2016 Annual Activity Report and Financial Statement

June 2017

The mission of the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) is to collaboratively provide education, science, and support to restore and protect the Vermillion River Watershed’s natural resources for all who live, work, and play within its boundaries.

Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) 14955 Galaxie Ave Apple Valley, MN 55124

Phone: 952-891-7000 Email: environ@co.dakota.mn.us Web: vermillionriverwatershed.org

CONTENTS Introduction

Board Members, Staff, and Consultants

2016 Work Plan

2017 Work Plan

2016 Financial Statement

Appendices

Introduction The Vermillion River and its tributaries wind through rural,

suburban, and urban landscapes, traveling from the headwaters

in Scott County to two confluences with the Mississippi River

near the cities of Hastings and Red Wing. The Vermillion River

Watershed encompasses 335 square miles of land and portions

of 20 cities and townships. It is the largest watershed in the

seven-county Twin Cities Metropolitan area.

Approximately 49 miles of the Vermillion River’s main stem and

tributaries are Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN

DNR) designated trout streams. The Vermillion River

Watershed’s self-sustaining population of brown trout makes

the river a rare natural resource in a growing metropolitan area.

The river and watershed are managed according to a Joint

Powers Agreement signed by Dakota and Scott counties in 2002.

This agreement formed the Vermillion River Watershed Joint

Powers Organization (VRWJPO), to manage the watershed as

required by Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. Chapter 103B.201).

Dakota and Scott counties established special tax districts within

their portions of the watershed to provide the primary funding

for watershed planning and activities. This 2016 Annual Activity

Report and Financial Statement summarizes the VRWJPO’s

activities in 2016 and its plans for 2017 to protect and improve

the Vermillion River Watershed.

Actions by the VRWJPB in 2016

January

VRW 16-00: Election of Officers

VRW 16-03: Authorization to amend a Joint Powers

Agreement with the City of Lakeville for a stormwater

treatment project as part of the Hamburg Avenue

reconstruction project

VRW 16-04: Authorization to Execute a Joint Powers

Agreement with Dakota County Soil and Water

Conservation District (SWCD) for Services in 2016

VRW 16-05: Authorization to Execute a Joint Powers

Agreement with Scott Soil and Water Conservation

District (SWCD) for Services in 2016

VRW 16-06: Approve the VRWJPO Implementation

Project Funding Policy

February

VRW 16-09: Authorization to Execute a Grant

Agreement with Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR)

for Vermillion River Stewards Program in 2016

VRW 16-10: Authorization to Execute a Joint Powers

Agreement with the City of Lakeville to install a

Pollinator Garden at Valley Lake Park

VRW 16-11: Authorization to Execute a Grant

Agreement with the Minnesota Board of Water and

Soil Resources (BWSR) for the King Park stormwater

re-use system in Lakeville

VRW 16-12: Authorization to Execute a Joint Powers

Agreement with the City of Lakeville for the feasibility

study and design of a stormwater pond and South

Creek improvement project

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Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board The governing body of the VRWJPO is the Vermillion River

Watershed Joint Powers Board (VRWJPB), consisting of two

Dakota County Commissioners and one Scott County

Commissioner. The VRWJPB directs watershed administration,

policy, budget, and implementation of the Vermillion River

Watershed Management Plan. The VRWJPB members included:

o Commissioner Mike Slavik, Dakota County District 1

(Chair), Hastings

O Commissioner Tom Wolf, Scott County District 2

(Vice-chair), Prior Lake

O Commissioner Mary Liz Holberg, Dakota County

District 6 (Secretary/Treasurer), Lakeville

Watershed Planning Commission A nine-member Watershed Planning Commission (WPC)

consisting of citizens of the watershed, appointed by the VRWJPB,

advises the Board regarding its duties under the Joint Powers

Agreement. The WPC is responsible for guiding implementation of

the Watershed Plan, annual work plan, and budget. The WPC also

recommends actions regarding disputes that occur over the

elements of the Joint Powers Agreement. The WPC members

during 2016 were:

o John Glynn, Chair, Apple Valley

o James Guttmann, Vice Chair, Lakeville

o Chuck Clanton, Hampton Township

o Jeanie Fredlund, Eureka Township

o Mark Henry, Castle Rock Township

o Brian Rohrenbach, Rosemount

o Tony Wotzka, Lakeville

o Ken Betzold, Castle Rock Township

o Vacant (Scott County)

VRWJPO Administrators and Staffing The VRWJPO is housed within Dakota County’s Environmental

Resources Department. The VRWJPO is staffed with an

administrator from Dakota County and a co-administrator from

Scott County; other Dakota and Scott county employees provide

support for specific projects. Staff in 2016 was:

o Mark Zabel, VRWJPO Administrator (Dakota County)

o Melissa Bokman, VRWJPO Co-administrator (Scott

County)

Actions by the VRWJPB in 2016 (continued)

February (continued)

VRW 16-13: Authorization to the release of the final

draft 2016-2025 Vermillion River Watershed

Management Plan to the BWSR and state agencies for

90-day review

March VRW 16-16: Approve the VRWJPO submittal to the

BWSR for the Biennial Budget Process for 2018-2019

VRW 16-17: Approve release of a Request for Qualifications for consultant services in 2016-2017 VRW 16-18: Appointment of Anthony Wotzka of

Lakeville to the Vermillion River Watershed Planning

Commission (WPC)

April VRW 16-21: Approve proposed amendments to the VRWJPO 2016 Budget VRW 16-22: Approve the VRWJPO Consultants List for 2016-2017 VRW 16-23: Authorization to submit the 2015 VRWJPO Annual Activity Report and Financial Statement to the BWSR on or before April 29, 2016 VRW 16-24: Authorization to Execute a Joint Powers Agreement with Dakota County for the Feasibility Study and Floodplain Analysis for the Dakota County Transportation Department’s 78-06 Project VRW 16-25: Authorization to Execute Grant Agreement with the DNR for the Rambling River Park Bank and Habitat Restoration VRW 16-26: Authorization to Execute a Joint Powers Agreement with Dakota County for Dakota County Transportation Department’s 9-36 Project/King Park Stormwater Reuse May VRW 16-29: Authorization to Execute a Joint Powers Agreement with Dakota County and the University of Minnesota Extension for an Irrigation Scheduling Pilot Project with agricultural producers and amend the VRWJPO 2016 Budget VRW 16-30: Authorization to execute a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Burnsville for Alimagnet Lake stormwater improvement feasibility studies and amend the VRWJPO 2016 Budget

