Press Releases

PRESS RELEASES			PRESS RELEASES: February 7, 2003 MHB/BSU Study Shows Correlation of Shoreline Property Values With Water Quality Preliminary results of the Economic/Environmental Trends of Lakes in the Upper Mississippi River Basin study by Dr. Pat Welle, Dr. Charles Parson and Charles Krysel, of BSU (Bemidji State University) will be presented at a conference in Walker on Feb 21, 2003 from 11AM to 3PM. This study, sponsored by the Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) through a grant from the LCMR (Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources) simulated a study in Maine, where topography, soils, vegetation and economy are similar to northern Minnesota. Determining the fiscal viability of resource protection is important to decision-makers, investors, land developers and contractors doing business in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. Lakes in Clearwater, Hubbard, Beltrami, Cass, Itasca, Aitkin, Crow Wing, and Morrison Counties were included as part of the Mississippi Headwaters Board study. The public is invited to attend the presentation, please call the Mississippi Headwaters Board at 218-547-7248 for an agenda and to reserve your space. February 4, 2003 Mississippi Headwaters Board Holds Non-Point Source Workshop February 21, 2003 The Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) and Advisory Committee (MHAC) will meet for orientation regarding the 2003 emphases on Nonpoint Source Contamination to the Upper Mississippi River. There are four stretches of water quality impairment according to MPCA. Impairments exist near Grand Rapids, Aitkin and Brainerd. MHB has no authority over land uses in urban river reaches but seeks to assist in addressing the problems through partnerships. The conference is open to City Officials, Lake Associations, Developers, Contractors and other interested members of the public. The conference will be held at Hope Lutheran Church Hall in Walker, MN. Please call (218) 547-7248 to reserve a place. There is a $5.00 charge for reservations for lunch and materials. The public meeting begins at 9:00 AM. Members of the public are welcome to attend all day but may be more interested in events beginning at 11:00 AM after Board meetings are completed. Exhibitors will display Non-Point Source prevention products, corresponding to the NEMO presentation. The program agenda is as follows: 8:30-9:00 Coffee, networking 9:00 Call to order of Joint MHB/MHAC meeting Pledge of Allegiance Welcome, Introductions MHAC recognition presentations 9:30 MHAC remain in meeting room to: -Elect officers, Assign subcommittees, Determine priorities -Patty Oliver, Oral History status report, -River Watch status report (written) -Great River Road update, Margaret Sherman 9:30 TAC (Technical Advisory Committee) meets with the Army Corps of Engineers regarding flowage easements 9:30 MHB moves to smaller meeting room -Amendments to agenda -Consent agenda (minutes & budget report) -MHB Business/Action items, -Staff Report -Presentation by Steve Johnson, DNR 10:00 Zoning actions by MHB -Hubbard County variance -Crow Wing County Airport Authority discussion -City of Brainerd Shoreland Ordinance Comment & Review 10:30 Reunite in large room/break 10:45 MHAC report Board Adjournment 11:00 PCA presentation on TMDL's in Upper Mississippi River Basin 11:20 LCMR Environmental/Economic Study preliminary results on Mississippi River Watershed Lakes, BSU, Dr. Pat Welle, Charles Parson and intern Charles Krysel. 12:00 Lunch -please join your county team, get to know each other and discuss how you can work together to benefit the River in your community 12:30 Jay Michels, NEMO (Non-Point source Education for Municipal Officials) 2:00 Break 2:10 Panel Discussion 2:45 Wrap up, Jane Van Hunnik, MHB Executive Director 3:00 Close February 5, 2003 Army Corps of Engineers Discusses Flowage Easements The Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) will host a presentation by the US Army Corps of Engineers on Federal flowage rights elevations upstream and downstream of the Corps' six Headwaters Reservoirs.The six reservoirs are: Winnibigoshish, Leech, Pokegama, Big Sandy, Cross Lake/Whitefish Chain and the Gull Lake Chain of lakes. The flowage rights allow the Corps to store water in the reservoirs for flood control purposes. The Corps' flowage rights elevationsusually exceed the elevations that local zoning authorities use to issue building permits (e.g. 100-yr flood level etc.). In addition, the flowage rights are often times not accurately or clearly listed on property titles. The Corps would like to start a dialogue with local authorities to begin to educate local government and property owners on the potential impacts that flowage rights have on the use of property in the Headwaters region at 9:30 AM on February 21, 2003 at Hope Lutheran Church Hall in Walker, MN. Lake Associations and other interested Citizens are invited to attend this important discussion, which will include time for questions and answers. Please call the Mississippi Headwaters Board office (218) 547-7248 or e-mail cass.mhb@co.cass.mn.us for an agenda and space requirement. January 9, 2003 Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) Honors Robert Wilhelm for Service Retiring Itasca County Commissioner Robert Wilhelm of Deer River was honored December 20, 2002 with a plaque at the regularly monthly MHB meeting at the Cass County Courthouse in Walker, Minnesota. Commissioner Wilhelm was appointed to the position by the County Board in August 1997, when Jay Braford retired. Commissioner -elect Russell Klegstad accompanied Mr. Wilhelm to the December meeting he said to "get my feet wet". Mr. Wilhelm served as chairperson of MHB in 1999. As a retired Department of Natural Resources Officer, Mr. Wilhelm upheld the MHB mission to "protect and enhance the Mississippi River's scientific, natural, cultural, historic and recreational values." He contributed a wealth of information regarding natural habitats, trees and enforcement expertise during his six years of service on the Mississippi Headwaters Board representing Itasca County, lobbying the legislature when streamlining threatened the work of MHB. Commissioner Wilhelm has an appreciation for cultural diversity. He always has a good supply of Norwegian jokes. