 | While the Vermillion River is known for its trophy brown trout, brook trout ("brookies") are native to Minnesota. Historical records indicate brook trout stocking efforts dating back to the late-1800’s, but unfortunately the brook trout population never became self-sustaining. Brook trout are more sensitive to pollutants and other stressors than browns and other trout species. The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) and partners’ efforts to improve river and tributary conditions encouraged the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to stock a couple tributaries with brookies on May 13, 2024. According to DNR East Metro Area Fisheries Supervisor T.J. DeBates (pictured left), the brook trout recently stocked in the South Creek and South Branch tributaries (pictured in the top cover photo of this newsletter) are of the Minnesota Driftless strain, referring to the Driftless Area that is home to many of the state's coldwater trout streams. The trout are one year old and bred to survive in the same coldwater conditions that sustain the brown trout. The goal is to build a new self-sustaining brook trout population. | What did VRWJPO accomplish in 2023? Our annual activity and financial report can tell you that, as well as how surface water resources are generally doing over time. Watershed organizations are required to submit annual reports to the Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources (BWSR) every year by the end of April. We also produced a two-page summary with key takeaways from the report. Read the full report and summary. | Are you passionate about protecting water resources? Do you live in the Vermillion River Watershed? We have opportunities for you! The nine-member citizen advisory Watershed Planning Commission (WPC) consists of eight residents from Dakota County and one from Scott County. The WPC guides implementation of the Watershed Plan, annual work plans, and budget through recommendations to the Joint Powers Board. The Commissioners are: Jim Kotz (Chair), Josh Borton (Vice Chair), Steve Hamrick, Andy Riesgraf, Sandra Weber, Brad Blackett, and Kevin Chamberlain. Currently, one position is open each in Dakota County and Scott County. To be eligible to serve on the WPC, you must live within the political boundaries of the Vermillion River Watershed (check in this map by typing your address in the top left). Apply for the WPC by completing an application form for advisory groups in the county you live in: Scott County or Dakota County. The WPC meets quarterly on the second Wednesday of February, May, August, and November at 4:30 p.m. in Conference Room A at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14. | After completing Phase One stakeholder engagement for the 2026-2035 Watershed Plan development, VRWJPO staff synthesized the input we received to the Joint Powers Board, Watershed Planning Commission, and Technical Advisory Group. Staff are now tasked with: ▪ Beginning Phase Two of the stakeholder engagement process; and
▪ Linking Phase One priorities with pertinent studies, monitoring and assessment data, current programs, and past Watershed accomplishments to draft Plan issue statements and goals.
| ▪ | Beginning Phase Two of the stakeholder engagement process; and | | ▪ | Linking Phase One priorities with pertinent studies, monitoring and assessment data, current programs, and past Watershed accomplishments to draft Plan issue statements and goals. | This information will be the foundation from which objectives and action items are developed that will guide the VRWJPO's work for the next ten years. Keep up-to-date on future Watershed Plan development items, including when we start Phase Two stakeholder engagement, by bookmarking our Plan development web page (https://bit.ly/vrw2026). | The City of Lakeville's Avonlea Community Park isn't just getting a new name - Grand Prairie Park - it's getting plenty of new amenities thanks to the passage of the 2021 Park Bond Referendum. Near the intersection of Cedar Ave. and 185th Ave., Grand Prairie Park will host: ▪ Lakeville's first splash pad,
▪ Five multi-use athletic fields,
▪ Pickleball courts,
▪ Trails,
▪ Play equipment, and
▪ Park shelters for the community.
