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Basin Alliance for the Lower Mississippi in Minnesota
October 15, 2003

MARK YOUR CALENDARS........

WHAT:       SE Minnesota Water Quality Forum for Elected Officials

WHEN:       November 12, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

WHERE:      Heintz Center -- Rochester Community and Technical College

WHY:        Launch Governor Pawlenty's Clean Water Initiative in SE Minnesota

SPACE IS LIMITED: Call Brenda Phillips, MPCA, at 507-280-5561, to make a reservation.

DRAFT AGENDA ATTACHED

MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW SOON IN MAILED INVITATIONS

 <<SE MN Water Quality Forum Agenda.doc>>

SE MN WATER QUALITY FORUM FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS SLATED FOR NOV. 12: To help launch Governor Pawlenty's Clean Water Initiative in Southeast Minnesota, BALMM and the MPCA are teaming up to sponsor a Water Quality Forum for Elected Officials.  Last June,  Governor Pawlenty announced that Southeast Minnesota would be the focus of his administration's Clean Water Initiative for impaired streams. As part of this initiative, the governor set forth goals for swimmable streams and reduced soil erosion and sedimentation of streams over the coming decade. In addition, Governor Pawlenty has chosen the Root River watershed as a pilot watershed, with the South Branch watershed a focus for a three-year implementation effort.

What is the governor's vision for water quality in southeast Minnesota? What role will the newly formed Clean Water Cabinet play in turning this vision into reality? What are the unique challenges and opportunities afforded by the landscape and geology of southeast Minnesota? Which projects are already underway to achieve Clean Water Initiative goals and objectives for southeast Minnesota? How much more work remains to be done, and how much will it cost?

These are the questions that will be addressed at the Nov. 12 Water Quality Forum for Elected Officials by those who are directly involved in planning and implementing water quality improvement measures involving livestock manure, noncompliant septic systems, soil erosion and related environmental problems.

Broad participation by elected officials at the state, county and township level will help to build the groundwork for implementing the kinds of changes that are needed to meet water quality goals for our streams, consistent with a healthy regional economy.

Look for a letter of invitation in the near future, and encourage elected officials to attend.

Space is limited -- please make reservations with Brenda Phillips at 507-280-5561 as soon as possible.

Send comments and items for future editions to:

balmm currents editor: Norman Senjem, MPCA
Phone: 507/280-3592
Fax: 507/280-5513
norman.senjem@pca.state.mn.us

 <<SE MN Water Quality Forum Agenda.doc>>