Fridley is the 2014 Anoka County Outstanding Conservationist

October 31st, 2014 knowtheflow Comments Off on Fridley is the 2014 Anoka County Outstanding Conservationist

The Anoka Conservation District selected the City of Fridley as the 2014 Anoka County Outstanding Conservationist. A conscientious approach toward natural resource management made Fridley an easy choice.

Fridley has a long history of implementing projects to improve water quality and reduce flood damage. The City has performed extensive riverbank stabilization, installed many rain gardens, provided lakeshore stabilizations with natural buffers, and other stormwater treatment practices.

Fridley’s Springbook Nature Center consists of 127 acres of native prairies, oak and aspen forests, oak savannah, and extensive wetlands. Springbrook is a popular destination with its three miles of hiking trails, floating boardwalks, and interpretive center that has live animal exhibits for families, children and friends.

CONGRATULATIONS CITY OF FRIDLEY!

Anoka County approves 2014 Water Resources Report

October 29th, 2014 knowtheflow Comments Off on Anoka County approves 2014 Water Resources Report

The Anoka County Board of Commissioners have approved the 2014 Water Resources Report. The Water Report is part of the Anoka County Community Health Improvement Plan (2015-2019).

Groundwater is readily available, supplying public and private water systems throughout Anoka County. However, increasing water demand may potentially exceed the sustainability of locally available groundwater supplies in some areas of the County.

Anoka County’s central and northern communities lack a major groundwater aquifer (Prairie du Chien-Jordan) that supplies much of the developed metropolitan region’s municipal water systems. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has expressed concern that local groundwater resources in transitional communities may not be sufficient to support water demand typically associated with full development.

The Anoka County Water Resources and Supply Task Force have made several recommendations to address the challenges facing our communities to:

  • Strive for coordinated water management programs
  • Strive for coordinated water education programs
  • Promote local water sustainability
  • Protect the source of drinking water
  • Seize opportunities in local water management

For more information contact Anoka County Environmental Services at 763-422-7093.

Information is power. The power to protect drinking water

October 22nd, 2014 knowtheflow Comments Off on Information is power. The power to protect drinking water

Public Water Suppliers are a part of Minnesota’s program to protect public health. In Anoka County, 265 cities and businesses operate their public water supply to serve an adequate supply of safe drinking water to their residents and customers. Information, training and certification of the people that operate water systems ensures that the water distributed to homes, schools, businesses, churches, restaurants and hotels meet a high public health standard. To keep water system operators up-to-date on the latest information and methods to protect drinking water the Minnesota Department of Health (Drinking Water Protection unit) publishes a regular newsletter for different classes of public water suppliers.

The Waterline Newsletter Logo

The Waterline  The Waterline is a quarterly newsletter for water operators, city officials,and others interested in news related to public water systems in Minnesota. The Waterline includes updates on training sessions along with a registration form for various operator schools as well as feature stories of interest to those in the drinking-water profession.

The NonCom Scoop Newsletter Logo

The NonCom Scoop  The NonCom Scoop newsletter is targeted to assist the owners and operators of Minnesota’s “noncommunity public water systems” – such as schools, churches, resorts, restaurants and other businesses that have their own water supply – in providing safe drinking water. It includes tips for water system operation, regulatory updates, operator training schedules, and feature stories on noncommunity public water systems.

Sending a Minnesota tree to the U.S. Capitol

October 21st, 2014 knowtheflow Comments Off on Sending a Minnesota tree to the U.S. Capitol

For fifty (50) years, a beautiful tree has appeared on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. This year the U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with the Leach Lake Band of Ojibwe and Choose Outdoors will bring a special tree from the Chippewa National Forest in northern Minnesota to  Washington, D.C. As the tree passes through communities on its way to the Capitol it will make 30+ stops including the Twin Cities.