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o Travis Thiel, Environmental Specialist, Watershed

Management (Dakota County)

o Paula Liepold, Environmental Specialist, Education

and Outreach (Dakota County)

o Katherine Carlson, Environmental Specialist, Water

Resources (Dakota County)

o Mark Ryan, Water Resources Engineer (Dakota

County)

The counties’ respective Soil and Water Conservation Districts

(SWCDs) provide monitoring, and technical assistance services

for the VRWJPO. Additional technical or specialized services are

provided through contracts with consultants. District Managers

for the SWCDs in 2016 were:

o Brian Watson, Manager, Dakota County SWCD

o Troy Kuphal, Manager, Scott SWCD

Legal Consultant The Joint Powers Agreement for the VRWJPO provides for

consultation from the Dakota County Attorney’s Office on legal

and contractual matters, including revisions to the Watershed

Plan, Rules, and Standards. The attorney assigned to the

VRWJPO is:

o Helen Brosnahan, Assistant County Attorney

Technical Advisory Group (TAG) The VRWJPO consults with a Technical Advisory Group (TAG)

consisting of local, regional, state, and federal government

partners, and non-profits, with expertise and interest in

watershed issues, to discuss emerging scientific, technical, and

policy impacts on the Vermillion River Watershed. The TAG

generally meets quarterly to discuss projects and policies from a

scientific and technical perspective. In 2016, the TAG met three

times to provide input and consultation on policy updates.

Representatives include, but are not limited to:

o Cities and townships within the Vermillion River

Watershed;

o Dakota and Scott counties;

o Dakota and Scott County SWCDs;

o Metropolitan Council;

o Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA);

o Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA);

Actions by the VRWJPB in 2016 (continued)

June VRW 16-33: Adoption of the 2016-2025 Vermillion

River Watershed Management Plan

VRW 16-34: Authorization to Execute a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Farmington for the Rambling River Park Bank Stabilization and Habitat Restoration Project July VRW 16-37: Authorization to Schedule a public hearing

for the draft VRWJPO 2017 Budget

VRW 16-38: Authorization to Execute a contract with Veit & Company, Inc., for stormwater best management practices at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley August VRW 16-41: Conduct a Public Hearing to Receive

Comments on and Adoption of the Preliminary

VRWJPO 2016 Budget and Vermillion River Watershed

Management Tax District Levy

VRW 16-42: Authorization to Initiate the Master Water

Stewards Program in the Vermillion River Watershed

September VRW 16-45: Authorization to Amend the Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Lakeville for the Avonlea Residential Development Wetland and Stream Restoration Projects VRW 16-46: Authorization to Amend the Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Lakeville for the Hamburg Avenue Reconstruction Stormwater Treatment Project October VRW 16-49: Authorization to Amend the JPA with the Minnesota Zoo for stormwater management practices VRW 16-50: Authorization to Execute a JPA with Dakota County for the Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP) December VRW 16-53: Adoption of 2017 VRWJPB Meeting

Schedule

VRW 16-54: Adoption of Final VRWJPO 2016 Budget

VRW 16-55: Authorization to Execute a Grant

Agreement with the DNR for the South Creek Stream

Habitat Restoration Project in Farmington

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o Minnesota Department of Health (MDH);

o Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR);

o Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR);

o Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS);

o Environmental Consulting Firms;

o University of Minnesota Extension;

o Environmental Groups; and

o Other interested parties.

Consultants

The VRWJPO enters into contracts with consultants to provide engineering and environmental professional services

for water resources management projects. Below is the pool of professional service consultants.

Consultant List for 2016-2017

Consultant Contact Street Address City State Zip Code

Barr Engineering Len Kremer 4700 W. 77th St., #200 Edina MN 55435

Bolton & Menck, Inc. William Douglas 1960 Premier Drive Mankato MN 55601

Cardno Mark Pranckus P.O. Box 1528 Eau Claire WI 54703

Civil Methods, Inc. Kent Brander 1551 Livingston Ave., #104 Fridley MN 55432

Emmons & Olivier Resources Brett Emmons 651 Hale Avenue N. Oakdale MN 55128

Houston Engineering Chris Otterness 6901 E. Fish Lake Rd., #140 Maple Grove MN 55369

Howard R. Green Co. Jonathon Kusa 2550 University Ave. W. St. Paul MN 55114

Inter-Fluve Inc. Marty Melchior 301 S. Livingston St. #200 Madison WI 53714

Limno-Tech Inc. Hans Holmberg 7300 Hudson Blvd. #295 Oakdale MN 55128

SRF Consulting Group Dave Filipiak One Carlson Pkwy N. #150 Minneapolis MN 55447

Tetra Tech Scott Tracy P.O. Box 61 Stillwater MN 55082

TKDA Patrick McLarnon 444 Cedar Street, #1500 St. Paul MN 55101

Wenck Associates Joe Bischoff 1800 Pioneer Rd. Creek Ctr. Maple Plain MN 55359

Contracts In December 2015, the VRWJPO issued a Request for Proposals to provide an assessment of pollutant sources for the Minnesota Zoo’s Main Lake (Res. No. VRW 15-15). The VRWJPO received five proposals, and in January 2016 selected Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. to complete the project. The RFP is included in Appendix I.

In March 2016, the VRWJPO issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to develop a general consultant list for 2016-2017 (shown above), as is required by Minn. Rules 8410.

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In April 2016, the VRWJPB authorized staff to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking the assistance of a water

resource engineering firm to conduct a feasibility study and floodplain analysis for the County 78-06 Transportation

project (Res. No. VRW 16-24). The VRWJPO received four proposals, and selected Civil Methods, Inc. to complete the

project. The RFP is included in Appendix I.

