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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 500 Lafayette Road • Saint Paul,Minnesota • 551554037 Office of the Commissioner 651-259.5555 February 12,2014 An open letter to the citizens of the North and East Metro area: You've may have heard that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources(DNR)and others recently agreed to settle a lawsuit over low water levels on White Bear Lake. I'd like to take this opportunity to answer some of the questions you may have about that settlement and talk about a goal I know the state,local communities,and individual citizens all share-abundant,high quality water for future generations. First of all,let me provide a little background. Water in Minnesota is not owned by individuals,but rather is held in trust by the state for the benefit of all citizens. The DNR implements the state's water use permitting program and is responsible for ensuring that Minnesota's surface and groundwater will not be depleted. Through this program,communities obtain permits from the DNR to use groundwater, lakes,and rivers to provide citizens and businesses with water. The plaintiffs in the White Bear Lake case claim that the DNR has allowed communities in the North and East Metro area to use too much groundwater and that this in turn has caused declining water levels on White Bear Lake. While we disagree that overuse is the primary cause of low water levels on White Bear Lake,the DNR and other parties in this case worked diligently throughout 2014 to settle the case through negotiation.The settlement means we now can engage with all of those affected,including area communities and legislators,in seeking solutions,rather than trying the case with the plaintiffs and awaiting the court's ruling. I understand that this settlement came as a surprise to the communities that were not participating in the lawsuit,and many of you have questions and concerns. We need much more conversation,but I'd like to here address a few of the most common questions we've heard: "What does the settlement do?" The settlement calls for:1)developing a water supply from the Mississippi River for some area communities,2)increasing water conservation efforts,and 3) undertaking other water sustainability measures. The proposed change in water supply will require careful evaluation,broad community engagement,and significant state funding. For this reason,the settlement includes a three-year hold on the lawsuit. During this time,all parties to the settlement will work with communities,legislators,and others to see whether a broader agreement and funding package are possible. In short,the settlement is our chance to engage with the people of the North and East Metro to craft a solution that the plaintiffs will find acceptable and that will also address the communities'concerns and needs. "Who signed this settlement agreement?" In addition to the DNR,the two plaintiff organizations(White Bear Lake Restoration Association and White Bear Lake Homeowners Association),the City of White Bear Lake,and White Bear Township signed the agreement. It is binding only on those who signed it. DNR Inkorulion:651-296-6157 or 1-888-646-6367•TIY:651-296-5484 or 1-800-651-3929•FAX:651-296-4779•www.mndni.gov AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER i PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER CONTAINING A MINIMUM OF 10%POST-CDNSUMER WASTE 24