Jun
25
Sat
2016
Planting Pollinator Patches in Hastings @ Vermillion Falls Park
Jun 25 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Friends of the Mississippi River and the Hastings Environmental Protectors join forces to bring pollinator habitat to Vermillion Falls Park and CP Adams Park in Hastings. Volunteer on Saturday, June 25, 9-11 a.m. to plant pollinator patches in the two parks. Planting these beautiful native species in patches helps birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators find the pollen they need. Tools and training will be provided. Pre-registration is required.

Jun
28
Tue
2016
Make Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop @ Apple Valley Senior Center
Jun 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Join Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) for a Make and Take Rain Barrel Workshop on Tuesday, June 28, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Apple Valley Senior Center. A rain barrel is a simple, high-impact way to save water and protect water quality in lakes and rivers. The cost of materials for building your own rain barrel is only $35, thanks to donated barrels from Coca-Cola Refreshments of Eagan. Pre-registration is required.

Jul
13
Wed
2016
Joint TAG and WPC Meeting @ Dakota County Western Service Center Room 106
Jul 13 @ 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) will hold a joint meeting of the Watershed Planning Commission (WPC), the watershed’s citizen advisory group, and the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Wed., July 13, 2016, 1:30-4 p.m. Topics include a presentation by Deborah Manning, P.E., Metropolitan Council Environmental Services on water re-use and groundwater recharge; overview of the Vermillion River Monitoring Network 2015 Report; and discussions about policies for wetland banking and stream obstructions.

Oct
8
Sat
2016
Minnesota StarWatch at Whitetail Woods @ Whitetail Woods Regional Park
Oct 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Dakota County Parks and the Minnesota Institute of Astrophysics bring the night sky to life. Astronomer Mike Lynch presents a short talk and slide show on our solar system. If weather allows, attendees can view the sky through multiple 8-inch reflecting telescopes. The Institute staff also provides free star maps and shows visitors how to use them. Cost of the presentation is $10 per person and registration is required.

Dec
3
Sat
2016
Brush Clearing with Trout Unlimited Vermillion Riverkeepers Dec. 3 @ Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area South Branch
Dec 3 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Join the Twin Cities Trout Unlimited (TCTU) Vermillion Riverkeepers for its last volunteer work day of the year! Volunteers will cut and haul away invasive buckthorn from the banks of the Vermillion River’s South Branch on Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The group meets at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area (AMA) at E. 200th St. at U.S. Hwy. 52 in Vermillion Township. The Vermillion Riverkeepers, now 55 members strong, plan to help re-establish native prairie, stabilize banks to reduce erosion, and restore wildlife habitat on the South Branch site. All community members are welcome to help shoulder the work, enjoy the great company, and have lunch. Please register by Thursday, December 1, by contacting Tony Nelson, if you plan to attend, to ensure TCTU has enough food and gear for every volunteer.

Sep
14
Wed
2022
Hastings DWSMA Open House @ Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center
Sep 14 @ 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Open House – Hastings Drinking Water Supply Management Area Groundwater Protection Rule Process

Do you farm or own cropland in the Hastings Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA)?

The City of Hastings has high nitrate in their city wells. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is working with a team of local farmers, crop advisers, and others to develop a list of region-specific farming practices to reduce nitrate in groundwater and the city wells.

Join us to learn and share ideas about the proposed practices and the Groundwater Protection Rule process. Practice adoption is voluntary but could become regulatory if the voluntary approach is unsuccessful.

MDA staff will be available to discuss these topics, collect comments and ideas from farmers, and answer questions. A 30-minute presentation will be shared at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Jul
20
Thu
2023
Public Meeting: Alimagnet Lake alum treatment @ Burnsville City Hall, Dakota Room in lower level
Jul 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Public Meeting: Alimagnet Lake Feasibility Study

This spring and summer, the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) is leading an Alimagnet Lake alum (aluminum sulfate) treatment feasibility study. City of Burnsville and City of Apple Valley natural resources staff are also participating in the process. VRWJPO has hired a consultant, Barr Engineering, to conduct field work, analyze data and help put together the final feasibility report. This report is expected to be completed in July. We are hosting a public meeting on July 20, 2023 where the findings of the report will be presented.

What is an alum treatment?

An alum treatment is a common water quality improvement practice in shallow lakes that have excessive phosphorus and poor water clarity as a result of algae growth. Often times phosphorus is released into the water column from lake bottom sediments during the summer months. When alum is added to the water, it attaches to phosphorus and falls to the bottom of the lake, preventing it from feeding algae and improving water clarity. Increased clarity following alum treatments can also lead to increased aquatic plant growth, which help to keep phosphorus levels in check.

One of the first steps in planning for a potential alum treatment is to conduct a feasibility study, which will determine whether Alimagnet Lake is a good candidate for the treatment, and if it is, how to most effectively apply alum in the lake, and the estimated costs. The study will also look at alternative solutions to improve water quality, other than an alum treatment.

At the public meeting, there will be a short presentation to present the findings of the study and then time for attendees to ask questions or provide feedback on the findings. If alum treatment is determined to be a feasible option for Alimagnet Lake, VRWJPO would anticipate applying for a grant in late summer of 2023 to obtain funding to complete the work. No treatment would occur prior to 2024.

If you have any questions regarding the public meeting, please feel free to contact Caleb at 952-895-4543 or caleb.ashling@burnsvillemn.gov.