In August 2016, the VRWJPO authorized staff to enter into a contract for contractor services for installation of stormwater best management practices and water quality improvements at the MN Zoo (Res. No. VRW 16-38). The VRWJPO received four proposals, and selected Veit & Company, Inc. to complete the project. The Request for Board Action is included in Appendix I.

In November 2016, the VRWJPO authorized staff to enter into a contract for a sign company to produce 10 North Creek

and South Creek identification signs for placement in Lakeville city parks. The VRWJPO received three proposals, and

selected Newman Signs, Inc. to complete the project. The contract is included in Appendix I.

In December 2016, the VRWJPB authorized staff to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a design company to develop

and design interpretive signs for placement at several local projects (see draft concept design below). The VRWJPO

received five proposals, and selected Jane Beattie to complete the project. The RFP is included in Appendix I.

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2016 Work Plan Activities The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) is poised to move into the next decade of

watershed management after a successful year of implementation.

The 2016-2025 Vermillion River Watershed Management Plan was adopted as required by the Minnesota Board of

Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) on May 25, 2016, and was formally adopted by the VRWJPB on June 23, 2016.

Water management organizations, such as the VRWJPO, are to:

Protect, preserve, and use natural surface and groundwater storage and retention systems.

Minimize public capital expenditures needed to correct flooding and water-quality problems.

Identify and plan for means to effectively protect and improve surface and groundwater quality.

Establish more uniform local policies and official controls for surface and groundwater management.

Prevent erosion of soil into surface water systems.

Promote groundwater recharge.

Protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat and water recreational facilities.

Secure the other benefits associated with the proper management of surface and groundwater.

After years of data collection, the VRWJPO saw the data being put to

work in 2016. Not only was the VRWJPO’s long-term monitoring up

and running; volunteer programs were overflowing with activity.

Activity included:

The VRWJPO’s standard data-collection programs of the

Vermillion River Monitoring Network and Biomonitoring;

Routine staff and contracted programs including the Wetland

Health Evaluation Program, Vermillion River Stewards Program,

and Landscaping for Water Quality program; and

The brand new Master Water Stewards program.

A complete 2016 work plan is located in Appendix II.

Administrative Administrative responsibilities include: staff recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision; coordinating and

documenting VRWJPB meetings, decisions, and directions; coordinating and documenting WPC and TAG meetings,

decisions, and recommendations; managing the budget; setting priorities and developing work plans; managing

contracts; reporting; and seeking funding. In 2016, the VRWJPO:

Coordinated and documented 11 VRWJPB meetings, for which Requests for Board Action and Joint Powers

Agreements were prepared, presented, and submitted to the Board members.

Conducted annual election of officers (Res. No. VRW 16-00).

Coordinated and documented 9 Watershed Planning Commission (WPC) meetings.

Appointed Anthony Wotzka of Lakeville to the WPC (Res. No. VRW 16-18).

Coordinated three meetings of the TAG focused on soil management strategies, VRWJPO policy, water re-use and

groundwater recharge, Minnesota buffer law, and other issues.

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Arranged a watershed tour to highlight installed projects to the VRWJPB, WPC, TAG, and other representatives

from local partners and State agencies.

Managed and reported on the VRWJPO budget, providing expense reports (including staff costs) and treasurer’s

reports for Board approval at VRWJPB meetings.

Amended the 2016 budget to allocate cost share competitive grant dollars for an irrigation scheduling pilot project

with Dakota County and the University of Minnesota Extension (Res. No. VRW 16-30).

Amended the 2016 budget to reflect funds allocated for the Alimagnet Lake stormwater improvement feasibility

study as part of watershed-wide WRAPS projects (Res. No. VRW 16-31).

Adopted the 2016-2025 Vermillion River Watershed Management Plan (Res. No. VRW 16-33).

Developed a proposed 2017 budget and special watershed management tax district levy for public hearing and

VRWJPB approval (Res. No. VRW 16-37) and final 2016 budget approval (Res. No. VRW 16-41).

Amended a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Lakeville for the Hamburg Avenue reconstruction stormwater

treatment project to extend the term from August 31, 2016 to December 31, 2016 (Res. No. 16-46).

Amended a Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota Zoo to allow for Dakota County Soil and Water

Conservation District (SWCD) cost share funding (Res. No. 16-49).

Set VRWJPB 2017 meeting dates (Res. No. VRW 16-53).

Approved the final VRWJPO 2017 budget (Res. No. VRW 16-54).

Monitoring and Data Analysis Water quality and quantity monitoring data are essential for effective management of the Vermillion River Watershed.

Surface water and groundwater monitoring allow the VRWJPO to determine the current condition of the resource, any

trends occurring over time, highest priorities for protection and restoration, and effectiveness of water-quality

improvement projects. The following activities reflect the VRWJPO’s commitment to evidence-based watershed

management.

Vermillion River Monitoring Network – Dakota County and Scott

SWCDs sample, maintain, and upload information to statewide

databases from the Vermillion River Monitoring Network,

reporting annually to the VRWJPO and citizens on the river and

tributaries’ conditions and trends. The SWCDs’ staff collected

water samples, monitoring for nitrate/nitrite, total Kjeldahl

nitrogen, total phosphorus, dissolved phosphorus, total

suspended solids (TSS), volatile suspended solids, pH, E. coli,

transparency, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and conductivity.

Both routine and event monitoring take place throughout the

year, primarily between April and November, but also during

snowmelt runoff events that took place during the winter

months.

Bacteria Monitoring - Based on results from the 2015 VRWJPO Monitoring Network Report, additional sampling in

New Market Township was warranted in an effort to identify the source(s) of high counts of E. coli bacteria that

were found at the VR24 monitoring site at the Scott/Dakota County line. E. coli counts were found to be higher by

orders of magnitude compared to sampling from previous years and compared to other monitoring sites in the

network. A meeting was held between VRWJPO, Scott County, and Scott SWCD staff to identify potential host

sources and source inputs, determine sampling locations, and consider follow up actions. Based on the outcome of

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the meeting, sampling was conducted and a laboratory technique called DNA fingerprinting was used to help

identify the host source of bacteria. Based on the land uses and potential source inputs near the River, it was

determined that sampling for cattle and human host sources would be most practical at pre-identified sampling

locations. Unfortunately, sampling occurred late in the monitoring season when bacteria were not expected to be at

their highest count. Results indicated low presence of human sources and low or no presence of cattle

sources. Based on these results, additional sampling will be done in 2017 to allow for better timing and potential

source identification.