Join the celebration at the Boy Scouts of America Northern Star Council Base Camp (201 Bloomington Road, St. Paul, MN 55111) on Saturday November 8, 2014 (3:30 pm – 5:30 pm). The event features:

  • Bon Fires
  • Ornament Decorating
  • Wreath-making demonstrations
  • Smokey Bear
  • Cookie Decorating
  • U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Merchandise
  • Archery and Rock Climbing ($5 fee)
  • Tree Cutting Permits
  • Bough Permits

US Capitol Christmas Tree

Food donation will be collected by the City of Lakes Rotary Club of Minneapolis to benefit the Neighborhood Food Shelf.

A short Program will take place at 4:40 p.m. with elected officials, Forest Service and Department of Natural Resources representatives. For more information go to www.CapitolChristmasTree.com.

Charting the future for a prosperous Anoka County

October 7th, 2014 knowtheflow Comments Off on Charting the future for a prosperous Anoka County

You may be hearing about Charting the Future and wondering what this effort is all about or what it really means to your local Anoka County colleges. During the fall semester, initial work of four implementation teams (Student Success, Diversity, Comprehensive Workplace Solutions and System Incentives and Rewards) will be on display — with a request for your feedback. These will be open house-style events for all college constituents to share insights, concerns and ideas. Please find time to participate at:

Work is just beginning for the other four implementation teams (Academic Planning and Collaboration, Competency Certification and Credit for Prior Learning, Education Technology, Information Technology Systems Design) will be shared in spring semester.

This is a defining moment for Minnesota. Just when we needs our colleges and universities more than ever before, we are facing significant challenges that threaten our ability to make good on our core commitments. How we respond to these challenges will determine what the future looks like for our campuses.

Imagine if we worked together to improve transfer, if campuses partnered on marketing to increase the number of students each campus serves, if we collaborated on expanding programs that prepare students for the careers of tomorrow.

Clearly, we’re working together, but it’s not enough. Imagine what would be possible if we not only allowed but encouraged and even expected this kind of cooperation. The recommendations drafted with input from over 5,000 students, faculty, and staff in Charting the Future gives us the roadmap for how we can break down silos and work together in new ways to better serve students and communities across our state, strengthen our colleges and universities, and protect their unique character and autonomy.

SepticSmart week

September 15th, 2014 knowtheflow Comments Off on SepticSmart week

(UPDATE Sept. 22, 2014) Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed SepticSmart Week 2014 (Sept. 22-26, 2014) in Minnesota. During SepticSmart Week homeowners are reminded to regularly pump their septic tank(s) every 2 years (3 years minimum) and protect their drain field from digging and damage by heavy vehicles and machinery.

Did you know that one in five Anoka County homes have a well and septic on their property?  Maintaining a septic system is important because the sewage we put down the drain must be cleaned up before it gets into groundwater, wells and the water that we drink. Plus, a properly constructed and maintained septic system reduces pollution while recycling water back into our natural environment.

For most home and cabin wells, the nearest source of possible water pollution and dangerous bacteria is their septic system. Septic systems that are not maintained in good working order not only hurt the environment but risk your family’s health. Plus, you may be flushing thousands of dollars down the drain by damaging your septic system!

For information on septic systems see the Pumping and Maintenance of Septic Systems (YouTube video, 4:20), register for a septic system class, or contact the Anoka County Extension Service office at 763-755-1280. For information on testing the safety of your home well go to the Anoka County Environmental Services Well Water Testing webpage or call 763-422-7063.

It isn’t difficult to maintain a septic system. Just like a wastewater treatment plant, homeowners have to keep their system in good condition to keep it working right. All it takes is regular maintenance. For financial assistance in repairing your septic system go to the Agricultural Best Management Practices Loan webpage or call Anoka County Community Development at 763-323-5722.

