoring mode -- I had quite a discussion with him, but I don't think people get it regarding the value of monitoring - not just searching for projects that are applied in a shotgun approach. Heard anything on your end? -Karen

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-----Original Message----- From: Baratono, Nolan [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, May 23, 2003 10:19 AM To: Bob Fenwick; Bonnie MacLean; Bruce Kerfoot; Dick Blank; Don Ortley; Don Ortley, WRCOLA; Jenny Brown; Jim Wiinanen; Joe Skala; Ray Doran, WRCOLA; Roger Scraba; wilma clark; Bruce Wilson; Dan Logelin; Jesse Anderson; Michael Vavricka; Mike Kennedy; Nolan Baratono; Patricia Bacigalupo; Patrick Carey; Tom Schaub; Amy Loiselle, DNR; Craig Tikkanen, Voyageurs CC; Dick Sigel, Lake Co.; 'Jim Plummer, St. Louis'; Joe Geis, DNR; Karen Evens; Kevin Daw, NRCS; Les Connor, Bois Forte; marge sella; 'Mark Johnson, St. Louis Co'; 'Mark Lindhorst, N St.Louis SWCD'; Mike Kolb, St. Louis-Health; Patricia O'Hara; Rebecca Wiinanen; Steve Kleist, VCC; Steve Persons, DNR; Terry Soderberg; 'Tim Nelson, Cook Co.' Subject: Narrative

Folks,

As we discussed at Tuesday's meeting, here's the revised narrative for your review.

Please get any changes to me by Thursday 6/29.

Thanks.

Nolan

<> Nolan Baratono Rainy River Basin Coordinator P.O. Box 61 International Falls, MN 56649

218-283-2240 [email protected]

The Basin Committee believes that the conflict between monitoring and projects while not discussed in great detail in the Plan is adequately covered. The Plan and the Basin Information Document (BID) delineate the need for better monitoring to ensure we properly manage our waters to ensure we maintain or improve current conditions. When we have adequate information to determine there is a need for a project, it is listed in the Basin Project List.

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From: Beth Kluthe [[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2003 3:34 PM To: [email protected] Subject: draft basin plan

Hey - congrats you got the draft out! One thing that struck me when I was reading the overall goal is that "protecting groundwater resources" is missing. Any chance we could include some reference to groundwater in the overall goal statement?

Beth Beth Kluthe, Planner Minnesota Dept. of Health Source Water Protection Unit 1705 Anne Street, Suite 3 Bemidji, MN 56601 218-755-4173 [email protected]

The Basin Committee determined that the overall goal should be changed to read:

“Maintain or improve the existing condition of streams, rivers, lakes and groundwater in the Rainy River Basin.”

From: ?ASKPCA Sent: Monday, July 28, 2003 9:42 AM To: Baratono, Nolan Subject: FW: Citizen Complaint - Incident Management Form

The following information was submitted: Is this Confidential? no

Description of Complaint: I have observed a study being done by the Mn. Polution Control Agency. This study is called the Rainy River Water Basin Study, and is being conducted by Noland Baratono of the MPCA. At first we were told that one of the main reasons for this study was to gain local contron of our water and natural resources. As the study proceeds, it is apparent that reason for this study is to take all local authority away, and put the futue of our area, our jobs, forest and water management, land use, farming regulations, private and public sewage treatment, roads, both public and private, trails, fishing and hunting regulations, and just about anything thing else that takes place in Northern Minnesota at the mercy of the M.P.C.A. So what does this sound like? Well it sounds like SOCIALISM to me, and rather you realize it or not, that is what the MPCA is contemplating with this study and plan. So my question is. When did the MPCA get into organizing Socialism?

Responsible Party Information: Name of Responsible Party: Minnesota Polution Control Agency

Date First Observed: December 2001 Date Last Observed: to date

Submitter's Name: Leo D. Dugas ([email protected])

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Address: P.O. box 18

Int'l Falls, mn. 56649 Primary Phone: 1-218-285-2956 Secondary Phone:

From: Leo Dugas [[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2003 9:04 PM To: [email protected] Subject: my suggestion for Rainy River Water Basin Study

The Rainy River Water Basin Study

I believe that the study of the Rainy River Water Basin is designed to take control away from the local people and the local govermental bodies. That this study not only is about the basin and it's water shed's, but includes all lands in the area, private and public. That once this study is complete, and the M.P.C.A. directs and enforces the rules within the plan, Northern Minnesota will be at the mercy of a agency that is either controlled from within, or is dominated by the fanatical environmental groups. That this study will violate the rights of the citizens of the area to be able to enjoy the great areas of Northern Minnesota and it's water, lands and resources. That this study will discrimiate aganist the local citizens, causing them to loose jobs and even move from an area that they have enjoyed and loved for many years. This Rainy River Water Basin Study is, I believe, a cover up for the sake of the prservationist and fanatical environmentalist who would like to see most, if not all, of Northern Minnesota become one large preserve.

I BELIEVE THIS STUDY SHOULD BE STOPPED NOW, FOR THE SAKE OF THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE OF NORTHERN MINNESOTA. THIS IS MY SUGGESTION FOR THE STUDY OF THE RAINY RIVER WATER BASIN STUDY.

LEO D. DUGAS INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MINNESOTA

From: Leo Dugas [[email protected]] Sent: Friday, August 22, 2003 11:12 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Suggestions for Rainy River ater Basin Plan/Study

Nolan: I hope you got my suggestions for the basin plan. I would like to take time to explain my reason for the dislike of such a plan. The biggest problem I have with the plan, is that it leaves a door open to people in the future that could take advantage of such a plan to gain control of resources, thus gaining control of everything that takes place in that area. Lets face it, whoever controls the resources of an area, be it a county, a state, or the world for that matter controls that area and everything that takes place in that area. That includes jobs, business and industry and anything that happens in that area. Most of us would like to have control, or at least imput in the control of the resources closest to us.

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Like our drinking water, the air we breath and so on. This plan gives control of our local resources to strangers that have no ties with our area, other then they have the authority to control our resources, which controls our local economy, jobs and activties within the area. You have no plans for public meetings, and have never advertised meetings to the public as far as I know, so there are a limited number of citizens that really know about this plan and how it will affect them and their familie's lives. The Rainy River Water Basin Plan not only affects water, but will affect every asspect of life the basin. I think the public should know more about this plan before it is implemented, and the only way they will learn about it, is if you, or someone from the M.P.C.A. will have public meetings in the area to explain it to them I also believe that with this plan, we will loose jobs because of the control shift, we will loose the ability to live the way we have and charished for years. Our area is loosing both jobs and population now, and our schools are finacially strapped. The futrue looks dim for Int'l Falls. I believe that this plan is the straw that will break the camel's back. Leo Dugas Int'l Falls, Minnesota

The Basin Committee took no action on Mr. Dugas’ comments.

(NCLUCB Letter)

At the request of the Northern Counties Land Use Coordinating Board (NCLUCB) the Plan Public Comment Period was extended 30 days. No additional comments were received from NCLUCB.

From: Robert Berrisford [[email protected]] Sent: Friday, August 22, 2003 9:24 AM To: [email protected] Cc: Scott I Snelson; Jason T Butcher Subject: My review comments on the DRAFT Rainy River Basin Water Plan

Hi Nolan!

I offer the following comments in review of the Draft Rainy Basin Water Plan. Many of my comments are actually questions intended to prompt clarification of what is being said. This is the first opportunity I've actually had to see the whole document pulled together in one place, so I hope you don't mind that I point out a few parts of the document that I find confusing. I'm sure I'd understand this a lot better had I been a more faithful attendee of the Basin Committee meetings.

General Question about structure of the Draft Plan (e.g. Basin-wide Section vs. Local Committee Sections): It's unclear to me what the significance is of any particular item being spoken to in the Basin-wide Section vs. a Local Committee Section. If an item is identified as an objective or a

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strategy in the Basinwide section, does that mean it applies to the entire Rainy River Basin or only to the portion of the basin covered by the local committee who developed that objective/strategy. A specific example: In the Basin-wide section on page 14, inventory of hydrologic modifications to identify problem crossings for fish migration is listed as part of an objective. However only one of the Local Committees (the South) identified this item in their section (on page 66). Does that mean that this particular objective does not apply to the portion of the basin represented by the other four local committees, or does it simply mean that the local committee decided not to place any emphasis (high, medium or low priority) on that objective?

Perhaps a short introductory paragraph explaining the relationship between direction at the Basin wide level vs direction at the local committee level would help. I

The local and basin section layout and significance has been added to the Narrative. page 3, item D first and second bullet: Do the terms "Arrowhead Water Quality Team" and "Arrowhead Region Stream Team" refer to the same entity? If so, I suggest using either one term or the other, but not both. If they are not the same entity, the document should include a description of what the Arrowhead Water Quality Team is (e.g. what it was established to do, who it's members are, etc.). Perhaps that description is already in the document somewhere--if so, please ignore this comment.

The Committee has determined to add an acronym glossary and a list of agencies and organizations involved in implementation.

page 6, last bullet: I certainly understand the problems that beavers pose to roads, fish migration, etc. Just want to make sure that the intent here is not to attempt to eradicate beaver (if indeed that could ever be done). In certain settings beaver may have a legitimate, perhaps even beneficial, role to play, and they should be recognized as a natural ecological functional component of some riparian areas.

The Basin Committee determined that the Beaver Management Goal was adequate at this time. page 7, goal: I suggest a slight rewording of the goal to read as follows: "Support effort of the forestry community in Minnesota to protect water quality". Reason for wording change: While it's true that the forest products industry plays a principle role in actually implementing site level guidelines, a number of other entities (agencies, interest groups, etc.) were/are also involved in helping to develop and implement guidelines, monitor guideline implementation and effectiveness, and determine which guidelines are applicable to specific sites. That's why I suggest using the more inclusive term 'forestry community in Minnesota'.

The Basin Committee determined that the Forest Management Goal was adequate at this time. page 8, 2nd objective: I suggest rewording to read as follows: "Support efforts by local, state, and federal government to protect groundwater resources." Reason for wording change: State and federal governments also have initiatives designed to protect groundwater.

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The Basin Committee determined that the Groundwater Objective should read: “Encourage participation in state and federal groundwater protection programs that are consist with local water planning and mutually beneficial.” page 9, first bullet under Strategies: fix typographical error

Corrected. page 9, last bullet (dash) on page: It's not clear to me who this bullet is directed to? Who exactly is supposed to cooperate with lake and river Assns?

The Basin Committee determined that there was a recurring problem with many of the basin-wide goals not having a determined lead or supporting agencies/organizations. The Committee agreed that at a minimum each strategy should have a lead, however the Committee also recognized that some of the Goals, Objectives and Strategies will need further development during implementation before appropriate lead and supporting organizations can be determined. The Committee also noted that some of the Goals and Objectives were intended as policy statements to help guide water management activities throughout the Rainy River Basin, thus not requiring an identified lead.

The following is a list of goals currently not having a lead or support agency or organization that will be addressed during implementation:

Basin Plan Implementation Overview and Coordination Goal Communication / Coordination Goal Drinking Water Goal Erosion Goal Groundwater Goal Land Use / Shoreline Development Goal Phosphorus Goal Stormwater Goal Wastewater Management Initiative: o Education Goal o ISTS Operation, Maintenance Repair and Upgrade Goal Funding Strategies Education Objectives o Operation and Maintenance Goal o Wastewater Cooperative Goal o Municipal System Goal o Septage and Sludge Goal page 16, item I.b.: What aspects of shallow vs. deep lakes are to be evaluated to determine effects of climate change? If the intent is to explore climate change impacts on the recycling of nutrients and metals in shallow v. deep lakes, I a. and I b. should be rewritten to make that more clear. Specifically consider reformatting item I as follows: I. Effects of climate change on the recycling or nutrients and metals in: a. Wetlands - compare natural wetland to ditched wetlands b. Lakes - compare shallow lakes to deep lakes

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The Basin Committee was reluctant to change this simple listing of monitoring issues raised by local committees that are not addressed in the current monitoring Initiative. They determined to develop a brief introduction to the Local Committee Areas of Interest describing the intent of the list and to review the list to remove any relic issues not reflected in the final Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators Tables approved by local committees. page 16, item IIIc: From the current wording in the draft, it's not clear to me what particular aspect of forest management will be compared between forests <20 yrs old and forests >20 yrs old. I'm guessing that the intent here was that watersheds be characterized as to their composition of forest< age 20 vs forest >age 20 for purposes of determining whether they (the watersheds) are at or approaching Sandy Verry's "60% threshold" of significance for in-channel sediment production.

See above response. page 49, goal IX: Just wanted to let you know that the USFS (Superior National Forest) has produced a monitoring report on the BWCAW blowdown, and plans to update it at intervals as new monitoring data is collected. Perhaps this report can be the basis for the "updates" referred to in Goal IX?

This suggestion pertains to an East-Central Goal. The Basin Committee determined that they did not have the authority, or inclination, to make changes to a local section.

Committee members indicated that when we begin to publish the basin newsletter through the Water Resources Center, the newsletter can reference the report and updates. This will inform people throughout the basin that the update is available.

Bob Berrisford, Hydrologist USDA Forest Service, Superior National Forest 8901 Grand Avenue Place Duluth, MN 55808-1102 Voice: (218) 626-4390 Fax:: (218) 626-4398

----- Original Message ----- From: "Martin Nantel" To: Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2003 9:10 AM Subject: Please forward to Nolan

> Hey Damien > > please forward to Nolan Baratono. HIs email should be > in my outlook address book. Thanks, > See you soon. > martin > > Hi Nolan > > I'm on holiday but wanted to comment on your draft > plan briefly (hard copy received by mail). I'm also in

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> an expensive internet cafe (paid in Euros), so I'll be > even quicker: > > -a map and a list of acronyms would be nice in the > intro/glossary

The Basin Committee has determined to add an acronym glossary and a description of implementing agencies and organizations. The Committee also determined to add a map of the entire basin (including portions in Canada and the United States) and a map showing the planning areas of local committees. > > -p11 first par and p12 under coordination: include > First Nations and Tribes?

As suggested, the Basin Committee determined to change the 2nd sentence in paragraph1, page 11 to:

“This includes monitoring activities by citizen-based groups, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), First Nations and Tribes, resource management agencies, educational and research institutions.”

The 1st sentence in paragraph 1, page 12 to:

“Coordinate and integrate monitoring efforts of citizen-based efforts, First Nations and Tribes, research institutions and local, state and federal resource management agencies, including long- term monitoring efforts, special studies and data generated through water quality permitting activities.”

> > -p12 under second bullet of the monitoring objective: > add Canadian efforts such as RRFN (Rainy main stem and > tributaries), RRFN and OMOE on Rainy River near lake > of the woods, RL Conservancy efforts on Rainy Lake?

The Basin Committee did not believe that this belonged under the Indicator Watersheds, Lakes or Wetland objectives. They determined to specify that we include RRFN, OMOE and OMNR in the development and implementation of the monitoring plan.

The Basin Committee also determined to include the Rainy River First Nations Rainy River Mainstem and Tributaries Monitoring under the Monitoring Coordinator for Citizen-based Efforts.

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> -p14, under bullet starting with "inventory > hydrologic..." .... we are hoping to have our habitat > inventory project completed this year and this would > allow us to zoom in on culverts problematic to fish > migration > > -p. 15: second bullet...we will be developping some > sort of index for the waters of the basin, however it > is not clear what we'll use (fish, water, benthic, > etc). > > -p17: suport: include RRFN and OMOE?

The Basin Committee determined that the three suggestions above would all be best addressed by adding RRFN and, if they want to be included, OMOE and OMNR to the list of supporting agencies/organizations on page 17.

> > -p.19: I like the program/project evaluation...too > often it falls off the wagon.

The Basin Committee determined to add RRFN to supporting agencies. > > -p31, under bullet starting by "teh water resource > center..." ... include First Nations (RRFN)?

The Basin Committee determined to add RRFN to supporting agencies/organizations list to be developed.

> > -p32: thanks for the support to the ManOMin > COnference. Will this include financial support? > > -p32: I dont know if you are aware, but the Rainy > River Field Naturalists are working on an educational > bog walk project in the Devlin/Crozier bog. Bill > Morgenstein would be the contact for this. I could > give you his number later if you need it.

NB Notes:

I’ll defer to Don as lead for the WRC for the 2 items above. > > > I hvaent had much time to look at the local sections, > but on the third par on p51, under north local > committee, do we know for sure that the Kooch's Land > Use Plan is implemented/followed? If not, the > classification of some objectives as low priority may > not be appropriate.

The prioritization was done by the North Local Committee with significant input from the County’s ESD. It is the understanding of the Basin Committee that the North Local Committee is satisfied with the implementation of the County’s Land Use Plan.

> > I"ve got to run NOlan. Hope this helps.

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> See you soon. > martin > > > ______> Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software > http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com

(DNR Letter)

Statutory Authority:

The Committee believes that the Plan should include these references in a preface. The preface should cover the following:

“States derive their authority to develop basin plans from the Clean Water Act (CWA), Section 209 – Water Quality Management Plans and Section 303e Continuous Planning Process. Minnesota through the Environmental Performance Partnership Agreement (EnPPA) with EPA has agreed to develop and begin implementation of the Rainy River Basin Plan by January 1, 2004.

Lack of Comprehensive Water Data:

The Basin Committee determined that the 2001 Rainy River Basin Information Document contains the data and the plan provides action strategies. They determined to provide a description of the data and action plan relationship in the introduction.

Lack of fish and wildlife habitat strategies:

The Basin Committee determined that this was an accurate criticism, but that it was too late to try to develop entirely new strategies. They determined to increase their efforts to get participation from DNR Fisheries and Wildlife.

Aesthetics in the Land Use/Shoreline Development Goal:

The Basin Committee determined to leave this Goal and Objectives as written because the emphasis of the Plan was on water management activities, not subjective evaluations. The Committee indicates that this can be better addressed by local land use authorities.

______

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From: Beth Kluthe [[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2003 9:30 AM To: [email protected] Subject: plan typos

Hey,

This is probably too late but I was re-reading the plan and noted a few typos which I thought I would let you know about in case you haven't already caught them. p.4 First strategy has the wrong "witch" p. 9 first bullet is fractured and Coalition is mis-spelled in last bullet.

That is all. See ya.

Beth

Beth Kluthe, Planner Minnesota Dept. of Health Source Water Protection Unit 1705 Anne Street, Suite 3 Bemidji, MN 56601 218-755-4173 [email protected]

Corrected.

(Crane Lake Property Owners for Common Sense Letter)

The Basin Committee determined to leave the Houseboat Greywater Goals and Objectives as written. They developed a Goal relating to houseboat greywater that calls for a determination of which agency is responsible for regulating discharge and then a study of the issue, including effects, management needs and costs. The current goal is a prerequisite before specific management activities or regulations can be developed.

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Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 Basin Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, December 3rd/ 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Location: Rainy Lake Visitors Center, Upstairs Conference Room Voyageurs National Park (11 miles east of Int’l Falls on Hwy. 11, right at Park entrance, about 3 miles to Visitors Center; park in upper lot.)

Agenda

9:00 am Welcome and Introductions

9:10 am Review, revise and approve Agenda and 11/5/03 Meeting Summary

Summary will be distributed at the meeting.

9:20 am Complete review of Public Comments and determine appropriate response and/or action

• Water Resources Center lead and supporting agencies and organizations. • Review, revise and approve Basin Committee Responses

10:00 am Areas of Interest Identified by Local Committees

• Review, revise and approve introduction. • Review identified local committee sources and determine appropriate actions.

10:30 am Review, revise and approve Implementation Time Line

11:00 am Review, revise and approve Narrative and Preface

11:30 am Review, revise and approve Acronym Glossary and List of Participating Agencies and Organizations

To be distributed at the meeting.

12:00 Noon Lunch (on your own)

1:00 pm Review, revise and approve maps

To be distributed at the meeting.

1:30 pm Determine if the Plan is ready to publish, or if the Committee wants another meeting for final review and approval.

2:00 pm Other? Next Meeting Date and Location

2:30 pm Adjourn

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Rainy River Basin Distribution List

Agricultural Organizations Sector American Dairy Assn. of MN David Schwartz, Chairman Minnesota Farmers Union 1323 Highway 59 Andy Steensma Slayton, MN 56172 Tom Peterson 600 County Road D, Suite 14 507-836-8304 St. Paul, MN 55112-3521 MN Dairy Research and 612-639-1223 Promotion Council 612-639-0421 fax Mike Kruger, Executive Director 2015 Rice Street Farm Bureau Federation St. Paul, MN 55113 Al Christopherson, President 3080 Eagandale Place 612-488-0261 Eagan, MN 55121-2118 612-488-0265 fax

612-905-2100 MN Forage/Grassland Council 612-905-2159 fax Neal Martin, Executive Secretary 1992 Buford Circle Minnesota Aquaculture Association 411 Borlaug Hall Gregory Oswald St. Paul, MN 55108 P.O. Box 351 Ellendale, MN 56026 612-625-3747 Ron Johnson, President PO Box 265 MN Pork Producers Assn. Alexandria, MN 56308 Paul Peterson, Executive Director 360 Pierce Avenue, Suite 106 MN Beef Research and North Mankato, MN 56003 Promotion Council Ronald Eustice, Executive Director 507-345-8814 2850 Metro Drive, Suite 426 507-345-8681 fax Minneapolis, MN 55425 MN Sheep Producers Assn. 612-854-6980 Marshall Kukowski, President 612-854-6906 fax RR 2, Box 209 Greenbush, MN 56726 MN Red Poll Breeders Assn. Patrick L. Ward Business Sector RR1, Box 466 Bagley, MN 56621 Minnesota Restaurant, Hotel and Resort Association 218-785-2255 871 Jefferson Avenue St. Paul, MN 55102-2894 MN Milking Shorthorn Breeders W.A.Halstrom, Sec/Tres. (651)222-7041 RR2, Box 175 Red Lake Falls, MN 56750

218-964-5539

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Industry Sector Ed Zabinski, Public Affairs Manager 115 SW First Avenue Minnesota Forest Industries, Inc. and Timber Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Producers Association Wayne Brandt, Executive Vice-President (218)327-6200 903 Medical Arts Building [email protected] 324 West Superior Street Duluth, MN 55802 Cliffs Mining Services Dave Z. Skolasinski (218)722-5013 202 West Superior Street, Suite 312 Duluth, MN 55802 Rachel Benishek Bruce Barker, Asst. Executive Vice President (218)722-1792 903 Medical Arts Building 324 West Superior Street Abitibi-Consolidated Inc. Duluth, MN 55802 Fort Frances Division Gary Rogozinski. Director of Environmental Boise Affairs [email protected] 145 Third Street West Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3N2 Potlatch Corporation Tom Murn, Resource Manager (807) 274-5311 PO Box 504 Cloquet, MN 55720 USS-Minntac Mine Bruce Kniivila (218)879-0435 PO Box 417 [email protected] Mt. Iron, MN 55768

Kevin Kangas, Environmental Manager (218) 749-7509 2201 Avenue B (218) 749-7628 fax PO Box 503 Cloquet, MN 55720 Hibbing Taconite Andrea J. Hayden (218)879-2300 ext. 0638 Hwy. 5 North [email protected] PO Box 589 Hibbing, MN 55746-0589 Frank Carroll, Public Affairs Manager PO Box 504 Cloquet, MN 55720

(218)879-0404

Blandin Paper Corporation John McCoy, Woodlands Manager 115 SW First Avenue Grand Rapids, MN 55744

(218)327-6200 [email protected]

Curt Firman, Environmental Manager 115 SW First Avenue Grand Rapids, MN 55744

(218)327-6200 [email protected]

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Citizen Advocacy Sector Lynne Olson 5486 Nordling Road Minnesota Landowner’s Rights Association Duluth, MN 55804 Mildred Klammer Route 2, Box 75 (218)525-5989 Gatzke, MN 56724 [email protected]

Minnesota Lakes Association Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute Donna Peterson Ted Gostomski Dead Lake 1411 Ellis Avenue Richville, MN 56576 Ashland, WI 54806-9900

Paula West (715) 682-1220 PO Box 321 (715) 682-1218 fax Brainerd, MN 56401 [email protected]

Rendezvous Yacht Club Voyageurs Region National Park Association Eric Rude, Commodore Jennifer R. S. Hunt, Executive Director PO Box 6 514 North 3rd Street, Suite 104 Fort Francis, Ontario P9A 3M5 Minneapolis, MN 55401-1202

John Bartlett, PE (612)333-5424 Bartlett and Associates, Inc. [email protected] PO Box 1240 International Falls, MN 56649 National Parks and Conservation Association (218) 285-7409 Lori M. Nelson, Heartland Regional Director (218) 285-7414 fax PO Box 25354 [email protected] St. Paul, MN 55125

800-628-7275 ext.286 Environmental Sector Wilderness Inquiry Ducks Unlimited Michael Passo 4570 West 77th Street 1313 Fifth Street SE - Box 84 Edina, MN 55435 Minneapolis, MN 55414

Izaak Walton League (612)379-3858 Dick Brown 701 East Hayden Lake Road Lake States Interpretive Association Champlin, MN 55316 Glenn C. Maxham 5061 Lakewood Road (612)421-6787 Duluth, MN 55804 [email protected] Minnesota Center for Environmental David Zentner Advocacy 302 West Superior Street, Suite 400 Mark Ten Eyck Duluth, MN 55802-1802 26 East Exchange Street, Suite 206 St. Paul, MN 55101-2264 (218)727-7437 (612)223-5969

Peter Bachman, Executive Director 26 East Exchange Street, Suite 206 St. Paul, MN 55101-2264

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Audubon Minnesota Rainy Lake Conservancy 2357 Ventura Dr. Suite 106 Phyllis and Dale Callaghan St Paul, MN 55125 604-590 Beverly Street Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6H1 Sierra Club North Star Chapter (807) 345-4687 1313 Fifth Street SE Suite 324B Nature Conservancy of Canada Minneapolis, MN 55414 Lisa McLaughlin 121 Wyndam Street, North (612)379-3853 Gueiph, Ontario N1H 4E9

The Nature Conservancy (877) 343-3532 Ron Nargang 1313 5th Street SE North Country Trail Association Box 110 Bob Papp, Executive Director Minneapolis, MN 55414 49 Monroe Center NW, Suite 200B Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (612)331-0750

Tom Duffus Government Organizations Sector 394 Lake Avenue, Suite 305 Duluth, MN Association of Minnesota Counties 125 Charles Avenue (218) 727-6119 St. Paul, MN 55102-3344

Jenny Brown (651)224-3344 Director Of Conservation Science The Nature Conservancy League of Minnesota Cities 1313 5th St. SE, Suite 320 Remi Stone Minneapolis, MN 55414 145 University Avenue West (612)-331-0758 [email protected] St. Paul, MN 55103-2044