Biomonitoring Plan – In 2016, Wenck Associates began year one of a six-year fish sampling cycle as part of the

VRWJPO’s biomonitoring program throughout the watershed. This year-one dataset helped establish the

appropriate sampling frequency for future monitoring efforts. There are 18 monitoring sites on either a two-year or

three-year monitoring rotation. The results of the fish and macroinvertebrate Indices of Biological Integrity (IBIs) has

provided the VRWJPO with information regarding the health of the biological community. Assessment was also

completed comparing the temperature and fish species between the Vermillion River and other southeastern

Minnesota streams. Evaluation of data from these sites suggests that although temperature is a known important

factor influencing coldwater fish community populations and health, it does not appear to be the sole driver of fish

community scores. However, the evaluation noted that the presence or absence of native coldwater fish species

appears to be a much greater influence on IBI scores.

Macroinvertebrate monitoring provides a window on water quality that is extremely valuable in assessing stream

health. Macroinvertebrates are sensitive to ecosystem changes, live in an ecosystem more than a year, can’t escape

changes in water quality, and can be collected easily and

inexpensively. Low Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) scores at

Vermillion River Watershed sites are driven by an abundance of

pollution-tolerant species and a limited number of pollution-

sensitive species.

The macroinvertebrate monitoring sites within the Vermillion

River Watershed are scored under the MPCA Statewide IBI scoring

protocol. Direct comparisons of biological communities from

different water resources are made using indices specific to

certain types of water resources located in similar geographical

areas. Biomonitoring stations in the Vermillion River Watershed are classified in three different categories: Southern

Coldwater Streams, Southern Forest Streams GP, or Southern Streams. IBI scores vary across all three categories,

with the reaches within the Southern Coldwater category having generally higher scores (fair to good conditions)

than stream reaches in the other two categories.

Drinking Water Monitoring – Dakota and Scott Counties manage several ongoing programs to monitor and address

water quality in private drinking water wells. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) currently implements

its Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan, published in 2015, to address nitrate contamination of groundwater state-

wide. Because Dakota County has widespread issues with nitrate and herbicide detections in private drinking water

wells, it was one of the first counties to participate in MDA’s “Township Testing” program to quantify the state’s

nitrate contamination areas. The results highlighted Dakota County as one of the State of Minnesota’s most

intensive areas of nitrate contamination of groundwater.

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In 2017, MDA will publish the Nitrogen Fertilizer Rule for public comment. The Rule will restrict usage of nitrogen

fertilizer in the fall and establish procedures for additional nitrogen fertilizer regulation in the future. MDA has hired

new staff to conduct agricultural outreach related to water quality in Dakota County.

Agency Monitoring – The DNR is continuing an intensive monitoring effort in response to potential impacts to the

quantity of water within the Vermillion River from groundwater withdrawals via appropriations. The DNR maintains

responsibility for six stream gaging within the watershed as part of this effort.

The VRWJPO continues to provide cost share for the operation of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Blaine Avenue

gaging station, which has the longest continuous record of flow in the watershed. Real-time stage and flow data is

available from the USGS station, and this information can be accessed at

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?site_no=05345000.

Continuous temperature monitoring was conducted at the seven stream gaging stations the SWCD and DNR

operate, as well as at the Metropolitan Council’s Watershed Outlet Monitoring Program (WOMP) station in Hastings.

Maintaining Monitoring Infrastructure – The VRWJPO provides cost share to maintain the USGS Blaine Avenue

flow-gaging station and contracts annually with specialists at the DNR for assistance with maintenance, rating-curve

development, and data analysis and compilation at its seven other automated flow-monitoring stations.

Public Outreach and Communication Communicating the value of clean water continues to be an essential part of the VRWJPO’s mission, and civic

engagement has taken on greater importance in watershed processes.

Public outreach and communication take many forms, including ensuring that the public understands what a watershed

is, how the Vermillion River Watershed is different from other watersheds, what problems exist, how we can work

together to find solutions, how citizens can engage in protecting the watershed, and what resources are available to

assist in achieving watershed goals. Among the outreach and communication programs partially funded or conducted by

the VRWJPO in 2016:

Master Water Stewards – New in 2016, this program invites residents to become a Master Water Steward (MWS) by

protecting local waterways from pollution and educating their neighbors on clean

water issues. The MWS program provides training and opportunities for stewards

to build projects in their neighborhoods to prevent polluted rainwater from

entering lakes or streams.

Three enthusiastic residents devoted themselves to learning about hydrology and

stormwater basics, policy, community engagement, and best management

practice planning, evaluation, and maintenance. These stewards are working on

capstone projects to complete certification and plan to graduate in the fall 2017.

Stewardship Grants – The Stewardship Grant program, which began in July 2014

(VRW 14-35), awards applicants up to $5,000 to promote water quality awareness,

engagement, and action locally. The VRWJPO received and funded one proposal,

the Valley Lake Park Pollinator Garden shown adjacent.

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Landscaping for Clean Water / Blue Thumb – Raingarden installation engages many watershed residents in hands-

on water quality and landscape improvements. The VRWJPO maintained its support in 2016 for Landscaping for

Clean Water (in the Dakota County portion of the watershed) and Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water (in Scott

County) to educate citizens about the benefits of raingardens, native gardens, and shoreline restoration for water

quality.

Dakota County SWCD held 10 introductory workshops that attracted 273 residents and 20 design workshops with

118 people in attendance in 2016. This effort resulted in 100 project designs, 54 applications for grants, 54 projects

approved for funding, and 39 grants awarded for raingardens, shoreline restorations, or native garden projects.

The Landscaping for Clean Water program drives 80 percent of Dakota County SWCD’s inquiries for larger urban

conservation projects in the watershed. Scott SWCD offers Blue Thumb workshops and native prairie planting

workshops that cover the Elko New Market/New Market Township portion of the watershed. Fact sheets showing

these and other 2016 CIP projects are contained in Appendix III and posted on the VRWJPO website.

