VLAWMO and HDR worked together once again to host a summit which promotes the VLAWMO watershed philosophy, "Partnership - It's OUR Watershed."

This year, we had a great line up of speakers to talk about local projects affecting our water resources and ways we can work to protect and enhance our water resources on a grassroots level as well as about world-wide ranging issues such as climate change and non-point source pollution. 

Our keynote speaker was Minnesota State Representative Carol McFarlane for District 53B who championed VLAWMO's effort to collect stormwater utility fees in a more cost effective manner.

We will also handed out an Environmental Excellence Award to Jim Johnston who is considered the founding father of VLAWMO. Jim who lived in North Oaks for many years, worked tirelessly to form what is now VLAWMO and has been a passionate advocate for water resources. The mayor of North Oaks, Tom Watson, accepted the award on Jim's behalf.

Below are the presentation slides from many of our speakers:

State of the Watershed - Stephanie McNamara, VLAWMO

Potential Climate Change Impacts on Watershed Management - Scott Zilka, HDR

Clean Water Legacy Program - Marcey Westrick, MN PCA

New MN NPDES General Permit for Construction Activities - Della Young, HDR

Stormwater Reuse: Handlos Project - Brent Thompson, City of White Bear Lake

Cost vs. Benefit for Various Stormwater BMPs - Klayton Eckles, City of Woodbury

Multi-functional Landscape Options to Reduce Volume and Improve Water Quality - Shawn Tracy, Anoka Conservation District

Latest Projects in Lake and Pond Improvements - Steve McComas, Blue Water Science