Minnesota has identified the need for Groundwater Management to assure sustainable aquifers to meet Minnesota’s water needs and for Nitrogen and Nutrient Reduction Strategies and targets to halt pollutant loads to our rivers and the Gulf.

Groundwater management practices in response to potential mining projects, silica sand mining, well intervention, and adequate water for business, irrigation, and drinking will affect all of us. Moreover, water conservation planning will be critical to sustaining adequate aquifer levels. Full-functioning wetlands serve as sponges during major storms and for release during droughts. Is the State factoring the significant functional values of Wetlands into mitigation plans?

Please join us February 22rd for the 2014 Watershed Summit at Normandale Community College. This 9th Summit sponsored by the Izaak Walton League begins with Perry Jones, of the USGS, speaking on groundwater, Jason Moeckel, of the DNR, speaking on the DNR’s Groundwater Management Plan and Water Conservation Program, and Wayne Anderson, or the MPCA, speaking on Nitrogen and Nutrient Reduction Strategies and LGU perspectives from involved stakeholders. The afternoon will focus on wetland monitoring for water quality and quantity by the MPCA & DNR. The presentation will be followed by a discussion of the NE Wetland Mitigation Strategy from Doug Norris and Mark Gernes. Jill Bathke, from the MCEA, will present an NGO perspective. Your questions and perspectives are welcome to guide Minnesota toward robust strategies and targets.

Tickets are $15 for students and $30 for general admisssion if you purchase your tickets before 2/17/2014. On or after 2/17/2014, tickets are $20 for students and $35 for general admission. Ticket price includes lunch.

Click here for the draft agenda, parking information and mail in registration.