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5. PRESENTATION ON RWMWD EDUCATION PROGRAM, ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND PLANS Louise Watson gave a status report on implementation of the sustainable education program, which she first presented to the Board on June 7, 2.000. The District's basic message is stewardship. Since the use of the media is an important part of the our education program, she congratulated the Natural Resources staff on the great media coverage that the Phalen Shoreland Restoration Project received. Watershed awareness is conveyed in other ways, such as: • videos for use by local cable access channels • inserts in District mailings • Watershed Resource Guide (Winter 2001) to teachers • doorknob hangers that are distributed in neighborhoods by youth groups '~' • District staff are encouraged to engage education into their daily dealings with others Louise referred to the District's initiation of an education program as the "yeast." Since the District has limited staff, partners are formed with as many individuals and groups as possible in order to accomplish the District's goals. When the partners begin planning, budgeting, and devoting staff time and training towards the program, it becomes sustainable and "rises" on its own. The following activities have developed in this manner, creating a potential that our message will be passed on to others: • WaterFest (it acts as a catalyst and should be continued) • Classroom assistance for long term programs • Improved media coverage occurred this year • Field education (skills that are learned and passed on to others) • Watershed stewardship curriculum training coming up this August • Formal education (workshops) • Message-specific education (keeping it consistent on a regional basis) • Adoption of a corporate campus or a creek, such as the Battle Creek Watershed Stewardship Project • Phosphorus-free fertilizer sales by local high school athletic teams. Between 1998 and 2001, sales have increased: White Bear Lake - up 69%, North St. Paul - up 379%, and Tartan - up 546%. • Lawn care certification is being offered to those who want to teach lawn care practices to others Jack Frost brought up the issue of Phase 2 NPDES permit compliance, which affects all cities within the District, and he felt that the District could apply our educational strategies towards this effort. CIiff Aichinger staled that there is a push to create an area-wide program, and the Watershed Partners organization is also interested in pooling efforts to assist cities so that they can comply with the six major components of the permit. 6. PROJECT STATUS REPORTS Kohlman Basin Brad discussed the need to amend the project easements to allow access to the berm for periodic maintenance. He is working with Tracey Galowtz to define and secure the easements. As discussed previously, some settlement of the embankment is expected, although future fill requirements are expected to be minimal in order to maintain the required height. Following Bob Johnson's request for clarification, "minimal" future fill requirements are considered to be <1 foot. Beltline Outlet Structure Improvements DNR has verbally notified the District that the easement agreement is essentially complete, so access is granted and construction can proceed without receipt of the written documents. Brad reported that Lametti & Sons will honor the bid prices as accepted on April 4th, and they foresee no problems meeting the construction schedule. Page 2 July 11, 2001 RWMWD Minutes