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. During his tenure the following special projects were completed or implemented: 1. Water Trails Maps 2. River Watch Manual 3. Wellhead delineation project for Source Water Protection through the MN Dept. of Health (MDOH) recognizing the significance of hydrogeological interchange between groundwater and surface water in each MHB County (Clearwater, Hubbard, Beltrami, Cass, Itasca, Aitkin, Crow Wing, and Morrison). 4. EPA 319 Non-Point Source grant to participating projects: Itasca County shoreline stabilization, Crow Wing County Whiskey Creek Project, Hubbard /Cass/ Beltrami /Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe/ Wolf Lake Waste Water Treatment, four educational workshops, Cass County Septic Inventory and Cass County Extension shoreline education. 5. LCMR Economic/Environmental trend development study on Lakes in the MHB region with addition of four new schools to the River Watch Program including a Tribal School in Cass Lake. 6. Successful annexation of MHB corridor lands by the Cities of Little Falls, Palisade, Cass Lake, and Brainerd. 7. Healthy Organizations Project (HOP) through the Central Initiative Foundation. 8. Amended MHB Plan. 9. The George Rossman Water Book, a user friendly presentation of water level data that provides citizens with an understanding of the historic water levels that have existed since the late 1800's due U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) dam control (funded in part by the Blandin Foundation Grant). 10. Oral History project, "Voices From the River Tributaries From the Past," with funding from private donations, MHB, Minnesota Power and the Minnesota Historical Society. 11. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's, Reservoir Operation Plan Evaluation (ROPE) Study on the effects of dam management on lake water elevations. 12. Establishing a cooperative agreement between the MHB and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Coffee and cookies preceded the meeting and recognition ceremony. Also recognized were retiring Commissioner Virgil Foster of Cass County for 22 years of service and outgoing Chairman Dean Newland of Clearwater County. The eight County Joint Powers Board members and staff deeply appreciate the representation of Commissioner Wilhelm on behalf of Itasca County. January 9, 2003 Mississippi Headwaters Board Thanks Clearwater Commissioner Dean Newland Clearwater County Commissioner Dean Newland of Shevlin, Minnesota was honored December 20, 2002 at the regularly scheduled MHB monthly meeting at the Cass County Courthouse in Walker, Minnesota for his year of service as the 2002 Chairperson of the Mississippi Headwaters Board. Commissioner Newland was appointed to the MHB in 2000 and now begins his third year of service to Clearwater County on the Mississippi Headwaters Board. The Chairmanship and other offices rotate annually between the eight Counties Commissioner Newland is known for his even-tempered management of meetings, cheerful countenance, and faithful attendance at special events. His farming expertise was a positive influence in upholding the MHB mission to protect and enhance the scientific, natural, cultural, historic, and recreational values of the most beautiful portion of the Mississippi River. During his year of leadership in office the following projects were completed or implemented: 1. Wellhead delineation project for Source Water Protection through the MN Dept. of Health (MDOH) recognizing the significance of hydrogeological interchange between groundwater and surface water in each MHB County (Clearwater, Hubbard, Beltrami, Cass, Itasca, Aitkin, Crow Wing, and Morrison). 2. The student River Watch Program 3. EPA 319 Non-Point Source grant to participating projects: Itasca County shoreline stabilization, Crow Wing County Whiskey Creek Project, Hubbard /Cass/ Beltrami /Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe/ Wolf Lake Waste Water Treatment, four educational workshops, Cass County Septic Inventory and Cass County Extension shoreline education. 4. LCMR Economic/Environmental trend development study on Lakes in the MHB region with addition of four new schools to the River Watch Program including a Tribal School in Cass Lake. 5. Successful annexation of MHB corridor lands by the Cities of Cass Lake, and Brainerd. 6. Healthy Organizations Project (HOP) through the Central Initiative Foundation. 7. Amended the MHB Comprehensive Management Plan. 8. The George Rossman Water Book, a user friendly presentation of water level data that provides citizens with an understanding of the historic water levels that have existed since the late 1800's due U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) dam control (funded in part by the Blandin Foundation Grant). 9. Oral History project, "Voices From the River Tributaries From the Past," with funding from private donations, MHB, Minnesota Power and the Minnesota Historical Society. 10. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's, Reservoir Operation Plan Evaluation (ROPE) Study on the effects of dam management on llake water elevations. Coffee and cookies preceded the meeting and recognition ceremony where Mr. Newland received a certificate of appreciation and his gavel. Also recognized were retiring Commissioner Virgil Foster of Cass County for 22 years of service and retiring Commissioner Robert Wilhelm of Itasca County. The eight County Joint Powers Board members and staff deeply appreciate the leadership of Commissioner Newland on behalf of Clearwater County. December 13, 2002 Mississippi Headwaters Board honors Founding Father Virgil Foster's 22 Years of Service Few people have distinguished themselves in life as Commissioner Virgil Foster has. As a young boy, he quit school in order to take care of the family farm, his ailing parents and his siblings. When his brothers and sisters brought their schoolbooks home, the young determined Virgil read them in order to educate himself. His father