Rules for Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area - Comments solicited

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will hold three public information meetings in July to present information and receive comments on proposed rules for the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA).

The meetings, which all run from 6:30 to 9 p.m., are scheduled for:

•  Wednesday, July 16, Greenhaven Golf Course, 2800 Greenhaven Road, Anoka
•  Tuesday, July 22, Nova Classical Academy, 1455 Victoria Way West., St. Paul
•  Thursday, July 24, Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center (Spring Lake Park Reserve), 8395 127^th Street E, Hastings

Each meeting will have the same format and information, with a presentation and discussion scheduled from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and opportunities to visit with DNR staff the rest of the time. Visitors will be able to learn more about the draft rules, including key topics such as vegetation management, land alteration, setbacks, nonconformities, and shoreline facilities. DNR staff will be available to explain how the draft rules might affect individual properties. Comments received at these meetings are not part of the formal rulemaking record, but they will be considered as draft rules are revised.

Stretching 72 miles from Dayton to Hastings, the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area was designated via executive order in the late 1970s. No formal rules were ever adopted, though, and over the past decade, the executive order has become increasingly outdated and difficult for state and local governments to administer. In 2009 and 2013, the legislature directed DNR to replace the executive order with rules establishing new districts and updated land development standards that sustain key natural, scenic, cultural and economic resources and features.

DNR will accept comments on its working draft of rules for the MRCCA through August 15. The comment period is intended to gather feedback on the draft rules before they are revised and proposed for formal rule adoption, anticipated this fall/winter. More information is available on the DNR’s project website atwww.dnr.state.mn.us/input/rules/mrcca/index.html.  Questions about the meetings may be e-mailed tomrcca.rulemaking@state.mn.us, or call 651-259-5714 to leave a message.

Waterworks near you!!

The splashpad at Conway Park is now open!!

At local county parks, lifeguard services will begin Saturday, June 7 at noon at Ramsey County’s five guarded swimming beaches. Battle Creek Waterworks family water park will also open for the season on June 7 at 11 a.m.

Guarded beaches are available at the following locations:

• Tony Schmidt Regional Park: 3500 Lake Johanna Blvd. Arden Hills, MN 55112

• Lake Josephine County Park: 3027 Lexington Ave. N. Roseville, MN 55113

• Long Lake Regional Park: 1500 Old Highway 8 New Brighton, MN 55112

• Lake McCarrons County Park: 1795 Rice St. Roseville, MN 55113

• Snail Lake in Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park: 4191 Snail Lake Blvd. Shoreview, MN 55126

 Lifeguards will be on duty at guarded beaches daily from noon – 8 p.m. through August 10. Beach users must obey all rules outlined in the Ramsey County park ordinance. Parents are advised that while lifeguards are available to enforce rules and respond to emergencies, guardians are ultimately responsible for supervising their children. All organized groups must make an advanced reservation and obtain a group use permit, which is free. Concessions are available at Long Lake and Snail Lake.

Mississippi River Critical Area Update - Comments requested

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is requesting comments on a working draft of possible rules governing land development in the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA). A Request for Comments was published today, June 2, 2014, in the State Register. The Request for Comments, working draft of possible rules, district maps, rulemaking schedule, and other information regarding the rulemaking are available to view and print from the MRCCA Rulemaking Project website: www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/rules/mrcca/index.html.

The MRCCA is a land corridor along the Mississippi River within the seven-county metro area. There are 30 local governments within the 72 mile long, 54,000 acre corridor. Land development in the corridor is guided by existing state regulations, which are implemented through local government plans and zoning ordinances. The proposed rules, if adopted, would replace the existing regulations.

This rulemaking will:

• Continue to guide management of the MRCCA as a multi-purpose resource
• Establish new districts and update minimum guidelines and standards for land development in the districts

The rules would likely affect the following persons and organizations within the MRCCA:

• All local government units with jurisdiction in the MRCCA
• Property owners, institutions, developers, and businesses
• Recreational facility users
• Water-oriented businesses, facilities, and navigation interests on the Mississippi River
• Utility providers
• State and regional agencies and and institutions with facilities, property interests, and/or regulatory authority in the MRCCA (such as the Metropolitan Council, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Airports Commission, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul Port Authority, Minnesota Historical Society, and federal agencies such as the National Park Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) 

How to Comment: The DNR will accept comments until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2014. We encourage written comments. As you review the working draft rules, please focus on the following topics:

• What doesn’t work and why?
• What needs clarification?
• What specific changes do you recommend?

 It will help us if you can cite specific parts or pages within the working draft document.

