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BWSR Meeting Minutes December 19, 2001 Page Six Education and Public Relations Committee -Paul Krabbenhoft reported that Pete Raeker, BWSR director of communications, presented BWSR's new letterhead, writing pads, thank-you notes and portfolios. BWSR now has a new updated website, which will continue to be a work in progress project. Paul reported that the University of Minnesota Extension Service (MES) is going through reorganization and budget cuts. MES is requesting BWSR's assistance and input as they go through restructuring. The education committee requests that BWSR's senior management team review the conceptual proposal, evaluating how BWSR and MES are utilizing staff and programs statewide. Paul stated that this is an opportunity for BWSR input. Paul reported that the Director of Extension, Chuck Casey, sent his vision to counties, focusing on nutrition and youth, a message needs to come from BWSR to include conservation. Since each of the agencies represented on BWSR have work going on with MES, it was suggested that the Committee pull together the agencies at the next Committee meeting to discuss issues, priorities, and actions. Ron will work with Ron Struss to schedule meetings with agencies. Agency Reports Mark Dittrich, Department of Agriculture (MDA), reported that Sharon Clark is representing the Governor in Duluth today. MDA is working with the American Farm Bureau; a conference will be held in Minnesota in June. MDA received $65,000 for southeastern Minnesota's biogas program. MDA reviewed 44 proposals for sustainable agriculture. Mark stated that the February forecast will provide more information on the budget situation. Dan Wilson, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), reported that the Governor's request for budget reduction is confined to the general fund, which means that the wellhead and well drinking program will not be affected. MDH may need to eliminate programs due to the budget reductions. Dan reported that security in water facilities are in place. Anew automated messaging system sends alerts to water facilities quickly. MDH is recommending that the Legislative Water Commission be reinstated as an efficiency to the state water plan. Dan reported that the local well program delegation is on the third round of formal evaluations, all are operating effectively, they meet annually with state inspectors and drillers and have good communications. Dan reported that there is an 8% jump in housing sales -that does affect wells. Wayne Edgerton, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), reported that the $1.9 billion budget deficit does affect DNR. DNR is looking at elimination of entire programs rather than shaving dollars. Wayne reported that the State won a case regarding a decision in Marshall, Beltrami and Roseau Counties regarding Con-Con lands ditch assessment. The State won the appeal that DNR pay $1.4M in ditch assessments. The three counties will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. DNR held a meeting