In the meantime, we’re working full steam ahead on the projects in our first OHF grant. You can see those projects on our Lessard-Sams Project page right here at mntu.org. Many projects have been completed already. We’ll soon be updating that page with the status of each project and include before and after photos where applicable. Our first OHF grant is for projects that will be completed in the July 2009-June 2011 timeframe. We’ll soon be getting underway with projects planned in our second OHF grant. The timeframe for those projects is July 2010-June 2012.

Full details and status reports on all our projects will be coming shortly!

http://www.lsohc.leg.mn/

http://www.mntu.org/lessard-sams.html

-Randy Brock, Chairman, Minnesota State Council of Trout Unlimited

We (MNTU and its chapters) have already completed numerous projects using Outdoor Heritage funds, and have many others in process. Visit our L-SOHC Projects page for details. This work is, and has been, a tremendous benefit to Minnesota’s resources, and we are already seeing the results of our labor. Our trout stream improvement and restoration projects not only improve in-stream habitat for trout, invertebrate, and other wildlife (both in-stream and out), but we are reconnecting streams and rivers to their flood plains to improve overall function of the watershed and water quality. While this funding has been a tremendous benefit to MNTU and Minnesotans alike, it hasn’t come without a few questions and raised eyebrows.

Through the first round of Outdoor Heritage Funding, MNTU was granted over $2 million for coldwater fish habitat restoration and enhancement. There was a tremendous amount of blood, sweat, and tears poured into the process of putting together a solid application and figuring out the logistics of handling a grant of this size. After we were granted this funding for Minnesota’s resources, some people have commented that this is a “windfall” for MNTU or that a big pot of money was deposited in our coffers. Fortunately for Minnesota’s resources, this is not the case. This grant money does not allows us to redirect or subjectively use funds for whatever random project or event we choose. Neither MNTU,  any of its volunteers, nor Executive Director, have received a check, salary, stipend, or handout from Outdoor Heritage Funds. There isn’t a “big pot of money” for us to have that option. All the money we’ve received through the L-SOHC funding process goes directly into the work we promised to do when applying for the funds.

When applying for the Outdoor Heritage Fund grant, we (MNTU) assembled a very specific, statewide plan. We put together cost estimates for specific stream projects, which in many cases applied to a specific length of stream. Once we made it through the application process and were informed we were awarded the funds, we put together a “Work Accomplishment Plan.” This Work Accomplishment Plan was then submitted for approval to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. Upon approval, we signed a contract with the State of Minnesota, which is handled through the Commissioner of Natural Resources. All funding paid out through our grant is done so on a reimbursement basis, going directly to the cost of materials, machinery, and contracted labor, with the State of Minnesota writing the check. Just like the Minnesota DNR has to pay for a habitat crew and heavy machinery, the bulk of our costs go to paying contractors who are responsible for operating costly heavy machinery and are working, on-stream, at least 5 days/week. There are also costs associated with project planning, permitting, and proper administration of our $2 million grant.

Our grant is supervised and payments are approved by the Minnesota DNR. No funds ever transfer through Minnesota Trout Unlimited or are available for anything other than what is specifically laid out in our Work Accomplishment Plan. This is why MNTU cannot simply pay for volunteer events or fund fly fishing camps through the “big pot of money.”

Minnesota Trout Unlimited still depends on volunteers to continue in our mission, from local chapters to the state, especially with our expanded, statewide conservation efforts. We need help on stream projects, from seeding and mulching to building fences and lunker structures, or just helping cook lunch for volunteers. We’re always looking for dedicated volunteers to take on and take ownership of leadership positions in Trout Unlimited chapters and on the State Council. If you’re able to help, please contact us. Be part of a strong, dedicated mission to improve Minnesota’s environmental resources.

-Randy Brock
Chairman
Minnesota Trout Unlimited

 The Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) will be considering revisions to guidelines beginning in the summer of 2010.  The MFRC is requesting comment now on the suitability of existing guidelines, and suggestions for new guidelines. Riparian area guidelines will be a focus of this second revision, but all topical and formatting suggestions will be considered.  Comments and suggestions for the scope of revisions must be submitted in electronic format to Rob Slesak at rob.slesak@state.mn.us by 5:00 pm on Friday, April 30, 2010 (the deadline has been extended).

