2008-01-24_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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RECEIVED ~,~~ 0 ? ~~~~~ December 27, 2007 Mark Maloney Grass Lake WMO City of Shoreview 4600 N Victoria St Shoreview, MN 55126 RE: New BWSR Performance Review and Assistance Program Dear Mark Maloney: This letter is intended to inform you about the Board of Water and Soil Resources' new Performance Review and Assistance Program (PRAP). Background During the 2007 legislative session, Minnesota Statutes 103B.102 (see attachment) was amended to give the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) a new responsibility to monitor, report and enhance the performance of local government water management entities. The local government units (LGUs) that will be the focus for this program include soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, water management organizations, and the water management and planning function of counties-a total of more than 240 entities. This action reflects a heightened interest in ensuring that local government conservation efforts result in measurable progress in protecting and improving Minnesota's land and water resources. BWSR established nine principles to guide the development and implementation of the program. These principles are listed on the other side of the attachment. The principles define a program that reflects BWSR's long-standing commitment to partner with local governments in the delivery of land and water conservation services. Program Development Efforts Our first step in program implementation was to form an advisory team with representatives from the different local governmental units. Team members are listed on the attachment. During three meetings this past fall, the team advised us on the scope of the program, helped to identify performance standards for each type of LGU, and contributed insights that will affect the delivery of the program elements. Team members have agreed to serve as- needed during the first year roll-out of the program to provide feedback on program execution. Using the start-up appropriation we hired afull-time program administrator, Don Buckhout, to design and implement the program. Don came to BWSR from the Minnesota DNR and started in his new position in October. The position is housed in BWSR's central office in the regional operations division and will facilitate the field staff s role in program implementation. .l ~. ~:xttf .~'..i f' t 3fJ7f ~j ~ f: ~j;'1 _.. i< 'fit ~ - .... - _. .... ;l ;? i~3 s sty} ~t!(t, 3.i;, ti. 7S 1~ -t l ~~ j°4`i~iii" ~ ..