had worked as a cook in the lumber camps saving money to put down on the farmstead, so Virgil worked diligently to keep the farm. Meantime, Virgil unselfishly saw to it that all his siblings received a high school education, even though he had only finished the eighth grade himself. Virgil's education was of a different sort. He learned the 'old world' ways of weather determination, planting and farming from his parents, especially his mother. For instance, he learned that in spring during calving season, "If you're running heavy to bulls, that means dry weather." When young Ethel Morisset came to help Virgil's mother, Virgil was quite taken with the pretty young woman who was so hardworking. His mother would put up with no "hanky-panky," so they were well chaperoned until the wedding, although living under the same roof. Theirs was a 'mixed' marriage, a Catholic and a Seventh Day Adventist. One disappointment was that Ethel's family would not attend the wedding since the young couple was getting married in the Catholic Church. Nowadays, parents are glad if the kids go to any church. Commissioner Foster was accustomed to the barter system, so when the County needed some equipment, he generously allowed them to borrow his. It seemed logical that in return, he should be able to borrow a few yards of gravel from the County pit. But the County Board did not see it that way and for a while Commissioner Foster fell out of favor. During Commissioner Foster's tenure, the dam tenders of the Upper Mississippi River watershed united in a Cooperative Agreement with Mississippi Headwaters Board and County partners, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, as well as others to protect the River through local controls and to maintain static water levels on lakes, inexpensively, efficiently and effectively. Commissioner Foster served three terms as MHB Chairperson. "I always felt privileged to be able to serve with my limited education," Commissioner Foster humbly declares. Commissioner Foster's dedicated service is especially obvious in his enthusiasm to establish the Mississippi Headwaters Board. "It's the best thing we ever did," he declared in an Oral History interview. With his leadership the eight counties united under a 1980 Joint Powers Agreement that comprise the Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB). This was done in the shadow of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act designation. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (Public Law 90-542, October 1968, 16U.S.C.1271 et seq.) established a policy that certain rivers or segments of river possessing "…outstanding remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values…" should be in free flowing condition and protected for the public's benefit and enjoyment. The Act does not explicitly prohibit new shoreline development on privately owned lands, however under certain circumstances, federal protection could limit such development. The Act authorizes condemnation proceedings for certain purposes. Federal actions began to include the Upper Mississippi River in the Wild and Scenic designation. Commissioner Foster and other County Commissioners acted locally to preserve local control and avoid the condemnation proceedings that occurred in the Boundary Waters. These were the events overseen by Commissioner Foster on behalf of Cass County and the Upper Mississippi River region: January 3, 1975, President Ford signed P.L. 93-621 authorizing possible designation of the first 466 miles from Lake Itasca to Anoka as a National Wild and Scenic River. October 1975, Draft Plan by the U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation (BOR) is completed. May 1977, Assistant Secretary of the Interior Robert Herbst submits Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to Congress and President Carter. July 1977, MN State Senator Robert Lessard declines President Carter's personal request to allow the designation. June 15, 1977, Senate bill 1697 containing the BOR plan is introduced to the United States Senate. October 31, 1977, H.R. 9855 amending the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate the Upper Mississippi segment as a Wild and Scenic River is introduced. January 1978, Congressman Oberstar succeeded in amending the bill to require a more complete study. As a result, the Upper Mississippi River of Minnesota was deleted from the Omnibus Parks and Recreation Bill passed by Congress. August 1979, President Carter called for another study to "determine the specific requirements for protecting the River corridor, providing public access, campgrounds, and other recreational facilities." February 22, 1980, The counties of Clearwater, Hubbard, Beltrami, Cass, Itasca, Aitkin, Crow Wing and Morrison signed a joint powers agreement organizing the Mississippi Headwaters Board for the purpose of providing an alternate strategy for protecting the Mississippi River by regulating private lands through shoreland regulations and public lands through cooperative agreements (MN Stat. 103F. 367 Subd. 8.). April 1980, The National Park Service was directed to complete the study. Summer, 1980, MHB completed the Alternative Plan and it was adopted by reference (MN Stat. 103F. 361 Subd 2). MN Stat. 103F. 367 Subd. 1 established MHB as a "permanent board." August 1980, The National Park Service releases its Draft Conceptual Master Plan for the Upper Mississippi River as a National Wild and Scenic River, which is now held in abeyance pending alternative strategies by the counties through the Mississippi Headwaters Board. August 29, 1980, Assistant Secretary of the Interior Robert Herbst suggests MHB adopt provisions that "would make the Mississippi Headwaters Board a strong comprehensive mechanism for the protection and management of the River." September 1980, MHB initiates action through the legislature to follow Herbst's suggestions. October 22, 1980, MHB sends detailed response to Herbst summarizing changes to the Plan. November 26, 1980, Herbst endorses local management of the Upper Mississippi River recognizing efforts of the Mississippi Headwaters Board. Herbst points out "potential problem areas" of the MHB Plan, specifically: a. Authority to deny actions, b. Routine funding, c. Cooperative Agreements with other levels of government with special attention to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. 