Column: Working together to improve water quality

Published 12:00 am Sunday, March 6, 2005

This year will be a watershed year for our community.

First, this year will mark a crucial point for the Shell Rock River Watershed District, when several projects begin after more than a year of planning. For the community, this should be the start of improvements in lake water quality, starting with Pickerel Lake, the &uot;top&uot; of the watershed.

Second, the district will show a higher profile in the community, through public meetings, educational efforts and key projects.

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Let me explain some background on the district and future plans for improving water quality.

Definitions

A watershed is an area of land that drains to the same outlet. In this case, it’s 246 square miles, all within Freeborn County, that drains to the Shell Rock River. This watershed includes Albert Lea, Manchester, Twin Lakes, Glenville, Hayward and part of Clarks Grove.

A watershed district is a local unit of government that works to solve and prevent water-related problems.

Because water does not follow political boundaries, it makes sense to manage natural resources on a watershed basis. This type of management allows for an overall, holistic approach to resource conservation. All other government units, such as states, counties and cities, have political boundaries.

Background on watershed districts

In 1953, Congress approved the federal Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. The act provided financial assistance to local agencies responsible for managing secondary watersheds.

These agencies had the power of eminent domain and the ability to levy for support of their activities.

When the existing soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) declined to assume those powers in Minnesota, the state Legislature approved the Watershed Act (Statute 103D) in 1955.

Minnesota now has 46 watershed districts, each governed by a board of managers. The boards of commissioners of the counties that have land in the districts appoint the watershed managers.

To form a watershed district, local residents, cities or county boards may petition the Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR).

In the case of the Shell Rock, 755 residential landowners &045; 1 signature per household &045; petitioned for the District for the purpose of improving water quality. BWSR formed the Shell Rock River Watershed District in June 2003 and appointed the first board of seven managers.

In June 2004, the Freeborn County Board re-appointed the same managers: Harley Miller, Alan Bakken, Paul Overgaard, Don Sorensen, Ken Nelson, Gary Pestorious and Roger Peterson.

Why appointed and not elected

Some local people have criticized the district because its managers are appointed, not elected. The Legislature set it up this way when authorizing districts in 1955 with the Watershed Act (103D). This legislation sets the role and responsibilities for watershed districts in Minnesota.

Here’s how the Watershed District Manager’s Manual explains it:

&uot;As legislators developed the Act, it became clear that many believed that watershed districts should be managed by people somewhat removed from the political process, so they could make tough and possibly unpopular decisions without worrying about political consequences. To facilitate this concept, legislators agreed that watershed district managers would be appointed, rather than elected. Land use zoning powers would remain with elected city and county officials.&uot;

Watershed districts in Minnesota

Are established when water management problems become greater than one community or city can handle. Water management on a watershed basis is important for uniform and effective controls, to correct and prevent problems.

Use a variety of water management tools to meet their goals and purpose of their districts.

Range in size from the Carnelian-Marine District with 43 square miles, to the Red Lake Watershed District with 5,990 square miles.

Are partners in water planning and management with the state, counties, cities and soil and water conservation districts.

Are partners in wetlands protection and management with the state, counties, cities, and soil and water conservation districts.

Conduct water quality surveys of lakes and streams within the district.

Provide for wildlife and recreational opportunities as benefits of projects to improve water quality and provide flood protection.

Establish, record and maintain hydrological data.

Perform many other duties, such as approving culvert placement in roads and managing drainage systems, in some areas.

For more information, go to www.mnwatershed.org

Shell Rock District

The local District employs one part-time administrator and one full-time conservation technician.

It will soon hire a part-time secretary to help manage its office in the county government center.

It contracts with the County for professional services and office space. It also contracts for the following services: Recording secretary, engineering, and legal work.

Local partnerships

The Shell Rock District works with many entities and individuals to improve water quality.

For example:

The County and District work together on a weekly basis for water monitoring, educational programs, and other projects.

The local Farm Service Agency provides supervision, office space, and other support for a conservation technician, whose wages and benefits are paid by the District.

The City of Albert Lea works closely with the District on educational efforts and other projects.

The Port Authority and DNR are working with the District to establish a green belt around Pickerel Lake.

The DNR is working with the District on reclamation of Pickerel Lake.

Next Meeting

The District Board of Managers will meet at 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, at the Freeborn County Highway Dept. This meeting will include a public hearing on the Board’s proposed bylaws at 3:30 p.m., followed by its annual meeting.

Trivia Question

What year did local citizens first circulate a petition, asking for interest in forming a non-profit group with the sole objective of promoting, beautifying and preserving Fountain and Albert Lea lakes? a) 1935 b) 1955 c) 1975

You can find the answer, and much more information, on www.shellrock.org.

(Cathy Rofshus is the District Administrator. She can be reached at 377-5785 or shellrockwatershed@co.freeborn.mn.us.)