Vermillion River Watch – In 2016 the VRWJPO continued support of Dakota County SWCD’s working with educators

and students at Rosemount and Hastings High Schools to collect macroinvertebrates and habitat data, identify

macroinvertebrates, and compare species type and abundance to biological metrics. This is a successful way to

interest students in scientific disciplines and engage them in protecting and improving water resources.

Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP) – Engages citizen volunteers to help monitor wetlands in their

community. Participating cities each select up to four wetlands to be monitored each season by trained volunteers.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency trains volunteer teams on wetland monitoring protocols, as well as

macroinvertebrate and plant identification. The program turns volunteers into “citizen scientists”; it is an excellent

opportunity for environmental education and natural resource information gathering.

In 2016, ten cities and the Dakota County Parks Department participated in WHEP, monitoring 35 different

wetlands. Volunteers collected data on the macroinvertebrates and plants that exist in the wetlands, identified the

species, and used the MPCA’s Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) to estimate the health of each wetland.

WHEP volunteers donated more than 1,996 hours in training, sample

collection, and sample identification while conducting this valuable monitoring

program in 2016. Since WHEP began in 1997, volunteers have sampled 181

wetlands total. Fortin Consulting conducts data analysis and reporting.

Vermillion Stewards– Vermillion Stewards program is implemented by the

Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) through funding provided by the

VRWJPO and other sources. Volunteers participate in hands-on stewardship

and educational programs throughout the Vermillion River Watershed. The

program provides a great way for watershed residents to actively help protect

the Vermillion River. The Vermillion Stewards program involves partnerships

with local cities, SWCDs, schools, and other organizations.

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In 2016, FMR held 21 stewardship events in the watershed, of which 9 were funded by the VRWJPO. The Vermillion

Stewards activities drew an estimated 606 volunteers, 245 on the VRWJPO-funded events. Participants spent 757.5

volunteer hours on learning about the watershed and engaging in activities such as “make and take” rain barrel

workshops, native planting, tree planting, seed collection, river cleanups, and educational tours. In 2016, 66 percent

of the Vermillion Stewards volunteers were residents of the Vermillion River Watershed.

Publications – The VRWJPO provides an electronic newsletter to interested residents in the watershed twice a year

(Spring and Fall 2016 issues) as required by Minn. Rules Part 8410.0100, Subpart 4. The VRWJPO’s beneficial

activities and educational messages are featured in news media reports, internal and external newsletters, and

other publications. Frequently Asked Questions fact sheets are also developed to explain watershed standards and

policies to citizens.

Website – In June, the VRWJPO launched a redesigned website with the goal of a more user friendly, engaging, and

interactive site oriented toward action. The new website was designed with public input and is now mobile-friendly

and easy to navigate, with a host of new and exciting features, including:

o Get involved in the watershed through volunteering, improving water quality, or taking advantage of

financial or technical assistance

o Maps illustrating watershed features and an interactive map showcasing projects in the watershed

o Photo gallery, and an option for you to submit your photos

o News and events to follow

o 2016-2025 Watershed Plan showcases a range of actions we’ll take to protect and improve water

resources

o Plans and reports documenting accomplishments, monitoring results, subwatershed assessments, and

more

Agricultural Outreach – Dakota County partners with the University of Minnesota Extension to work with

agricultural producers on: management of fertilizers and pesticides; demonstration projects; the Annual Crops Day

and Field Day events; and other efforts to improve water quality and land conservation. In 2016, the extension

educator assisted the VRWJPO in promoting the Irrigation Scheduling Services for water conservation and nitrate

reduction in Dakota County. This program is described more in the Capital Improvement Projects section.

Community Event Participation – In 2016, the VRWJPO participated in the City of Lakeville’s Earth Day Celebration

and the City of Farmington’s Earth & Arbor Day Celebration, staffing watershed displays on impaired waters. The

VRWJPO also sent staff to volunteer at the City of Farmington’s Pollution Prevention Day where students learn how

their actions impact the environment and that their actions make a difference. Staff also provided a booth

describing the watershed and spoke to VRWJPO efforts at the 2016 Water Summit in Red Wing.

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School Outreach on Stream Project – The VRWJPO completed a stream remeandering project on Middle Creek in

Farmington in 2015. In 2016, VRWJPO staff met with fourth grade classes from Meadowview Elementary School,

located next to the stream remeander project, to describe the project and hunt for macroinvertebrates in the

stream. The hope for this location is that it will continue to provide an “outdoor classroom” venue for school staff to

create their own programs and for the VRWJPO to educate students on watershed goals in the future. In 2015, the

VRWJPO installed an interpretive sign at the location to provide information on the benefits of a meandering stream

and the importance of stream health to wildlife.

Partnership Building and Collaborative Efforts – In cooperation with groups, the VRWJPO works to eliminate

duplication of effort, leverage resources, instill consistency, share knowledge and expertise, and make each public

dollar go further in achieving water quality, quantity, and safety goals. In 2016, the VRWJPO supported the Metro

WaterShed Partners, a coalition of watershed organizations, cities, and interest groups providing effective water-

oriented messages to the general public. The VRWJPO also provided in-kind support and hosted a workshop led by

Fortin Consulting, Inc., on winter parking lot and sidewalk maintenance (August 26, 2016); 26 people attended.

Dakota County staff took a leadership role in the Metro Children’s Water Festival planning and implementation, and

the VRWJPO provided financial support for schools located in the watershed to participate in the popular event.

Scott Clean Water Education Program (SCWEP) – In 2016, SCWEP focused activities and outreach on the overall

theme of “Clean Water Starts with Me!” There were

multiple initiatives to help choices for clean water

become second nature to Scott County residents

including: one native prairie workshop, two raingarden

workshops, and two shoreline workshops; Outdoor

Education Days, which brings together 5th grade

students (including those from Elko New Market) at

Cedar Lake Farm Park in New Prague, for interactive

activities and learning stations on environmental

issues; and displaying the SCWEP booth and

informational rack cards at various public events

throughout the year such as the Scott County Fair.