1981, MN legislature enacts the MHB Plan into Statute 103F.361-377 providing MHB authority to review and certify actions in the MHB corridor. Adopted by the eight counties, $172,000 awarded to administer MHB Plan. 1983, MHB appropriation of $169,200 through DNR to administer MHB Plan. 1984, Minnesota legislature amends MHB Plan to ensure state agencies are consistent with goals of the MHB Plan. 1991, MHB Plan amended to allow veteran's cemetery. 1986-1988, MHB and Advisory Committee Review for resorts and campgrounds, corridor boundaries, erosion control and vegetative management controls. 1992, MHB Plan revised and adopted by legislature and counties after five-year review. 1998, Increase in MHB funding to $170,000 sponsored by Representative Larry Howes for the purposes of plan updates and implementation. 2002, All eight counties adopt the amended plan. The Plan of the National Park Service is held in abeyance as long as the MHB protects the River. Commissioner Foster made numerous trips to the legislature, lobbying to ensure the viability of the organization he helped start that protects the Mississippi River. He would get up at 4:00 AM to milk the cows, drive to pick up riders in Walker and head to St. Paul, where all the legislators knew him by name and of his dedicated work. Commissioner Foster served as chairperson of the Mississippi Headwaters Board three times during his 22-year tenure. During that time his lovely and supportive wife, Ethel, has proudly been the "woman beside the man." His passion for the River, personal property rights and fairness continues. Commissioner Foster will be honored at the December 20, 2002 meeting of the Mississippi Headwaters Board at the Cass County Courthouse at 9:00-9:30 AM in the Commissioners Meeting Room. The public is invited to share coffee and thank Commissioner Foster for his dedication. Retiring Commissioner Robert Wilhelm, a five-year veteran of MHB will be honored in Itasca County. October 31, 2002 Notice of Public Forum for Dam licensing Many of the dams in the Upper Mississippi River Basin control water levels in our lakes and streams. Dams are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). A public forum will be held November 7, 2002 at the United States of America Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on identifying the need for a new licensing process. Key issues should address how a new process can better accommodate interested parties. The agenda may be viewed on the Commissions web site: www.ferc.gov/hydro/docs/hydro. Individuals or organizations desiring to make comment or follow these proceedings are invited to do so. Comments may be filed electronically via the internet in lieu of paper by e-mail to efiling@ferc.gov. User assistance is available at 202-502-8258. All comments will be available for inspection at the Commissions Public Reference Room at 888 First Street, NE Room 2A, Washington, D.C. 20426 during business hours or may be viewed online at www.ferc.gov using the FERIS link. Toll free number is 1-866-208-3676 or 800 336-6646. for transcripts. Opportunities for remote listening and viewing should contact David Reininger or Julia Morelli at 703-993-3100 as soon as possible or visit the website at http://capitolconnection.gmu.edu and click on FERC. October 18, 2002 Jane VanHunnik, MHB Director recognized by Aitkin County for Outstanding Achievement The Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB), located in the Cass County Courthouse, is proud to announce the presentation of a certificate of appreciation to their Executive Director, Jane E. VanHunnik by the Aitkin County Environmental Services Department, Aitkin County Water Planning Taskforce, and Aitkin County Comprehensive Wetland Committee. Ms. VanHunnik was recognized for her work in environmental land use planning, water quality protection, and wetland conservation through administration of the Mississippi Headwaters Board Comprehensive Management Plan. The MHB is a joint powers board of the eight counties surrounding the first 400 miles of the Mississippi River. The River corridor makes a giant question mark shape from Lake Itasca to Royalton in Morrison County. MHB partners with many other units of government to protect and enhance the most beautiful segment of the mighty Mississippi River. Prior to accepting her position with the Mississippi Headwaters Board, Ms. Van Hunnik was a groundwater geologist for the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) where she conducted water quality monitoring data evaluation at Subtitle D designed and closed landfills. She achieved recognition by the DEQ director for her work in negotiating acceptable variances and procedures for waste disposal at tornado disaster sites. She was also recognized by the landfill operators for her assistance in achieving compliance with new regulations. As the chairperson of the Augustana College Geography and Planning department in Sioux Falls, SD, Ms. VanHunnik established student internships for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls. Ms. VanHunnik feels one of her most important achievements was being a part of the Wall Lake restoration project in Minnehaha County. She says, "The burden of environmental health always falls to the taxpayer. It is far less expensive to prevent environmental problems than to make restoration. I like to see the taxpayer get 'the best bang for the buck.' That is one reason I enjoy working for the Mississippi Headwaters Board." September 20, 2002 ROPE Study to address water levels on Lakes in the Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) region ROPE stands for Reservoir Operation Plan Evaluation. In this project, public and private dam tenders of the Mississippi River Headwaters lakes and reservoirs are cooperating with the St. Paul District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to optimize dam management. The goal is to ensure that no one lake