Comments may be submitted via e-mail, US mail, or fax to:

Daniel Petrik

MRCCA Rulemaking Project, Minnesota DNR
Ecological and Water Resources Division500 Lafayette Rd, Box 25
St. Paul, MN 55155-4025
Phone: 651-259-5714
Fax: 651-296-1811
E-mail: mrcca.rulemaking@state.mn.us

Summary of May 19 D1 Board Meeting

The District 1 Community Council Board of Directors met on Monday May 19 at the Saint Paul Youth Services building to talk about how the council operates and about its committee structure. Prior to that discussion there were a few updates:

Fundraising Opportunity – President Paul Sawyer mentioned that there are artistic eastside maps available for sale for $20 each. These maps were created by the East Side Area Business Association (ESABA). $10 from each sale will come to the D1 Council, $5 will go to ESABA, and the rest of the money is used for production costs. Maps are approximately 24” x 36”. Several board members expressed interest in selling the maps and will follow up with staff for details.

Gateway Corridor Update – Land Use Chair Garneth Peterson gave an update on planning for the Gateway Corridor. Part of the planning includes a Citizens Advisory Committee which both President Sawyer and Treasurer Gordon Westerberg are a part of. Recently, a Station Area Planning Committee was formed which several board members are part of (Peterson, Sawyer, Westerberg, Melendez) as well as City of St Paul staff and representatives from local organizations and businesses. The committee will be meeting every other Tuesday until August/September and has a very aggressive timeline. It’s a fairly broad project that will look at surrounding zoning, economic redevelopment, and access issues as well as the design of each station. Everyone is encouraged to give feedback to the members of the committee, so they can bring it to the larger group for discussion.

Discussion of Committees Structures and Purpose – 

Each committee chair was asked to provide information about their committee.

Community, Outreach, and Safety Committee (COSCo)

The COSCo committee is responsible for the D1 newspaper, crime prevention, National Night Out. The newspaper is always looking for volunteers to help write, edit, take pictures, and submit article ideas. The cross cultural dialog project should be spearheaded by this committee. Outreach is geared toward finding out how the community is changing and then focusing on what we can do to bring everyone together.

Youth Task Force

This committee oversees activities related to youth in the neighborhood and will be involved in the development of our Youth Council.  A chairperson is needed in order to help focus the group.

Land Use

This committee was originally formed to respond to city notices regarding zoning, yard issues, etc. and serves as advisory to the city. Over the last year, the group has been focused on larger planning issues that require more time and involvement such as the Bikeway Plan, Gateway Corridor, and CP Rail. This group has been given authority by the board to vote on and give comments on behalf of the entire council and then report back, so that issues may be resolved in a timely manner.

Finance

The Finance committee has been combined with the executive board, but it’s possible that the two may be separated in the future so that the Finance committee may have more focus on fundraising opportunities.

New board members were asked to choose a committee. The group split into the four committees and were asked to answer the following questions:

1.   What is the single most important thing this committee does?
2. What hasn’t worked for this committee in the past?
3. What are you most excited about this year?
4. When do you plan on meeting?

Responses:

Community, Outreach, and Safety Committee (COSCo)

1.  Communication, especially the newspaper
2. Lack of a strong working board, so there wasn’t any direction. Typically reactive vs proactive
3. National Night Out
4.  2^nd Monday of each month at 6:00pm

Youth Task Force

1. Forming the Youth Council
2. Lack of a chairperson and structure
3. “Adults talk about us, but they never talk to us.” – excited to change this.
4. TBD

Finance

1. Treasurer’s Report
2. Sales for ads in the newspaper
3.   Developing a formal Finance committee, because we need something to generate money. Would also like to see more formal meetings with a defined agenda.
4.  TBD

Land Use

1. Providing comments back to the city and playing an advocacy role for larger issues and complete the District 1 Community Plan.
2. Knowing where to spend time/balancing the work
3. Dealing with redevelopment and vacancies. Find ways to make connections that will better foster our position to help investment in the area.
4.  TBD

Saint Paul Healthy Transportation for All

The Saint Paul Healthy Transportation for All meeting will be held on October 25, 2014. Goals for the event include:

·         Challenge and empower participants to take the lead on creating transportation systems that improve public health, equity, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability

·         Provide participants with information, resources, and skills to be community leaders

·         Provide opportunities for participants to connect to and network with neighborhood, city, regional, and state transportation representatives

Meeting adjourned at 8:05p

Taking out the TRASH (and compost, and yard waste, and toxic stuff...)

Green Living: Bottle up those metal caps for recycling

There are two ways to recycle small metal caps off of glass bottles. The first way — recycling them in the bin on their own—is acceptable, though 100 percent recovery is impossible due to their tiny size and chance of getting lost in the shuffle.

For super recyclers who want to go the extra mile, here is another way to get them recycled.

Save a steel can: Set aside a steel or “tin” can you would recycle anyway. Steel cans typically hold things like canned vegetables and fruits, soups, tuna fish, and pet food. Rinse the can clean, as you normally would.

Remove the lid: Remove the lid entirely with a can opener and place it in the bottom of the can, lying flat.

