The West Metro Water Alliance will host the last in its 2011 series of educational workshops on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at Brookview Community Center, 200 Brookview Parkway in Golden Valley.
Dr. Patrick G. Welle of Bemidji State University will be the keynote speaker. His topic will be, “Sustaining Socio-Economic Values of Lakes: Findings on Water Clarity and Lakeshore Properties.” His recent research includes economic analysis of values to property owners of reducing pollution to impaired lakes in selected watersheds in Minnesota.
Titled Path to Clean Water – Understanding TMDLs and Watershed Planning, this final forum will begin with an introduction to Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies. Other topics will include TMDL Implementation: Moving from Load Reduction to Resource Development; Protecting Non-Impaired Resources; and Crafting an Effective Environmental Education and Outreach Program.
Cost for the workshop is $10. To register, go to www.hennepin.us/waterforums.
In partnership with Hennepin County Environmental Services, the Three Rivers Park District, and the Freshwater Society, the West Metro Water Alliance (WMWA) has targeted these forums to city elected officials, advisory commission members, and city staff.
Previous topics included stormwater volume management to reduce runoff and nutrient management to improve water quality.
A telephone survey conducted for WMWA found very strong support for protecting and improving Minnesota’s lakes and streams, with 75 percent of respondents believing that clean water is very important, even considering all the other issues and needs facing their communities. The goal of the workshops is to help key decision-makers and their advisors make informed decisions that will protect and improve water quality, sustain property values, and make the most effective use of tax dollars. The workshops are intended to provide information and management tools as well as an opportunity to share success stories and learn from peers in other cities and counties.
The workshop will begin at 5:30 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. A light supper will be served at 5:30.