Inquiries and questions may be directed to Mr. Slesak via that e mail, or the address or telephone numbers below:

Robert Slesak
Site-level Program Manager
MN Forest Resources Council
150 Skok Hall
2003 Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108

651-603-6756 (UMN phone)
651-259-5281 (DNR phone)

The complete set of guidelines, as well as the final report of the Riparian Science Technical Committee, is available for review in electronic format or in hard copy upon request. Electronic copies can be found at http://www.frc.state.mn.us/initiatives_sitelevel_management_development.html. 

Input from anglers is critical to the development of guidelines which adequately protect the functions and aquatic resources of forest ecosystems.  Minnesota TU will develop a more complete webpage tracking the process and providing helpful resources and links.  Please check back for regular news.

State Council Meeting on Trout Run

State Council Meeting.  The meeting agenda included the election of the following leaders:

Randy Brock – Chair

Steve Carlton – National Leadership Council Rep

Don Eckenrode – Treasurer

Our field trip to the Vermillion River is a real chance to learn about an on-going endeavor to protect the Vermilion River south of the metro area and its trout population. It is an tribute to the Minnesota DNR and to Twin Cities Trout Unlimited that a level of optimism has been achieved. The Vermillion, as most TUers know, is at risk today, but in a far better place than it was just a few years ago. Come with us on Saturday morning March 27 to witness for yourself the good work being done to restore this wonderful trout stream, and to learn more about trout stream ecology and why so many of our trout waters are at risk as a result of creeping industrial development, home building and “bad” agricultural practices. The Vermillion tour is being conducted by Brian Nerbonne of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Twin Cities Trout Unlimited and the Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota, with the assistance of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. This is a rare and fascinating opportunity to learn about one trout stream’s survival in an urban setting and the people who are protecting it. You’ll need to register by emailing mwfly@mwfly.com, or calling the Great Waters office at 962.920.9028. There is no charge for the tour, or transportation, but you’ll need to purchase an Expo pass for that day (or a weekend pass) before you leave on the bus at 7:30 a.m. Please be warned that the bus will leave at 7:30 a.m. sharp!

(Learn more about the Vermillion River Project at http://www.mntu.org/vermillion.html) 

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Fed by the cold water of natural springs, the valleys of southeastern Minnesota are an angler’s paradise, with more than 700 miles of trout streams. Ecologically sensitive, and popular with anglers from around the upper midwest, these streams require special attention to assure that they remain healthy and productive.

The DNR in 2003 worked with anglers and other interests to develop a 12-year strategic plan and a 6-year management plan to maintain the recreational and biological values of these coldwater resources. Now, at the midpoint of that 12-year period, the DNR is reporting on its progress and fine-tuning plans for the next six years.

The DNR’s 2004-2009 management plan for southeast trout streams included four major goals related to angling opportunities, habitat improvement, research and monitoring, and public information.

Accomplishments for this period include:

• Added 20.26 miles of angling easements on 20 streams.
• Reintroduced native brook trout in 17 streams.
• Implemented tiered trout fishing regulations to increase angling opportunities.
• Assessed fish populations in 68 streams.
• Published 68-page booklet highlighting angling opportunities.
• Intensified long-term monitoring program to better evaluate factors influencing annual variability of trout populations.

While retaining the four major goals of the earlier plan, DNR fisheries staff has identified a number of opportunities for further improvements in their management of southeast Minnesota’s unique coldwater resources for the next few years, including:

• Increase angling opportunities.
• Accelerate acquisition of angling easements.
• Explore simplification of angling regulations.
• Secure new funding for habitat improvement.
• Enhance research and monitoring efforts.
• Augment information on DNR Web site.

Public information meetings on recent accomplishments and proposed plans will be held from 7 -9 p.m., with formal presentations at 7:45 p.m., on:

• Tuesday, March 16, at the DNR Central Office cafeteria, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul
• Tuesday, March 23, at the University Rochester/Heinz Center, 851 30th Ave SE, Room HA 102, Rochester
• Thursday March 25, at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Drive, Lanesboro
• Monday, March 29, at the Frontenac Sportsman’s Community Center, Co. Rd. 2 and Territorial Road, Frontenac
• Monday, April 5, at Elks Lodge 327, 4540 Service Drive, Winona
• Thursday, April 15, at the Four Seasons Community Center, 900 N. Kingston St., Caledonia.