Capital Improvement Projects The VRWJPO continues to ensure that Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) with direct and observable benefits to water

quality and quantity and aquatic habitat are identified and developed. Through cost-share programs, the VRWJPO

provides assistance and incentives for Local Government Units and other partners seeking effective solutions to local

water-quality problems. To find out more about cost-share programs, please review the VRWJPO’s project funding

policy.

In 2016, CIPs included:

Dakota County SWCD Cost Share Programs – Dakota County SWCD receives funding from the VRWJPO to

implement a variety of cost-share programs to improve water quality. These include:

o Landscaping for Clean Water Technical Assistance and Grant Program – The Landscaping for Clean

Water Program combines incentive funding with training and technical assistance to make it easy for

Dakota County residents to plan and install native gardens, raingardens, and stabilized shorelines. In

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2016, the SWCD helped residents install one native garden, seven raingardens and one shoreline

restoration project, providing grants of up to $250 for each project. See Factsheets in Appendix III.

o Conservation Initiative Funding Program – Developers interested in installing practices that protect

water quality, improve habitat, manage stormwater, and prevent erosion can receive up to $20,000 for

project costs. Dakota County SWCD did not cost-share any CIF projects in 2016 with VRWJPO funds.

o Incentive Payment Practice Program – This program leverages state and federal dollars to improve

feedlots and other agricultural land. The Dakota County SWCD provided technical assistance on six

projects in 2016.

2016 Dakota County Projects

Project Practices Installed Jurisdiction VRWJPO* Other Landowner Pollutant Reduction/Year

Nick Stein Jr

Terraces Hampton Twp.

$17,172

$6,182

240 tons of soil and 117 lbs. of phosphorus

HAFA Farms

Grassed waterway Vermillion Twp.

$1,227 $409 281 tons of soil, 15 lbs. of phosphorus

GTJ Company

Water and sediment control basin

Eureka Twp. $5,025 $1,730 56 tons of soil, 8 lbs. of phosphorus

Wolmering Family

Water and sediment control basins (2) & critical area planting

Vermillion Twp.

$713 (staff time)

$6,354 (state)

$2,118 90 tons of soil, 11 lbs. of phosphorus

Ralph Wagner

Water and sediment control basins (5)

Nininger Twp.

$12,625 $3,752 (state)

$10,998 403 tons of soil, 87 lbs. of phosphorus

Lois Peterson

Water and sediment control basins (2)

Eureka Twp. $8,782

$2,927

118 tons of soil, 24 lbs. of phosphorus

*additional technical assistance costs not included

Scott SWCD Cost Share Programs - Scott SWCD receives funding from the VRWJPO to implement a variety of cost-

share programs to improve water quality. These include:

o Blue Thumb | Planting For Clean Water – This program is a public/private partnership that promotes

native plants, raingardens, and shoreline stabilization projects to reduce runoff and improve water

quality. Scott County residents work with professionals to design and install native gardens, raingardens

and stabilize shorelines. Grant opportunities also exist.

o Technical Assistance & Cost Share Program – Several cost share options exist for landowners in Scott

County. Agricultural, Buffer, Rural Residential and Urban incentives are available. For up-to-date

information see the Scott SWCD website.

2016 Scott County Projects

Project Practices Installed Jurisdiction VRWJPO Other Landowner Pollutant Reduction/Year

Bob Hanna Well Decommissioning

Don Wiedner Streambank Protection

Dan Thompson

Grade Stabilization Structure

Vicky Wenner Restoration & Mgmt of Declining Habitats

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2016 Scott County Projects continued Project Practices Installed Jurisdiction VRWJPO Other Landowner Pollutant

Reduction/Year Eric Morrone Restoration & Mgmt

of Declining Habitats New Market Twp.

$3,360 $560 3.7 tons of soil, 1.7 lbs. of phosphorus

Dan Thompson

Streambank Protection

Fact sheets on cost-share projects completed with Dakota County or Scott SWCD assistance and VRWJPO

funding are available in Appendix III.

Minnesota Zoo Stormwater Retrofits – In a collaborative effort with State, regional, and local partners, five

stormwater retrofit best management practices (BMPs) were designed and installed throughout the Minnesota Zoo.

The entire MN Zoo property was analyzed to locate opportunities for stormwater retrofit practices, which were then

prioritized by cost effectiveness, pollutant removal, public education value, and compatibility with existing and

future conditions at the zoo. The installed BMPs will capture 2.2 tons of soil and 6.5 pounds of phosphorous per

year, promote groundwater recharge with 8.9 acre-feet of runoff per year infiltrated, and showcase these practices

in a strategic venue for public outreach and education. A grant of $119,883 came from the Metropolitan Council, the

Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District secured a $50,000 Clean Water Fund grant and the VRWJPO

used $45,000 in cost-share money for this work.

Hamburg Avenue Stormwater Improvements – Installation began in 2016 within the City of Lakeville to incorporate

stormwater treatment into the reconstruction of Hamburg Avenue. Underground chambers were installed in the

ditches at Airlake Industrial Park to capture and infiltrate stormwater runoff. Previously, the runoff from Hamburg

Avenue and local businesses flowed through the ditches along Hamburg Avenue and discharged untreated to South

Creek, a designated trout stream. The chambers provide temporary storage for water until it infiltrates into the

underlying soils. This project, a partnership between the VRWJPO, City of Lakeville, and the Minnesota Board of

Water and Soil Resources, is preventing 17.5 acre-feet of runoff and 13 pounds of phosphorous per year from

traveling downstream while also reducing water temperatures in the trout stream. The City of Lakeville paid

$51,488, a $50,000 Clean Water Fund was secured by Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the

VRWJPO used $140,000 in cost-share money for this work.

Water use and fertilizer management – In partnership with Dakota County, University of Minnesota Extension

(Extension), and the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), the VRWJPO provided an incentive

program to agricultural producers who use irrigation. The incentive program’s goal was to increase efficiency of

center pivot irrigation systems and, as a result, better manage water use and fertilizer. The program provided staff

services to regularly collect field-specific moisture data and consult with producers about irrigation scheduling. The

VRWJPO and our partners want to assist agricultural producers in being proactive to improve surface and

groundwater quality and quantity.