Meredith Cornett (651)281-1256 Conservation Ecologist (651)215-4113 fax The Nature Conservancy of Minnesota [email protected] Northeast Minnesota Office 394 Lake Avenue South Minnesota Association of Townships Duluth, MN 55802 David Fricke Phone: 218-727-6119 Edgewood Professional Building Fax: 218-727-0882 PO Box 267 805 Central Avenue East North American Water Alliance St. Michael, MN 55376 Lea Foushee PO Box 174 Jim Fisher Lake Elmo, MN 55042 District 10 Director 9365 Oxbow Road Clean Water Action Zim, MN 55738 Diane McKeown 326 East Hennepin Avenue 218-744-1132 Minneapolis, MN 55414-1067 [email protected]

Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness Will Rhodes 5998 Cant Duluth, MN 55804

A- 171 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Minnesota Environmental Science and Rainy River First Nations Economic Review Board Gary Medicine Kathryn Ludwig PO box 450 Flaherty and Associates, P.A. Emo, Ontario, POW 1E0 444 Cedar Street, Suite 1200 St. Paul, MN 55101 (807) 482-2479 (807) 482-2603 fax (651)225-8840 [email protected] (651)225-9088 fax

Minnesota Rural Counties Caucus General Information Dan Larson 5077 144th West Gerry Wilson St. Paul, MN 55124 Lake Country Publishing #5 – 7th Street South, C-17 (651)423-7218 Kenora, ON P9N 1P3

Northern Counties Land-Use Coordinating (807) 468-8715 Board (807) 468-4349 c/o St. Louis county Land Department [email protected] 320 West 2nd Street. Room 606 Duluth, MN 55802 Art McKenzie Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Minnesota Association of Small Cities Association Nancy Larson, Executive Director 21950 CSAH 4 [email protected] DASSEL, MN 55325-3641 Paul Stegmeir (320) 275-3130 1374 Taylor Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104

Other Governments Sector (651)644-3848 (651)644-7403 Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Chairman, Red Lake Tribal Council Senator Mark Dayton PO Box 550 Steve Bradach, Regional Director Red Lake, MN 56671. 222 Main Street PO Box 937 Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians Biwabik, MN 55708 Ray Villebrun PO Box 16 (218) 865-4480 Nett Lake, MN 55772 (218) 865-4667 fax [email protected] Fort Francis Intertribal Richard Bruyere Senator Paul Welstone 1451 Idylwild Drive PO Box 281 Fort Francis, Ontario P9A 1J4 105 South Second Avenue Virginia, MN 55792 (807) 274-5899 (218)741-1074 (218)741-8544 fax [email protected]

A- 172 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Lisa Radosevich Pattni, Northern Minnesota Minnesota Senator LeRoy A. Stumpf Director G-24 Capitol Building PO box 281 75 Constitution Avenue 105 2nd Avenue South St. Paul, MN 55155-1606 Virginia, MN 55792 (651)296-8660 (218) 741-1074 [email protected] (218) 741-8544 [email protected] Minnesota Representative Irv Anderson 343 State Office Building Representative James L. Oberstar 100 Constitution Avenue Chisholm City Hall St. Paul, MN 55155-1206 316 Lake Street Chisholm, MN 55719 (651)296-4936 [email protected] (218)254-5761 Angie Nolin-Johnson Senator Norm Coleman 411 Southwest 4th Avenue Faribault, MN 55021 Senator Mark Dayton (507)334-5860 Representative Collin Peterson 714 Lake Avenue, Suite 107 Tom Lucas Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Northeast Technical Service Virginia, MN (218)847-5056 (218)847-5109 fax Paul A. Anderson [email protected] ALTEC Solutions Inc. 1720 Valerie Lane Minnesota Representative Jim Tunheim New Brighton, MN 55112 335 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue EMail: [email protected] St. Paul, MN 55155-1206 651.633.5387 (H) (651)296-9635 612.788.0011 (W)

Minnesota Senator Tom Saxhaug Donald S. Johnson 608 East James Street Minnesota Representative David Dill Ely, MN 55731

Minnesota Representative Thomas Bakk (218) 365-7890 345 State Office Building [email protected] 100 Constitution Avenue St. Paul, MN 55155-1206 Timberjay Fred Schumacher (651)296-2190 PO Box 18 [email protected] Orr, MN 55771

Maynard Pick (218) 787-2305 fax Water Specialist 320 4th Street, SW Jan Emmert Centre Point Mall 4798 Township Road 51 Wilmar, MN 56201 Littlefork, MN 56653

320-235-1061 [email protected]

A- 173 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Dave Richards Sheldon Ajax, Vice-President WICOLA City of International Falls 2120 Aquila N. 600 4th Street Golden Valley, MN International Falls, MN 56649 612-797-5286 [email protected] [email protected]

Marty Nosie Ray Busch, Supervisor Koochiching SWCD Supervisor North St. Louis SWCD 10975 Highway 65 45 Cypress Gheen, MN 55771 Babbitt, MN 55706

(218) 787-2363 Mike Salo, Chair Town of Greenwood Catherine Crawford 2123 Birch Point Rd 4276 Lindford Road Tower, MN 55790 Littlefork, MN 56653 (218) 753-5400 Jo Kallemeyn 2762 County Road 94 Pete Pastika International Falls, MN 56649 1839 Boundary Street Babbitt, MN 55706 (218) 286-5302 [email protected] 218-827-3384 [email protected] Steven Lotz 9388 Holter Road Don Ortley, Sec/Treasurer Tower, MN 55790 White Iron Chain of Lakes Assoc 13345 Villa Road 218-753-4129 Ely, MN 55731 218-742-7017 [email protected] John Heikkila, Chair Town of Vermilion Lake Roger Skraba 6763 Door Road 129 East Sheridan Street Tower, MN 55790 Ely, MN 55731 [email protected] Keith A. Aho, Chair Town of Field Ray Doran, President WICOLA 1540 Hwy 25 13071 Rocky Shore Road Cook, MN 55723 Ely, MN 55731 800-652-5233 218-365-4962 [email protected]

Jim Pickney, President WICOLC Bonnie MacLean, Ph.D. 468 Ernie’s Road 76 Walter Road Ely, MN 55731 Grand Marais, MN 55604-2270 [email protected] 218-387-1578 [email protected]

A- 174 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Jim Wiinanen Bonnie MacLean, Ph.D. 12477 Gunflint Trail 76 Walter Road Grand Marais, MN 55604 Grand Marais, MN 55604-2270 [email protected] 218-387-1578 [email protected] Joe Skala 139 Feenberg Road Janice Hall Ely, MN 55731 Cook County Commissioner PO Box 484 218-365-4197 Hovland, MN 55606

Don Parmeter Wesley Hedstrom PO Box 583 Cook County Commissioner Ranier, MN 56668 1120 Devil Track Road 218-286-2033 Grand Marais, MN 56604

Leo Dugas Walter Mianowski PO Box 18 Cook County Commissioner International Falls, MN 56649 PO Box 117 Grand Marais, MN 55604-0117 Gary J. Maciejewski PO Box 323 Clarence Thompson Lutsen, MN 55612 Cook SWCD Supervisor 741 Gunflint Trail 218-370-0687 Grand Marais, MN 55604

Jim Wiinanen (218) 387-2632 12477 Gunflint Trail Grand Marais, MN 55604 Wayne Hensche Cook SWCD Supervisor [email protected] 1421 County Road 14 Grand Marais, MN 55604 Patricia Fryer Billings WICOLA (218) 387-1172 13071 Rocky Shore Ely, MN 55731 Donald Finn Cook SWCD Supervisor 218-365-4962 211 County Road 48 Grand Marais, MN 55604 George Nieman 383 Sunset Road (218) 387-1329 Ely, MN 55731 Alton Berglund 218-365-5382 Cook SWCD Supervisor 392 County Road 60 David MacLean, Ph.D. Grand Marais, MN 55604 76 Walter Road Grand Marais, MN 55604-2270 (218) 387-2005

218-387-1578 Don Sivertson [email protected] Cook SWCD Supervisor PO Box 123 Lutsen, MN 55612

(218) 663-7360

A- 175 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Willard Clark David Falk Lake County Commissioner Lake SWCD Supervisor 812 16th Avenue 842 Larsmont Road Two Harbors, MN 55616 Two Harbors, MN 55616

Derrick Goutermont (218) 834-7021 Lake County Commissioner 20 Marks Drive Bruce kerfoot Silver Bay, MN 55614-1109 Grand Marais, MN

Sharon Hahn [email protected] Lake County Commissioner 124 2nd Avenue Ray Doran, WICOLA Two Harbors, MN 55616-1616 13071 Rocky Shore Road Ely, MN 55731 Mr. Clair Nelson Lake County Commissioner [email protected] PO Box 472 Findland, MN 55603 Don Ortley, WICOLA 13345 Villa Road Stanley Nelson, Sr. Ely, MN 55731 Lake County Commissioner RR 1, Box 154A Roger Scraba Two Harbors, MN 55616-9505 1033 Harvey Street Ely, MN 55731 Don Warner Lake SWCD Supervisor Joe Skala HC 2, Box 51 139 Feenberg Road Silver Bay, MN 55614 Ely, MN 55731

(218) 226-4858 218-365-4197

Harold Cleveland Dick Blank Lake SWCD Supervisor 2652 Bernie’s Road 378 Stanley Road Ely, MN 55731 Two Harbors, MN 55616 218-365-5860 (218) 834-4104 Mike Salo, Chair Carole Carlson Town of Greenwood Lake SWCD Supervisor 2123 Birch Point Rd 627 – 12th Avenue Tower, MN 55790 Two Harbors, MN 55616 Ray Doran, President WRCOLA (218) 834-2988 13071 Rocky Shore Road Ely, MN 55731 Brenda VanBergen Lake SWCD Supervisor 218-365-4962 5157 Silver Hill Road [email protected] Finland, MN 55603 Mark Zupec (218) 353-7604 24 North Pioneer Road Ely, MN 55731

[email protected]

A- 176 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

George Nieman Clerk Ms Christine Mackia 383 Sunset Road Town of Embarrass Ely, MN 55731 PO Box 118 Embarrass, MN 55732 218-365-5382 [email protected] 218-984-2084 218-984-2021 fax Laurie Potter US Steel Keith A. Aho, Chair PO Box 417 Town of Field Mt. Iron, MN 1540 Hwy 25 Cook, MN 55723 [email protected] 800-652-5233 Martin Yourczek, Chair [email protected] Town of Alango 10558 Hwy 22 Jeffrey Schanche, Clerk Angora, MN 55703 Town of French 12570 East Road Wayne Taittonen, Chair Side Lake, MN 55781 Town of Angora 8738 Ralph Road Billy Morse, Chair Angora, MN 55703 Town of Great Scott PO Box 277 Donald Negley, Mayor Kinney, MN 55758 City of Babbitt 71 South Drive Jack McMahon, Chair Babbitt, MN 55706 Town of Kabetogama 10498 Waltz Road Brad Strgar, Chair Ray, MN 56669 Town of Balkan 5524 Hwy 73 Patty Morley, Chair Chisholm, MN 55719 Town of Kugler 8996 Hwy 135 North Steve Polich, Chair Tower, MN 55790 Town of Beatty 2398 Wakely Road Phil Christenson, Chair Cook, MN 55723 Town of Leiding Orr, MN 55771 Ted Melgeorge, Chair Town of Camp 5 Violet Watt, Chair PO Box 185 Town of Linden Grove Orr, MN 55771 11169 Hwy 1 Cook, MN 55723 Richard Swain, Chair Town of Eagles Nest Leon Sandberg, Chair 1552 Bear Head State Park Rd Town of Morcom Ely, MN 55731 12388 Hwy 22 Cook, MN 55723 Gary Rantala, Chair Town of Embarrass 4790 Salor Road Embarrass, MN 55732

A- 177 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Wally Refsdal, Chair Prudence Lolich, Mayor Town of Owens City of Hibbing 1934 Larson Road 401 East 21st Street Cook, MN 55723 Hibbing, MN 55746

Jodi Backman, Clerk Paul Plesha, St. Louis County Commissioner Town of Pike St. Louis County Courthouse 7509 Endberg Road 300 South 5th Avenue Embarrass, MN 55732 Virginia, MN 55792

Daniel Hoffman, Chair Steve Raukar, St. Louis County Commissioner Town of Portage St. Louis County Courthouse 6224 Crane Lake Rd 1810 - 12th Avenue E. Buyck, MN 55771 Hibbing, MN 55746

Douglas Aho, Chair Mike Forsman, St. Louis County Commissioner Town of Sandy Government Services Center 7215 Rice River Road 118 South 4th Avenue East Virginia, MN 55792 Ely, MN 55731

Chris Cheney, Chair Ray Busch, Supervisor Town of Sturgeon North St. Louis SWCD 11364 Hwy 22 45 Cypress Angora, MN 55703 Babbitt, MN 55706

John Heikkila, Chair Lolita Schnitzius, Mayor Town of Vermilion Lake City of Ely 6763 Door Road 209 E. Chapman Street Tower, MN 55790 Ely, MN 55731 [email protected] Roger Skraba 129 East Sheridan Street Steven Lotz Ely, MN 55731 9388 Holter Road Tower, MN 55790 Nancy Gaither, Mayor City of Winton 218-753-4129 PO Box 163 218-742-7017 Winton, MN 55796

David King H. D. Johnston, Mayor US Steel Mintac City of Cook PO Box 417 719 E. Vermilion Blvd Mt. Iron, MN 55768 Cook, MN 55723

218-749-7468 David Glowaski, Mayor dsking@uss,com City of Orr PO Box 237 Leonard Nelson, Chair Orr, MN 55771 Town of Waasa 3505 Salo Road David Dill, Administrator Embarrass, MN 55732 City of Orr PO Box 237 Scott Block, Chair Orr, MN 55771 Town of Wuori 6979 Beech Road Virginia, MN 55792

A- 178 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Crane Lake Resort Association Kevin Kangas, Environmental Manager Bill and Deena Congdon 2201 Avenue B 7576 Gold Coast Road PO Box 503 Crane Lake, MN 55725 Cloquet, MN 55720

Katy Ebel (218)879-2300 ext. 0638 Ebel’s Voyageur Houseboats [email protected] 10326 Ash River Trail Orr, MN 55771 Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians Ray Villebrun Alan Burchell PO Box 16 Kabetogama Lake Association Nett Lake, MN 55772 10434 Waltz Road Lake Kabetogama, MN 56669 Larry Lindholm, Engineering Dept Minntac USX Corp Butch Eggen Old Hwy 169 Minnesota Resort Association Mt Iron, MN 55768 7455 Crane Lake Road Crane Lake, MN 55725 [email protected]

Don Ortley, Sec/Treasurer Engineering Dept White Iron Chain of Lakes Assoc Inland Steel 13345 Villa Road 5950 Hwy 53 Ely, MN 55731 Virginia, MN 55792 [email protected] Eagles Nest Lake Assoc PO Box 423 Donald Johnson Ely, MN 55731 608 East James Street Ely, MN 55731 Mike Lantry Lake Vermilion Resort Assoc Judy DeMarrais PO Box 159 PO Box 203 Cook, MN 55723 Crane Lake, MN 55725 Tom Morrow Vermilion Sportsmans Club Lake Vermilion Conservation Assoc Paula Bloczynski PO Box 393 4443 Big Rock Rd Tower, MN 55790 Tower, MN 55790 Paula Bloczynski, Chair Blackduck / Elephant Lake Assoc St. Louis County Planning Commission Ted Melgeorge 4443 Big Rock Road Co. Road 180 Tower, MN 55790 Orr, MN 55771 John Freeman, Chair Potlatch Corporation Burntside Lake Association Tom Murn, Resource Manager 2032 Somero Road PO Box 504 Ely, MN 55732 Cloquet, MN 55720 Barbara Hayden-Haugen (218)879-0435 St. Louis County Planning [email protected] 901 Mesabi Building 227 West 1st Street Duluth, MN 55802

A- 179 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Peggy Pearson Jan Emmert North St. Louis SWCD Supervisor 4798 Township Road 51 1302 Samuelson Road Littlefork, MN 56653 Angora, MN 55703 Wade Pavleck [email protected] Koochiching County Commissioner PO Box 1253 Lyle Wasvick International Falls, MN 56649 North St. Louis SWCD Supervisor 11443 Latick Road 218-286-5273 Chisholm, MN 55719 Mike Hanson Kitty Kennedy, Planning Koochiching County Commissioner City of Ely 1740 County Road 86 N 209 East Chapman Street Birchdale, MN 56629 Ely, MN 55731 218-634-1340 Craig Tikkanen Vermilion Community College Tim McBride Koochiching County Commissioner [email protected] 514 7th Ave. West International Falls, MN 56649 Pete Pastika 1839 Boundary Street [email protected] Babbitt, MN 55706 Harry Swendsen, Mayor 218-827-3384 City of International Falls [email protected] City Hall PO Box 392 Jim Pendroy International Falls, MN 56649 2121 East Camp Street #7B Ely, MN [email protected] [email protected] Brian Briggs, Councilor City Hall Steve Kleist International Falls, MN 56649 Water Resources [email protected] Vermilion Community College 1900 East Camp Street John McCarthy, Councilor Ely, MN 55731 [email protected] [email protected] Paul McLaughlin, Councilor [email protected] Eric Stradig 139 Hilltop Drive Terry Carew, Councilor Lake in the Pines, IL 60156 [email protected] [email protected] Rickie Blanchard, Councilor [email protected] Ruth Anderson 3130 County Road 93 Gail Rognerud, Councilor International Falls, MN 56649 [email protected] [email protected] Julie Melstrom, Councilor [email protected]

A- 180 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Joe Sutherland, City Engineer John Bruggeman, Mayor [email protected] City of Ranier PO Box 186 Dave Richards Ranier, MN 56668 City of International Falls 600 4th Street Peggy Vigoren International Falls, MN 56649 City of Ranier PO Box 186 [email protected] Ranier, MN 56668

Shawn Mason Eugene Larson Rainy Lake/International Falls Koochiching SWCD Supervisor Convention and Visitors Bureau 5333 Town Road 249 301 Second Avenue Littlefork, MN 56653 International Falls, MN 56649 (218) 278-4296 (218) 283-9400 (218)283-3572 fax Allen Linder [email protected] Koochiching SWCD Supervisor 3309 Highway 217 Kallie Briggs Ray, MN 56669 Chamber of Commerce 301 Second Avenue (218) 875-2195 International Falls, MN 56649 Marty Nosie (218) 283-9400 Koochiching SWCD Supervisor [email protected] 10975 Highway 65 Gheen, MN 55771 Littlefork Area Chamber of Commerce 720 3rd Avenue (218) 787-2363 Littlefork, MN 56653 Ralph Lewis Dave Osterhaus Koochiching SWCD Supervisor City Clerk’s Office 10990 Highway 11 City of Littlefork Birchdale, MN 56629 PO Box 135 Littlefork, MN 56653 (218) 634-2048

218-278-6710 Bernie Uran 11885 Highway 71 North Doug Henrickson Northome, MN 56661 City of Littlefork PO Box 135 [email protected] Littlefork, MN 56653 Pamela Tomevi Lorraine Nyggard Koochiching SWCD City Clerk’s Office Koochiching County courthouse City of Big Falls 715 4th Street PO Box 196 International Falls, MN 56649 Big Falls, MN 56627 218-283-8551 218-276-2282 218-283-3376 fax [email protected]

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William Gordon Jeff and Mary Kay Hardwig Big Fork River Board ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Box 38 2593 County Road 103 Big Falls, MN 56627 International Falls, MN 56649

218-276-2383 Byrne L. Johnson ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Myrna Ahlgren 3242 County Road 20 ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee International Falls, MN 56649 2775 County Road 94 International Falls, MN 56649 [email protected] [email protected] Ron Laurion ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Elwyn Boe 2642 County Road 94 ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee International Falls, MN 56649 2607 County Road 103 International Falls, MN 46649 David Reimer ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Gary Coran PO Box 841 ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee International Falls, MN 56649 2687 County Road 94 International Falls, MN 46649 Perry Trask ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Kurt Kennedy 2042 Town Road 489 ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee International Falls, MN 56649 723 1/2 Ninth Street International Falls, MN 56649 James Palm ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Mahlon Moore 3226 Highway 11 South ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Loman, MN 56654 8520 Mississippi Blvd. NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433 218-285-3368

Paul Reuter, Jr. Don Carey ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Rainy/Rapid River Board 1313 10th Street 3142 County Road 20 International Falls, MN 56649 International Falls, MN 56649

Myron J. Choquette Jim Hebner ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Rainy/Rapid River Board 2466 Town Road 270 1319 8th Avenue International Falls, MN 56649 International Falls, MN 56649

Jim Bischoff Steve Earley ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Rainy/Rapid River Board 1817 Highway 11 East 3173 Town Road 8 International Falls, MN 56649 International Falls, MN 56649

Clint Chase Paul J. Mielke ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Rainy/Rapid River Board 2431 Second Ave. East Box 86 International Falls, MN 56649 Ranier, MN 56668

A- 182 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Tom Crumpton Don Parmeter Rainy/Rapid River Board Northern Resources Center 1632 County Road 85 2814 County Road 94 Birchdale, MN 56629 International Falls, MN 56649

Alvin Hasbargen (218) 286-5688 Rainy/Rapid River Board 11545 Highway 11 Dave Peterson Birchdale, MN 56629 Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club PO Box 888 John Bartlett, PE International Falls, MN 56649 Bartlett and Associates, Inc. PO Box 1240 (218) 285-7027 International Falls, MN 56649 Aaron Shuff (218) 285-7409 Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club (218) 285-7414 fax PO Box 888 [email protected] International Falls, MN 56649

Dick Briese (218) 286-5511 3563 County Road 21 International Falls, MN 56649 Sandy Schaberl 4410 Town road 403S (218) 286-5508 International Falls, MN 56649-9126 [email protected] Wade Watson Bill and Tom Dougherty Voyageurs Adventures Outfitters Rainy Lake Houseboats 10002 Gappa Road 2031 Town Road 488 Ray, MN 56669 International Falls, MN 56649 (218) 875-2037 (218) 286-5391 Diane Wessels Richard and Robin Garbe Northern Cross Kayaking Northernaire Houseboats of Rainy Lake PO Box 583 2690 County Road 94 Ranier, MN 56668 International Falls, MN 56649 (888) 538-0505 (218) 286-5221 Kathy Wilson Jo Kallemeyn Arrowhead Resort/Sight-Sea-Er Boat Tours 2762 County Road 94 10473 Waltz Road International Falls, MN 56649 Ray, MN 56669

(218) 286-5302 (218) 875-2141 [email protected] Barry Woods Ricky Oveson Woody’s Fairly Reliable Guide Service Kettle Falls Hotel PO Box 211 10502 Gamma Road Ranier, MN 56668 Ray, MN 56669 (218) 286-5034 (218) 875-2070

A- 183 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Yolanda Wold Rainy Lake Boaters Association Environmental Data Capture Nancy McHarg PO Box 422 [email protected] Ranier, MN 56668

Steve Applegate, Director Thunderbird Lodge Camp Koochiching Mike Williams PO Box 271 2170 County Road 139 International Falls, MN 56649 International Falls, MN 56649

(513) 772-7479 Koochiching Farm Bureau Richard Dreher Gladys Cole 10831 County Road 6 Friends of Voyageurs National Park Mizpah, MN 56660 10044 Gappa Road Ray, MN 56669 Jennifer and Keith Stevens Camp Idlewood Lee Grim 3033 County Road 20 2636 County Road 94 International Falls, MN 56649 International Falls, MN 56649 Catherine Crawford (218) 286-5649 4276 Lindford Road Littlefork, MN 56653 Bob and Mary Hilke Friends of Voyageurs National Park Reg Emmert 3017 County Road 127 4798 Township Road 51 International Falls, MN 56649 Littlefork, MN 56653

Joan Olson Etta Erickson Friends of Voyageurs National Park Route 3, Box 101 7583 Gold Coast Road Baudette, MN 56623 Crane Lake, MN 55725 Bruce Sampson Dick and Jean Reichow 4960 County Road 29 Friends of Voyageurs National Park Ray, MN 56669 10542 Gamma Road Ray, MN 56669 Keith Sutherland (218) 875-2804 PO Box 376 International Falls, MN 56649 Jerry Adee Al Sobrack PO Box 831 Scenic State Park International Falls, MN 56649 65965 Scenic Hwy. 7 Bigfork, MN 56628 Craig Johnson PO Box 831 218-743-3362 International Falls, MN 56649 [email protected]

Ruffed Grouse Association Ted Lovdahl Dennis Hummitszch Itasca SWCD Supervisor 3692 County Road 121 34486 County Road 40 International Falls, MN 56649 Effie, MN 56639

(218) 743-3686 [email protected]

A- 184 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Bernard Schumacher Cimarron Pitzen, Mayor 21710 Shallow Lake Road City of Effie Warba, MN 55793 City Hall PO Box 129 218/492-4284 Effie, MN 56639-0129

Wes Libbeg Lonnie Kacon, Mayor 3705 Golf Course Road City of Bigfork Grand Rapids, MN 55744 PO Box 196 Bigfork, MN 56628-0196 218/326-6305 [email protected] 218-743-3782 218-743-1782 fax Mark Mandich [email protected] Itasca County Commissioner 717 NE 4th Street Ernest Olson Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Bigfork Town Board Chair 60174 County Road 261 Tom Saxhaug Bigfork, MN 56628 Itasca County Commissioner 1032 NW 1st Avenue Darwin Arcand Grand Rapids, MN 55744-2424 Bowstring Town Board Chair 47359 Bowstring Ct. Leo Trunt Deer River, MN 56636 Itasca County Commissioner Box 14, County Road 72 Phyllis Lund Swan River, MN 55748 Carpenter Town Board Chair 26947 Hwy 1 Bob Wilhelm Effie, MN 56639 Itasca County Commissioner PO Box 485 Wesley Nestberg Deer River, MN 56636 Good Hope Town Board Chair 54405 State Highway 46 Charles Isaacs Blackduck, MN 56630 Itasca SWCD Supervisor 38180 County Road 44 LaDonna Adams Deer River, MN 56636 Kinghurst Town Board Chair 59610 County Road 145 (218) 246-8119 Northome, MN 56661

Terry Tillotson Peggy Boggs Itasca SWCD Supervisor Lake Jessie Town Board Chair 15042 County Road 564 PO Box 462 Nashwauk, MN 55769 Spring Lake, MN 56680