suffers more than their share of high water throughout the hydrogeologically connected region. Inventories and assessments of information will be collected within the next few weeks to help in addressing potential damage to lakeshore, structures, vegetation, wildlife habitat, fish spawning, wild rice communities around the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) Headwaters Reservoirs and adjacent lakes. The data will be used in a computer model designed to predict the outcome to resources by various activities or dam management methods. More data will improve the accuracy of the predictive model, improving the chances of benefit to lakes and the /Mississippi River. Lake Bemidji is not considered an ACOE lake. Consequently the ACOE funding for this project cannot be extended to include this important Headwaters Lake and connected lakes. In an effort to assure the inclusion of Lake Bemidji in this project, the ACOE has generously agreed to simply extend the field assessments for a local match of $5,000. The Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) in partnership with the Beltrami County Coalition of Lake Associations and the Northwest Minnesota Foundation is striving to raise the local match by asking each affected citizen to contribute a minimum of $10.00 each. The Upper Mississippi River Watershed fund is an endowment of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, a 501.c.3 nonprofit organization. By agreeing to serve as the fiscal agent for this important project, citizens may give a tax-deductible gift which will be used toward the project. Please contribute to this important economic and environmental work. For more information on historic water levels, please see website www.minn-north.org, a public service of Paulbunyan .net, constructed by BSU from a Blandin Foundation Grant through the Mississippi Headwaters Board. This website takes complicated ACOE water level data and graphs it in easy to understand terms, a project started by the late George Rossman, publicist in Grand Rapids. · The data collection team personnel are contracted / non-government staff from Westwood Professional Services, Inc. and the URS Corporation. · The data collection team will require approximately 15 to 20 minutes per structure to collect the requested data. · The data collection will occur between the hours of 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM, from September 22, 2002 until October 16, 2002 and all elevation and inventory data will be acquired from the outside of the structure. If you have questions regarding this data collection process, please direct them to either Kevin Bluhm of the St. Paul District Environmental Branch at (651) 290-5247 or to the System wide Dam Operators at the following lake offices: Winnibigoshish Lake (Itasca County) - Jeff Kleinert, Leech Lake Dam Cass Lake (Itasca County) - Brenda Glenn, Knudsen Dam Bemidji Lake (Itasca County) - Mr. Dennis Mears, Otter Tail Power. August 30, 2002 Non-Point Source Conferences for Youth, Teachers and Adults to be held October 1 & 2 (This Conference is funded by a 319 Non-Point source grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Mississippi Headwaters Board in partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension and local government units of each County.) The Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) announces the presentation of two Conferences to be held October 1 in Grand Rapids for adults and at Deep Portage on October 2 for Youth and their teachers in the Upper Mississippi River Watershed. New updated information on Non-Point Source issues will be addressed relative to rapid growth in the lakes region. Registrations may be called in to the Mississippi Headwaters Board at 888-547-3301 Extension 248, e-mailed to cass.mhb@co.cass.mn.us or mailed to MHB Cass County Courthouse, Walker, MN 56484. A minimal fee of $10.00 will be charged. Deadline: September 20. Concerned about the rapid growth near the lakes, water quality, and the ability of our lakes and streams to absorb the level of development being experienced? Did you know that in the 1990-2000 decade average growth of north central counties was: Crow Wing County 25.5%; Cass County 24.6%, Aitkin 23.1%, Beltrami County 15.3%, Itasca 7.7%; Morrison 7.1% Clearwater 1.4%? Some of these growth rates are healthy; others are growing more rapidly than services can be provided. How can we as citizens encourage healthy growth? If these issues are of interest to you, then this is for you. Are you a student or teacher of History, Computer, Political, Natural, Biological, or Physical Science? Are you a student in need of grist for Debate, speech, or competition? Do you look for applications of cultural or physical Geography? As a teacher, do you look for practical application of your subject for your students? As a math teacher, have you considered population projections, or statistics as a student project? These questions and disciplines will be addressed. "Non-point Source" refers to pollution that stems from so many sources that one point of origin cannot be identified, such as erosion or septic systems. The conference presenters will help people identify possible sources, problems that result, how to measure the impacts, and provide some practical solutions specifically in shoreland areas. Resource agencies and people that may be of assistance will be present. The all day conference will include field trips to project sites, discussion of what works and what doesn't, question and answer sessions with technical experts, and practical applications for students and teachers of computer science, math, physical, and social science will complete the events. October 1, the agenda begins at 8:30 at the Itasca County Courthouse with the welcome and explanation of the Shoreland Resource Manual followed by tours of the work at two shoreland remediation sites conducted by Eleanor Burkette, University of Minnesota Extension educator in the Master Gardener program and shoreline remediation, and Art Norton of Itasca County SWCD office. The field tour of the sites presented will be conducted on a bus. One site tour will be of a