Copies of the draft management plan can be found on the DNR Web site.

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•  Prior to 2007: nearly 8 miles of in-stream habitat work in Southeast Minnesota alone
• 2007 – 3,000’ on Trout Run: 1,000+ hours of volunteer labor; 30 overhead bank cover structures installed; stream banks restored along 3,000’; and 942 cubic yards of rock.
• 2008 – 2,200’ on Hay Creek: 500+ hours of volunteer labor; 21 overhead bank cover structures installed; stream banks restored along 2,200’; and 500 cubic yards of rock.
• 2008 – Vermillion River: Constructed overhead cover structures for Rambling River Park in Farmington; installed structures repaired eroding bank, protected a paved trail, and improved trout habitat. Native grasses planted to further stabilize stream banks.
• 2008 – 2,200’ on Trout Run: 800+ hours of volunteer labor; 30 overhead bank cover structures installed, stream banks restored along 2,200’; and 1042 cubic yards of rock.
• 2009 – 3,200’ on Hay Creek: 700+ hours of volunteer labor; 18 overhead bank cover structures installed; stream banks restored along 3,200’; and 550 cubic yards of rock.
• 2009 – 4,200’ on Vermillion River: In September, worked with DNR to stabilize stream banks and enhance fish habitat in an Aquatic Management Area. Banks sloped and stabilized using natural materials; native grasses planted. OHF funding used.
• 2009 – 2,200’ on Trout Run: 800+ hours of volunteer labor; 27 overhead bank cover structures installed, stream banks restored along 2,200’; and 840 cubic yards of rock.
• 2009 – 3 miles on Crow Spring and Whitewater River: In Sept-Oct largely completed project; wrap up in May 2010. OHF funding added capacity, enabling employment of experienced local contractors, and accelerated the pace of habitat work in Minnesota.

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WRC and BWSR staff will conduct a series of listening sessions around the state to gather ideas and insights to inform the Minnesota Water Sustainability Framework, a 25-year plan on how and when to make investments that will ensure the purity and abundance of Minnesota’s water for generations to come.  Citizens, local officials and water resources professionals are invited to attend the listening session in their area to provide input on this plan. 

In 2008, Minnesota voters approved a Constitutional Amendment to protect drinking water sources; to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat; to preserve arts and cultural heritage; to support parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater. The amendment created a three-eighths of a percent sales tax to fund, among other things, the protection and preservation of Minnesota’s freshwater. The amendment has the potential to raise more than $275 million a year, of which roughly one third will go toward protecting  and preserving Minnesota’s surface and ground water. The WRC has been charged by the Legislature to develop this framework to serve as a roadmap – with clear signposts on how and when to spend the money and on what initiatives – based on scientific research, expert opinion, and input from citizens.
 
Visit the Minnesota Water Sustainability Framework project website at
wrc.umn.edu to learn more about the project.  You are also encouraged to visit the website to be one of 10,000 people to complete the “Minnesotans and Their Water” online survey.  Two separate but similar sessions are planned for each location. 

The agenda and locations for the listening sessions are noted below.

12:30-3:30pm  Regional water resource professionals
- Overview of Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment
- One year status report and check-in on Clean Water Fund implementation
- Overview of Minnesota Water Sustainability Framework Project
- Quantitative Input Session
- Qualitative Input Session

4-6pm  Citizens and local officials
- Overview of Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment
- Overview of Minnesota Water Sustainability Framework Project
- Quantitative Input Session
- Qualitative Input Session

LOCATIONS
St. Cloud (Jan 19) – Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, Hwy 23 & 15
Chanhassen (Jan 21) – Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Snyder Auditorium
Crookston (Feb 3) – UMC, Youngquist Auditorium
Brainerd (Feb 4) – Northland Arboretum
Duluth (Feb 10) – MPCA Building, 525 Lake Ave S, 4th Floor
Rochester (Feb 11) – Holiday Inn, South 1630 S Broadway
Marshall (Feb 16) – Best Western, 1500 E College Drive
West Saint Paul (Feb 18) – Thompson Park, Dakota Lodge