(218) 885-1451 Howard Davis Liberty Town Board Chair Donald Simons 44710 County Road 14 Itasca SWCD Supervisor Bigfork, MN 56628 12506 River Road Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Gary Anderson Marcell Town Board Chair (218) 326-2184 PO Box 1 Marcell, MN 56657

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Michael Hoeschen Jim Parsons Max Town Board Chair Itasca Coalition of Lake Associations 57684 Co Rd 4 39045 Sissebakwet Shores Rd. Max, MN 56659 Cohasset, MN 55721 218-326-4586 Jack McNaughton Sand Lake Town Board Chair Harold Goetzman 55643 Eggar Rd Jessie Lake Watershed Assoc. Spring Lake, MN 56680 2004 NW Oak Street Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Howard Sheppard 218-326-3908 Stokes Town Board Chair 56678 Farm Camp Road Bigfork, MN 56628 Tom Ryan Suomi Area Lakes Association Gary Goltz 43755 Forest Rd. Third River Town Board Chair Deer River, MN 56636 68398 Third River One Squaw Lake, MN 56681 218-246-2007 [email protected] Russell Klegstad Wirt Town Board Chair Walter Breeze 58784 Bass Lake Rd Ardenhurst Town Board Chair Wirt, MN 56688 PO Box 264 Northome, MN 56661 Harold Dziyk 218-897-5023 Turtle Lake Association 51301 Pine Point Road Matt Weigel Bigfork, MN 56628-4229 Alvwood Town Board Chair 58713 Co Rd 131 (218) 743-6102 Blackduck, MN 56630 [email protected] 218-659-4210

Norman Ford Terrence Burke Suomi Area Lakes Association Balsam Town Board Chair 42307 County road 48 23253 Co Rd 8 Deer River, MN 56636 Bovey, MN 55709

218/246-9398 Roger Moede Deer River Town Board Chair Tarry Edington 42890 Chase Lake Rd Highway 38 Leadership Board Deer River, MN 56636 49554 State Highway 38 218-246-8428 Marcell, MN 56657 Clarence Talberg Tim Johnson, Community Coordinator Grattan Town Board Chair Northern Itasca Joint Powers Board 59071 Co Rd 31 49554 State Highway 38 Northome, MN 56661 Marcell, MN 56657 218-659-4260

218-832-3161 Don Ferdig 218-832-3164 fax Moose Park Town Board Chair [email protected] 56508 Ferdig Rd Blackduck, MN 56630 218-835-6400

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George Bowman Ken Horntvedt Nore Town Board Chair 1568 State Hwy 172 NW 63686 Bowman Rd Baudette, MN 56623 Blackduck, MN 56630 218-835-6478 Roger Krause SWCD Board Charles Isaacs 2980 Main W Oteneagen Town Board Chair Baudette, MN 56623 38180 Co Rd 44 Deer River, MN 56636 Nick Painovich 218-246-8649 6080 39th St NW Williams, MN 56686 Gerald Padgett Pomroy Town Board Chair Gene Krause 54764 Co Rd 31 551 22nd Ave NW Northome, MN 56661 Baudette, MN 56623 218-897-5624 Scott Pieper Barbara Clark 7696 40th St NW 61381 Barb Clark Forestry Road Williams, MN 56686 Northome, MN 56661 Mike Schulz 218-659-4285 5054 Cty Rd 8 NW [email protected] Williams MN 56686

Dennis Carlson Pat Lavalla [email protected] 4932 Graceton Beach Rd NW Williams MN 56686 743-3060 Bruce Hasbargen John Anderson Lake of The Woods County Highway Dept District Conservationist PO Box 808 NRCS, Roseau Baudette MN 56623 [email protected] Todd Beckel SWCD Board Dale Tillery PO Box 658 City of Baudette Baudette MN 56623 PO Box 548 Baudette MN 56623 Jane Sindelir Low Tourism Bureau Tod Matelski PO Box 518 City of Williams Baudette MN 56623 PO Box 572 Williams, MN 56686 Jim Ney PO Box 625 Kathy Magnusson Baudette MN 56623 Lake of the Woods School Rodney Donat (218) 634-2510 1609 26th Ave NW [email protected] Baudette MN 56623

Dave Marhula Marv Erickson PO Box 758 3147 Ken Marke Dr NW Baudette, MN 56623 Baudette MN 56623

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Jerry Hennum Mike White 3244 Bur Oak Rd NW Crane Lake Watershed District Baudette MN 56623 P.O. Box 306 Crane Lake, MN 55725 Tom Briggs 3502 Four Mile Bay Dr NW Baudette MN 56623 East LRMT - Ely – Cook, Lake and St. Louis Counties Jenny Moorman PO Box 674 Cook County: Baudette MN 56623 Tim Nelson [email protected] Environmental Services Department Cook County Courthouse PO Box 1150 Ed Arnesen Grand Marais, MN 55604 6758 Rocky Point Rd NW Roosevelt MN 56673 218-387-3000 218-387-2610 fax Russ Hansen [email protected] 1501 59TH St SW Baudette MN 56623 Karen Evens Error! Bookmark not defined.Cook County Sandy Anderson Water Planning 3583 State Highway 11 SE Cook County Courthouse Baudette MN 56623 PO Box 1150 Grand Marais, MN 55604 Alan Johnston 34311 Cty Rd 5 (218)387-3000 Warroad MN 56763 [email protected] [email protected] James Hall Cook County Commissioner Scott Johnson PO Box 1150 Roseau SWCD Grand Marais, MN 55604 502 7TH St SW Suite 8 Roseau MN 56751 Bob Fenwick Cook County Commissioner [email protected] 2963 County Road 7 Grand Marais, MN 55604

EVERETT HELMSTETTER (218) 387-9105 5137 ROCKY POINT RD NW [email protected] ROOSEVELT MN 56673 Rebecca Wiinanen Celeste Colson Cook SWCD PO Box 38 Box 1150 Angle Inlet MN 56711 Grand Marais, MN 55604-1156 [email protected] 218-387-3000 218-387-3042 fax Doug Johnson [email protected] 407 Lake St NW Warroad MN 56763

A- 188 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Lake County: Mark Lindhorst North St. Louis SWCD Clair Nelson 230 1st Street South, Suite 104 Lake County Commissioner Virginia, MN 55792-2669 PO Box 472 Findland, MN 55603 218-749-7744 [email protected] Dan Haglund Patricia O’Hara Department of Natural Resources: Lake SWCD PO Box 14 Waters 120 State Road Amy Loiselle, Area Hydrologist Two Harbors, MN 55616 2005 Highway 37 Eveleth, MN 55734 218-834-6638 218-834-6639 fax (218) 744-7450 patricia.o’[email protected] [email protected]

Dick Sigel East General: Land Use Administrator 601 3rd Ave. Marge Sella Two Harbors, MN 55616 USDA-NRCS 230 First Street South, Suite 104 218/834-8321 Virginia, MN 55792-2669 218/834-8365 fax [email protected] [email protected]

St. Louis County: District Ranger Superior National Forest Jim Plummer Kawishiwi Ranger District St. Louis County Planning 118 South 4th Avenue East 307 1st Street South Ely, MN 55731 Virginia, MN 55792 (218)749-0628 (218) 365-7600 [email protected] (218) 365-7665 fax

Mark Johnson North LRMT - International Falls – St. Louis County Water Plan Coordinator Koochiching County St. Louis County Planning 901 Mesabi Building Koochiching County: 227 West 1st Street Duluth, MN 55802 Charles Lepper Koochiching County Commissioner (218)725-5000 1113 13th Ave. [email protected] International Falls, MN 56649

Mike Kolb Larry Chezick St. Louis County Health Department Koochiching County Commissioner Virginia, MN 2318 Fourth Avenue East International Falls, MN 56649 (218) 749-0632 [email protected] 218-283-4325 home 218-285-7619 work

A- 189 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Thomas Toratti Tom Sakry Koochiching SWCD Int’l Falls Water Treatment Plant Koochiching County Courthouse City Hall 715 4th Street PO Box 392 International Falls, MN 56649 International Falls, MN 56649

218-283-1174 (218) 283-2990 218-283-3376 fax Bob Eide Richard Lehtinen 3112 County Road 112 Environmental Services Department International Falls, MN 56649 Koochiching County Courthouse 715 4th Street Boise Cascade Corporation International Falls, MN 56649 David Reimer 400 – 2nd Street 218-283-1157 International Falls, MN 56649 [email protected] (218)285-5170 Kevin Peterson [email protected] DNR Fisheries 392 Highway 11 East Bob Anderson International Falls, MN 56649 [email protected]

(218) 286-5220 Al Meadows (218) 286-3489 fax [email protected] [email protected] Jay Lofgren Frank Swendsen [email protected] DNR Wildlife 392 Highway 11 East Kara Dunning International Falls, MN 56649 [email protected]

(218) 286-5434 Mary Perala (218) 286-3489 fax Mary Perala@Boise Paper.com [email protected] NRCS Susan Congrave Dan Haig Koochiching County Community Health PO Box 217 Department Baudette, MN 56623 1000 5th Street International Falls, MN 56649 South LRMT - Bigfork – Itasca County (218) 283-6224 [email protected] Itasca County:

John Bruggeman Terry Greenside NKSSD Environmental Services Department City Hall Itasca County Courthouse International Falls, MN 56649 123 NE 4th Street Grand Rapids, MN 55744-2600 (218) 283-4748 [email protected] 218-327-2857 218-327-7331 fax

A- 190 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Tim Engrav West LRMT - Baudette – Lake of the Woods, Environmental Services Department Roseau and Beltrami Counties Itasca County courthouse 123 NE 4th Street LOW County: Grand Rapids, MN 55744-2600 Steve Sindelir [email protected] Environmental Services Department Lake of the Woods County Arthur Norton 206 SE 8th Street Itasca SWCD Baudette, MN 56623 1889 East Highway 2 Grand Rapids, MN 55744 218-634-4536 218-634-2509 fax 218-326-6595 218-326-8938 fax Nathan Kestner [email protected] Lake of the Woods County ESD 206 SE 8th Street Department of Natural Resources: Baudette, MN 56623

Fisheries [email protected] Chris Kavanaugh 1201 Highway 2 East Daniel Haig Grand Rapids, MN 55744 NRCS PO Box 217 (218) 327-4322 219 1st Avenue NW [email protected] Baudette, MN 56623

Rian Reed 218-634-2757 218-634-1726 fax Wildlife [email protected] Jim Schneeweis 1201 Highway 2 East Les Lemm Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Lake of the Woods SWCD PO Box 217 (218) 327-4428 219 1st Avenue NW [email protected] Baudette, MN 56623

Park Manager 218-634-2757 Scenic State Park [email protected] 5656 Scenic Hwy 7 Bigfork, MN 56628 Cade Steffenson [email protected] Mike Martin Chippewa National Forest Pollution Control Agency PO Box 308 Bruce Paakh Deer River, MN 56636 714 Lake Avenue Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Dick Lacher Rivers Council of Minnesota, River Watch (218)846-0747 57565 County Road 29 [email protected] Northome, MN 56661-1932

(218) 659-4511 [email protected]

A- 191 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Department of Natural Resources Roseau County: Fisheries Mike Larson Jeff Pelowski 204 Main Street East Roseau County Environmental Services Baudette, MN 56623 606 5th Avenue Southwest, Room 150 Roseau, MN 56751-1477 (218) 634-2522 [email protected] (218)463-3750

Wildlife Janine Lovold Jeff Dittrich Roseau SWCD 204 Main Street East 502 – 7th Street Southwest, Suite 8 Baudette, MN 56623 Roseau, MN 56751

(218) 634-1705 (218) 463-1903 [email protected] Forestry David Thomas Warroad Watershed District 204 Main Street East Baudette, MN 56623 Loren Horner HCD 2, Box 570 (218) 634-2172 Warroad, MN 56763 [email protected] 218-386-2850 Parks Doug Easthouse International Joint Commission Zippel Bay State Park Ann MacKenzie 234 Laurier Avenue West, 22nd Floor [email protected] Ottawa Ontario, Canada K1P 6K6

Waters (613) 947-1420 Dan Thul [email protected] 2115 Birchmont Beach Road NE Bemidji, MN 56601 International Joint Commission Lisa Bourget [email protected] 1250 23rd Street N.W. Suite 100 Washington, DC 20444 Beltrami County: 202/736-9021 Bill Patnaude [email protected] Beltrami County Planning and Zoning 619 Beltrami Avenue NW National Park Service Bemidji, MN 56601 Barbara West, Superintendent Voyageurs National Park Headquarters (218) 759-4158 3131 Highway 53 South International Falls, MN 56649 Chris Parthen Beltrami SWCD (218)283-9821 3217 Beltrami Avenue North, Suite #3 [email protected] Bemidji, MN 56601-4328

(218) 755-4339

A- 192 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Chris Holbeck, Chief Natural Resource Chippewa National Forest Management Ann Long Voelkner Voyageurs National park Headquarters Route 3, Box 244 3131 Highway 53 Cass lake, MN 56633 International Falls, MN 56649 Brenda Glenn (218)283-9821 Chippewa National Forest (218)285-7407 fax 200 Ash Avenue [email protected] Cass Lake, MN 56633

Superior National Forest (218) 335-8651 Bob Berrisford [email protected] 8901 Grand Ave. Place Duluth, MN 55808-1102 US Fish and Wildlife Service Paul Burke (218)626-4390 Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge r.berrisford\[email protected] 3815 East 80th Street Bloomington, MN 55425 Scott Snelson 8901 Grand Avenue Place (612) 725-3548 ext. 205 Duluth, MN 55808-1102 [email protected]

(218) 626-4365 Environment Canada John Merriman Jason Butcher, Superior National Forest Issues Coordinator 8901 Grand Ave. Place Environmental Conservation Branch Duluth, MN 55808-1102 Environment Canada 867 Lakeshore Rd., [email protected] Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A6 Carol Booth 320 N. Hwy. 53 Tel. (905) 336-4962 Cook, MN 55723 Fax (905) 336-4906 Cell (289) 259-2313 (218) 666-0020 E-mail [email protected]

Dave Tucci Rick Walden, Advisor 8901 Grand Avenue Place International Rainy Lake Board of Control Duluth, MN 55808-1102 Environment Canada 4th Floor, 351 St. Joseph Boulevard Barbara Leuelling Hull, Quebec K1A 0H3 8901 Grand Avenue Place Duluth, MN 55808-1102 (819)997-2529 (819)953-4666 (218) 626-4384 [email protected] [email protected] Rick Cousins Amy Wilfahrt International Rainy Lake Board of Control USFS, Gunflint Ranger District Environment Canada Grand Marais, MN 55604 4th Floor, 351 St. Joseph Boulevard Hull, Quebec K1A 0H3 218-387-1750

A- 193 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Quetico Provincial Park Ontario Ministry of the Environment Superintendent Dave Hollinger 108 Saturn Avenue 435 St. James Street, Suite 3 Atikokan, Ontario, Canada P0T 1C0 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7E 6S7

(807) 597-6971, ext. 246 (807) 475-1711 (807) 597-6185 fax [email protected]

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Kevin McLaughlin W.R. (Bill) Darby, Ph.D. 435 St. James Street, Suite 3 Fort Francis District Manager Thunder Bay, Ontario P7E 6S7 922 Scott Street Fort Francis, ON P9A 1J4 (807) 468-2734 [email protected] (807) 274-8633 (807) 274-4438 fax Andrew Paterson, Ph.D. [email protected] Ontario Ministry of the Environment 1026 Bellwood Acres Road, PO box 39 Jeff Wiume Dorset, ON POA 1EO Supervisor, Rainy River/Manitou Area 922 Scott Street (705) 766-2951 Fort Frances, ON P9A 1J4 (705) 766-2254 [email protected] (807) 274-8617 (807) 274-4438 fax Pollution Control Agency [email protected] Suzanne Hanson, Regional Manager Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 525 Lake Avenue South, Suite 400 Linda Wall Duluth, MN 55802 922 Scott Street Fort Francis, Ontario P9A 1J4 (218)723-4660 (218)723-4727 fax (807) 274-5337 [email protected] [email protected] Jesse Anderson Manitoba Environment (218)529-6218 Dave Green [email protected] 123 Main Street, Suite 160 Winnipeg, MN R3C 1A5, Canada Dan Logelin (218) 723-4710 (204)945-0585 [email protected] [email protected] Pat Carey Dwight Williamson (218) 723-4744 [email protected] Rick Bowering Tom Schaub Canadian Coast Guard (218) 529-6251 Craig Coughlin, NWP Officer Box 649 [email protected] Kenora, Ontario P9N 3X6

(807) 468-6441

A- 194 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Nolan Baratono Jim Willford, Parks Manager PO Box 61 1202 Highway 2 East International Falls, MN 56649 Grand Rapids, MN 55744

(218)283-2240 (218)327-4412 [email protected] [email protected]

Mn/DOT Rian Reed, DNR Walter Leu, P.E. [email protected] 1123 Mesaba Avenue Duluth, MN 55811 Karl Koller, DNR Fisheries [email protected] (218)723-4960, ext. 3004 (218)723-4774 fax Ian Chisholm [email protected] 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155 Howard Maki, Wetlands Specialist 1123 Mesaba Avenue (651) 296-0781 Duluth, MN 55811 [email protected]

(218) 723-4860, ext. 3309 Amy Loiselle (218) 723-4747 fax 2005 Highway 37 [email protected] Eveleth, MN 55734

Todd Campbell, MN DOT (218) 744-7450 218-723-4960 [email protected] Minnesota Planning John Wells Department of Natural Resources Minnesota EQB John Guenther, Region 2 Administrator 300 Centennial Building 1201 East Highway 2 658 Cedar Street Grand Rapids, MN 55744 St. Paul, MN 55155

(218) 651/ 296-0676 (218)327-4263 [email protected] Minnesota Office of Tourism Tim Campbell, Regional Manager Jim Weseloh, Regional Planner 320 West 2nd Street, Suite 707 1202 Highway 2 East Duluth, MN 55802-1402 Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Arrowhead Regional Development Howard Christman, Regional Hydrologist Commission 1201 Highway 2 East Rudy Schoolderman Grand Rapids, MN 55744 221 West First Street Duluth, MN 55802 (218)327-4106 (218)327-4263 fax 218-529-7547 [email protected] 218-722-5545 general 800-232-0707 Trails and Waterways 218-529-7592 fax Bob Moore, Area Supervisor 1201 Highway 2 East Grand Rapids, MN 55744

(218) 327-4240 [email protected]

A- 195 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Headwater Regional Development Department of Health Commission Kathy Svanda Cliff Tweedale 220 Metro Square 403 – 4th Street NW 121 East 7th Place PO Box 906 St. Paul, MN 55101 Bemidji, MN 56601 651/215-0878 (218) 751-3108 [email protected] (218) 751-3695 fax Beth Kluthe Board of Water and Soil Resources 1819 Bemidji Avenue NW Dale Krystosek 1705 Anne Street NW #3 3217 Bemidji Avenue, North Bemidji, MN 56601-5611 Bemidji, MN 56601 (218)755-3820 (218)755-4236 (218)755-3823 (218)755-4201 fax [email protected] [email protected] US Geological Survey Mark Nelson Larry Kallemeyn 394 South Lake Avenue Voyageurs Park Headquarters Duluth, MN 55802 3131 Highway 53 International Falls, MN 56649 (218)723-4923 [email protected] [email protected]

Jeff Hrubes Greg Payne 3217 Bemidji Avenue, North 2280 Woodale Drive Bemidji, MN 56601 Mounds View, MN 55112

(218)755-4236 (612) 783-3233 (218)755-4201 fax [email protected] [email protected] Mark Brigham Al Kean 763/ 783-3274 Ron Shelito [email protected] Steve Woods [email protected] USGS- Water Resources Division Kevin Guttormson Department of Agriculture 415 South Pokegama Avenue Mark Zabel Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Agronomy Division 90 West Plato Drive (218) 326-1297 St. Paul, MN Don Hansen (651)297-3491 Water Resources Division (651)297-2271 2280 Woodale Drive Mounds View, MN 55112 Mark Dittrich Agronomy Division 763-783-3250 90 West Plato Drive 763-783-3103 fax St. Paul, MN [email protected]

(651)296-1482 James Fallon (651)297-7678 fax [email protected] James Stark

A- 196 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Jeff Stoner Environmental Protection Agency Walter Redmon (WT-15J) US Coast Guard Region 5, Water Division Robert N. Hildebrand, Chief Warrant Officer 77 West Jackson Boulevard Environmental Planning and Response Group Chicago, IL 60664 Commanding Officer MSO Duluth (312) 886-6110 600 South lake Avenue Duluth, MN 55802-2352 US Army Corps of Engineers Col. Ball (218) 720-5286 ext. 102 (218) 720-5258 fax Ed Eaton, Advisor [email protected] International Rainy Lake Board of Control U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians 190 5th Street East Red Lake DNR St. Paul, MN 55101-1639 Chuck Meyer P.O. Box 550 (651)290-5617 Red Lake, MN 56671 (651)290-5841 fax (218)679-3959 [email protected] [email protected] Natural Resources Conservation Service Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians B. Kevin Daw Les Conner Room 121, Federal Building PO Box 16 Duluth, MN Nett Lake, MN 55772 (218)720-5308 (218) 757-3261 (218)720-5306 fax [email protected] [email protected]

Rainy River First Nations Laurentian Resource Conservation & Martin Nantel Development Council, Inc. PO box 450 Steven Kluess, Project Coordinator Emo, Ontario, POW 1E0 4850 Miller Trunk Highway, Ste. 3B Duluth, MN 55811 (807) 482-2479 (807) 482-2603 fax (218) 720-5255 [email protected] NRRI – Center for Water and the Kiley Hanson Environment PO box 450 John Kingston Emo, Ontario, POW 1E0 1900 East Camp Street Ely, MN 55731 (807) 482-2479 (807) 482-2603 fax (218)365-2246 [email protected] (218)365-2248 fax [email protected] Stewart Clendenning

A- 197 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

University of Minnesota Vermilion Community College Northeast Regional Agricultural & Steve Kleist Natural Resources Sustainable Water Resources Development Partnership Vermilion Community College Okechukwu Ukaga, Ph.D. 1900 East Camp Street Executive Director Ely, MN 55731 Cloquet Forestry Center 175 University Roar [email protected] Cloquet, MN 55720-9594 Rainy River Community College (218) 879-0850, ext. 107 Don Graves (218) 879-0855 Biology Instructor [email protected] 1501 Highway 71 International Falls, MN 56649 University of Minnesota Water Resources Center (218) 875-3904 home Barb Liukkonen (218) 285-2232 work 173 McNeal Hall [email protected] 1985 Buford Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 Chulsung Kim, Ph.D. Chemistry Instructor (612) 625-9256 (612) 625-1263 fax 218-285-2233 [email protected] [email protected]

University of Minnesota Wendy Graves, Ph.D. College of Natural Resources Physics Instructor James Perry 1530 Cleveland Avenue North 218-285-2218 St. Paul, MN 55108-6112 [email protected]

(612) 624-9796 Rivers Council of Minnesota (612) 625-5252 fax Bruce Johnson, Executive Director Rivers Council of Minnesota Kerry Holmberg 100 Second Ave. South, Suite 101 1530 Cleveland Avenue North Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 St. Paul, MN 55108-6112 320/259-6800 [email protected] 320/259-6678 (fax) [email protected] Minnesota Extension North Central Agricultural Station Angie Becker Kudelka Mary Blickenderfer River Watch Director 1861 Highway 169 East Grand Rapids, MN 55744 320/259-6800 [email protected] (218) 327-4616 [email protected] Midwest Assistance Program Bill Wilde, Rural Development Specialist PO Box 816 Bemidji, MN 56619-0816

(218) 444-6682 (218) 444-6683 fax [email protected]

A- 198 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix A

Andreis Blouw Communications Officer Department of Fisheries & Oceans 501 University Crescent Winnipeg MB R3T 2N6

204-983-5268 [email protected]

Lyndon Kivi [email protected]

Wayne Wysocki Symbion Consultants 415-70 Arthur Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1G7 [email protected]

A- 199

APPENDIX B

Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003

Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, April 23, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: Schroeder Town Hall

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:15 pm Overview of Basin Planning and Management Concept

7:45 pm Committee Organization

• Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs • Who else should be on this Committee? • Future meeting location, dates and times

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Goals and Priority Waters

8:50 pm Other?

9:00 pm Adjourn

B-201 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East Local Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Tuesday, April 23, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: Schroeder Town Hall

Present:

Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Dick Blank; Ray Doran, WICOLA; Karen Evens, Cook County Water Planner; Bob Fenwick, Cook County Commissioner; Bruce Kerfoot, Owner Gunflint Lodge; Dan Haglund, Lake SWCD; James Hall, Cook County Commissioner; Dan Logelin, MPCA; Bonnie MacLean, Cook County Water Resources Committee; Don Ortley, WICOLA; Joe Skala; Roger Skraba, Ely City Councilor; Jim Wiinanen.

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

Baratono welcomed everyone to the 1st meeting of the East Committee.

Self introductions.

Baratono asked if anybody got anything to add to the agenda. No additions.

7:15 pm Overview of Basin Planning and Management Concept

Baratono provided an overview of Basin Planning. The overview included:

• Water management plan including all aspects of water management

− Science – quality-quantity-aquatic and riparian communities − Economics – development-recreation-industry − Local Needs - ?

• Overview of local and basin committees

• How the plan will fit together

• Consensus – Informed Consent

• Committee’s Mission

• Goals and Shared Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Indicators, Priority Waters, Project List, Narrative, Monitoring Plan, Time Line

Information Resources: The BID was distributed along with the Agency contact list.

B-202 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

7:45 pm Committee Organization

• Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

The committee decided to wait until the next committee meeting to decide on a committee chair or co-chairs.

• Who else should be on this Committee?

• Cook County COLA • USFS • DNR

• Future meeting location, dates and times

June 18, 2002, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Schroeder Town Hall

Committee members present suggested that Baratono provide an updated calendar of events (including committee meetings) on the Rainy Basin Website.

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Goals and Priority Waters

Baratono distributed copies of the preliminary Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Tables from the South and West Committees.

Please refer to the East GOSI 4-23-02 for information on development of the committee’s goals.

9:00 pm Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned around 9:00 pm.

B-203 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, June 18, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: Schroeder Town Hall

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

7:20 pm Updates from other Local Committees

• North • South • East-Central • West

7:30 pm Review and approve 4/23/02 Meeting Summary

7:40 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

• Review and revise 4/23/02 Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Table • Additional Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Priority Waters

8:45 pm Other?

• Next meeting date and time.

9:00 pm Adjourn

B-204 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East Local Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Tuesday, June 18, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: Schroeder Town Hall

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

Baratono welcomed everyone to the second meeting of the East Local Committee. While everyone did self-introductions, the attendance sheet was passed around for those in attendance to enter their names and addresses.