| ▪ | Lakeville's first splash pad, | | ▪ | Five multi-use athletic fields, | | ▪ | Park shelters for the community. | After three years of historic drought, and with the City and VRWJPO prioritizing water conservation initiatives, staff considered ways to incorporate water-wise technologies into the park development process. As a result of this shared vision, VRWJPO will support implementation of stormwater reuse irrigation systems similar to those at King Park and Aronson Park. This location will offer a new water reuse technology as well. The first water reuse system will include a pump house that draws water from two onsite stormwater ponds. This stormwater will be used to irrigate the five multi-use athletic fields, following Minnesota Department of Health guidelines. In addition, an underground tank will be installed to recirculate potable (safe for human consumption) water for the splash pad. Site construction began in April 2024. These projects address VRWJPO goals to reduce stormwater runoff volume, sediment, and phosphorus in nearby Middle Creek-Vermillion River, and to promote groundwater conservation. By reducing the amount of potable water necessary for irrigation and splash pad operations, Lakeville residents will also benefit from reduced strain on local drinking water resources (translating to savings in water extraction, treatment, and delivery costs). | VRWJPO and Lakeville staff initiated a low-voltage electric fish barrier just south of East Lake in Lakeville. The barrier is stationed on a small channel between the lake outlet and North Creek-Vermillion River, deterring invasive fish species such as carp and goldfish from entering or leaving East Lake. It has been operating since early May. While the barrier keeps invasive fish from entering or leaving the lake, it does not manage the population residing within East Lake. In an effort to lower invasive fish populations within the lake, the VRWJPO and City hired a consultant to remove carp and goldfish. Residents in the area were notified of removal efforts and should expect to see them continue throughout the summer. The contractor (pictured right) is using electrofishing, baited nets, and other methods to remove fish. This project was made possible in part by a Clean Water Fund grant from BWSR. | Have you ever looked out at your lawn and thought, “It sure would be nice to water less often, reduce the need to fertilize, and spend less time mowing”? Not quite ready to convert your lawn to native prairie? Our new program, Lawns Reimagined, assists landowners in installing more resilient lawns. Lawns Reimagined is designed by a partnership between the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), VRWJPO, and the Dakota County Environmental Resources Department. The goal of the program is to create healthy lawns using deeper rooted grasses that are more resilient to extreme weather changes than typical Kentucky bluegrass, while maintaining traditional turfgrass lawn uses. These lawns will be composed of fescue grass blends which are slower-growing and require little watering or fertilizer post-establishment, reducing demand for municipal groundwater supply. Reduced mowing frequency results in reduced carbon dioxide emissions from gas lawn mowers and healthier air quality. Participants are eligible to receive onsite technical assistance and seed from Dakota County SWCD after going through the course. We are hosting the first two workshops this month, though the classes are already full and registration has closed. Sign up here to get notified about the next round! | Take action and conserve water this summer in a friendly challenge between cities to see who can be the most “water wise.” Sign up for the Water Wise Challenge Pledge to make changes both indoors and outdoors and learn simple ways to save water and money. ▪ Water usage during the summer months is 2–3 times higher than in winter.
▪ Outdoor water use accounts for more than 30% of total household water use.
▪ In 2022, Dakota County residents used more than 30 billion gallons of groundwater.
▪ More than 90% of the water supply in Dakota County comes from groundwater.
| ▪ | Water usage during the summer months is 2–3 times higher than in winter. | | ▪ | Outdoor water use accounts for more than 30% of total household water use. | | ▪ | In 2022, Dakota County residents used more than 30 billion gallons of groundwater. | | ▪ | More than 90% of the water supply in Dakota County comes from groundwater. | Challenge participants can pick up a free rain gauge at their local city public works office. A big way to use water more efficiently outdoors is to check your lawn irrigation system. Set up or verify your moisture sensor or smart irrigation controller are working correctly so the system can skip scheduled waterings if it's rained enough. A typical lawn needs ~1 inch of water per week. If it gets enough from rain, no need to irrigate! | Thursday, June 6 - Landscaping for Clean Water Introductory Workshop, 6-7 p.m., Zoom Sunday, June 9 - VRWJPO at Dakota County Take a Kid Fishing, 12-3 p.m., Thompson Regional Park, West St. Paul Thursday, June 27 - Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board Meeting, 1-3 p.m., Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center and Microsoft Teams Thursday, July 25 - Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board Meeting, 1-3 p.m., Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center and Microsoft Teams Tuesday, July 30 - VRWJPO at City of Hastings Party in the Park, 5:30-8 p.m., Levee Park, Hastings August 5-11 - VRWJPO at Dakota County Fair, Fairgrounds, Farmington Wednesday, August 14 - Vermillion River Watershed Planning Commission Meeting, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center and Microsoft Teams Thursday, August 22 - Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board Meeting, 1-3 p.m., Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center and Microsoft Teams | | |