Pollution Prevention (P2) week

September 15th, 2014 knowtheflow Comments Off on Pollution Prevention (P2) week

During National Pollution Prevention (P2) week (Sept. 15 – 21, 2014) Americans are asked to consider their everyday decisions that generate pollution. The best way to protect Anoka County’s natural and water resources is to stop creating pollution in the first place. Pollution Prevention (P2) Week highlights community efforts to make pollution prevention a cornerstone of sustainability. Everyday choices will make the difference:

  • Don’t dispose of useable items. Use the Recycling and Disposal Directory.
  • Profile your home’s energy efficiency with the EnergyStar Home Advisor.
  • Communities offer recycling services that may includes curbside collection. It can’t be any easier than that!
  • Household hazardous wastes must be handled carefully to prevent contamination of our environment and our water resources. Anoka County operates the Household Hazardous Waste Facility for residents to drop off these wastes for proper disposal, no charge.
  • Minnesota laws limits dumping leaves and clippings into landfills. Composting is a process that allows naturally occurring microbes to convert home and yard waste to a useful organic soil amendment or mulch. Go to Anoka County Composting (webpage) for more information.
  • Calculate your water savings using water-efficient EPA WaterSense certified products.
  • Businesses can get cash from their trash while preventing pollution. Go to the Anoka County Commercial Recycling (webpage) for more information.

For information on Minnesota’s P2 program checkout the Pollution Prevention (webpage).

Disasters surprise everyone – be prepared for the next surprise

September 1st, 2014 knowtheflow Comments Off on Disasters surprise everyone – be prepared for the next surprise

Water is an essential element to survival and a necessary item in an emergency supplies kit. Following a disaster, clean drinking water may not be available. Your regular water source could be cut-off by power failure or compromised through contamination. Prepare by building a supply of water that will meet your family’s needs during an emergency.

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM). Anoka County Emergency Management is asking you, your family, community, school and workplace to take action by reviewing your emergency plan and participating in PrepareAthon! Day on or around September 30th.

Use the information listed in the How To Get Involved 2014 NPM Quick Guide as a way to promote National Preparedness Month, September 1st-30th. The 2014 National Preparedness Month theme is: “Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare.” The 2014 NPM event themes are:

  • Week 1 – How to… Reconnect with Family After a Disaster.
  • Week 2 – Know How To plan for specific needs before a Disaster.
  • Week 3 – How to… Build an Emergency Kit.
  • Week 4 & 5 – How to… Practice for an emergency.

Master Recycler/Composter Program Offered

August 28th, 2014 knowtheflow Comments Off on Master Recycler/Composter Program Offered

UPDATE (Sept. 16, 2014). Anoka County’s master recycler (Sue Doll) will show how it’s done (StarTribune report).

Anoka County Integrated Waste Management and the City of Andover have partnered to offer a new Master Recycler/Composter program. Master Recycler/Composters are trained through an extensive five-week course in reducing waste, recycling, composting, resource recovery, and disposal. The Master Recycler/Composter program will create a volunteer pool of knowledgeable residents demonstrating to others the benefits of reducing waste at home, in the community and at work.

The five week course runs September 23 – October 21, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Anoka-Hennepin School District’s Staff Development Center, 2727 North Ferry Street, Anoka, MN 55303. To learn more call Anoka County Integrated Waste Management at 763-323-5730. Registration is limited to the first 30 participants. To register to go Anoka-Hennepin Community Education.

National Wilderness Act at 50

August 23rd, 2014 knowtheflow Comments Off on National Wilderness Act at 50

The National Wilderness Act at 50. On September 3, 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Wilderness Act. This historic bill established the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS) and set aside an initial 9.1 million acres of wildlands for the use and benefit of the American people. Over the past 50 years, and as a result of America’s support for wilderness, Congress has added over 100 million acres to this unique land preservation system. The 1964 Wilderness Act defines “Wilderness” as areas where the earth and its communities of life are left unchanged by people, where the primary forces of nature are in control, and where people themselves are visitors who do not remain.

The NWPS was established for the use and enjoyment of the American people and provides many direct and in-direct benefits, such as those relating to ecological, geological, scientific, educational, scenic, spiritual, economic, recreational, historical, and cultural uses and activities. The 757 wilderness areas within the NWPS are managed by all four federal land managing agencies, the Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, and National Park Service.

IN ANOKA COUNTY    The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources oversees nearly twenty thousand acres (31 square miles) of wilderness land conserved within seven Wildlife Management Areas (WMA):

For more information contact the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or email info.dnr@state.mn.us.

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