Baratono explained that the floppy-drive on his laptop was not functioning, thus he would be unable to project the revisions to the Committee’s GOSI Table.

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

The committee decided to wait to select a chair.

7:20 pm Updates from other Local Committees

Baratono provided an update of the directions the other committees were taking. The update included: • North • 1st Round: • ISTS • Monitoring information needs • Consistency of wetland management plans throughout the basin. • Development (shoreline) and transportation (Hwy. 11 & 53 upgrade). • Local expectations/thresholds • Hg • 2nd Round: • Significant work on monitoring needs, including: • expanded River Watch and other monitoring • Basin River Watch coordinator • State basin monitoring coordinator • leaning towards some sort of water resources center for the basin. • Good discussion of wetland management consistency • Identified Rat Root, Little Fork and Big Fork as priority waters. They may add more later. • South • Monitoring • Local expectations • education/information • Develop tools for local management

B-205 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

• East-Central • 1st Round • Ditch Repair • Phosphorus • Shoreline development (somewhat different from the North) • More sensitive and low impact road design. • Trails • Lake water levels • 2nd Round • Further work on ISTS • Houseboat greywater discharge • Phosphorus management (expanded to nutrient management), primarily educational programs. • Significant discussion of shoreline development issues. • West • 1st Round: • Lake of the Woods Erosion • Buffers/Corridors • 2nd Round: • Significant work on buffers & corridors • Expanded discussion of monitoring needs: • River Watch & River Watch coordinator • Lake of the Woods and Rapid, Zippel, Bostic, Winter Road and Baudette rivers. • Restoration of Bostic Creek

7:30 pm Review and approve 4/23/02 Meeting Summary

The committee approved the 4/23/02 meeting summary via consensus.

7:40 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

Please refer to the 6/18/2002 GOSI Table for development of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators.

• Review and revise 4/23/02 Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Table • Additional Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Priority Waters

No action on Priority Waters at this meeting.

8:45 pm Other?

• Next meeting date and time.

The Committee scheduled their next meeting for Tuesday, August 6, at 7:00 PM at the Schroeder Town Hall.

9:00 pm Adjourn

B-206 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, August 6, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: Schroeder Town Hall

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

7:20 pm Updates from other Local Committees

• North • South • East-Central • West

7:30 pm Review and approve 6/18/02 Meeting Summary

7:40 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

• Review and revise 6/18/02 Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Table • Additional Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Priority Waters

8:45 pm Other?

• Do you want a narrative in your section of the Plan? • Next meeting date and time.

9:00 pm Adjourn

B-207 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East Local Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Tuesday, August 6, 2002 – 7:00 pm Location: Schroeder Town Hall

Attendance: Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Ray Doran, WICOLA; Karen Evans, Cook County ESD; Jim Hall, Cook County Commissioner; Dan Logelin, MPCA; Gary J. Maciejewski; Bonnie MacLean; Tom Schaub, MPCA; Dick Sigel, Lake County Planning and Zoning; Joe Skala, Lake County Planning Commission.

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

Baratono welcomed everyone to the meeting. Self-introductions.

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

Baratono told the committee that the West Committee has selected a Chair, but the North and East-Central Committees have not.

The members present decided to wait to select a chair.

7:20 pm Updates from other Local Committees

Baratono distributed the 2nd Round Review packed and provided a brief overview of activities from the other committees.

7:30 pm Review and approve 6/18/02 Meeting Summary

Members approved the 6/18/02 meeting summary as distributed, via consensus.

7:40 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

The committee had a lengthy discussion regarding the overall goal proposed by the South Committee:

Maintain or improve the existing condition of streams, rivers and lakes in the Rainy River Basin to meet the following objectives:

• Provide for basin-wide application of the MPCA’s non-degradation regulations, • Provide for basin-wide application of the MPCA’s Phosphorus Strategy, • Provide for DNR’s application of similar, basin-wide, non-degradation regulations for water appropriation and work in Protected Waters permits following necessary rule changes.

B-208 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

The committee’s consensus was that the goal was good and that they would like to adopt it. However, some members were concerned that agencies, specifically the MPCA, would concentrate on phosphorus (the statewide issue of the moment) to the detriment of issues important to the committee, for example comprehensive monitoring.

Baratono distributed the combined monitoring strategy, representing all of the monitoring goals, objectives and strategies from all 5 local committees. He asked members to review the draft and come back to the next meeting with changes and additions.

There were few comments at this time, but the primary message was that the basin wide monitoring strategy should include comprehensive monitoring for the entire basin and to establish a baseline for all water within the basin.

• Review and revise 6/18/02 Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Table

Baratono reminded the committee that there were only 3 or 4 more meeting left to complete development of the Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Indicators, Priority Waters and a Project List, and if desired, a narrative.

The committee reviewed and prioritized the goals from the 6/18 GOSI Table.

The committee review, discussed and left the Watershed Health Social Health Goals, Objectives and Strategies as previously developed.

The committee reviewed the goal of better Communication/Coordination among agencies and between agencies and the public. The committee asked Baratono to see if this goal would fit with the Northern Counties Land Use Coordinating Board LCMR funded “conflict resolution” effort.

The committee began discussion of the need for more public education/information about the use of riparian BMPs.

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Priority Waters

8:45 pm Other?

The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, October 1st, at 7:00 PM, at the Schroeder Town Hall.

9:00 pm Adjourn

B-209 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, October 1, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: Schroeder Town Hall

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

7:20 pm Review and approve 8/6/02 Meeting Summary

7:30 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

Review, revise and finalize (at least for this meeting) existing goals based on priorities established at the 8/6 meeting.

High Priority Goals:

1. Assessment tool for watershed and social health goal (GOSI page 1):

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Changes to Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

2. Drinking water and sewage treatment incentives goal (GOSI page 6):

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

3. Promotion and education program for Riparian BMPs goal (GOSI page 6):

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

B-210 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

4. Integration and coordination of state and federal land acquisition and land use with local efforts goal (GOSI page 7):

Should this goal be an objective to the communication/coordination goal also on page 7? If not:

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Changes to Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

Medium Priority:

1. Communication/coordination among agencies and between agencies and the public goal (GOSI page 7):

Shall we wait for reaction from the NCLUCB on this goal? If not:

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Changes to Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

2. Monitoring goal (GOSI page 8):

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

8:30 pm Discussion of Priority Waters

• Identify Priority Waters (minor watersheds, river/stream reaches, lakes) for your planning area.

8:40 pm Narrative

• Who’s going to draft this? • Points to include in the narrative?

8:50 pm Other?

• Updates from other Local Committees. • Next meeting, date and time.

9:00 pm Adjourn

B-211 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, January 14, 2003 – 6:00 pm

Location: Schroeder Town Hall

Agenda

6:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

6:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

6:20 pm Review and approve 10/1/02 Meeting Summary

Summary will be distributed at the meeting.

6:30 pm Update of Basin Committee Activities

7:00 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

For a more detail about Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators, please see the GOSI Explanation included with this advance.

High Priority Goals:

1. Promote and provide continuing education about riparian BMPs and ISTS to the public. (page 7)

This goal somehow did not get ranked. Is this a high, medium or low priority?

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Do the objectives adequately define your intent? • Strategies? • Indicators?

2. Watershed Assessment Tool (page 1)

• Do the goals adequately define your intent? • Do the objectives adequately define your intent? • Do the strategies adequately address your intent? • Indicators?

3. Tool to encourage ISTS and drinking water system upgrades (page 6)

• Do the goals adequately define your intent? • Do the objectives adequately define your intent? • Do the strategies adequately address your intent? • Are you comfortable with these indicators?

B-212 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

4. Integration/coordination among land use management agencies (page 7)

• Shared goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

Medium priority goals:

1. Communication among agencies and between agencies and the public (page 8)

• Do the goals adequately define your intent? • Do the objectives adequately define your intent? • Do the strategies adequately address your intent? • Indicators?

2. Monitoring (page 9)

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

7:30 pm Narrative

Review and revise draft narrative.

7:50 pm Other?

• Project List • Next meeting, date and time.

8:00 pm Adjourn

B-213 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2003 – 6:00 pm

Location: Schroeder Town Hall

Agenda

6:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

6:05 pm Review and approve Agenda and 1/14/03 Meeting Summary

6:15 pm Update from Basin Committee and other local committees

6:45 pm Final review, revision and approval of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

7:15 pm Final review, revision and approval of Narrative

7:30 PM Project List

7:45 pm Plan format and layout

8:00 pm Plan implementation overview/coordination options discussion

8:25 pm Other?

8:30 pm Adjourn

B-214 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

Rainy River Basin Plan East Committee Distribution List

Gary J. Maciejewski Willard Clark PO Box 323 Lake County Commissioner Lutsen, MN 55612 812 16th Avenue Two Harbors, MN 55616 218-370-0687 Derrick Goutermont Jim Wiinanen Lake County Commissioner 12477 Gunflint Trail 20 Marks Drive Grand Marais, MN 55604 Silver Bay, MN 55614-1109 [email protected] Sharon Hahn Lake County Commissioner Amy Wilfahrt 124 2nd Avenue USFS, Gunflint Ranger District Two Harbors, MN 55616-1616 Grand Marais, MN 55604 Mr. Clair Nelson 218-387-1750 Lake County Commissioner [email protected] PO Box 472 Findland, MN 55603 Patricia Fryer Billings WICOLA Stanley Nelson, Sr. 13071 Rocky Shore Lake County Commissioner Ely, MN 55731 RR 1, Box 154A Two Harbors, MN 55616-9505 218-365-4962 Don Warner George Nieman Lake SWCD Supervisor 383 Sunset Road HC 2, Box 51 Ely, MN 55731 Silver Bay, MN 55614

218-365-5382 (218) 226-4858

David MacLean, Ph.D. Harold Cleveland 76 Walter Road Lake SWCD Supervisor Grand Marais, MN 55604-2270 378 Stanley Road Two Harbors, MN 55616 218-387-1578 [email protected] (218) 834-4104

Bonnie MacLean, Ph.D. Carole Carlson 76 Walter Road Lake SWCD Supervisor Grand Marais, MN 55604-2270 627 – 12th Avenue Two Harbors, MN 55616 218-387-1578 (218) 834-2988 Cook SWCD Supervisor PO Box 123 Lutsen, MN 55612

(218) 663-7360

B-215 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

Brenda VanBergen Donald Finn Lake SWCD Supervisor Cook SWCD Supervisor 5157 Silver Hill Road 211 County Road 48 Finland, MN 55603 Grand Marais, MN 55604

(218) 353-7604 (218) 387-1329

David Falk Alton Berglund Lake SWCD Supervisor Cook SWCD Supervisor 842 Larsmont Road 392 County Road 60 Two Harbors, MN 55616 Grand Marais, MN 55604

(218) 834-7021 (218) 387-2005

Bruce kerfoot Don Sivertson Grand Marais, MN East LRMT - Ely – Cook, Lake and St. Louis [email protected] Counties

Ray Doran, WICOLA Cook County: 13071 Rocky Shore Road Ely, MN 55731 Tim Nelson Environmental Services Department [email protected] Cook County Courthouse PO Box 1150 Don Ortley, WICOLA Grand Marais, MN 55604 13345 Villa Road Ely, MN 55731 218-387-3000 218-387-2610 fax Roger Scraba [email protected] 1033 Harvey Street Ely, MN 55731 Karen Evens Cook County Water Planning Joe Skala Cook County Courthouse 139 Feenberg Road PO Box 1150 Ely, MN 55731 Grand Marais, MN 55604

218-365-4197 (218)387-3000 [email protected] Dick Blank 2652 Bernie’s Road James Hall Ely, MN 55731 Cook County Commissioner PO Box 1150 218-365-5860 Grand Marais, MN 55604

Wayne Hensche Bob Fenwick Cook SWCD Supervisor Cook County Commissioner 1421 County Road 14 2963 County Road 7 Grand Marais, MN 55604 Grand Marais, MN 55604

(218) 387-1172 (218) 387-9105 [email protected]

B-216 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix B

Rebecca Wiinanen Mark Lindhorst Cook SWCD North St. Louis SWCD Box 1150 230 1st Street South, Suite 104 Grand Marais, MN 55604-1156 Virginia, MN 55792-2669

218-387-3000 218-749-7744 218-387-3042 fax [email protected] [email protected] Department of Natural Resources: Lake County: Waters Dan Haglund Amy Loiselle, Area Hydrologist Patricia O’Hara 2005 Highway 37 Lake SWCD Eveleth, MN 55734 PO Box 14 120 State Road (218) 744-7450 Two Harbors, MN 55616 [email protected]

218-834-8369 East General: 218-834-6639 fax patricia.o’[email protected] B. Kevin Daw NRCS Dick Sigel Room 121, Federal Building Land Use Administrator Duluth, MN 601 3rd Ave. Two Harbors, MN 55616 218-720-5308 218-720-5306 fax 218/834-8321 [email protected] 218/834-8365 fax [email protected] Marge Sella USDA-NRCS St. Louis County: 230 First Street South, Suite 104 Virginia, MN 55792-2669 Jim Plummer St. Louis County Planning [email protected] 307 1st Street South Virginia, MN 55792 District Ranger (218)749-0628 Superior National Forest [email protected] Kawishiwi Ranger District 118 South 4th Avenue East Mark Johnson Ely, MN 55731 St. Louis County Water Plan Coordinator St. Louis County Planning (218) 365-7600 901 Mesabi Building (218) 365-7665 fax 227 West 1st Street Duluth, MN 55802

(218)725-5000 [email protected]

Mike Kolb St. Louis County Health Department Virginia, MN

(218) 749-0632 [email protected]

B-217

APPENDIX C

Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003

Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East-Central Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, April 30, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: St. Louis County Northland Building, West Wing, Second Floor 307 – 1st Street South Virginia

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:15 pm Overview of Basin Planning and Management Concept

7:45 pm Committee Organization

• Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs • Who else should be on this Committee? • Future meeting location, dates and times

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Goals and Priority Waters

8:50 pm Other?

9:00 pm Adjourn

C-219 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East-Central Local Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Tuesday, April 30, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: St. Louis County Northland Building, East Wing, Second Floor 307 – 1st Street South Virginia

Present: Keith Aho; Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Ray Busch; Les Connor, Bois Forte; Ray Doran, WICOLA; John Heikkica; David King, US Steel Mintac; Dan Logelin, MPCA; Amy Loiselle, DNR Waters; Steven Lotz; Don Negley, City of Babbitt; Don Ortley, WICOLA; Pete Pastika; Peggy Pearson, N. St. Louis SWCD; Jim Plummer, St. Louis County Planning; Mike Salo, Greenwood Township; Roger Skraba, City of Ely.

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

Baratono welcomed everyone to the 1st meeting of the East-Central Committee.

Self-introductions.

7:15 pm Overview of Basin Planning and Management Concept

Baratono provided an overview of Basin Planning. The overview included:

• Water management plan including all aspects of water management

− Science – quality-quantity-aquatic and riparian communities − Economics – development-recreation-industry − Local Needs - ?

• Overview of local and basin committees

• How the plan will fit together

• Consensus – Informed Consent

• Committee’s Mission

− Goals and Shared Goals − Objectives − Strategies − Indicators − Priority Waters − Project List − Narrative − Monitoring Plan

C-220 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

• Time Line

Information Resources: The BID was distributed along with the Agency contact list. Loiselle provided the correct telephone number for DNR Waters.

7:45 pm Committee Organization

• Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

The committee decided to wait until the next committee meeting to decide on a committee chair or co-chairs.

• Who else should be on this Committee?

The committee recommended adding following representatives to the committee (those in Italics are already on the contact list):

• Potlatch • Contract Loggers Association • Lake Vermilion Sportsman’s Association • St. Louis County Highway Department • Resorts • Wayne Burgsted, St. Louis County

• Future meeting location, dates and times

The committee decided to hold the next meeting at the St. Louis County Northland Building on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 at 7:00 pm. Plummer agreed to reserve a room for the meeting.

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Goals and Priority Waters

Please refer to the East-Central GOSI 4-30-02 for information on development of the committee’s goals.

9:00 pm Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.

C-221 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East-Central Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 12, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: St. Louis County Northland Building, East Wing, Third Floor 307 – 1st Street South Virginia

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

7:20 pm Updates from other Local Committees

• North • South • East • West

7:30 pm Review and approve 4/30/02 Meeting Summary

7:40 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

• Review and revise 4/30/02 Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Table • Additional Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Priority Waters

8:45 pm Other?

• Next meeting date and time.

9:00 pm Adjourn

C-222 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East-Central Local Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 12, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: St. Louis County Northland Building, East Wing, Second Floor 307 – 1st Street South Virginia

Meeting called to order at 7:03 pm

Present:

Les Connor, Nett Lake; Michael R. Salo, Greenwood Township Supervisor; Don R. Ortley; Ray Doran, WICoLA President; George Nieman; Jim Pendroy; Steve Kleist, VCC; Peggy Pearson, N. St. Louis County SWCD; Mark Lindhorst, N. St. Louis SWCD; Pete Pastika; Keith Aho, Field Township; John Heikkila; Steve Lotz; Laurie Potter, US Steel; Larry Lindholm, US Steel; Dan Logelin, MPCA-Duluth; Mark Zupec; Jim Plummer, St. Louis County Planning; Roger J. Skraba, City of Ely; Molly Westom, RRCC/MPCA; Nolan Baratono, MPCA

Welcome and self-introductions Selection of committee chair: o Decided to wait until next meeting Local committee updates: o North 1st Round: ISTS Monitoring information needs Consistency of wetland management plans throughout the basin. Development (shoreline) and transportation (Hwy. 11 & 53 upgrade). Local expectations/thresholds Hg 2nd Round: Significant work on monitoring needs, including: × Expanded River Watch and other monitoring × Basin River Watch coordinator × State basin monitoring coordinator × Leaning towards some sort of water resources center for the basin. Good discussion of wetland management consistency Identified Rat Root, Little Fork, and Big Fork as priority waters. They may add more at a later time. o South Monitoring Local expectations Education/information Develop tools for local management

C-223 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

o East Tool to assess watershed health (p. 10) Incentives Monitoring Better coordination/communication among land use entities. o West 1st Round: Lake of the Woods Erosion Buffers/Corridors 2nd Round: Significant work on buffers & corridors Expanded discussion of monitoring needs: × River Watch & River Watch coordinator × Lake of the Woods and Rapid, Zippel, Bostic, Winter Road, and Baudette rivers. Restoration of Bostic Creek Review and approve 4/30/02 agenda: o No changes were made Continue discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Indicators: o A question was asked about the difference between two shared goals, Baratono explained o The topic was raised that we may need new enforcement to determine failing systems inspection. Dan explained that standards are set to determine failing systems. And who at this time are in charge of the inspections. Goal “Sewage Treatment needs” Shared Goal “Facilitate upgrades to failing individual sewage treatment systems” × Under objectives added Need for an inspection program for old systems on lakeshore; and funding. × Under strategies “Establish a work group, led by the County Health Department to develop appropriate options for St. Louis County, include: Townships; Lake associations; SWCD.” was added. × Under strategies “Aerial Survey.” Goal “Develop alternatives as current state individual sewge treatment system regulations now allow” Under objectives work on language Funding discussion included the discussion of low interest loans to those who want to upgrade their systems. It was brought up that Greenwood Township has their own program where they provide low interest loans and incentives for those wanting to upgrade their systems, even more incentive if they group together with neighbors. o It was also asked how you get authority to check if private systems are failing. Dan explained that the county most likely does have that authority, whether or not they would want to use that authority is another issue. Dan also brought up the Itasca County lake associations are doing their own inspections with the landowners consent. o If you have a failing system and want to replace it, however don’t have the new minimum amount of land for systems; can you still replace that system? Dan explained that it most likely it wouldn’t be allowed, however, there could be exceptions. Testing and ways to determine the sources of pollutants was discussed. Baratono explained that it can get costly and that when it is on a lake it is very difficult to determine sources. He mentioned that there will be some monitoring done on Rainy Lake.

C-224 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Fly over photography was discussed. Baratono explained that Rainy Lake did it a few years back. It was mentioned that maybe we could get the company to come and give a presentation. o Who has jurisdiction over greywater discharge? Baratono explained that it is an iffy question and would look into it. Added under objectives to look into. Under objectives added “Scope the problem; determine number of houseboats w/o greywater holding; Determine infrastructure capabilities and need (include blackwater needs).” Under Strategies added “PCA lead on authority.” Under Strategies added “Determine other counties interest and scope the problem.” Discussion on what the rental facilities and private owners are doing with their grey and black water. Rentals mainly pump out and transport to sewage treatment plants. o Goal “Stormwater management needs.” Cities have runoff all go to one drain, how do you set up a system such as this. Baratono didn’t know right off the top of his head but indicated he would find the information. o Goal “Need for maintenance and repair of existing ditches” o Goal “Beavers” o Goal “Concern about phosphorus impacts on surface waters.” There was a new statute passed by the legislature, however, it only applies to the metro area and only restricts residents from using phosphorus on their lawns. Golf courses and agriculture are exceptions. Counties can adopt this too. Added to objectives “Educate people about adverse impacts of phosphorus and nitrogen in near shore areas.” Under Objectives “Assess impacts from land application of sewage sludge and septage, and wood ash.” Under Strategies added “Education Program” “Develop a monitoring program to assess impacts on tribs and clum. Effects on rivers and lakes.” “Determine appropriate disposal sites for septage and sewage. o Goal “Shoreline development issues on lakes and rivers.” A water quality team was discussed and the need for basin-wide coordination on wetlands. Under objectives added “Low impact land divisions.” It was discussed that this issue really should stay on the local level Under strategies added “Incorporate objectives in watershed planning activities.” “Assess impacts of government land swaps. Look at public value of shoreland” o Point brought up that we really need to prioritize the goals since there isn’t enough time to get everything done. Priority waters discussion: Other? o Next meeting Good location Wednesday, July 31, 2002 will be the next meeting Adjourned at 9:05

C-225 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East-Central Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, July 31, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: St. Louis County Northland Building, East Wing, Second Floor 307 – 1st Street South Virginia

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

7:20 pm Updates from other Local Committees

• North • South • East • West

7:30 pm Review and approve 6/12/02 Meeting Summary

7:40 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

• Review and revise 6/12/02 Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Table • Additional Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Priority Waters

8:45 pm Other?

• Next meeting date and time.

9:00 pm Adjourn

C-226 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East-Central Local Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Tuesday, July 31, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: St. Louis County Northland Building, East Wing, Second Floor 307 – 1st Street South Virginia

Meeting called to order at 7:08 Welcome and Introductions o Present: Dan Logelin, MPCA-Duluth; Mike Kolb, SLC-Health-Virginia; Steve Lotz, Vermilion Lake TWP President; John Heikkila; Jim Plummer, SLC-Planning; George Nieman; Don R. Ortley; Roger J. Skraba, City of Ely; Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Molly Westom, RRCC/MPCA Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs: o Wait for more people, or until the last meeting ☺ Updates from other Local Committees: o North Monitoring, water resources center Sewage treatment Refined goals and objectives o South Monitoring Road signs o East Continued work on the watershed health assessment tool Sewage treatment Communication o West Buffers Lake of the Woods erosion Goals and objectives Discussed houseboat wastes: o Between Coast Guard, DNR, and EPA share responsibilities. o The illegal disposal of the waste water; on islands, in streams, and gravel pits. o Discussed different houseboat setups of grey and black water. o The different methods people can use to treat the waste. Review and approve 6/12/02 Meeting Summary o Changes? None o Approved Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators o Baratono explained the South Committee’s overall goal. Discussion ensued about the no degradation topic. Brought up that many of the different ways standards are set can be very confusing and misleading. Baratono explained that other committees have looked at this, the West Committee liked the goal, and the North Committee didn’t care for the goal. Committee decided to include it as a goal but decided to review and discuss it more at the next meeting. o Word smithing for water quality and beyond.

C-227 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

o A lengthy discussion ensued on the topic of how do we know what is good water? Do we need to monitor some “pure” (water fresh from the wilderness) to see what truly good water is. o The Eco-region standards were reviewed as a possible indicator as to the dissolved solids in waters and standards for other factors. o Looked over the “Draft Rainy River Basin Monitoring Strategies” and the members were asked to review them and they will be discussed more in depth at future meetings. o Review and revise 6/12/02 Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Table Goal “Sewage Treatment Needs.” Discussed that many of the strategies are already being implemented. Added under Objectives “Explore the feasibility of using state and federal lands for existing development, sewage treatment in areas where other options are not available.” Discussion on the guidelines and restrictions of this possibility was discussed. Goal “Shoreline development issues on lakes and rivers” Under Objectives, “Low impact land divisions; Divisions of any type should be reviewed for developmental area, septic and expansion area, slope, wetlands and access.” Under strategies added: o Incorporate objectives in watershed planning activities o Assess impacts of government land swaps. Look at public value of shoreland. Other? o Next meeting date and time? Suggested by Baratono that the committee prioritize its goals so that the meetings will be more focused. Start discussion of goals with the shoreline development goal, then prioritize the remaining goals. Next meeting date September 25, 2002, 7:00 Adjourn at 9:14 pm

C-228 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East-Central Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, September 25, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: St. Louis County Northland Building, East Wing, Second Floor 307 – 1st Street South Virginia

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

7:20 pm Review and approve 7/31/02 Meeting Summary

7:30 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

3. Continue discussion of Overall Goal. 4. Shoreline Development - Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Objectives. 5. Prioritize remaining Goals from GOSI Table. 6. Review, revise and finalize (at least for this meeting) existing goals based on priorities established under #3 above.

8:30 pm Discussion of Priority Waters

• Identification of Priority Waters.

8:40 pm Narrative

1. Do you want a narrative? 2. Who’s going to draft this? 3. Points to include in the narrative?

8:50 pm Other?

• Updates from other Local Committees.

• Next meeting, date and time.