Add caps: Use the can to collect your bottle caps. Caps on glass jars are almost always steel, just like the can you’ll be collecting them in. If you have a lightweight, chunkier, screw-on cap (e.g. olive oil), this is aluminum and should just go in the recycle bin separately.

Seal: Once the can is one-third to one-half full, it’s time to seal the deal. The easiest way to do this is to pinch the can shut with pliers. Simply squeeze the can together at three points, curling the top slightly downward. Tip and shake the can to make sure it is sealed adequately.

Recycle: Voila! Now you’ve created a vessel that will give all your steel bottle caps a ride through the Materials Recycling Facility.

Check out these fun videos on how to use the county yard waste sites and to compost in your backyard. This summer the county will be working on more videos to share, including how to use the new organics recycling drop-off program and how to recycle at apartments.

In the meantime, here is a how-to video on using the county household hazardous waste program
AND yard waste"how-to" videos, which can be found on the county Yard Waste web page or You Tube channel, under Public Health.

Garden Plants Available

Besides the Friends Plant Sale this weekend (May 9-11) at the State Fair Grounds, here is a sale closer to home... (yes, I am garden crazy at the moment...)

Ramsey County Plant Sales in May

Low-cost plants and flowers are available at plant sales being held by two Ramsey county groups in May. The Ramsey County Master Gardeners are selling plants they've started from seed or dug from their own yards. Find native plants, vegetables, herbs, and perennials for shade or for sun. All plants are reasonably priced and sold in eco-friendly re-used pots. Proceeds will go towards the purchase of education program supplies for the Ramsey County Master Gardener program – a program of Ramsey County and the University of Minnesota Extension. The Master Gardeners Plant Sale will take place Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at theRamsey County Extension barn, 2020 White Bear Ave. in Maplewood.

The Ramsey County Volunteers in Corrections will be selling hanging baskets, deck pots, annual flats and large-size premium baskets, as well as vegetables and herbs. The sale will run every weekend in May – Fridays,  8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturdays,  8 a.m. – 3 p.m.; and Sundays,  9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The sales will take place at 297 South Century Avenue, Maplewood (Lower Afton Road entrance).

Gardening Support!!

The snow is melted and the soil is ready… it’s gardening season once again! Registration is still open for Twin Cities residents who are interested in joining the Local Food Resource Hubs, where they can connect with other gardeners in the community and get access to low-cost seeds and plants. The Local Food Resource Hubs will hold five seed and seedling distribution events across Minneapolis and St. Paul neighborhoods on Saturday, May 17:

-Northside Minneapolis: 9am-noon, Redeemer Center for Life (1800 Glenwood Ave N)

-Northeast Minneapolis: 1-4pm, Grace Center for Community Life and Little Kitchen Food Shelf (1500 6^th St NE), alongside the Art-a-Whirl activities- bring the kids!

-Southside Minneapolis: 9am-noon, Minneapolis American Indian Center (1530 E Franklin Ave)

-St. Paul Midway: 9am-noon, Gordon Parks High School (1212 University Ave W)

-East Side St. Paul: 9am-noon, First Covenant Church (1280 Arcade)

If residents are unable to attend the event closest to their homes on the 17^th, they may come to the ALTERNATE pickup: Monday, May 19^th, 6-8pm at Grace Center for Community Life and Little Kitchen Food Shelf (1500 6^th St NE). Gardening Matters cannot guarantee the quantity and variety of plants available at this event.

The Local Food Resource Hubs are neighborhood networks of gardeners. The Hubs program is intended to provide home gardeners and community gardeners the support they need to grow, preserve, cook and compost their own fresh produce by offering supplies, educational opportunities, and community connections in their neighborhood. The Local Food Resource Hubs program benefits neighborhoods by building community and increasing access to healthy food.

Residents can join the Local Food Resource Hubs program and select a small or medium garden package (larges packages are no longer available). Suggested prices vary by size, but the packages are “pay what you can.” To reserve a membership spot, residents can register at a seedling distribution event on May 17, download the membership form (in English or Spanish) and mail to Gardening Matters, or sign up online at www.gardeningmatters.org/hubs (online is preferred). Members then pick out which varieties of seeds and plants they want as the go through the line at the seedling distribution event.

  

This is the fourth year of the Local Food Resource Hubs program. This year the Hubs anticipate distributing more than 25,000 packets of seeds and 30,000 seedlings, an endeavor that requires MANY volunteers in order to run smoothly. Gardening Matters encourages Hub members, community members at large, corporate volunteer teams, etc. to sign up for a volunteer shift to help make the events happen. Shifts range from Friday morning to Monday evening, and times vary by site. View shifts and sign up on this form- http://bit.ly/1meSIp0 (which can be accessed from the Gardening Matters website: www.gardeningmatters.org), or call Gardening Matters at 612-821-2358 and staff can help find a time for any individual or group who is willing to lend a hand.