project on the Mississippi River; the other will be of a resort on a lake near Grand Rapids. Lunch will be served upon return to the courthouse. The afternoon will open with a presentation by Jay Michels of the Minnesota Erosion Control on the special issues of vibrant growing cities. A discussion of how Zoning protection increases land value will be conducted by County Land Management Director, Terry Greenside. This will be followed by a presentation of a new computer program package developed by Itasca County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Art Norton, and Rian Reed of DNR to protect the Carrying Capacity of lakes. After the coffee break, University of Minnesota educator Barbara Liukkonen will wrap up final discussions and summarize the events of the day. October 2,the Teacher/Student agenda begins at 9 AM with an explanation of what Non-Point Source Pollution includes. Teachers will be provided Manuals. Jay Michels, Minnesota Erosion Control Association, will follow this with the presentation on the special problems facing cities. The Computer program applicable to lakes will be an excellent tool for computer and science students to learn of how their knowledge can be put to practical use in their communities. Kent Montgomery, University of Minnesota Extension Educator coordinator of a student lake-monitoring program in Brainerd will present information on phosphorus, and how too much of a good thing becomes like "Junk Food" for lakes and streams. Pat Rivers of DNR Fisheries will follow with discussion of how non-point source contamination impacts one of Minnesota's favorite past times, fishing. After lunch students and teachers will enjoy Ray Nelson's interactive presentation as historical figure, Private Boley, the only soldier to accompany both Zebulon Pike and Lewis and Clark expeditions. The event will end with a tour of the Deep Portage facility and ongoing projects. University of Minnesota educator Barbara Liukkonen will wrap up final discussions and summarize the events of the day. This Conference is funded by a 319 Non-Point source grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Mississippi Headwaters Board in partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension and local government units of each County as a follow-up on EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentive Program) workshops held two years ago. For More Information Contact: Jane E. Van Hunnik, MHB Director, 218-547-7263 July 26, 2002 Voices from the River Terry Larson has been a long-term resident of the Mississippi River Headwaters area. His family's livelihood has been deeply rooted in the land surrounding the cool, clear waters of Lake Itasca and tributaries comprising the source of the Mississippi River. Terry's fond childhood memories tell us of one the most important and basic human needs for survival, clean water. It is not surprising to hear Terry introduce himself and his early childhood memories in the light our critical dependence on water. "We had a very simple upbringing, no plumbing, no phone as a child, we had an outdoor water pump. The first one was right by a little [creek] that ran behind our barn. Then my dad eventually drilled a well when I was a young boy. A four inch well that was actually a flowing well, artesian. It was delicious cold water and it ran into a tank. He built a well house around the well and the water flowed into a tank and that's what kept my dad's milk cold that he milked, he milked the cows by hand, and that would keep it cold and every other day the milkman would come by and pick up the milk". (Mississippi Headwaters Board 1999, 10). Terry has emphasized stewardship as the mainstay of his family and their relationship to the natural environment. His intimate bond to nature and wildlife is necessary to maintain his present occupation as a full time fishing guide based on Wolf Lake, part of the Mississippi Headwaters Corridor. His contribution as a proponent of environmental protection is evident in the service to his community as a member of the Mississippi Headwaters Board Advisory Committee, as a participant in the MHB Erosion Survey, as an interviewer for the MHB Oral History Project, involvement with various service organizations and as an educator relaying information about his participation in frog and toad surveys (Center for Global Environmental Education, 1999), the Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 2002), and Archaeology workshops. Instrumental to the preservation of the pristine landscape along the source waters near Itasca Park, he and his family are determined to be good stewards. Returning their land along the Mississippi River to a natural state by restricting their own development as well as a public donation of property known as Gulsvig's Landing are examples of this determined effort. Terry's life-long interest in Archaeology might very well have been initiated by his grandfather, Carl, relating stories concerning the discovery and research of the Paleo-Indian bison kill site within Itasca Park. This remarkable story of an 8,000 year-old Paleo-Indian community united with the Mississippi headwaters in a struggle for survival is told through the artifacts and remains of bison hunts along [Nicollet] Creek (United States Army Corps of Engineers 2000). Interesting accounts related to of Terry's personal appreciation of the river are the cherished recollections by his mother, Joye, his grandfather, Carl, as well as his own stories, telling of fishing and catching native Brook Trout on tributaries of the Mississippi River in Clearwater County. The experience on which Terry Larson and other headwaters residents base their appeal for stewardship entails a broad range of motivating factors that move beyond simple nostalgia or emotional retrospective. The need for active involvement on everyone's part is grounded on the memory of past ecological successes and failures. Large human populations are significant forces that change our environment. It is important that we maintain as much of our environment in a natural or pristine state that is compatible with a healthy lifestyle. We will also need to