9:00 pm Adjourn

C-229 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East-Central Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, September 25, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: St. Louis County Northland Building, East Wing, Second Floor 307 – 1st Street South Virginia

Summary

• Welcome and Introductions ° Called to order at 7:05 ° Present: Steve Lotz, Vermilion Lake TWP; John Heikkila, Vermilion Lake TWP; George Nigman, Wicola; Ray Doran, WICOLA Pres.; Jim Plummer, SLC Planning; Ray Busch, SWCD; Mike Salo, Greenwood Township; Mark Lindhorst, North St. Louis SWCD; Pete Pastika, Birch Lake/Northshore Mining; Don Ortley, WICOLA; Mike Kolh, SLC-Health-Va.; Roger J. Skraba, City of Ely; Keith Aho, Field Township; John H. Lyons, VCC; Joe Wokson, VCC; Michael Vassar, VCC; Joe Lorewz, VCC; Jay Ashling, VCC; Jim Pendroy, VCC; Erin L, VCC; Brandon Stall, VCC; Ron Spiering, VCC; Angela Esser, VCC; Steve Kleist, Faculty VCC

• Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs ° Decided that it is working well the way it is. • Review and approve 7/31/02 Meeting Summary ° Steve Lotz, Vermilion Lake TWP President ° Respelled WICOLA • Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators ° Continue discussion of Overall Goal. Decided to leave also the Lake of the Woods goal under the objectives since everything goes into Lake of the Woods. Discussion about the new Crane Lake facility, which will emit water with lower phosphorus levels than currently exist in the Vermillion River. Questioned was raise if this Overall Goals intent was to more regulations and also point was made that the PCA already has no degradation standards. Baratono explained that the South committee wanted to prevent degradation of streams. At the current time actions are not taken on a stream until the different levels are quite high and they wanted to avoid them getting to that point. Concern was brought up of US Steel discharging their tailing ponds into the water shed. Baratono explained that the last he had heard, the process was on hold. Decided to go with it and add: Implement the following Goals: Decided to leave in LoW, objective. ° Shoreline Development - Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Objectives. Broke the Shared Goal into two separate goals. Discussion on what is meant by “Preservation Protection of shoreline and surface waters – shore impact zone – using sustainable development principles.” Some discussed the four foot buffer zone. Also point made that there already are regulations for these objectives. Brought up that it isn’t always enforced though. Under Objective “Minimize impervious surface.”

C-230 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Objective added: “Control storm water runoff on individual lots.” Added Objective: “Expand existing education programs for shoreline BMP’s. Develop new programs as needed.” Added Objective: “Regulations and enforcement should require restoration Under funding: sources to be determined specified “County, state, and federal should assess impacts of government land swaps or sales. Consider Look at public value of shore land, essential character of neighborhoods; seek input from the local land use entity.” Lead: varies Funding: sources to be determined Encourage local government to provide funding necessary to provide one on one information to property owners on-site. Ensure sustainable funding to: Continue and expand educational programs. ° Prioritize remaining Goals from GOSI Table. High: Shoreline development, “Facilitate required upgrades to community wastewater treatment systems”, “Facilitate upgrades”, Medium: Determine appropriate location of “, Low: “Beavers.” • Discussion of Priority Waters ° Identification of Priority Waters. • Narrative ° Yes a narrative is wanted. ° Baratono will form a draft for review. ° Points to hit; finding funding for: what’s going to directly effect water quality, monitoring, enforcement, education. • Other ° Basin committee volunteers: Jim Plummer Roger Skraba Mike Salo Steve Lotz ° Next meeting January 8, 2003; 7:00 • Adjourn at 9:00

C-231 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East-Central Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, January 8, 2003 – 7:00 pm

Location: St. Louis County Northland Building, East Wing, Second Floor 307 – 1st Street South Virginia

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

7:20 pm Review and approve 9/25/02 Meeting Summary

Summary will be distributed at the meeting.

7:30 pm Update of Basin Committee Activities

8:00 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

For a more detail about Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators, please see the GOSI Explanation included with this advance.

High Priority Goals:

7. Funding for wastewater treatment facilities – page 1

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Does the objective adequately define your intent? • What do you want for a strategy? • Draft Indicators?

8. Implementation of stormwater regulations – page 1

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Does the objective adequately define your intent? • What do you want for a strategy? • Draft Indicators?

9. Lake water levels – page 1

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Does the objective adequately define your intent? • What do you want for a strategy? • Draft Indicators?

C-232 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

10. Maintenance and repair of ditches – page 2

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

11. Road design – page 2

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Does the objective adequately define your intent? • Strategies? • Indicators?

12. Education needs – page 2

• Shared goal? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

13. Shoreline development – page 3

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Does the objective adequately define your intent? • Will the strategies adequately meet your intent? • Draft Indicators?

14. Phosphorus – page 4

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Do the objectives adequately define your intent? • Will the strategies adequately meet your intent? • Draft Indicators?

15. Failing ISTS – page 5

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Does the objective adequately define your intent? • Will the strategies adequately meet your intent? • Draft Indicators?

Medium priority goals:

16. Biosolid (sludge) application – page 6

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

C-233 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

17. ISTS performance standards – page 6

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Does the objective adequately define your intent? • Strategies? • Draft Indicators?

18. Greywater discharge – page 7

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Does the objective adequately define your intent? • Will the strategies adequately meet your intent? • Draft Indicators?

19. BWCA Blow-down concerns – page 8

• Shared goal? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

Low priority goals:

20. Beavers – page 9

• Shared goal? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

21. Trail management issues – page 9

• Shared goal? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

8:30 pm Narrative

Review and revise draft narrative.

8:50 pm Other?

• Project List • Next meeting, date and time.

9:00 pm Adjourn

C-234 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East-Central Local Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Wednesday, January 8, 2003 – 7:00 pm

Location: St. Louis County Northland Building, East Wing, Second Floor 307 – 1st Street South Virginia

Present:

Keith Aho, Field Township; Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Ray Doran, WICOLA; John Heikkila; Dan Logelin, MPCA; Amy Loiselle, DNR; Steve Lotz; Patricia O’Hara, Lake County Water Planner; Don Ortley, WICOLA; Pete Pastika; Jim Plummer, St. Louis County Planning Dept; Mike Salo, Greenwood Township; Dick Sigel, Lake County Land Use Admin; Roger Skraba, City of Ely.

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

Baratono welcomed everyone to the fifth meeting of the East-Central Committee.

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

The committee members indicated that thing were progressing well and they saw no need to select a committee chair.

7:20 pm Review and approve 9/25/02 Meeting Summary

Summary was distributed at the meeting. Committee members review the summary and approved the summary as distributed.

7:30 pm Update of Basin Committee Activities

Committee members discussed the progress of the Basin Committee at some length. They decided that they would like to hold their last meeting after the Basin Committee has developed the Public Review Draft in order to have an opportunity to review the proposed draft prior to adoption.

8:00 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

Baratono encouraged the committee to finish their work on the GOSI Table at tonight’s meeting if possible. He informed them that he had rearranged the Table to reflect the committee’s priorities. The committee reviewed and revised the following Goals:

C-235 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

High Priority Goals:

22. Funding for wastewater treatment facilities – page 1 23. Implementation of stormwater regulations – page 1 24. Lake water levels – page 1 25. Maintenance and repair of ditches – page 2 26. Road design – page 2 27. Education needs – page 2 28. Shoreline development – page 3 29. Phosphorus – page 4 30. Failing ISTS – page 5

The committee worked until 9:30 pm. They decided to hold another meeting to complete the following Goals:

Medium priority goals:

31. Biosolid (sludge) application – page 6 32. ISTS performance standards – page 6 33. Greywater discharge – page 7 34. BWCA Blow-down concerns – page 8

Low priority goals:

35. Beavers – page 9 36. Trail management issues – page 9

9:30 pm Narrative

Baratono distributed the Draft Narrative and Project List for review and revision at the next meeting.

• Next meeting, date and time.

The next meeting was scheduled for 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 5th at the Northland Building in Virginia.

9:35 pm Adjourn

C-236 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East-Central Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 5, 2003 – 6:00 pm

Location: St. Louis County Northland Building, East Wing, Second Floor 307 – 1st Street South Virginia

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

7:20 pm Review and approve 1/8/03 Meeting Summary

7:30 pm Update of Basin Committee Activities

8:00 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

Medium priority goals:

37. Biosolid (sludge) application – page 7

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

38. ISTS performance standards – page 7

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Does the objective adequately define your intent? • Strategies? • Draft Indicators?

39. Greywater discharge – page 8

• Does the goal adequately define your intent? • Does the objective adequately define your intent? • Will the strategies adequately meet your intent? • Draft Indicators?

C-237 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

40. BWCA Blow-down concerns – page 9

• Shared goal? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

Low priority goals:

41. Beavers – page 10

• Shared goal? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

42. Trail management issues – page 10

• Shared goal? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

8:30 pm Narrative

Review and revise draft narrative.

8:50 pm Other?

• Project List • Next meeting, date and time.

9:00 pm Adjourn

C-238 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 East-Central Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 28, 2003 – 6:00 pm

Location: St. Louis County Northland Building, East Wing, Second Floor 307 – 1st Street South Virginia

Agenda

6:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

6:05 pm Review and approve Agenda and 2/5/03 Meeting Summary

6:15 pm Update from Basin Committee and other local committees

6:45 pm Final review, revision and approval of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

7:15 pm Final review, revision and approval of Narrative

7:30 PM Project List

7:45 pm Plan format and layout

8:00 pm Plan implementation overview/coordination options discussion

8:25 pm Other?

8:30 pm Adjourn

C-239 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

East-Central Local Committee

St. Louis County

Mike Salo, Chair Brad Strgar, Chair Town of Greenwood Town of Balkan 2123 Birch Point Rd 5524 Hwy 73 Tower, MN 55790 Chisholm, MN 55719

Ray Doran, President WRCOLA Steve Polich, Chair 13071 Rocky Shore Road Town of Beatty Ely, MN 55731 2398 Wakely Road Cook, MN 55723 218-365-4962 [email protected] Ted Melgeorge, Chair Town of Camp 5 Mark Zupec PO Box 185 24 North Pioneer Road Orr, MN 55771 Ely, MN 55731 Richard Swain, Chair [email protected] Town of Eagles Nest 1552 Bear Head State Park Rd George Nieman Ely, MN 55731 383 Sunset Road Ely, MN 55731 Gary Rantala, Chair Town of Embarrass 218-365-5382 4790 Salor Road [email protected] Embarrass, MN 55732

Laurie Potter Clerk Ms Christine Mackia US Steel Town of Embarrass PO Box 417 PO Box 118 Mt. Iron, MN Embarrass, MN 55732 [email protected] 218-984-2084 218-984-2021 fax Martin Yourczek, Chair Town of Alango Keith A. Aho, Chair 10558 Hwy 22 Town of Field Angora, MN 55703 1540 Hwy 25 Cook, MN 55723 Wayne Taittonen, Chair Town of Angora 800-652-5233 8738 Ralph Road [email protected] Angora, MN 55703 Jeffrey Schanche, Clerk Donald Negley, Mayor Town of French City of Babbitt 12570 East Road 71 South Drive Side Lake, MN 55781 Babbitt, MN 55706

C-240 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Billy Morse, Chair John Heikkila, Chair Town of Great Scott Town of Vermilion Lake PO Box 277 6763 Door Road Kinney, MN 55758 Tower, MN 55790

Jack McMahon, Chair [email protected] Town of Kabetogama 10498 Waltz Road Steven Lotz Ray, MN 56669 9388 Holter Road Tower, MN 55790 Patty Morley, Chair Town of Kugler 218-753-4129 8996 Hwy 135 North 218-742-7017 Tower, MN 55790 David King Phil Christenson, Chair US Steel Mintac Town of Leiding PO Box 417 Orr, MN 55771 Mt. Iron, MN 55768

Violet Watt, Chair 218-749-7468 Town of Linden Grove dsking@uss,com 11169 Hwy 1 Cook, MN 55723 Leonard Nelson, Chair Town of Waasa Leon Sandberg, Chair 3505 Salo Road Town of Morcom Embarrass, MN 55732 12388 Hwy 22 Cook, MN 55723 Scott Block, Chair Town of Wuori Wally Refsdal, Chair 6979 Beech Road Town of Owens Virginia, MN 55792 1934 Larson Road Cook, MN 55723 Prudence Lolich, Mayor City of Hibbing Jodi Backman, Clerk 401 East 21st Street Town of Pike Hibbing, MN 55746 7509 Endberg Road Embarrass, MN 55732 Paul Plesha, St. Louis County Commissioner St. Louis County Courthouse Daniel Hoffman, Chair 300 South 5th Avenue Town of Portage Virginia, MN 55792 6224 Crane Lake Rd Buyck, MN 55771 Steve Raukar, St. Louis County Commissioner St. Louis County Courthouse Douglas Aho, Chair 1810 - 12th Avenue E. Town of Sandy Hibbing, MN 55746 7215 Rice River Road Virginia, MN 55792 Mike Forsman, St. Louis County Commissioner Government Services Center Chris Cheney, Chair 118 South 4th Avenue East Town of Sturgeon Ely, MN 55731 11364 Hwy 22 Angora, MN 55703 Ray Busch, Supervisor North St. Louis SWCD 45 Cypress Babbitt, MN 55706

C-241 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Lolita Schnitzius, Mayor Donald Johnson City of Ely 608 East James Street 209 E. Chapman Street Ely, MN 55731 Ely, MN 55731 Judy DeMarrais Roger Skraba PO Box 203 129 East Sheridan Street Crane Lake, MN 55725 Ely, MN 55731 Amy Loiselle, Area Hyrdrologist Nancy Gaither, Mayor DNR City of Winton 2005 Hwy 37 PO Box 163 Eveleth, MN 55734 Winton, MN 55796 Marge Sella H. D. Johnston, Mayor Natural Resources Conservation Services City of Cook 230 First Street South, Suite 104 719 E. Vermilion Blvd Virginia, MN 55792 Cook, MN 55723 Mark Van Every, District Ranger David Glowaski, Mayor Superior National Forest City of Orr 118 South 4th Avenue East PO Box 237 Ely, MN 55731 Orr, MN 55771 Joe Geis David Dill, Administrator Department of Natural Resources City of Orr 1429 Grant McMahon Blvd PO Box 237 Ely, MN 55731 Orr, MN 55771 Mike Kolb, EHS Crane Lake Resort Association St Louis County Health Dept Bill and Deena Congdon 307 First Street South 7576 Gold Coast Road Virginia, MN 55792 Crane Lake, MN 55725 Vermilion Sportsmans Club Katy Ebel Paula Bloczynski Ebel’s Voyageur Houseboats 4443 Big Rock Rd 10326 Ash River Trail Tower, MN 55790 Orr, MN 55771 Blackduck / Elephant Lake Assoc Alan Burchell Ted Melgeorge Kabetogama Lake Association Co. Road 180 10434 Waltz Road Orr, MN 55771 Lake Kabetogama, MN 56669 Potlatch Corporation Butch Eggen Tom Murn, Resource Manager Minnesota Resort Association PO Box 504 7455 Crane Lake Road Cloquet, MN 55720 Crane Lake, MN 55725 (218)879-0435 Don Ortley, Sec/Treasurer [email protected] White Iron Chain of Lakes Assoc 13345 Villa Road Ely, MN 55731 [email protected]

C-242 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Kevin Kangas, Environmental Manager Chris Holbeck, Chief Natural Resource 2201 Avenue B Management PO Box 503 Voyageurs National Park Headquarters Cloquet, MN 55720 3131 Highway 53 International Falls, MN 56649 (218)879-2300 ext. 0638 [email protected] Jim Schaberl Voyageurs National Park Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians 3131 Highway 53 Ray Villebrun International Falls, MN 56649 PO Box 16 Nett Lake, MN 55772 Paula Bloczynski, Chair St. Louis County Planning Commission Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians 4443 Big Rock Road Les Connor Tower, MN 55790 PO Box 16 Nett Lake, MN 55772 John Freeman, Chair Burntside Lake Association 218-757-3261 2032 Somero Road [email protected] Ely, MN 55732

Larry Lindholm, Engineering Dept Barbara Hayden-Haugen Minntac USX Corp St. Louis County Planning Old Hwy 169 901 Mesabi Building Mt Iron, MN 55768 227 West 1st Street Duluth, MN 55802 [email protected] Peggy Pearson Engineering Dept North St. Louis SWCD Supervisor Inland Steel 1302 Samuelson Road 5950 Hwy 53 Angora, MN 55703 Virginia, MN 55792 [email protected] Eagles Nest Lake Assoc PO Box 423 Lyle Wasvick Ely, MN 55731 North St. Louis SWCD Supervisor 11443 Latick Road Mike Lantry Chisholm, MN 55719 Lake Vermilion Resort Assoc PO Box 159 Jim Plummer Cook, MN 55723 St. Louis County Planning 307 1st Street South Tom Morrow Virginia, MN 55792 Lake Vermilion Conservation Assoc (218)749-0628 PO Box 393 [email protected] Tower, MN 55790 Mark Johnson National Park Service St. Louis County Water Plan Coordinator Barbara West, Superintendent St. Louis County Planning Voyageurs National Park Headquarters 901 Mesabi Building 3131 Highway 53 South 227 West 1st Street International Falls, MN 56649 Duluth, MN 55802

C-243 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Mark Lindhorst East LRMT - Ely – Cook, Lake and St. Louis North St. Louis SWCD Counties 230 1st Street South, Suite 104 Virginia, MN 55792-2669 Cook County:

Kitty Kennedy, Planning Tim Nelson City of Ely Environmental Services Department 209 East Chapman Street Cook County Courthouse Ely, MN 55731 PO Box 1150 Grand Marais, MN 55604 East General: 218-387-3000 B. Kevin Daw 218-387-2610 fax NRCS [email protected] Room 121, Federal Building Duluth, MN Karen Evens Error! Bookmark not defined.Cook County 218-720-5308 Water Planning 218-720-5306 fax Cook County Courthouse [email protected] PO Box 1150 Grand Marais, MN 55604 Craig Tikkanen Vermilion Community College (218)387-3000 [email protected] [email protected] James Hall Pete Pastika Cook County Commissioner 1839 Boundary Street PO Box 1150 Babbitt, MN 55706 Grand Marais, MN 55604

218-827-3384 Rebecca Wiinanen [email protected] Cook SWCD Box 1150 Jim Pendroy Grand Marais, MN 55604-1156 2121 East Camp Street #7B Ely, MN 218-387-3000 218-387-3042 fax [email protected] [email protected]

Steve Kleist Wintertree, Inc. Water Resources Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Vermilion Community College 2554 East Highway 61 1900 East Camp Street Grand Marais, MN 56604 Ely, MN 55731 Lake County: [email protected] Lake SWCD Eric Stradig PO Box 14 139 Hilltop Drive 120 State Road Lake in the Pines, IL 60156 Two Harbors, MN 55616 [email protected] 218-834-6638 218-834-6639 fax

C-244 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Dick Sigel Department of Natural Resources: Land Use Administrator 601 3rd Ave. Fisheries Two Harbors, MN 55616 Joe Geis 1429 Grant Memahon Blvd. 218/834-8321 Ely, MN 55731 218/834-8365 fax [email protected] (218) 365-7280 [email protected] St. Louis County: Wildlife Jim Plummer Fred Thunhorst St. Louis County Planning 1429 Grant Memahon Blvd. 307 1st Street South Ely, MN 55731 Virginia, MN 55792 (218) 749-0628 (218) 365-7280 [email protected] [email protected]

Mark Johnson Waters St. Louis County Water Plan Coordinator Amy Loiselle, Area Hydrologist St. Louis County Planning 2005 Highway 37 901 Mesabi Building Eveleth, MN 55734 227 West 1st Street Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 744-7450 [email protected] (218)725-5000 [email protected] DNR Forestry, Parks?

Mike Kolb East General: St. Louis County Health Department Virginia, MN B. Kevin Daw NRCS (218) 749-0632 Room 121, Federal Building [email protected] Duluth, MN

Mark Lindhorst 218-720-5308 North St. Louis SWCD 218-720-5306 fax 230 1st Street South, Suite 104 [email protected] Virginia, MN 55792-2669 Marge Sella 218-741-3230 USDA-NRCS [email protected] 230 First Street South, Suite 104 Virginia, MN 55792-2669 Kitty Kennedy, Planning City of Ely [email protected] 209 East Chapman Street Ely, MN 55731 Bruce Slover, District Ranger Superior National Forest (218) 365-5383 Kawishiwi Ranger District 118 South 4th Avenue East Ely, MN 55731

(218) 365-7600 (218) 365-7665 fax [email protected]

C-245 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix C

Craig Tikkanen Vermilion Community College [email protected]

C-246

APPENDIX D

Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003

Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 North Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 7, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: Littlefork Community Center Main Street Littlefork

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:15 pm Overview of Basin Planning and Management Concept

7:45 pm Committee Organization

• Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs • Who else should be on this Committee? • Future meeting location, dates and times

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Goals and Priority Waters

8:50 pm Other?

9:00 pm Adjourn

D-248 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Rainy River Basin North Local Committee

Date/Time: May 7, 2002

Location: Littlefork

Baratono called meeting to order at 7:08. Introductions were made, present were: Ray Anderson; Ruth Anderson; Dick Briese; Les Connor, Boise Forte; Byrne Johnson; Gene Larson, Koochiching SWCD Supervisor; Richard Lehtinen, Chuck Lepper, Koochiching County Commissioner; Koochiching County ESD; Jo Kallemeyn; Larry Kallemeyn, USGS; Mary Perala, Boise; Tom Toratti, Koochiching SWCD; Dan Logelin, Molly Westom and Nolan Baratono, MPCA. Baratono explained the need for water basin plans. • To bring local and state plans together. • Merge science with local needs and concerns. Committee Organization- • Selection of chairs was tabled until next meeting. • Who isn’t here? (Other than those on list?) ♦ The list of those already contacted was past around and those present added whom they felt should also know. ♦ Baratono made it clear that this committee is inclusive not exclusive. • The Littlefork Community Center is a good meeting spot. • Next meeting June 4, 2002 at 7:00. Briefed on the other committees actions and concerns. This Committees Concerns are: • Regarding individual treatment systems ♦ Impact on Rainy Lake, Streams, and Rivers ♦ Constrained soils ♦ Standard systems, and lack there of ♦ Malfunctioning systems, some flexibility for those who are isolated ♦ Bringing existing systems up to code ♦ Development of COOP managing systems ♦ Unsewered communities • Monitoring more lakes and rivers • Shoreline development of lake and river, what is left ♦ New Development (2 – 3 tier) ♦ Erosion – sloping / sliding ♦ Loss of Agriculture

D-249 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

♦ RIVERS ♦ Houseboat Discharge (Greywater) • Adopt and support (by reference) Koochiching County wetland plan. ♦ What about bordering counties? • Water Levels, ♦ Rainy – Kabetogama - Namakan ♦ Rainy River • Erosion • Roadways/Transportation ♦ 11 and 53 • Population ♦ Losing people • Forestry ♦ Recognizing FMP Guidance and BMB ♦ Very small tributaries ♦ Audits • Drinking Water ♦ Well Head Protection? • Public Education • Local Expectations ♦ Fishing ♦ Recreation ♦ Exotics • Mercury • Airborne Pollution Baratono adjourned at 8:54

D-250 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 North Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, June 4, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: Littlefork Community Center Main Street Littlefork

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

7:20 pm Updates from other Local Committees

• West • South • East • East-Central

7:30 pm Review and approve 5/7/02 Meeting Summary

7:40 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

• Review and revise 5/7/02 Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Table • Additional Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Priority Waters

8:45 pm Other?

• Next meeting date and time.

9:00 pm Adjourn

D-251 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Rainy River Basin North Local Committee Meeting Summary

Date/Time: June 4, 2002

Location: Littlefork

Meeting was called to order by Baratono at 7:12 pm Attendance was passed around and introductions where made, present were:

Kara Dunning, Boise; David Reimer, Boise; Les Connor, Boise Forte; Richard Lehtinen, Koochiching County; Richard Dreher, Farm Bureau; Bernie Uran; Charles C. Lepper, Koochiching County Commissioner; Catherine Crawford; Ruth Anderson; Jo Kallemeyn; Larry Kallemeyn, USGS; Byrne Johnson; Ban Logelin, MPCA; Molly Westom, MPCA; Nolan Baratono, MPCA

Selection of Committee Chair and/or Co-Chairs: o Will be discussed at next meeting Review of other four committees: o West- Lake of the Woods Erosion Buffers/Corridors o South- Monitoring Local expectations Education/information Develop tools for local management o East- Tool to assess watershed health Incentives Monitoring Better coordination/communication among land use entities o East-Central- Ditch repair Phosphorus Shoreline development (differs from the North) More sensitive and low impact road design Trails Lake water levels Questions o What is Watermarks? Baratono explained that it is the state water plan. It establishes certain goals and objectives throughout the state for different factors in lakes, rivers, and streams. Do we have any impaired streams or rivers in our basin? Baratono explained that both the Williams Creek and the Baudette River are impaired. He continued to explain that the MPCA is looking closer at the rivers to determine if the impairment could be naturally occurring. Meeting Summary 5/7/02: o Changes: Under Water Levels, (Peaking) was added after Rainy River Should FMP be VMP? More phrases under bullets to be more clarification. Under Erosion add both Lake and River erosion as subtitles. GOSI Table discussion:

D-252 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Jo Kallemeyn brought up the topic of considering other counties and individuals concerns before just adopting Koochiching County wetland plan. It was discussed that under state law most counties are under the same basic plans. They will have similar outcomes. Changed “Support the existing Establish a program to assess the management of wetland types and functions throughout the Rainy River Basin. If needed, establish a coordination program among basin counties.” And moved to be in line with the Goal and Shared Goal below. Moved “Determine if counties in the basin are protecting the same wetland types and functions and whether there is a need for more coordination among counties.” under shared goal. And added “Ensure healthy wetlands across the basin.” under goals. First goal; “Addressing failing Individual Sewage Treatment Systems” Changed under Objectives “Develop performance standards that could allow surface discharge.” Also added Under Objectives “Extend centralized sewer where feasible environmentally and economically.” Added under Objectives “Support the continued development of new technology and management options.” Added under Strategies “Jackfish Bay,” “Funding for Rainy Lake Coop. or appropriate management option (subtitle: Public Education Programs),” “Funding for small systems,” and “ROSS Area” Second goal; “More monitoring information is needed for Rainy Lake and the Rainy, Big Fork, and Little Fork Rivers.” Under Shared Goals added “Rat Root” Added under Objectives, “Encourage development of River Watch Programs for Rivers not currently monitored.” o Littlefork and Bigfork students monitor Bigfork, there is a need to meet certain standards, and these really should be encouraged. State still keeps their commitment to monitor rivers on other parts that are not monitored. Also realize that Rainy River Community College will be doing monitoring on Rainy Lake. The state has helped them set up a protocol to see if any sewage systems or rivers/streams are affecting Rainy Lake. RRCC is also helping with Data entry. It was brought up that monitoring could be a waste of money when there is testing done for things that have never existed in a river. Added to Objectives “Need to establish baselines for WQ throughout the basin.” Added to Objectives “Need a coordinator for the River Watch program.” Added to Objectives “Support the Continued operation of expansion of the RRCC partnership” “NPDES required monitoring needs changes” added as a goal Also added “Need more dispensation of WQ information” as a goal Under Shared Goals added “Explore the possibility of a monitoring/data coordinator for the basin.” Under Objectives added, “Annual River Watch celebration.” Added, “Ensure the Rainy Lake retains outstanding Resources Value Water Classification.” o Resources Value Water Classification is a classification (Rainy because it is within Voyageurs Park) that does not allow certain discharges to enter that body of water. Goal added, “Runoff: Urban, Rural, Agricultural” Next meeting will be Tuesday July 23, 2002; at 7:00 at the Littlefork Community Center. Meeting was adjourned at 9:06 pm

D-253 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 North Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, July 23, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: Littlefork Community Center Main Street Littlefork

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

7:20 pm Updates from other Local Committees

• South • East • East-Central • West

7:30 pm Review and approve 6/4/02 Meeting Summary

7:40 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

• Review and revise 5/30/02 Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Table • Additional Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Priority Waters

8:45 pm Other?