Feasibility/Preliminary Studies Projects depending upon VRWJPO funds or support often require feasibility or preliminary studies to determine whether

they are practical, cost effective, and implementable. Project explored in 2016 include:

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Alimagnet Lake Stormwater Improvements – The VRWJPO and the City of Burnsville feasibility study consisted of

evaluation, design, and cost estimation of BMP retrofits and alum treatment to existing stormwater ponds to reduce

phosphorus loading to Alimagnet Lake. The aim is to make progress toward the City’s phosphorus reduction goal, of

approximately 26 pounds, outlined in the Vermillion River Watershed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).

Within the study, consideration of storage capacity, removal efficiency, and costs were evaluated. The VRWJPO

allocated $20,000 within its 2016 budget to fund the study.

South Creek Stream Habitat Restoration – The VRWJPO applied for and was awarded grant funding from the

Conservation Partners Legacy Grant to restore and improve stream habitat within South Creek, a trout stream

tributary to the Vermillion River. The restoration will consist of a multitude of different features that will provide

new and improved habitats, increase sinuosity, improve aeration, reduce stream temperatures, and stabilize eroding

slopes.

This project is important as it improves habitat in a

vital trout stream, meets goals identified in the

VRWJPO's Watershed Management Plan, addresses

biotic stressors with strategies identified for index of

biotic integrity (IBI) improvement for the Vermillion

Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy

(WRAPS), and provides better opportunities for local

recreation.

Nitrate Removal Feasibility Study and Floodplain

Effects – The VRWJPO, in conjunction with Dakota

County Transportation, required assistance in examining design options for treatment practices for Dakota County’s

Transportation Project 78-06 in Castle Rock Township. Projects sought for review and feasibility included nitrate

removal, best management practices for managing the additional runoff from roadway reconstruction, and/or larger

practices that can be installed to provide more holistic treatment of the drainage in the project area.

Due to the hydrologic and hydraulic conditions in the project area, the VRWJPO and Dakota County Transportation

Department also requested assistance in completing the necessary Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

submittals for changes to existing floodplain maps. The VRWJPO allocated $18,568 to fund the study.

Lakeville Stormwater Basin and Creek Improvement – The VRWJPO and the City of Lakeville completed a feasibility

study to evaluate options and costs to reconstruct and reinforce an earthen berm between a stormwater pond and

South Creek. Berm failures lead to the mixing of the warm, oxygen-deficient pond runoff water and the cool stream.

An investigation was done on floodplain impacts and a design completed on a new outlet structure, which will

maintain separation between the pond and the creek under most flow conditions.

This project would help address a source of high temperature, low dissolved oxygen, poor habitat, and excess

sediment impacting South Creek’s biotic impairments and downstream waters as identified in the Vermillion

WRAPS. It also addresses goals and objectives in the 2016-2025 Vermillion River Watershed Management Plan and

Lakeville’s South Creek Management Plan. The VRWJPO allocated $65,000 in its 2016 budget within the

Feasibility/Preliminary Studies category for the study.

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Evaluation and Policy The 2016-2025 Vermillion River Watershed Management Plan was completed in 2016, after a year of writing, meeting,

and consulting with advisory groups, local governments, state agencies, and the public. Activities and progress in 2016

included:

o A public hearing on the draft Watershed Plan on January 26, 2016.

o The final draft submitted to state agencies for a 90-day review process on March 3, 2016.

o Final plan approval by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources on May 25, 2016.

o Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Board adoption on June 23, 2016.

Regulatory Review and Regulation Regulatory review and regulation issues that emerged in 2016 include:

Plan Review –The VRWJPO reviews Land Alteration Plans (LAPs) affecting 40 acres or more. In 2016, VRWJPO

reviewed three plans from local governments and other partners, including;

o Solar Garden in Castle Rock Township (Industrial)

o Stonehenge Development in Lakeville (Residential)

o Menards in Apple Valley (Commercial)

2017 Work Plan The VRWJPO Work Plan and Budget for 2017 maintain core activities: administration and operations, research and planning, monitoring and assessment, public communication and outreach, regulation, coordination and collaboration, and land and water treatment. The emphasis is on improving land and water through implementation of best management practices (BMPs) that remove or reduce pollutants.

The VRWJPO’s roles, as defined in the updated Watershed Plan, are categorized as

Some following actions planned for 2017 include:

o Administration and Operations: Develop a database to improve tracking of projects implemented using

VRWJPO funding, how much a pollutant is reduced or the resource is improved, how much the VRWJPO and

partners contributed, and inspections of the project to track maintenance needs.

o Research and Planning: Dakota County SWCD Incentive Program Policy Assistance. Local implementation

program development.

o Monitoring and Assessment: Additional DNA source identification bacteria sampling in New Market

Township.

o Public Communication and Outreach: Promote and attract residents to become Master Water Stewards to

protect and improve water quality and habitat.

o Regulation: Provide technical and regulatory guidance to local communities on developments or other land

use changes within their municipality. Rule development for permitting program.

o Coordination and Collaboration: Work with the MPCA to establish monitoring needs for their Intensive

Watershed Monitoring (IWM) cycle 2 monitoring effort within the Vermillion River Watershed.

o Land and Water Treatment: Implement numerous Capital Improvement Projects that are either funded in

part by the VRWJPO, its partners, or grant funding.

Intensive Watershed Monitoring – The MPCA employs a watershed approach to restoring and protecting

Minnesota's rivers, lakes, and wetlands. There are 80 major watersheds in Minnesota. Intensive water quality

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monitoring and assessments will be conducted in each of these watersheds every 10 years. During the 10-year cycle,

the MPCA and its partner organizations work on each of the state's 80 major watersheds to evaluate water

conditions, establish priorities and goals for improvement, and take actions designed to restore or protect water

quality. The Intensive Watershed Monitoring Plan was designed to assess the aquatic health of the entire major

watershed through intensive biological and water chemistry sampling. In 2017, the MPCA, VRWJPO, and partners

will begin cycle 2 of the Intensive Watershed Monitoring. Money to accelerate efforts to monitor, assess, and

restore impaired waters, and to protect unimpaired waters was funded by the Minnesota’s Clean Water Legacy Act.