have some measure of insurance, in the form of micro-environments, from which we draw the genetic materials and research data needed to rejuvenate other areas that we mistakenly alter or destroy. Terry describes a real life scenario in which a mistake was made and ultimately corrected through proactive community effort. "...Some of the changes I've seen on the Mississippi since I've been a child - we first moved to town in 1965 and Bemidji was just dumping its sewage almost straight into the River, right between Lake Irving and Lake Bemidji. I remember fishing on the stretch right between Lake Bemidji and Lake Irving. We used to catch some walleyes there and there was raw sewage sometimes flowing through there. That's been changed. Bemidji put in a new sewer system which very much improved the quality of the water in lakes downstream. It took maybe 10-15 years to really show up on Wolf where I live now. But it's been a big improvement and it's really cleared up the lakes. I talked to neighbors in the area and they said that it's been a vast improvement over the decades when it was more polluted. I feel that there is probably a lot more that could be done on individual septic systems along the River". (Mississippi Headwaters Board 1999, 5). Issues we face as residents of the headwaters can be better understood by taking advantage of information and resources available to us to inform ourselves of responsible land and water use. The effects of creating and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and safe environment can be easily explored and appreciated by simply visiting our parks and recreation areas. If you were to carefully observe and study specific species of wildlife and you might come to realize, for instance, an environment that produces healthy frogs will also provide a healthy environment in which we live and raise our children (Center for Global Environmental Education, 1999). Learn about the regulatory agencies in place that ensure water and landform quality and help promote the cause. You might find that your quality of life has improved. Terry offers his best wishes and summarizes his commentary in the following heartfelt statement: "I guess some of the hopes that I would have for the future of the Mississippi River, especially with this part, which is the wild, scenic part, is that it is maintained as it is. In my life time, I hope that the people continue to learn more about the River and learn more wise stewardship practices of the River and can balance man's use with nature's needs..." (Mississippi Headwaters Board 1999, 6). This segment is an anthology of the work done by the Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) oral history project "Voices of the River, Tributaries from the Past" funded by grants from the Minnesota /historical Society, private donations, University of Minnesota CAP intern Bruce Johnson, and coordinated by Patricia Oliver. References: Center for Global Environmental Education, Hamline University Graduate School of Education. Minnesota Frog and Toad Calling Survey 2001, ONLINE. 1999. Hamline University. Available: http: //www.cgee.hamline.edu/frogs/science/wach2001.html [July/23/2002] Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Common Loon Monitoring Project, ONLINE. 2002. Minnesota DNR. Available: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ecological_services/nongame/projects/loon_survey.html [July/23/2002] Mississippi Headwaters Board. Oral History Project. (file #004.00 Terry Larson). Walker, Minnesota: MHB, 1999. United States Army Corps of Engineers. Native American History in the Mississippi Headwaters Region, ONLINE. USACE. 12 January 2000. Available: http://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/history/native_am/ [23 July 2002] July 23, 2002 Mississippi Headwaters Board passes resolution in support of clean-up of Hennepin Paper Mill site on Mississippi River The Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) unanimously supported a resolution to clean up the HennepinPaper Mill contamination site located in Little Falls on the Mississippi River. The Hennepin Paper Mill Company went bankrupt in 1998, allegedly leaving behind soils contaminated with Mercury and low level PCB's (Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls), a known carcinogen (cancer causing agent). Citizens present were concerned about the impact to fish, wildlife, and downstream users. About 2.5 miles of asbestos covered pipes were left behind which apparently froze and burst inside the building during a recent fire. An asbestos plume may have been flushed down stream due to the activity of the fire department in putting out the fire. Little Falls City officials have been frustrated with the lack of concern for drinking water downstream. Apparently screens over drinking water intakes may adequately prevent asbestos fibers from entering a drinking water intake. However, nothing prevents the fibers from washing up on shore, drying and becoming airborne. It is airborne asbestos that contributes to asbestosis (a disease of the lungs). Although drinking water intakes may be screened, nothing prevents fibers from penetrating the gills of fish or being ingested by wildlife. In discussion at the MHB meeting, neighbors of the Paper Mill were present to speak in favor of the resolution as well as Carol Anderson, Executive Director of Community development of Morrison County, Inc. June 27, 2002 Mississippi Headwaters Board welcomes Bruce Johnson as Summer Intern The Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) is pleased to announce receipt of a Community Assistance Project CAP grant for a summer intern to work on their oral history project. Mr. Bruce Johnson will be working on the project entitled " "Voices of the River, Tributaries from the Past". Phases one and two of this project were funded by the Minnesota Historical Society, Minnesota Power and private donors. The project is being conducted in fulfillment of the MHB mission of protecting and enhancing Mississippi River history and culture. Thirteen volunteer interviewers conducted over 60 narrations of stories in the Upper Mississippi River basin