• Next meeting date and time.

9:00 pm Adjourn

D-254 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 West Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, July 23, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: Littlefork Community Center Main Street Littlefork

Meeting called to order at 7:06 Welcome and Introductions o Present:

Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Molly Westom, MPCA/RRCC; Dan Logelin, MPCA; Byrne Johnson; Ruth Anderson; Jo Kallemeyn; Larry Kallemeyn, USGS; Tom Toritti, SWCD; Marty Noise, SWCD; Charles C. Lepper, Koochiching County Commissioner; David Reimer, Boise; Richard Lehtinen, Koochiching County; Bernie Uran; Elwin Boe; Les Connor, Boise Forte

Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs o Continue on with Nolan as Director Updates from other Local Committees o South Monitoring! Road Signs o East Continued work on the watershed health assessment tool Some sewage goal development Communication! o East-Central Sewage Houseboat Greywater Development – stalled at the question of planning by township or watershed o West Significant work on buffers Review and approve 6/4/02 Meeting Summary o Changed Ban Logelin to Dan Logelin o No other revisions Continue discussion of goals, objectives, strategies, and indicators o Baratono mentioned the idea of an overall goal for the committee. The idea of sharing the same goal over the whole basin was suggested by the West Committee. It was discussed that it seemed to be discouraging development, which this area needs. Baratono explained that the Committee does not have to agree to the goal. They could, however make revisions they see as appropriate. The wording was discussed that possibly we might want to scrutinize the definition of “conditions” and define them more clearly. Concern of government officials taking it and running was discussed.

D-255 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

It was brought up that the goal is worth supporting and that it helps to maintain the water quality that is flowing into area lakes. The point was brought up that this is a good thing, not bad, that will help our area and local families. It was mentioned that it could make things more complicated for industry, but could also be to their advantage. The ending feeling was that of needing more clarification. Was requested that this discussion be detailed in the minutes. o The possibility was brought up of having more accurate gauging devices when predicting peaking on lakes, rivers, or streams when flooding is a threat. The economic impact that happens when forecasts are inaccurate. o The question of if the river plans are used was brought up. Commissioner Lepper assured that they are used on an almost daily basis. Richard Lehtinen also discussed different ways the river plans are used. The possibility of the River Plans being recognized and mentioned in the plan was discussed. Baratono mentioned that the River Plans could be mentioned, supported or recognized in the plan. Shared Goal changed to “Ensure planned and environmentally sensitive development. Shoreline development should proceed in a manner that protects the lifestyle, environment and economy of the area.” Under Strategies “Utilize and periodically update the existing plans: CLWP; Land Use Plan; Big Fork River Plan; Rainy/Rapid River Plan; Little Fork/Rat Root River Plan; Wetland Flexibility Plan” Goal of “Support implementation of the Koochiching County Wetland Management Plan.” Was deleted since it is now covered in the above goal. o Baratono explained that everyone seems to have monitoring needs and that they have been spending a great deal of time at meetings. He has compiled different approaches and a base to solve this problem. Continue and expand existing monitoring efforts in the Rainy River Basin, including but not limited to: River Watch State establishing a Rainy River Basin Monitoring Coordinator Citizens Stream Monitoring Program Citizens Lake Monitoring Program Citizens Lake Monitoring Program Plus MPCA Lake Assessment River flow and stage gauging Geomorphologic baseline and monitoring Lake level monitoring Priority minor watersheds for monitoring Special emphasis Brought up that the goal of finding a River watch Coordinator should be one of the main goals Develop and establish a Rainy River Basin Water Resources Center at Rainy River Community College, with a satellite campus at Vermilion Community College, to include the following: Water quality, water quantity (hydrology and geomorphology) and aquatic ecology monitoring and research. Water resources data management. Public information and education about water management sciences. Rainy Basin River Watch Coordination Coordinate development of a Standard Operating Procedures manual for monitoring protocols and QA/QC. Brought up that the IJC take on the burden of coordinating it all.

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Baratono explained that that IJC doesn’t have the funding and that the Universities are typically easier to go through. He mentioned that the best the IJC could most likely do is support it. Establish an “Arrowhead Region Stream Team” to provide hydrology and geomorphology technical assistance and training to resource managers throughout the Rainy River and Lake Superior Basins. Brought up that the need to mention the damage that salt causes should be mentioned. o “Recognize the importance of the forest products industry to the basin” (Kara’s concerns) Support the Forest products Industry. Continue Encourage the use of Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines Forest Management Plan Guidelines and Best management Practices for Forest Management. Determine the effects of forest management on very small tributaries. Get data from DNR. Both Bullets moved under objectives, also added under objectives “Continue to utilize the Audit Teams to:” “Provide information to the public and other agencies.” Baratono brought up the East Committees concern about communication between agencies. Added under Strategies: “See East Committee Goals, develop strategy that can be merged into communication goal.”; “Lead: DNR”; “Support: Cloquet Forestry Center, U of M, Extension” Discussion similar to East discussion on communication. Information needs to be shared and available to/with agencies and public. Other: o A question was raised about the local COOP Richard explained that the county had applied for a grant to get the water quality control localized. o Reminders: Only two or three more meetings left, the need to focus is present. Think about possibly prioritizing the table, which priorities to work on first. More about priority waters, project list Does this committee need a narrative in their sections? o When will be the next meeting? September 16, 2002; 6:00 pm Adjourn at 9:13

D-257 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 North Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Monday, September 16, 2002 – 6:00 pm

Location: Littlefork Community Center Main Street Littlefork

Agenda

6:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

6:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

6:20 pm Review and approve 7/23/02 Meeting Summary

6:30 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

43. Continue discussion of Overall Goal. 44. Prioritize Goals from GOSI Table. 45. Review, revise and finalize (at least for this meeting) existing goals based on priorities established under #2 above.

7:30 pm Discussion of Priority Waters

You have identified the following watersheds:

• Rat Root • Little Fork • Big Fork

Do your have any other watersheds to add?

7:40 pm Narrative

• Who’s going to draft this? • Points to include in the narrative?

7:50 pm Other?

• Updates from other Local Committees. • Next meeting, date and time.

8:00 pm Adjourn

D-258 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 North Local Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Monday, September 16, 2002 – 6:00 pm

Location: Littlefork Community Center Main Street Littlefork

Agenda

• Meeting called to order at 6:07 p.m. • Welcome and Introductions ° Present: David Richards, City of International Falls; Kara Dunning, Boise; Richard Lehtinen, Koochiching County; Marty Nosie, Koochiching County; Jan Emmert; Catherine Crawford; Jo Kallemeyn; Larry Kallemeyn, NSGS; Charles C. Lepper, Koochiching County Commissioner; Molly Westom, RRCC/MPCA; Nolan Baratono, MPCA.

• Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs ° The committee wishes to wait. ° Baratono called upon two volunteers from the North Local Committee to serve on the Basin Committee. Boise volunteered, Kara Dunning and Dave Reimer would continue to alternate Richard Lehtinen volunteered, the commissioners permitting. Chuck Lepper would also like to be on the Basin Committee. o The sign-up sheet was re-sent around for those who wish to receive Basin Committee minutes to request them with a check by their name. • A quick break was taken to wish Chuck Lepper a Happy Birthday! • Review and approve 7/23/02 Meeting Summary ° Request was made for the minutes to be distributed quicker if possible. Baratono said that an attempt will be made but he is not sure if it is possible. ° Consensus of committee decided to leave minutes as distributed. • Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators ° Continue discussion of Overall Goal. Baratono explained that the South Committee does not want to dilute the overall reaching goal, so they have directed that the Objectives be incorporated in their GOSI Table. Baratono explained that the MPCA’s non-degradation regulations kick in. Expansions and new point sources cannot degrade the current conditions. Simply put, the idea is that if a new industry moved in they would have to treat their waste to the current water conditions. However, in practice implementation of non-degradation regulations usually only results more treatment of waste water. For example instead of requiring the facility to treat the waste only to the “Acute” standards, the facility may be required to meet the “Chronic” standards. Kara Dunning voiced concern that with loss of population, a declining economy, and poverty increasing this could just hurt our area more than benefit it. Jo Kallemeyn argued that we do need to take care of the environment and that it won’t hurt, but help us. Baratono explained the background of the South Committee’s decision to take this step to provide a tool to prevent deterioration of water quality until we have a comprehensive water quality baseline. He explained that they did examine other options (Ambient Standards, Ecoregion Expectations, etc.) but chose this route.

D-259 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

The question was asked of how to state the goal without the non-degradation regulations kicking in. Baratono said that the committee could omit the Objectives asking the MPCA to apply the Non-degradation regulations. David Richard explained that if we do kick in these standards we need other incentives in place for industry to help them meet the more stringent requirements. Richard Lehtinen stated that today in the 21st Century he could not imagine an industry even coming in and degrading our environment substantially. Jan Emmert questioned what difference the goal would make to the MPCA and DNR jurisdiction. Baratono explained that it tells the MPCA that the people want them to keep a closer eye on the basin water quality levels. It has them take a closer look at point source permitting. This would include expansions and new permits, both of which the MPCA already regulates. Richard Lehtinen requested the information be distributed about the Non-degradation Regulations so everyone could look them over before the next meeting. Baratono explained that there would be a lot and it would be difficult to fabricate example situations, he could possibly bring in one of the agencies engineers or permit writers to answer some of the concerns in more detail. Jo Kallemeyn stated that we are spending too much time on this; maybe we could just reword the goal a little bit. She stated that we must remember this is a goal, not a set in stone regulation; something we would like to see happen but things do, and may, happen and there is leeway for that. Baratono promised that he will try to get the Non-Degradation Regulations and a Engineer/Permit Writer here at the next meeting. ° Prioritize Goals from GOSI Table. High (H) Priority Goals: “Address failing Individual Sewage Treatment Systems and Unsewered Communities, especially along Rainy Lake and Rivers and Streams.”, “Runoff; Urban, Rural, and Ag.”, Develop monitoring programs to provide information about water quality of Rainy Lake and the Rainy, Rat Root, Big Fork, and Little Fork Rivers.”, and “Drinking water; Wellhead protection.” Medium (M) Priority Goals: “Ensure that Rainy Lake retains outstanding Resource Value Water Classification.”, and “Determine of counties in the basin are protecting the same wetland types and functions and whether there is a need for more coordination among counties.” Low (L) Priority Goals: “Ensure planned and environmentally sensitive development. Shoreline development should precede in a manner that protects the lifestyle, environment and economy of the area.”, “Transportation, especially upgrade and realignment of Trunk Highways 11 and 53.”, “Support the Forest products Industry. Continue the use of Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines.”, “Establish a program to address the following education needs within the basin; ISTS.”, “Develop local expectations for: Fishing and Fish Consumption, Swimming and recreation, and Exotics.”, Significant concern about atmospheric deposition of pollutants: Mercury.”, “Address discharge of houseboat greywater.”, and “Minimize negative impacts of water level management on reservoirs including effects on downstream rivers. Effects include: erosion.”

• Other? ° Baratono handed around the updated Draft of the Rainy River Basin Monitoring Strategies for the committee to review before the next meeting. ° Next meeting, date and time. October 17, 2002; 6:00 at the Littlefork Community Center

• Adjourn at 7:58 p.m.

D-260 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 North Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Thursday, October 17, 2002 – 6:00 pm

Location: Littlefork Community Center Main Street Littlefork

Agenda

6:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

6:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

6:20 pm Review and approve 9/16/02 Meeting Summary

6:30 pm Continue Discussion of Non-Degradation and Overall Goal

• Discussion with Brett Ballavance, MPCA Engineer • Review Non-degradation for all Waters Rule (7050.0185) • How will a request for influence application of this Rule in the Rainy River Basin. • Will the permitting process take longer, or be more costly? • How will this effect the MPCA’s backlog? Does the MPCA have the staff to handle more scrutiny?

7:00 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

Review, revise and finalize (at least for this meeting) existing goals based on priorities established at the 9/16 meeting.

High Priority Goals:

1. Address failing Individual Sewage Treatment Systems and Unsewered Communities, especially along Rainy Lake and rivers and streams. (GOSI page 1):

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Changes to Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

2. Runoff/Erosion • Urban • Rural • Ag (GOSI page 2):

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

D-261 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

3. Develop monitoring programs to provide information about the water quality of Rainy Lake and the Rainy, Rat Root, Big Fork and Little Fork Rivers. (GOSI page 2)

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Changes to Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

4. Drinking water: • Wellhead Protection (GOSI page 4):

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

Medium Priority Goals:

1. Ensure that Rainy Lake retains outstanding Resource Value Water classification. (GOSI page 3):

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

2. Determine if counties in the basin are protecting the same wetland types and functions and whether there is a need for more coordination among counties. (GOSI page 3):

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Changes to Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

Low Priority Goals:

1. Ensure planned and environmentally sensitive development. Shoreline development should proceed in a manner that protects the lifestyle, environment and economy of the area. (GOSI page 3):

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Changes to Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

2. Transportation, especially upgrade and realignment of Trunk Highways 11 and 53. (GOSI page 4):

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

D-262 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

3. Support the Forest products Industry. Continue the use of Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines. (GOSI page 4):

Note suggested revisions submitted by Kara Dunning (previous language in strikethrough, suggested language underlined).

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Changes to Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

4. Establish a program to address the following education needs within the basin: • ISTS (GOSI page 5):

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

5. Develop local expectations for: • Fishing and Fish Consumption • Swimming and recreation • Exotics (GOSI page 6):

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

6. Significant concern about atmospheric deposition of pollutants: • Mercury (GOSI page 6):

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

7. Address discharge of houseboat greywater. (GOSI page 7):

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

8. Minimize negative impacts of water level management on reservoirs including effects on downstream rivers.

Effects include: • Erosion

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

D-263 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

7:30 pm Discussion of Priority Waters

You have identified the following watersheds:

• Rat Root • Little Fork • Big Fork

Do your have any other watersheds to add?

7:40 pm Narrative

• Who’s going to draft this? • Points to include in the narrative?

7:50 pm Other?

• Updates from other Local Committees. • Next meeting, date and time.

8:00 pm Adjourn

D-264 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 North Local Committee

Date/Time: Thursday, October 17, 2002 – 6:00 pm

Location: Littlefork Community Center Main Street Littlefork

Meeting Summary

• Welcome and Introductions; called to order at 6:04 pm ° Present: • Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs ° Want topic off next agenda • Review and approve 9/16/02 Meeting Summary ° Changed NSGS, USGS ° Question was raised about including a statement that Jan had brought up. ° Also asked how the Basin Committee will handle the fact that all other committees support the overall arching goal but the North Committee still does not. Baratono explained that he cannot say for sure but a possibility would be that it would say everywhere in the basin, except in Koochiching County. • Continue Discussion of Non-Degradation and Overall Goal ° Question was raised if the other committees fully understand what they are asking for. Baratono explained that he feels they do. And also that the non-degradation rules are actually already in effect this is just asking to make sure they are implemented. ° Asked if sampling has previously been done to know what we have. Baratono explained that the South Committee looked and saw that they are already far above the levels and want to keep it that way. Also he explained that this is asking for more sampling and information about waters. Brett Ballavance further explained the process that industry already has to go through with this process. ° Discussion with Brett Ballavance, MPCA Engineer Passed around a summary of the two different rules with fact sheets, and two handouts on two different types of permits. Asked who decides where the Outstanding Water Resources are? Baratono explained that it takes Legislative action. Asked whether DNR can change water standings without public hearings. Explained that there is a long process and it does at some point go though the legislature. Ballavance pointed out in one of the handouts the summary of what non-degradation is and how it is brought about. It also gives alternatives other than putting a pipe into a body of water. Kara Dunning pointed out that we shouldn’t spend all our time on this and focus on the goals which the committee has deemed important. Baratono said the committee is welcome to move ahead at any point. Richard Lehtinen stated that he does not see point in this since these are already in place. Recommended that we have the goal without the objectives. Jan suggested that every committee take care of their own area and that local committees tear local governments apart and that there should just be one big committee. Baratono explained that with the size of the basin local committees were broken down so that everyone had a chance to participate. Baratono asked for any objections to just having the overall arching goal with no objectives.

D-265 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Dunning asked if there are any implications that go along with the goal. ♦ Baratono stated that it could be used as a tool for local government officials but does not implement anything directly. Decided to go with “Maintain or improve the existing conditions, consistent with local plans, for streams, rivers, and lake in the Rainy River Basin.” ♦ Larry Kallemeyn stated that he would like to see the local plans prior to approving it with “consistent with local plans” included, he gave Baratono informed consent. • Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators ° High Priority Goals: 5. Address failing Individual Sewage Treatment Systems and Unsewered Communities, especially along Rainy Lake and rivers and streams. (GOSI page 1): o Jan brought up the point that there should be a strategy to determine which systems are failing. Baratono and Lehtinen both explained that there are already indicators and that the county is headed in this direction already. • Changes to Strategies: • Koochiching County was decided as the lead for #’s 1, 2, and 3 • MPCA established as lead for #4

6. Runoff/Erosion • Urban • Rural • Ag (GOSI page 2): o Jan asked why this is an important goal. o Lehtinen and Ballavance both explained about erosion on rivers, streams, and lakes and also that the main pollutants in these waters are the individual point sources. o Suggested to get information from Tom Terrattii, agreed.

7. Develop monitoring programs to provide information about the water quality of Rainy Lake and the Rainy, Rat Root, Big Fork and Little Fork Rivers. (GOSI page 2) o Questioned that some of the objectives should be strategies. o Moved “Need a coordinator for the River Watch program.” under strategies. o Also moved “Explore the possibility of a monitoring/data coordinator for the basin.” under strategies.

• Other: o Next meeting date January 30, 2002 at the Littlefork Community Center at 6:00 pm. • Adjourn at 8:08 p.m.

D-266 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 North Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Thursday, January 30, 2003 – 6:00 pm

Location: Littlefork Community Center Main Street Littlefork

Agenda

6:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

6:10 pm Review and approve 10/17/02 Meeting Summary

Summary will be distributed at the meeting.

6:20 pm Update on Basin Committee activities

6:30 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

Review, revise and finalize (at least for this meeting) existing goals based on your priorities established at the 9/16 meeting.

Overall Goal:

What are the committee’s wishes?

High Priority Goals:

8. Runoff/Erosion

Review, revise and approve Goal and Objectives as submitted by Richard and Tom.

9. Groundwater (GOSI page 4)

Review, revise and approve Goal, Objectives and Strategies as submitted by Richard and Tom.

Medium Priority Goals:

3. Ensure that Rainy Lake retains outstanding Resource Value Water classification. (GOSI page 4):

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

D-267 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

4. Determine if counties in the basin are protecting the same wetland types and functions and whether there is a need for more coordination among counties. (GOSI page 4):

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Changes to Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

Low Priority Goals:

9. Ensure planned and environmentally sensitive development. Shoreline development should proceed in a manner that protects the lifestyle, environment and economy of the area. (GOSI page 4):

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Changes to Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

10. Transportation, especially upgrade and realignment of Trunk Highways 11 and 53. (GOSI page 5):

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

11. Support the Forest products Industry. Continue the use of Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines. (GOSI page 5):

Review, revise and approve Goal, Objectives and Strategies as submitted by Kara Dunning.

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Changes to Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

12. Establish a program to address the following education needs within the basin: • ISTS (GOSI page 6):

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

D-268 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

13. Develop local expectations for: • Fishing and Fish Consumption • Swimming and recreation • Exotics (GOSI page 6):

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

14. Significant concern about atmospheric deposition of pollutants: • Mercury (GOSI page 6):

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

15. Address discharge of houseboat greywater. (GOSI page 7):

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

16. Minimize negative impacts of water level management on reservoirs including effects on downstream rivers.

Effects include: • Erosion

• Develop Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

7:40 pm Narrative

• Do you want one? If so: • Who’s going to draft this? • Points to include in the narrative?

7:50 pm Other?

• Next meeting, date and time?

8:00 pm Adjourn

D-269 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 North Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 14, 2003 – 6:00 pm

Location: Littlefork Community Center Main Street Littlefork

Agenda

6:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

6:05 pm Review and approve Agenda and 1/30/03 Meeting Summary

6:15 pm Update from Basin Committee and other local committees

6:30 pm Finish review and revision of low priority goals

• Transportation (page 6 GOSI) • Education (page 6 GOSI) • Local Expectations (page 6 GOSI) • Atmospheric Deposition (page 7 GOSI) • Houseboat Greywater (page 7 GOSI) • Water Levels (page 7 GOSI)

7:00 pm Final review, revision and approval of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

7:30 pm Final review, revision and approval of Narrative

7:45 PM Project List

8:00 pm Plan format and layout

8:15 pm Plan implementation overview/coordination options discussion

8:25 pm Other?

8:30 pm Adjourn

D-270 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

North Local Committee

Ruth Anderson Rickie Blanchard, Councilor 3130 County Road 93 [email protected] International Falls, MN 56649 Gail Rognerud, Councilor [email protected] [email protected]

Jan Emmert Julie Melstrom, Councilor 4798 Township Road 51 [email protected] Littlefork, MN 56653 Joe Sutherland, City Engineer Wade Pavleck [email protected] Koochiching County Commissioner PO Box 1253 Dave Richards International Falls, MN 56649 City of International Falls 600 4th Street 218-286-5273 International Falls, MN 56649

Mike Hanson [email protected] Koochiching County Commissioner 1740 County Road 86 N Shawn Mason Birchdale, MN 56629 Rainy Lake/International Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau 218-634-1340 301 Second Avenue International Falls, MN 56649 Tim McBride Koochiching County Commissioner (218) 283-9400 514 7th Ave. West (218)283-3572 fax International Falls, MN 56649 [email protected] [email protected] Kallie Briggs Chamber of Commerce Harry Swendsen, Mayor 301 Second Avenue City of International Falls International Falls, MN 56649 City Hall PO Box 392 (218) 283-9400 International Falls, MN 56649 [email protected] [email protected] Littlefork Area Chamber of Commerce 720 3rd Avenue Brian Briggs, Councilor Littlefork, MN 56653 City Hall International Falls, MN 56649 Dave Osterhaus [email protected] City Clerk’s Office City of Littlefork John McCarthy, Councilor PO Box 135 [email protected] Littlefork, MN 56653

Paul McLaughlin, Councilor 218-278-6710 [email protected]

Terry Carew, Councilor [email protected]

D-271 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Doug Henrickson Pamela Tomevi City of Littlefork Koochiching SWCD PO Box 135 Koochiching County courthouse Littlefork, MN 56653 715 4th Street International Falls, MN 56649 Lorraine Nyggard City Clerk’s Office 218-283-8551 City of Big Falls 218-283-3376 fax PO Box 196 [email protected] Big Falls, MN 56627 William Gordon 218-276-2282 Big Fork River Board Box 38 John Bruggeman, Mayor Big Falls, MN 56627 City of Ranier PO Box 186 218-276-2383 Ranier, MN 56668 Myrna Ahlgren Peggy Vigoren ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee City of Ranier 2775 County Road 94 PO Box 186 International Falls, MN 56649 Ranier, MN 56668 [email protected] Eugene Larson Koochiching SWCD Supervisor Elwyn Boe 5333 Town Road 249 ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Littlefork, MN 56653 2607 County Road 103 International Falls, MN 46649 (218) 278-4296 Gary Coran Allen Linder ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Koochiching SWCD Supervisor 2687 County Road 94 3309 Highway 217 International Falls, MN 46649 Ray, MN 56669 Kurt Kennedy (218) 875-2195 ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee 723 1/2 Ninth Street Marty Nosie International Falls, MN 56649 Koochiching SWCD Supervisor 10975 Highway 65 Mahlon Moore Gheen, MN 55771 ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee 8520 Mississippi Blvd. NW (218) 787-2363 Coon Rapids, MN 55433

Ralph Lewis Paul Reuter, Jr. Koochiching SWCD Supervisor ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee 10990 Highway 11 1313 10th Street Birchdale, MN 56629 International Falls, MN 56649

(218) 634-2048 Myron J. Choquette ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Bernie Uran 2466 Town Road 270 11885 Highway 71 North International Falls, MN 56649 Northome, MN 56661 [email protected]

D-272 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Jim Bischoff Steve Earley ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Rainy/Rapid River Board 1817 Highway 11 East 3173 Town Road 8 International Falls, MN 56649 International Falls, MN 56649

Clint Chase Paul J. Mielke ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Rainy/Rapid River Board 2431 Second Ave. East Box 86 International Falls, MN 56649 Ranier, MN 56668

Jeff and Mary Kay Hardwig Tom Crumpton ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Rainy/Rapid River Board 2593 County Road 103 1632 County Road 85 International Falls, MN 56649 Birchdale, MN 56629

Byrne L. Johnson Alvin Hasbargen ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee Rainy/Rapid River Board 3242 County Road 20 11545 Highway 11 International Falls, MN 56649 Birchdale, MN 56629 [email protected] John Bartlett, PE Bartlett and Associates, Inc. Ron Laurion PO Box 1240 ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee International Falls, MN 56649 2642 County Road 94 International Falls, MN 56649 (218) 285-7409 (218) 285-7414 fax David Reimer [email protected] ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee PO Box 841 Dick Briese International Falls, MN 56649 3563 County Road 21 International Falls, MN 56649 Perry Trask ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee (218) 286-5508 2042 Town Road 489 [email protected] International Falls, MN 56649 Bill and Tom Dougherty James Palm Rainy Lake Houseboats ROSS Citizens Advisory Committee 2031 Town Road 488 3226 Highway 11 South International Falls, MN 56649 Loman, MN 56654 (218) 286-5391 218-285-3368 Richard and Robin Garbe Don Carey Northernaire Houseboats of Rainy Lake Rainy/Rapid River Board 2690 County Road 94 3142 County Road 20 International Falls, MN 56649 International Falls, MN 56649 (218) 286-5221 Jim Hebner Rainy/Rapid River Board Jo Kallemeyn 1319 8th Avenue 2762 County Road 94 International Falls, MN 56649 International Falls, MN 56649

(218) 286-5302 [email protected]