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Final 2016 VRWJPO Work Plan and Budget

Final 2016 VRWJPO Budget

Category Budget Items Budget

Administrative

Dakota County VRW Staff $150,000

Scott County VRW Staff $12,000

Other Dakota County Staff Time $26,000

Legal Support $15,000

Miscellaneous Expenses (per diems, mileage, postage, etc.) $9,000

Training, Conferences, and Certifications $3,000

Office Equipment Purchases $1,000

Subtotal Administrative $216,000

Monitoring and Data Analysis

Vermillion River Monitoring Network in Dakota Co.

Staff Time for Sample Collection, Equipment Installation, Maintenance, Downloading $39,000

Data analysis, database management, data reporting, FLUX modeling, reporting $17,000

Water Quality Sample Analysis and QA/QC samples $19,000

Equipment and Supplies $20,000

Vermillion River Monitoring Network in Scott Co $9,500

USGS Cost Share for Blaine Ave. Station $8,300

DNR Flow Gaging Assistance $5,000

Biological and Habitat Assessments $13,000

Electrofishing $36,700

Dakota County Ambient Groundwater Study $0

Monitoring Programs Review and Evaluation $30,000

Vermillion Turbidity Monitoring $0

Subtotal Monitoring and Data Analysis $197,500

Public Outreach and Communication

Communication and Outreach Staff $75,000

Wetland Health Evaluation Program Cost Share $3,000

Vermillion River Watch Program $6,000

Vermillion River Stewards $25,000

Scott County Outreach Efforts $1,950

Vermillion River Watershed Projects Signage and Map Updates $10,000

Newsletter, Mailings, Website, General Communication Materials $10,000

Website redesign $10,000

Landscaping for Clean Water Workshop Program $25,200

Children's Water Festival Support $600

Watershed Partners $5,000

Watershed Tour $1,500

South Branch Initiative BMP Marketing $0

Local Standards/ Ordinance Workshop $2,000

Dakota County SWCD Outreach Assistance (Tour) $3,750

Stewardship Grants $50,000

Subtotal Public Outreach and Communication $229,000

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Inventory Assessment

General GIS Support (Dakota County SWCD) $5,000

Scott SWCD Inventories and GIS Support $0

Tillage Transect Survey (Dakota County SWCD) $0

Subtotal Inventory Assessment $5,000

Capital Improvement Projects

Rosemount Cost Share JPA $70,000

Cost Share Programs in Dakota County (SWCD) $94,000

Cost Share Programs in Scott County (SWCD) $18,400

Buffer and Floodplain Easements $100,000

South Creek Restoration Projects $0

Cost Share Competitive Grants $170,000

Wetland Restoration/ Bank $500,000

Bachman's Riparian Tree Management $0

Western Service Center Stormwater Bioretention Project $30,000

205th Street Stream Stabilization Extension $100,000

Avonlea Stream and Wetland Restoration $215,000

Hamburg Avenue $140,000

CP-64 Remeander $197,000

Subtotal Capital Improvement Projects $1,634,400

Feasibility / Preliminary Studies

Design of Restoration Projects ID'd in S. Creek Inventory and in Other Headwaters Areas $0

Preliminary Design, Technical Assistance and Marketing for Capital Improvements (Dakota County SWCD) $47,500

Preliminary Design, Technical Assistance and Marketing for Capital Improvements $75,000

South Branch Bioreactors $0

Watershed-wide WRAPS projects $20,000

South Branch subwatershed Wetland Design $10,000

Golden Pond Feasibility Study $65,000

Dakota County/ Blair Stream Restoration Preliminary Design $50,000

South Branch/ County 78-06 Water Quality Treatment Project $25,000

Hwy 50 Water Quality Improvement Projects $25,000

Subtotal Feasibility/Preliminary Studies $317,500

Evaluation and Policy

Dakota County SWCD Incentive Program Policy Assistance $2,000

Scott County Staff $2,000

VRW Staff $25,000

Implementation and CIP development $0

Plan Development Support $5,000

Subtotal Evaluation and Policy $34,000

Regulatory Review and Regulation

Dakota County SWCD Assistance with Plan Review $2,000

Scott SWCD Assistance with Plan Review $0

Implementation of Intercommunity Flow Standards (Hydrologic Modeling - XP-SWMM) $0

Engineering Assistance and Review $70,000

VRW Staff Local Program Assistance $30,000

Subtotal Review and Regulation $102,000

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Coordination

Coordination VRW Staff $20,000

Coordination from Scott County SWCD $0

Subtotal Coordination with Other Agencies $20,000

Met Council Grant

Zoo Projects $180,000

VRWJPO cost-share $70,000

project 1 $200,000

Subtotal Met Council Grant $450,000

CPL Grant (DNR)

Rambling River Park In-stream Habitat and Stream Stabilization $255,000

VRWJPO cash match $5,000

VRWJPO in-kind match $30,000

Subtotal CPL Grant $290,000

CWF Grant (BWSR)

King Park Stormwater Reuse $78,500

VRWJPO cash match $50,000

VRWJPO in-kind match $5,000

Subtotal CPL Grant $133,500

WRAPS

Administration, Management, Reporting, Coordination, Review (VRWJPO) $1,200

Civic Engagement (VRWJPO/Dakota County) $0

Sample Collection, Equipment Installation, Maintenance, Downloading $0

Data analysis, database management, data reporting, FLUX modeling, reporting $0

Water Quality Sample Analysis and QA/QC samples (SWCD) $0

Subtotal WRAPS $1,200

Subtotal of Expenditures $3,630,100

Cash Reserve $113,377

TOTAL Annual Expenses $3,743,477

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2016 Financial Statement

Dakota County, Minnesota

Statement of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in Fund Balance Vermillion River Watershed

For the Year Ending December 31, 2016

Revenues

Taxes $821,848

Licenses and Permits $0

Intergovernmental $294,431

Investment Earnings $24,427

Miscellaneous $21,430

TOTAL REVENUE $1,162,136

Expenditures / Expenses Current

Conservation of natural resources $1,777,574

TOTAL EXPENSES $1,777,574

Net Change in Fund Balance $(615,438)

Fund Balance January 1, 2016 $1,885,376

Fund Balance December 31, 2016 $1,269,938