that have been recorded and taped. The Cass County Historical Society, under the direction of Renee Geving provides storage space for tapes as an inkind contribution and allows the intern access to research archival information to substantiate stories from 1910 to 1960. Ms. Patricia Oliver coordinates training of volunteers, narrators, transcriptions and general organization of the grant project. Noted author and former Beltrami County Commissioner Robert Treuer has volunteered to be Mr. Johnson's academic mentor. Mr. Johnson is a former electro-mechanical designer who returned to college as a nontraditional student to study something he truly enjoys, Socio-Cultural Anthropology at the University of Minnesota. He has four grown sons and enjoys family activities, backpacking, trout fishing, canoeing, blues and folk guitar, gourmet cooking, creative writing, genealogy, regional history and archeology. With that background, where better to spend a summer than Walker, Minnesota? Mr. Johnson states " The opportunity to promote awareness and active cooperation toward the responsible use of our environmental resources is important for my personal and professional growth. I am thankful to be able to contribute, as well as learn, valuable skills from the conscientious members of the greater Mississippi Headwaters community." The Mississippi Headwaters Board looks forward to Mr. Johnson's work of reviewing and indexing the stories by subject for future reference, use, publication and projects. For more information on the fascinating history of your Mississippi River community, please visit your local historical society or library or visit with the volunteers making this project possible. June 27, 2002 Concerned about Water Levels? Help make a difference The Mississippi Headwaters Board encourages local resident groups, stakeholders' groups and interest groups to select volunteer citizen representatives to participate on their behalf in a work group and the technical experts. If your group would like input to the future management of the Upper Mississippi River Headwaters reservoirs and its watershed your selected participants should be prepared to provide information to the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) ROPE study over the next few years. ROPE is the ACOE's acronym for "Reservoir Operation Plan Evaluation" which could improve dam management. The ROPE Study will collect information regarding flooding, environmental concerns, water quality, water supply, tribal trust, recreation, navigation hydropower and other water issues. The purpose of the study is to determine the best benefit to the many interests affected by dam control in the Mississippi Headwaters region. This is your opportunity to ensure your concerns are addressed. Good long-term solutions require a great effort. Each reservoir will have its own lake forum group that meets monthly. Included are Lake Winni, Leech Lake, Pokegama Lake, Big Sandy Lake, Cross Lake, Gull Lake, Lake Bemidji, Stump Lake, the Cass Lake Chain and Prairie Lake. The results of local meetings will be coordinated by the ACOE project manager in St. Paul. In order to send your representative volunteer(s) to be part of these groups, please contact the following individuals: Cross Lake: Ray Nelson 218-692-2025 Big Sandy Lake: Jeff Steere 218-426-3482 Gull Lake: Gregg Struss 218-829-2797 Leech Lake: Tim Rennecke 218-654-3145 Pokegama Lake: Jeff Kleinert 218-326-6128 Lake Winnibigoshish: Jeff Kleinert 218-326-6128 Cass Lake, Wolf Lake, and Lake Andrusia: Brenda Glenn 218-335-8651 Mud Lake: Don Pierce 218-327-4429 Lake Bemidji, Stump Lake, Lake Irving, and Carr Lake: Dennis Mears 218-751-3120 Prairie Lake: John Niemala 218-722-5642 For user-friendly, historic information on water levels, please see the Rossman Waterbooks website provided courtesy of PaulBunyan.net, maintained by Bemidji State University through a Blandin Foundation grant, secured by the Mississippi Headwaters Board. The web-site is www.minn-north.org or access the ACOE website www.mvp.usace.army.mil. on which the data of the Water Books are based. The Mississippi Headwaters Board appreciates the efforts of all the men and women who have been instrumental in bringing this issue under scrutiny. Your participation may be what makes this project a success. Please contact the individual nearest to you and find out the time and place of your local meeting. Thank you for helping to stretch the tax dollar by providing your volunteer time and effort, as well as the benefit of your information. June 7, 2002 Wes Libby Honored as Founding member of the Mississippi Headwaters Board The Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) is pleased to announce the recognition of Wes Libby as a 20th century pioneer in the protection and enhancement of the Mississippi River. Mr. Libby along with others was instrumental in assuring Itasca's County's participation in the Mississippi Headwaters Board through the joint powers agreement of 1980 which assured local units of government would maintain jurisdiction around the River. When the federal government sought to protect the first 400 miles Mississippi River as a national treasure, local community members and officials knew it was a good idea to protect it. They just didn't think the federal government could do it better or cheaper. As a result eight counties collaborated to create the first joint powers board to successfully challenge the federal authority and maintain home rule. The MHB has done so successfully for 22 years. In that time, water quality has improved for swimming, fishing and other recreational pursuits, making the Mississippi River corridor one of the most valuable shorelands in the region. The MHB continues to provide minimum standards for development through the MHB Comprehensive Land Use Plan, education, and partnerships with other governing entities. The stewardship of Wes Libby has helped assure the land value and quality of life for generations to come. For that reason, Mr. Libby will be honored at the June 25, 2002, meeting of the Itasca County Board at 3:03PM at the Itasca County Court house. The public is invited to attend.