D-273 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Ricky Oveson Barry Woods Kettle Falls Hotel Woody’s Fairly Reliable Guide Service 10502 Gamma Road PO Box 211 Ray, MN 56669 Ranier, MN 56668

(218) 875-2070 (218) 286-5034

Don Parmeter Yolanda Wold Northern Resources Center Environmental Data Capture 2814 County Road 94 International Falls, MN 56649 [email protected]

(218) 286-5688 Steve Applegate, Director Camp Koochiching Dave Peterson PO Box 271 Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club International Falls, MN 56649 PO Box 888 International Falls, MN 56649 (513) 772-7479

(218) 285-7027 Gladys Cole Friends of Voyageurs National Park Aaron Shuff 10044 Gappa Road Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club Ray, MN 56669 PO Box 888 International Falls, MN 56649 Lee Grim 2636 County Road 94 (218) 286-5511 International Falls, MN 56649

Sandy Schaberl (218) 286-5649 4410 Town road 403S International Falls, MN 56649-9126 Bob and Mary Hilke Friends of Voyageurs National Park Wade Watson 3017 County Road 127 Voyageurs Adventures Outfitters International Falls, MN 56649 10002 Gappa Road Ray, MN 56669 Joan Olson Friends of Voyageurs National Park (218) 875-2037 7583 Gold Coast Road Crane Lake, MN 55725 Diane Wessels Northern Cross Kayaking Dick and Jean Reichow PO Box 583 Friends of Voyageurs National Park Ranier, MN 56668 10542 Gamma Road Ray, MN 56669 (888) 538-0505 (218) 875-2804 Kathy Wilson Arrowhead Resort/Sight-Sea-Er Boat Tours Jerry Adee 10473 Waltz Road PO box 831 Ray, MN 56669 International Falls, MN 56649

(218) 875-2141 Craig Johnson PO box 831 International Falls, MN 56649

D-274 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Ruffed Grouse Association Larry Chezick Dennis Hummitszch Koochiching County Commissioner 3692 County Road 121 2318 Fourth Avenue East International Falls, MN 56649 International Falls, MN 56649

Rainy Lake Boaters Association 218-283-4325 home Nancy McHarg 218-285-7619 work PO Box 422 Ranier, MN 56668 Thomas Toratti Koochiching SWCD Thunderbird Lodge Koochiching County Courthouse Mike Williams 715 4th Street 2170 County Road 139 International Falls, MN 56649 International Falls, MN 56649 218-283-1174 Koochiching Farm Bureau 218-283-3376 fax Richard Dreher 10831 County Road 6 Richard Lehtinen Mizpah, MN 56660 Environmental Services Department Koochiching County Courthouse Jennifer and Keith Stevens 715 4th Street Camp Idlewood International Falls, MN 56649 3033 County Road 20 International Falls, MN 56649 218-283-1157 [email protected] Catherine Crawford 4276 Lindford Road Kevin Peterson DNR Fisheries Local Resource Managers Teams 392 Highway 11 East Littlefork, MN 56653 International Falls, MN 56649

Reg Emmert (218) 286-5220 4798 Township Road 51 (218) 286-3489 fax Littlefork, MN 56653 [email protected]

Etta Erickson Alan Anderson Route 3, Box 101 DNR Fisheries Baudette, MN 56623 392 Highway 11 East International Falls, MN 56649 Bruce Sampson 4960 County Road 29 (218) 286-5220 Ray, MN 56669 [email protected]

Keith Sutherland Frank Swendsen PO Box 376 DNR Wildlife International Falls, MN 56649 392 Highway 11 East International Falls, MN 56649 North LRMT - International Falls – Koochiching County (218) 286-5434 (218) 286-3489 fax Koochiching County: [email protected]

Charles Lepper Koochiching County Commissioner 1113 13th Ave. International Falls, MN 56649

D-275 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix D

Susan Congrave Boise Cascade Corporation Koochiching County Community Health Department David Reimer 1000 5th Street 400 – 2nd Street International Falls, MN 56649 International Falls, MN 56649

(218) 283-6224 (218)285-5170 [email protected] John Bruggeman Bob Anderson NKSSD [email protected] City Hall International Falls, MN 56649 Al Meadows [email protected] (218) 283-4748 [email protected] Jay Lofgren [email protected] Tom Sakry Int’l Falls Water Treatment Plant Kara Dunning City Hall [email protected] PO Box 392 International Falls, MN 56649 Mary Perala Mary Perala@Boise Paper.com (218) 283-2990 Rainy River Community College Chris Holbeck, Chief Natural Resource Management Don Graves Voyageurs National Park Biology Instructor 3131 Highway 53 1501 Highway 71 International Falls, MN 56649 International Falls, MN 56649

(218)283-9821 (218) 875-3904 home (218)285-7407 fax (218) 285-2232 work [email protected] Jim Schaberl Voyageurs National Park Chulsung Kim, Ph.D. 3131 Highway 53 Chemistry Instructor International Falls, MN 56649 218-285-2233 [email protected] [email protected]

US Geological Survey Wendy Graves, Ph.D. Larry Kallemeyn Physics Instructor Voyageurs Park Headquarters 3131 Highway 53 218-285-2218 International Falls, MN 56649 [email protected] [email protected] NRCS Dan Haig Bob Eide PO Box 217 3112 County Road 112 Baudette, MN 56623 International Falls, MN 56649 Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians Les Conner PO Box 16 Nett Lake, MN 55772

D-276

APPENDIX E

Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003

Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 South Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, April 9, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: Marcell Family Center Highway 38 Marcell

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:15 pm Overview of Basin Planning and Management Concept

7:45 pm Committee Organization

• Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs • Who else should be on this Committee? • Future meeting location, dates and times

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Goals and Priority Waters

8:50 pm Other?

9:00 pm Adjourn

E-278 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

Rainy River Basin South Committee

Meeting Summary

Time/Date: April 9, 2002

Location: Marcell

• Called to order 7:10 • Attending:

Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Howard Christman, DNR Waters; Tim Engrav, Itasca County; Dick Lacher, Bigfork River Watch; Dan Logelin, MPCA; Art Norton, Itasca SWCD; Rian Reed, DNR Fisheries; Craig Schmid, DNR Forestry; Bernie Uran, Koochiching SWCD; Molly Westom, MPCA.

• Questions? Go over the setup of how the Basin Committees system will work.

Baratono explained how the local committees, the basin committee, and staff teams would work together to develop the plan.

Any talk about money (grants?) to finance the plan?

Baratono explained that the plan would be a tool to assist with funding projects. He gave examples from the other basin plan implementation.

What about support for local committees?

Baratono explained that the MPCA would provide meeting facilitation and logistical support. When additional information is needed, the Local Resource Managers Teams of the Basin Team will provide assistance.

How much leeway from PCA for someone else (like River Watch) to do data collection?

Baratono indicated the MPCA was open to anyone doing the work; however, he further said he would need to see continuity between different River Watch programs to ensure the data were comparable.

• Committee Organization Who else should be here? ♦ Minnesota lakes association: Turtle, Lake, Northstar, and Sumi Lake ♦ Resort Association: immediate area, ♦ Northern Joint Powers Board / Edge of the Wilderness ♦ Highway Commission ♦ Townships ♦ Sally Segwick ♦ Citizens Committee: Barb Clark (summer) ♦ Jesse Lake Association ♦ Jeff Rylia ♦ Timber Producers Association: St. Pres. Clarence Johnson (Bigfork?) ♦ Loggers ♦ Deer River Forestry Office

E-279 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

Waiting on selection of Chair and other officers until there are a wider variety of people. Next meeting: Marcell is a good location, June 25, and Aug. 13, 7:00-9:00 pm • Goals and Priority Waters Zoning: looking at development and impact Could be applied basin wide Stretch it out The “duck hunting lakes” study, shallow lakes Social sustainability of the lakes, horse power limits River Watch, try and get major rivers covered in Basin More stability with River Boards more involved Biological and Chemical Education Acidification of lakes, very low buffering, lake study by EPA/PCA Diatoms, Basin Wide Effort (historical) Characterizing sediments, nutrient retention, aluminum, iron, … Rivers… Erosion Rates Rosgen analysis Log drives, Old Dams, Drainage Ditches, other control structures Poor Drainage; undersized culverts, beaver, … Water Plans… Septic up grades Erosion Lots more Land lock lakes High water levels Poor river drainage; undersized culverts, beaver, … ISTS Upgrades Maintain Current Conditions- overall goal Working to maintain current conditions, not working up to the “standards” and then trying to act Recreation Business and Industry Residential use ♦ Basin Characteristics and Expectations • Next meeting agenda: None • Adjourn at 8:59

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Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 South Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, June 25, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: Marcell Family Center Highway 38 Marcell

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

7:20 pm Updates from other Local Committees

• North • East • East-Central • West

7:30 pm Review and approve 4/9/02 Meeting Summary

7:40 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

• Review and revise 4/9/02 Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Table • Additional Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Priority Waters

8:45 pm Other?

• Next meeting date and time.

9:00 pm Adjourn

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Rainy River Basin South Committee

Meeting Summary

Time/Date: June 25, 2002

Location: Marcell

Meeting called to order at 7:04 Welcomes and introductions were made, present were:

Howard Christman, DNR Waters; Barbara Clark; Harold Dziuk; Tim Engrav, Itasca County; Norman Ford, Suomi Area Lakes; Norley Hansen, Itasca Water Advisory Committee; Dick Lacher, Big Fork WQ Monitoring; Wes Libbeg; Art Norton, Itasca SWCD; Rian Reed, DNR Fisheries; Tom Ryan, Suomi Area Lakes; Bernarb Schumacher; Don Simons, Itasca SWCD; Paul Warner; Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Molly Westom, MPCA; Dan Logelin, MPCA;

o At the request of the new committee participants, Baratono gave a quick over view of the area covered by the basin. Explained that the State is trying to develop basin plans for each basin. Purpose of the basin plan is to create a bridge between local plans and the state water plan. It is being done a little differently in the Rainy River basin attempting to give everyone an opportunity by creating five local committees, West, North, South, East, and East-Central. Right now we are on the second round of meetings; there could possibly be three or four more meetings. There will also a Basin Committee (to be formed this fall) composed of representatives from the five local committees and basin-wide interest groups. The basin committee’s tasks will be to merge the goals, objectives, strategies and indicators from the local committees, address conflicts between different local committees, and to take a look at the overall picture of the basin. o The topic was raised that the basin can be distinguished into two identifiable regions. Baratono agreed and used the Road Show to show the four main different ecological classification areas. o Passed around a copy of the Planning Process Information Packet and Time Line for everyone to look over. Explained how it basically works; we don’t actually “vote”, prioritizing, strategizing, and developing indicators (measurement tool). Select committee chair, Vice-Chair, or Co-Chairs o The question of the Committee Chairs duties was raised. Baratono explained that the Committee Chair would run the meeting. o It was raised that everyone was comfortable with Baratono running the meeting and they would hold off on selecting a Chair. Updates from other Local Committees: o North 1st Round ISTS Monitoring information Needs Consistency of wetland management plans throughout the basin. Development (shoreline) and transportation (Hwy. 11 & 53 upgrade). Local expectations/thresholds

E-282 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

Hg 2nd Round Significant work on monitoring needs, including: Expanded River Watch and other monitoring. Basin River Watch coordinator State basin monitoring coordinator Leaning towards some sort of water resources center for the basin. Good discussion of wetland management consistency Discussed that the wetland flex plan was developed so that different counties could protect different types of wetlands. Identified Rat Root, Little Fork, and Big Fork as priority waters. They may add more later. o East 1st Round Tool to assess watershed health Incentives Monitoring Better coordination/communication among land use entities. 2nd Round Worked on strategy development for assessment tool (interested in incorporating South’s “Lake Vulnerability Model”). Long discussion about communication needs – among agencies, between agencies and the public. Significant discussion about monitoring needs, tying data management and communication together. o East-Central 1st Round Ditch Repair Phosphorus Shoreline development (somewhat different from the north). More sensitive and low impact road design. Trails Lake water levels 2nd Round Further work on ISTS Houseboat greywater discharge Phosphorus management (expanded to nutrient management), primarily educational programs. Significant discussion of shoreline development issues. o West 1st Round Lake of the Woods erosion Buffers/Corridors 2nd Round Significant work on buffers & corridors Expanded discussion on monitoring needs: River Watch & River Watch Coordinator Lake of the Woods and Rapid, Zippel, Bostic, Winter Road, and Baudette Rivers. Restoration of Bostic Creek Review and approve 4/9/02 Meeting summary o Changed spelling of Suomi and Rhalia o Minutes approved Continue discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Indicators

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o Overall goal changed: Maintain or improve the existing conditions for streams, rivers, and lakes in the headwaters of the Big Fork and Little Fork Rivers. to ensure continued high quality residential use, recreation, business, industry, and development. A lengthy discussion followed, however the consensus of the committee was that they wanted the goal of maintaining or improving existing conditions to “kick-in” the State’s non-degradation statutes. o Goal “Need to know if acid deposition is affecting area lakes.” Baratono passed around a facts sheet with data showing that acid deposition is not a problem in Minnesota. o Goal “Need more water quality information about area streams, rivers, and lakes” Shared Goal “Establish or continue monitoring programs that provide comprehensive water quality/quantity information for the mainstream, tributaries, and lakes within of each major watershed.” Objectives: “Ensure continuation of the River Watch program on the Big Fork River. Expand the program to include biological monitoring on tributaries.” “Lake monitoring; CLMP; CLMP+; Lake levels” “Include flow monitoring.” “Include effects of climate change.” o Added Goal “Road Signs” to inform motorists when they enter the basin and if possible note major watershed divides and stream crossings. Begin Discussion of Priority Waters: o Identify lakes with a high potential for development and specifically lakes sensitive to development. Next meeting Aug. at 7:00. Adjourned at 9:29

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Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 South Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 13, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: Marcell Family Center Highway 38 Marcell

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

7:20 pm Updates from other Local Committees

• North • East • East-Central • West

7:30 pm Review and approve 6/25/02 Meeting Summary

7:40 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

• Review and revise 6/25/02 Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Table • Additional Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

8:30 pm Begin Discussion of Priority Waters

8:45 pm Other?

• Would you like a Narrative section? • Next meeting date and time.

9:00 pm Adjourn

E-285 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 South Local Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 13, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: Marcell Family Center Highway 38 Marcell

Welcome and Introductions; called to order at 7:07

Dick Lacher, Big Fork WQ Monitoring; Ryan H. Reed, DNR Reg. Fisheries-Grand Rapids; Tim Engrav, Itasca County; Howard Christman, DNR Waters-Grand Rapids; Tom Ryan, Suomi Area Lakes Assoc.; Dan Logelin, MPCA-Duluth; Ted Lovdahl Jr., Itasca SWCD; Al Sobrack, Scenic State Park; Tom Schaub, MPCA-Duluth; Molly Westom, MPCA/RRCC; Nolan Baratono, MPCA.

Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs o Decided to wait until next meeting Updates from other Local Committees o Discussion of objectives to be met by the overarching goal. Committee’s consensus was that Goal should stand alone and that objectives be inserted into table. o Also discussed that this committee shouldn’t state objectives that apply to other areas of the basin. o It was decided that it would be better to just leave the Overarching Goal as it originally was, but with Rainy River Basin instead of the headwaters of the Bigfork and Littlefork Rivers. Refer to Basin-wide Questions: Overarching Goal, accepted by all but one (North). Some have made slight variations “Healthy Watershed?” Suggestions? Review and approve 6/25/02 Meeting Summary o Changes? None o Consensus approval? Approved Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators o Reviewed the strategies work sheet, put together by Baratono, and Baratono briefly explained and went over them. They are to be reviewed and discussed in more detail at a future meeting. Discussed that it would be more useful to have a central location that would calibrate and/or take care of River Watch equipment, rather than making it a certified lab. o Review and revise 6/25/02 Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Table Overall goal: Maintain or improve the existing conditions for streams, rivers and lakes in the Rainy River Basin. headwaters of the Big Fork and Little Fork Rivers. Prioritizing: Decided to go 1-8 • 1 – Correct failing Individual Sewage Treatment Systems. o 1A – Need to provide accurate water quality information to the public. • 2 – Need more water quality information about area streams, rivers, and lakes.

E-286 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

• 3 – Continue to develop a method to quantify vulnerability of lakes. • 4 – Need for historical baseline information for lakes in the Northern Lakes and Forests Ecoregion. • 5 – Road Signs • 6 – Determine hydrological conditions of streams and rivers. • 7 – Basin watershed heath and quality characterization and expectations. • 8 – Need to know if acid deposition is affecting area lakes. Shared Goals? • Under “Need to provide accurate water quality information to the public.” Added: Incorporate public education and outreach into each strategy. • Under Goal “Correct failing Individual Sewage Treatment Systems.” Added “Replace failing ISTS on lakeshore and along rivers and streams.” Objectives? • Under Goal “Road Signs”; signing on trails for hikers and bikers. • Under Goal “Correct failing Individual Sewage Treatment Systems.” Added “Get off the dime. Replace or install systems as needed. Include: Individual; Cluster,” “Include a management structure to provide system maintenance and monitoring,” “Alternative and performance system Information/Education: Designers; Installers,” and “Provide funding assistance since this is not a cheap project.” • Under Goal “Need more water quality information about area streams, rivers, and lakes.” Small changes made. Under “Lake Monitoring.” “Lake Association – Check with Itasca and N. St. Louis SWCD to see about existing program. See Paula West MLA.” • Under Goal “Continue to develop a method to quantify vulnerability of lakes.” Changed, “Develop lake nutrient sensitivity model based on lake and water shed morphology and potential land use vulnerability model based on watershed size and land use.” And, “Develop shoreland zoning standards that minimize impacts for shallow small lakes (waterfowl and wild rice production areas). Consider the need for a new lake classification category for shallow lakes. vulnerability model based on watershed size and land use.” Strategies? • Under Goal “Correct failing Individual Sewage Treatment Systems.” Added “MPCA should provide expedited approval for systems >10,000 gallons per day. Change or revise NPDES regulations as needed to allow for performance system approval w/o worrying about technology,” and “Counties should provide expedited approval for systems <10,000 gallons per day. Change or revise NPDES regulations as needed to allow for performance system approval w/o worrying about technology.”

Do you want a narrative in your section of the Plan? If so: Will be discussed next meeting Other? o Next meeting date and time: Good location Tuesday October 8, 2002 Adjourn at 9:18

E-287 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 South Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, October 8, 2002 – 7:00 pm

Location: Marcell Family Center Highway 38 Marcell

Agenda

7:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

7:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

7:20 pm Review and approve 8/13/02 Meeting Summary

7:30 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

Review, revise and finalize (at least for this meeting) existing goals based on priorities established at the 8/13 meeting.

5. Replace Failing ISTS on lakeshore and along rivers and streams (GOSI page 3):

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Changes to Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

1.A. * Develop/expand education and outreach activities for water management. * Incorporate public education and outreach into each strategy. (GOSI page 4)

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

6. Establish or continue monitoring programs that provide comprehensive water quality/quantity information for the main stem, tributaries and lakes within each major watershed (GOSI page 1):

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? Need information from Itasca and North St. Louis SWCDs about existing programs. • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

E-288 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

7. Continue/expand Itasca County’s investigation into lake vulnerability and sustainability based on watershed size and land uses. (GOSI page 5):

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

8. Complete Itasca and St; Louis counties sediment sampling, analysis and archiving project (GOSI page 5):

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

9. Road signs informing drivers when entering/leaving major watersheds and river/stream names at stream crossings (GOSI page 2):

Shall we wait for reaction from the NCLUCB on this goal? If not:

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

10. Determine hydrologic condition of streams and rivers (GOSI page 4):

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

11. Watershed baseline (GOSI page 2):

Note: Objectives from other committees “Overall Goal” inserted here, pending your approval.

• Changes to Shared Goal? • Changes to Objectives? • Develop Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

12. Acid Deposition (GOSI page 6):

• Develop a Shared Goal? • Develop Objectives? • Changes to Strategies? • Develop Indicators?

E-289 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

8:30 pm Discussion of Priority Waters

• Identify Priority Waters (minor watersheds, river/stream reaches, lakes) for your planning area.

You have indicated that you would like to identify lakes sensitive to development. Should this be a Goal?

8:40 pm Narrative

• Who’s going to draft this? • Points to include in the narrative?

8:50 pm Other?

• Updates from other Local Committees. • Next meeting, date and time.

9:00 pm Adjourn

E-290 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 South Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, January 21, 2003 – 1:00 pm

Location: Marcell Family Center Highway 38 Marcell

Agenda

1:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

1:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

1:20 pm Review and approve 10/8/02 Meeting Summary

Summary will be distributed at the meeting.

1:30 pm Update of Basin Committee Activities

2:00 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

Any changes or additions to Goals, Objectives, Strategies or Indicators? Note I rearranged the Table to reflect your priorities.

2:15 pm Narrative

Review East, East-Central and West DRAFT Narratives. • Do you want a Narrative? • Who’s going to draft the Narrative? • Points to include in the Narrative?

2:30 pm Project List

2:45 pm Priority Waters

You have indicated that you would like to identify lakes sensitive to development. Should this be a Goal?

2:55 pm Other?

• Next meeting, date and time.

3:00 pm Adjourn

E-291 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 South Local Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Tuesday, January 21, 2003 – 1:00 pm

Location: Marcell Family Center Highway 38 Marcell

Present: Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Harold Dziuk; Dan Logelin, MPCA; Art Norton, Itasca SWCD; Rian Reed, DNR Fisheries; Tom Ryan, Suomi Area Lakes Association; Al Sobrack, DNR Parks

1:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

Baratono welcomed everyone to the meeting. Members discussed the low attendance, noting that flu and weather preventing many regulars from attending.

1:10 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

Committee members decided that no committee chair was necessary.

1:20 pm Review and approve 10/8/02 Meeting Summary

Baratono told the committee that he had not drafted the 1/8 meeting summary.

1:30 pm Update of Basin Committee Activities

Baratono provided an overview of the Basin Committee activities. He said that the committee had held two meetings. That the first was relatively unproductive, but at the second meeting the committee seemed to find their stride.

Baratono provided the following status update: • They’ve decided to wait on selecting a chair • Requested an updated Acronym Glossary • Formed the following subcommittees: • Monitoring – Lead MPCA (Nolan) • Water Resources Center – Lead RRCC • Education – AWQT • Wastewater – Lead MPCA (Dan) • Items to be addressed: • Road Signs – check w/MNDOT • Communication/Coordination? • Development specifically the Watershed Assessment Tool • Next Basin Committee meeting February 5th, Greenwood Town Hall at 9:00 am. Primary task to review un-addressed Goals and determine if additional subcommittees are needed. • Baratono asked Norton if he would provide a brief presentation on the Itasca County Lake Sensitivity Model at the 2/9 meeting. Norton agreed.

E-292 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

2:00 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

Baratono noted that he had rearranged the Table to reflect the committee’s priorities. He suggested that the committee needed to pretty much finish work with the GOSI Table today. He said that it seemed the committee was pretty much done with the GOSI, but suggested the committee review them to make sure they say what the committee wants them to say.

The committee made some minor changes to the GOSI Table. These changes are reflected in the 1/21/03 GOSI Draft.

2:15 pm Narrative

The committee indicated that they wanted to include a narrative in their section of the Basin Plan. They asked Baratono to provide a draft for their review at the next meeting. Committee members indicated that they liked the East Committee Narrative. They also provided the following listing of points to include: • Discussion of the overall goal • Development of local thresholds more stringent than 7080 • Need for state to prevent degradation • Goals and strategies based on science, but meeting local expectations • Large number of lakes and other surface waters • Low level of development in area • Partnerships • Cooperation

2:30 pm Project List

Baratono distributed copies of the preliminary Project List. He explained that the plan would include a project list section. He suggested members begin determining projects they would like included, that he will distribute the template to resource managers, and others as requested, in the spring.

2:55 pm Other?

• Next meeting, date and time.

The next meeting was scheduled for May 13, at 1:00 pm at the Marcell Family Center.

3:00 pm Adjourn

E-293 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 South Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 13, 2003 – 1:00 pm

Location: Marcell Family Center Highway 38 Marcell

Agenda

1:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

1:10 pm Review and approve Agenda and 1/21/03 Meeting Summary

1:20 pm Update from Basin Committee and other local committees

1:40 pm Final review, revision and approval of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

2:10 pm Final review, revision and approval of Narrative

2:30 pm Project List

2:40 pm Plan format and layout

2:50 pm Plan implementation overview/coordination options discussion

3:00 pm Adjourn

E-294 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

Rainy River Basin Plan South Local Committee Distribution List

Al Sobrack Charles Isaacs Scenic State Park Itasca SWCD Supervisor 65965 Scenic Hwy. 7 38180 County Road 44 Bigfork, MN 56628 Deer River, MN 56636

218-743-3362 (218) 246-8119 [email protected] Terry Tillotson Ted Lovdahl Itasca SWCD Supervisor Itasca SWCD Supervisor 15042 County Road 564 34486 County Road 40 Nashwauk, MN 55769 Effie, MN 56639 (218) 885-1451 (218) 743-3686 [email protected] Donald Simons Itasca SWCD Supervisor Bernard Schumacher 12506 River Road 21710 Shallow Lake Road Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Warba, MN 55793 (218) 326-2184 218/492-4284 Cimarron Pitzen, Mayor Wes Libbeg City of Effie 3705 Golf Course Road City Hall Grand Rapids, MN 55744 PO Box 129 Effie, MN 56639-0129 218/326-6305 [email protected] Lonnie Kacon, Mayor City of Bigfork Mark Mandich PO Box 196 Itasca County Commissioner Bigfork, MN 56628-0196 717 NE 4th Street Grand Rapids, MN 55744 218-743-3782 218-743-1782 fax Tom Saxhaug [email protected] Itasca County Commissioner 1032 NW 1st Avenue Ernest Olson Grand Rapids, MN 55744-2424 Bigfork Town Board Chair 60174 County Road 261 Leo Trunt Bigfork, MN 56628 Itasca County Commissioner Box 14, County Road 72 Darwin Arcand Swan River, MN 55748 Bowstring Town Board Chair 47359 Bowstring Ct. Bob Wilhelm Deer River, MN 56636 Itasca County Commissioner PO Box 485 Phyllis Lund Deer River, MN 56636 Carpenter Town Board Chair 26947 Hwy 1 Effie, MN 56639

E-295 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

Wesley Nestberg Harold Dziyk Good Hope Town Board Chair Turtle Lake Association 54405 State Highway 46 51301 Pine Point Road Blackduck, MN 56630 Bigfork, MN 56628-4229

LaDonna Adams (218) 743-6102 Kinghurst Town Board Chair [email protected] 59610 County Road 145 Northome, MN 56661 Norman Ford Suomi Area Lakes Association Peggy Boggs 42307 County road 48 Lake Jessie Town Board Chair Deer River, MN 56636 PO Box 462 Spring Lake, MN 56680 218/246-9398

Howard Davis Tarry Edington Liberty Town Board Chair Highway 38 Leadership Board 44710 County Road 14 49554 State Highway 38 Bigfork, MN 56628 Marcell, MN 56657

Gary Anderson Tim Johnson, Community Coordinator Marcell Town Board Chair Northern Itasca Joint Powers Board PO Box 1 49554 State Highway 38 Marcell, MN 56657 Marcell, MN 56657

Michael Hoeschen 218-832-3161 Max Town Board Chair 218-832-3164 fax 57684 Co Rd 4 [email protected] Max, MN 56659 South LRMT Jack McNaughton Sand Lake Town Board Chair Terry Greenside 55643 Eggar Rd Environmental Services Department Spring Lake, MN 56680 Itasca County Courthouse 123 NE 4th Street Howard Sheppard Grand Rapids, MN 55744-2600 Stokes Town Board Chair 56678 Farm Camp Road 218-327-2857 Bigfork, MN 56628 218-327-7331 fax

Gary Goltz Tim Engrav Third River Town Board Chair Environmental Services Department 68398 Third River One Itasca County courthouse Squaw Lake, MN 56681 123 NE 4th Street Grand Rapids, MN 55744-2600 Russell Klegstad Wirt Town Board Chair Arthur Norton 58784 Bass Lake Rd Itasca SWCD Wirt, MN 56688 1889 East Highway 2 Grand Rapids, MN 55744

218-326-6595 218-326-8938 fax [email protected]

E-296 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Board of Water and Soil Resources Chuck Meyer Mark Nelson P.O. Box 550 394 South Lake Avenue Red Lake, MN 56671 Duluth, MN 55802

(218)679-3959 (218)723-4923 [email protected] [email protected]

Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians Brenda Glenn Les Conner Chippewa National Forest PO Box 16 200 Ash Avenue Nett Lake, MN 55772 Cass Lake, MN 56633

218-757-3260 (218) 335-8651 [email protected] Department of Natural Resources: Mike Martin Waters Chippewa National Forest Howard Christman, Area Hydrologist PO Box 308 1201 Highway 2 East Deer River, MN 56636 Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Kevin Guttormson (218)327-4106 USGS- Water Resources Division (218)327-4263 fax 415 South Pokegama Avenue [email protected] Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Trails and Waterways (218) 326-1297 Bob Moore, Area Supervisor 1201 Highway 2 East Dick Lacher Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Minnesota Rivers Council, River Watch 57565 County Road 29 (218) 327-4240 Northome, MN 56661-1932 [email protected] (218) 659-4511 Fisheries [email protected] Chris Kavanaugh 1201 Highway 2 East Jim Parsons Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Itasca Coalition of Lake Associations 39045 Sissebakwet Shores Rd. (218) 327-4322 Cohasset, MN 55721 [email protected] 218-326-4586

Rian Reed Harold Goetzman Jessie Lake Watershed Assoc. Wildlife 2004 NW Oak Street Jim Schneeweis Grand Rapids, MN 55744 1201 Highway 2 East 218-326-3908 Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Tom Ryan (218) 327-4428 Suomi Area Lakes Association [email protected] 43755 Forest Rd. Deer River, MN 56636 Park Manager Scenic State Park 218-246-2007 5656 Scenic Hwy 7 [email protected] Bigfork, MN 56628

E-297 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix E

Walter Breeze Barbara Clark Ardenhurst Town Board Chair 61381 Barb Clark Forestry Road PO Box 264 Northome, MN 56661 Northome, MN 56661 218-897-5023 218-659-4285 [email protected] Matt Weigel Alvwood Town Board Chair Dennis Carlson 58713 Co Rd 131 [email protected] Blackduck, MN 56630 218-659-4210

Terrence Burke Balsam Town Board Chair 23253 Co Rd 8 Bovey, MN 55709

Roger Moede Deer River Town Board Chair 42890 Chase Lake Rd Deer River, MN 56636 218-246-8428

Clarence Talberg Grattan Town Board Chair 59071 Co Rd 31 Northome, MN 56661 218-659-4260

Don Ferdig Moose Park Town Board Chair 56508 Ferdig Rd Blackduck, MN 56630 218-835-6400

George Bowman Nore Town Board Chair 63686 Bowman Rd Blackduck, MN 56630 218-835-6478

Charles Isaacs Oteneagen Town Board Chair 38180 Co Rd 44 Deer River, MN 56636 218-246-8649

Gerald Padgett Pomroy Town Board Chair 54764 Co Rd 31 Northome, MN 56661 218-897-5624

E-298 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

APPENDIX F

Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003

Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 West Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Tuesday, April 16, 2002 – 6:30 pm

Location: Commissioner’s Room Lake of the Woods County Courthouse Baudette

Agenda

6:30 pm Welcome and Introductions

6:45 pm Overview of Basin Planning and Management Concept

7:15 pm Committee Organization

• Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs • Who else should be on this Committee? • Future meeting location, dates and times

8:00 pm Begin Discussion of Goals and Priority Waters

8:20 pm Other?

8:30 pm Adjourn

F-300 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

Rainy River Basin West Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: April 16, 2002

Location: Baudette

• Called to order 6:42 • Attending:

Less Lemm, SWCD; Steve Sindelir, Lake of the Woods County; David Marhula; Daniel Haig, NRCS; Mike Larson, DNR Fisheries; Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Dan Logelin, MPCA; Molly Westom, MPCA.

• Questions? Please overview the Basin Plan idea.

Baratono reviewed the history of Basin Planning, from the early days till now. Briefed on the Red River Plan, how it was implemented and is now functioning. He emphasized on it being a local plan, not federal or state plan. He also explained that we are looking at having five meetings spread out on a six-week cycle. Baratono continued to explain how the local committees, the basin committee, and staff teams will work together to develop the plan.

• Committee Organization: Select Chair, Vice-Chair, or Co-Chairs: Wait till next meeting Who else should be here? (Updating list of contacts) ♦ Commissioners ♦ Jean Crouse ♦ City Officials ♦ SWCD ♦ State Park ♦ Resort Owners ♦ County Extension ♦ Farmers ♦ County Officials ♦ Tourism Bureau ♦ Rainy River and Rapid River Plan Members ♦ Forestry and Wildlife ♦ Warroad and Roseau ♦ The Northwest Angle Chamber Discussed advertising, public notification

Baratono explained that it is not required but could assist in boosting attendance.

Future Meetings: ♦ Location in County Court House is good ♦ Next Meeting; May 30, 6:30-8:30 • Goals and Priority Waters: Upstream Concerns: ♦ Everything from the US side of the watershed comes through Lake of the Woods ♦ Water levels from the Dam in International Falls

F-301 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

What are others looking at? ♦ Baratono explained that everyone seems to have different issues and goals. Erosion and High Water Issues on Lake of the Woods ♦ Discussed if there was anyone “higher up” who can help ♦ Five Strategies: o Protect private property/land Funding Boost awareness; get the word out (e-mails, handouts, etc.) Establish Lake of the Woods as special area Emergency water shed Tech. Work Group DNR, PCA, Fish and Wildlife, Army Corps., USGS, Red Lake, OMNR, EC, ME, IJC, BWSR, Universities, SWCD, and Counties (LOW and Roseau) Politicians Wellstone, Dayton, Peterson, Lessard, and Anderson o Protect valuable public land (Pine and Curry Islands) o Improve land use procedures o Renegotiate 1935 Proposal o Change to local management plan • Next meeting agenda: None • Adjourned at 8:45

F-302 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 West Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Thursday, May 30, 2002 – 6:30 pm

Location: Commissioner’s Room Lake of the Woods County Courthouse Baudette

Agenda

6:30 pm Welcome and Introductions

6:40 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

6:50 pm Updates from other Local Committees

• North • South • East • East-Central

7:00 pm Review and approve 4/16/02 Meeting Summary

7:10 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

• Update on implementation of LoW Erosion Strategies. • Review and revise 4/16/02 Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Table • Additional Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

8:00 pm Begin Discussion of Priority Waters

• Baudette River and Williams Creek TMDL?

8:15 pm Other?

• Next meeting date and time.

8:30 pm Adjourn

F-303 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

Rainy River Basin West Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: May 30, 2002

Location: Baudette

• Meeting called to order at 6:50 • Attending:

Les Lemm, SWCD; Bruce Paakh, MPCA; Alan Johnston, Roseau County; Daniel Haig, NRCS; Steve Sindelir, Lake of the Woods County; Dan Logelin, MPCA; Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Molly Westom, MPCA

• What about Chair, Co-Chair? o Wait till next meeting to choose Chairs, hopefully better attendance • Review of other committees: o North- ISTS Monitoring and info needs Consistency of water management plans Development on shoreline and transportation Local expectations/thresholds Hg o South- Monitoring Local expectations Education/information Development tools for local management o East- Tool to assess watershed health Incentives Monitoring Better coordination/communication among land use entities o East-Central- Ditch Repair Phosphorus Shoreline development (different from North) More sensitive and low impact road design Trails Lake water levels • Reviewed Summary: o Les only has one “s”, Less o 1925 Treaty, 1935 Proposal • Handout on New Mining Strategies • Handout GOSI Table, changes follow: o Under General: Goal: Added Lakes to list of CRP riparian corridors to protect or restore: Objectives: Re-establish riparian corridor along the south shore of Lake of the Woods from Long Point West to the Canadian Border.

F-304 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

Identify and contact qualifying landowners along intermittent or continuous flow rivers and streams to encourage riparian corridor replacement and filter strip installation. × Zippel × Bostic × Willow Creek Establish buffers along drainage ditches. Strategies: Focused Outreach Lead: LoW SWCD and Roseau SWCD, LoW and Roseau NRCS. Funding: CRP, WRP, RIM Goal: Lake level Wheeler’s Point, Springsteel, Rainy River flow gauge on the upper reach River Watch; Rapid, Zippel, Bostic, Winter Road, Baudette River Watch Basin Coordinator. Lake WQ monitoring on Lake of the Woods Goal: Effects of Rice patties on Rapid River? o Under Rivers and Streams: Goal: Restore a natural channel between Bostic Creek and Canfield Creek. o Under Lakes: Goal: Address erosion and degradation of Lake of the Woods Shoreline and degradation of Pine and Curry islands. Objectives: See 3-5 of Strategies Strategies: Continue and expand the Lake of the Woods SWCD program to identify at risk areas and engineer and install shoreline protection solutions including armoring (rip-rap, head walls, etc.), bioengineering projects and shoreline and island protection/restoration projects as appropriate. Phase 1: The work group should have a preliminary report by June 30, 2002 and a final report by June 30, 2003 delineating causes and potential solutions. Lead: PCA/DNR Support (Phase 1 & 2): Roseau SWCD, Roseau County ESD, Warroad River Watershed District Moved Strategies 3-5 into objectives. • Next Meeting: July 17, 2002; 6:30; Court House • Adjourned at 8:53

F-305 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 West Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, July 17, 2002 – 6:30 pm

Location: Commissioner’s Room Lake of the Woods County Courthouse Baudette

Agenda

6:30 pm Welcome and Introductions

6:40 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

6:50 pm Updates from other Local Committees

• North • South • East • East-Central

7:00 pm Review and approve 5/30/02 Meeting Summary

7:10 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

• Review and revise 5/30/02 Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Table • Additional Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Indicators?

8:00 pm Continue Discussion of Priority Waters

8:15 pm Other?

• Do you want a narrative in your section of the Plan? • Next meeting date and time.

8:30 pm Adjourn

F-306 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 West Local Committee

Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Wednesday, July 17, 2002 – 6:30 pm

Location: Commissioner’s Room Lake of the Woods County Courthouse Baudette

6:30 pm Welcome and Introductions

Attendance:

Todd Beckel, LoW SWCD Manager; Paul Colson; Alan Johnson, Roseau County Commissioner; Les Lemm, LoW SWCD; Jenny Moorman; Steve Sindelir, Lake of the Woods County; Cade Steffenson, LoW SWCD; Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Dan Logelin, MPCA; Bruce Paakh, MPCA

6:40 pm Select Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Co-Chairs

Motion by Moorman, second by Colson, to select Les Lemm as the West Committee Chair. Motion passed.

Control of the meeting was passed to Chair Lemm.

6:50 pm Updates from other Local Committees

Chair Lemm asked Baratono to provide an overview of activities and progress for the other local committees. Baratono referred committee members to the 2nd Round Review Packet for complete information and noted the following highlights:

• North – Page 4 • Monitoring! Specifically the concept of a water resources center or the basin. • More work on sewage treatment

• South - Page 9 • Monitoring! • Road signs

• East – Page 14 • Continued work on the watershed health assessment tool • Some sewage goal development • Communication!

• East-Central – Page 22 • Sewage • Houseboat greywater • Development – stalled at the question of planning by township or watershed.

F-307 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

7:00 pm Review and approve 5/30/02 Meeting Summary

The committee approved the 5/30/02 Meeting Summary, following correction to the spelling of “rice patties paddies,” via consensus.

7:10 pm Continue Discussion of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

The Committee discussed the concept of an overarching goal intended to implement the MPCA’s non-degradation regulations and Phosphorus Strategy as proposed by the South Committee.

The South Committee’s current goal is:

“Maintain or improve the existing conditions for streams rivers and lakes in the headwaters of the Big Fork and Little Fork Rivers.”

The committee stressed that they could support this goal as long as it was understood that it was intended to apply specifically to the MPCA’s non-degradation regulations and the DNR’s water appropriations and work in protected waters permits (with necessary rule changes). The goal is not intended to tell local governments how to regulate land use or development; however, local governments may choose to use the goal if it will help them with zoning and land use activities.

• Review and revise 5/30/02 Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators (GOSI) Table

Baratono noted that counting this evening’s meeting the Committee has 3 - 4 more meetings planned. While the Committee may continue adding goals, members may want to focus on Objectives, Strategies, Indicators and Priority Waters to allow time to develop a Project List and – if desired – a narrative.

Baratono asked if it would be helpful to prioritize the current Table. The Committee indicated that they wanted to set priorities for existing goals. The Committee spent the remainder of the time allotted for this agenda item prioritizing the GOSI Table goals.

For detailed information on GOSI Table revisions, please refer to the 7/17/02 GOSI Table.

8:15 pm Other?

• The committee indicated that they wanted a narrative in their section of the Plan.

• The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday August 14th at 6:30 pm in the Commissioner’s Room, Lake of the Woods Courthouse.

8:30 pm Adjourn

F-308 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 West Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 14, 2002 – 6:30 pm

Location: Commissioner’s Room Lake of the Woods County Courthouse Baudette

Agenda

6:30 pm Welcome and Introductions

6:35 pm Review and approve 7/17/02 Meeting Summary

6:40 pm Review and revise Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

1. Overarching goal: “Maintain or improve…”

• Defining objectives: • Non-degradation? • Phosphorus Strategy? • Maintain or improve Lake of the Woods trophic status? • Water appropriation permits? • Work in Protected Waters Permits? • Indicators?

2. Lake of the Woods Erosion – Priority 1 (GOSI page 4-6)

• Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Draft Indicators.

3. Riparian Corridors and Buffers – Priority 2 (GOSI page 1)

• Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Draft Indicators.

4. Bostic Creek Restoration – Priority 3 (GOSI page 3)

• Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Draft Indicators.

F-309 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

5. Monitoring – Priority 4 (GOSI page 2)

• Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Draft Indicators.

6. Erosion - Rainy River – Priority 5 (GOSI page 3)

• Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Draft Indicators.

7. Erosion – Rapid and Warroad Rivers – Priority 6 (GOSI page 3)

• Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Draft Indicators.

7:40 pm Additional Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators?

8:00 pm Continue Discussion of Priority Waters

You have identified the following watersheds:

• Zippel (Does this include Williams Creek?) • Bostic (Does this include Canfield Creel?) • Willow.

Do your have any other watersheds to add?

8:15 pm Narrative

• Who’s going to draft this? • Points to include in the narrative?

8:25 pm Other?

• Updates from other Local Committees. • Next meeting, date and time.

8:30 pm Adjourn

F-310 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

West Local Committee Meeting Summary

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 14, 2002 – 6:30 pm

Location: Commissioner’s Room Lake of the Woods County Courthouse Baudette

Welcome and Introductions, attendance sheet passed around Present: Todd Beckel, LoW SWCD; Jenny Moorman, LoW High School; Steve Sindelir, LoW County; Les Lemm, LoW SWCD; Cade Steffenson; Bruce Paakh, MPCA – DL office; Dan Logelin, MPCA – Duluth; Nolan Baratono, MPCA; Molly Westom, MPCA/RRCC Review and approve 7/17/02 Meeting Summary o Approved with no changes Review and revise Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators 8. Overarching goal: “Maintain or improve…” Baratono explained what the other committees have decided on the Overarching goal and what they have done with it. Also explained how the different agencies have reacted to this goal. • Defining objectives: • Non-degradation? • Phosphorus Strategy? • Maintain or improve Lake of the Woods trophic status? • May affect some companies/departments if you go with improvement. • The trophic status was discussed; more algae blooms are possibly taking place on different areas of Lake of the Woods, not enough info to tell for certain. • Les suggested changing affect to signs. • Baratono explained that Lake of the Woods rank is 54 for trophic status. • Discussed that not only algae blooms could be a sign, but also possibly the decline of a fish population. • Les suggested adding the Overall goal objectives as the number one priority goal in the table. Committee decided to add the Overall goal objectives under goals and to also mention it in the narrative, later on in minutes. 9. Lake of the Woods Erosion – Priority 1 • Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Draft Indicators. • Strategy 1: Determine the annual shoreline loss. • Strategy 1: Linear feet of shoreline needed and protected. • Strategy 2: Wait and let the work group come up with indicators. • Strategy 2: Direct local representation on the board. • Strategy 3: Decided to wait • Discussed that a possible way to measure the shrinking shoreline would be to measure the remaining distance from buildings to the shoreline and comparing that to the distance their building permits were for. 10. Riparian Corridors and Buffers – Priority 2 • Goals? • “Establish Maintain and establish riparian corridors and buffers (filter strips) to protect or restore high priority rivers, streams, and lakes.” • Objectives?

F-311 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

• Added “Maintain existing riparian corridors and buffers.” • Changed “Re-establish riparian corridor along the south shore of Lake of the Woods from Long Point west to the Canadian Border.” • Strategies? • Edited, “Push for higher CRP, RIM and CREP-type payment rates for, and more program flexibility, buffer strips in Lake of the Woods County.” • Also edited, “Develop and implement a local buffer strip program.” • Took out, “Focused Outreach” • Added, “Identify and contact qualifying land owners along intermittent or continuous flow rivers and streams to encourage riparian corridor replacement and buffer installation or protection of existing buffers.” • Draft Indicators. • “Total miles and acres of corridor/buffer protected or restored.” • “Landowner contacted.” • “Participating land owners.” 11. Bostic Creek Restoration – Priority 3 (skipped until later) 12. Monitoring – Priority 4 • Goals? • “Establish a River Watch program on the following rivers and streams: Rapid, Zippel, Bostic, Winter Road, Baudette, Warroad, Willow.” “Continue River Watch:” • Baratono suggested that it may be more reasonable to focus on the outlets of minor watersheds, not every tributary will be able to be monitored. He stated that by monitoring the river outlets if there is a problem then you move in and examine the tributaries. • “Sediment sampling and analysis to determine cumulative effects since European settlement.” • “Comprehensive LAP of all of LoW.” • “CLMP on LoW.” • “Assess nutrient input and develop a nutrient budget.” • “Effects of Rice paddies on Rapid River, flow physical and chemical and fisheries, annual condition monitoring?” • “Add IBI monitoring.” • Objectives? • Strategies? • D. Increase implementation of filter strips and grass waterways to reduce sedimentation from agricultural lands. • Draft Indicators. Narrative • Who’s going to draft this? • Nolan, Les, Cade??????? • Points to include in the narrative? • Protection for LoW - Phosphorous • Rice Paddies • Drainage • Lake levels/erosion • How to plan for climate change • Les mentioned to keep in mind on making sure there are not further goals that the committee would like to address. • Other? • Next meeting, date and time. • Wednesday October 23, 2002 • Adjourn at 8:47 pm

F-312 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 West Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, October 23, 2002 – 6:30 pm

Location: Commissioner’s Room Lake of the Woods County Courthouse Baudette

Agenda

6:30 pm Welcome and Introductions

Welcome, self-introductions, refreshments

6:35 pm Review and approve 8/14/02 Meeting Summary

Summary will be distributed at the meeting.

6:40 pm Review and revise Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

13. Overarching goal: “Maintain or improve…” Is the goal and defining objectives acceptable to the committee?

14. Bostic Creek Restoration – Priority 3

• Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Draft Indicators.

15. Monitoring – Priority 4

• Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Draft Indicators.

16. Erosion - Rainy River – Priority 5

• Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Draft Indicators.

F-313 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

17. Erosion – Rapid and Warroad Rivers – Priority 6

• Goals? • Objectives? • Strategies? • Draft Indicators.

7:40 pm Additional Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators?

8:00 pm Continue Discussion of Priority Waters

You have identified the following watersheds:

• Zippel (Does this include Williams Creek?) • Bostic (Does this include Canfield Creel?) • Willow. Do your have any other watersheds to add?

8:15 pm Narrative

• Review and revise.

8:25 pm Other?

• Next meeting, date and time.

8:30 pm Adjourn

F-314 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

Rainy River Basin Water Management Plan 2003 West Local Committee

Meeting Notice and Agenda

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 7, 2003 – 6:00 pm

Location: Commissioner’s Room Lake of the Woods County Courthouse Baudette

Agenda

6:00 pm Welcome and Introductions

6:05 pm Review and approve Agenda and 10/23/02 Meeting Summary

6:15 pm Update from Basin Committee and other local committees

6:45 pm Final review, revision and approval of Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Indicators

7:15 pm Final review, revision and approval of Narrative

7:30 PM Project List

7:45 pm Plan format and layout

8:00 pm Plan implementation overview/coordination options discussion

8:25 pm Other?

8:30 pm Adjourn

F-315 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

Rainy River Basin Plan West Local Committee Distribution List

Nathan Kestner Nick Painovich Lake of the Woods County ESD 6080 39th St NW 206 SE 8th Street Williams, MN 56686 Baudette, MN 56623 Gene Krause [email protected] 551 22nd Ave NW Baudette, MN 56623 Cade Steffenson Lake of the Woods SWCD Scott Pieper PO Box 217 7696 40th St NW 219 1st Avenue NW Williams, MN 56686 Baudette, MN 56623 Mike Schulz 218-634-2757 5054 Cty Rd 8 NW Williams MN 56686 John Anderson District Conservationist Pat Lavalla NRCS, Roseau 4932 Graceton Beach Rd NW Williams MN 56686 [email protected] Bruce Hasbargen Dale Tillery Lake of the Woods County Highway Dept City of Baudette PO Box 808 PO Box 548 Baudette MN 56623 Baudette MN 56623 Todd Beckel Tod Matelski SWCD Board City of Williams PO Box 658 PO Box 572 Baudette MN 56623 Williams, MN 56686 Jane Sindelir Kathy Magnusson Low Tourism Bureau Lake of the Woods School PO Box 518 Baudette MN 56623 (218) 634-2510 [email protected] Jim Ney Po Box 625 Dave Marhula Baudette MN 56623 PO Box 758 Baudette, MN 56623 Rodney Donat 1609 26th Ave NW Ken Horntvedt Baudette MN 56623 1568 State Hwy 172 NW Baudette, MN 56623 Marv Erickson 3147 Ken Mar Ke Dr NW Roger Krause Baudette MN 56623 SWCD Board 2980 Main W Jerry Hennum Baudette, MN 56623 3244 Bur Oak Rd NW Baudette MN 56623

F-316 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

Tom Briggs LOW County: 3502 Four Mile Bay Dr NW Baudette MN 56623 Steve Sindelir Environmental Services Department Jenny Moorman Lake of the Woods County PO Box 674 206 SE 8th Street Baudette MN 56623 Baudette, MN 56623

[email protected] 218-634-4536 218-634-2509 fax

Ed Arnesen Daniel Haig 6758 Rocky Point Rd NW NRCS Roosevelt MN 56673 PO Box 217 219 1st Avenue NW Russ Hansen Baudette, MN 56623 1501 59th St SW Baudette MN 56623 218-634-2757 218-634-1726 fax Sandy Anderson [email protected] 3583 State Highway 11 SE Baudette MN 56623 Les Lemm Lake of the Woods SWCD Alan Johnston PO Box 217 34311 Cty Rd 5 219 1st Avenue NW Warroad MN 56763 Baudette, MN 56623

[email protected] 218-634-2757 [email protected] Scott Johnson Roseau SWCD Pollution Control Agency 502 7th St SW Suite 8 Bruce Paakh Roseau MN 56751 714 Lake Avenue Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 [email protected] (218)846-0747 Everett Helmstetter [email protected] 5137 Rocky Point Rd NW Roosevelt MN 56673 Department of Natural Resources

Celeste Colson Fisheries Po Box 38 Mike Larson Angle Inlet MN 56711 204 Main Street East Baudette, MN 56623 [email protected] (218) 634-2522 Doug Johnson [email protected] 407 Lake St NW Warroad MN 56763 Wildlife Jeff Dittrich West LRMT - Baudette – Lake of the Woods, 204 Main Street East Roseau and Beltrami Counties Baudette, MN 56623

(218) 634-1705 [email protected]

F-317 Rainy River Basin Water Plan 2003 Appendix F

Forestry Janine Lovold David Thomas Roseau SWCD 204 Main Street East 502 – 7th Street Southwest, Suite 8 Baudette, MN 56623 Roseau, MN 56751

(218) 634-2172 (218) 463-1903 [email protected] [email protected]

Parks Warroad Watershed District Doug Easthouse Loren Horner Zippel Bay State Park HCD 2, Box 570 Warroad, MN 56763 [email protected] 218-386-2850 Waters Dan Thul Rick Battles? 2115 Birchmont Beach Road NE Bemidji, MN 56601 [email protected]

Board of Water and Soil Resources Jeff Hrubes 3217 Bemidji Avenue, North Bemidji, MN 56601

(218)755-4236 (218)755-4201 fax [email protected]

Beltrami County:

Bill Patnaude Beltrami County Planning and Zoning 619 Beltrami Avenue NW Bemidji, MN 56601

(218) 759-4158

Chris Parthen Beltrami SWCD 3217 Beltrami Avenue North, Suite #3 Bemidji, MN 56601-4328

(218) 755-4339

Roseau County:

Jeff Pelowski Roseau County Environmental Services 606 5th Avenue Southwest, Room 150 Roseau, MN 56751-1477

(218)463-3750

F-318