Better protecting county's water resources

A new year resulted in changes to the Crow Wing County Planning and Zoning Division of the Land Services Department. Starting in 2010, the County will now administer the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act in areas with County zoning authority. The county also will coordinate the Comprehensive Local Water Plan. This is the latest in a series of actions designed to better protect the county's surface and groundwater water resources while being fiscally responsible with county dollars.

Previously, WCA and Water Plan duties along with the associated funding have been administered through the Soil and Water Conservation District. During the 2010 budget process, Crow Wing County chose to administer these programs through the Planning and Zoning Division of the Land Services Department. This resulted in a tax levy savings of approximately $70,000 in addition to allowing the county to hire me as the Crow Wing County water protection specialist to coordinate WCA and water planning. I work out of the Planning and Zoning office and will be the contact person for any wetlands or water plan questions that arise.

WCA is a state program, administered by local units of government, which is designed to achieve no net loss in the quantity, quality and biological diversity of Minnesota's existing wetlands. Crow Wing County is blessed to have more than 80 percent of the original, pre-settlement wetland area remaining. Wetlands serve many important functions, such as filtering nutrients and sediment before it reaches our surface and ground water, flood and stormwater retention, shoreline protection, public recreation and wildlife habitat.

When people ask me about water planning, I explain that water planning is identifying what works best to protect and enhance Crow Wing County's water resources. In administration of the local water plan, Crow Wing County is committed to providing exceptional customer service that empowers landowners to manage and protect their land and water resources. An emphasis will be placed on coordinating funding, staff and grassroots efforts to maximize effectiveness of public dollars and programs as well as managing, enhancing and expanding the availability of educational materials along with a network of resources and contacts.

The Crow Wing County Land Services Department is committed to providing exceptional customer service that empowers landowners to manage and protect their land and water resources. To accomplish this, we will continue to communicate clearly with area residents and visitors about land use issues and will continue to manage, enhance and expand the availability of educational materials and a network of resources and contacts available to the citizens of Crow Wing County. One of the ways the county plans to accomplish this is by providing free onsite visits to landowners to answer any land-related question that they might have. The county recently developed a "call for service" form, available online, that is a good way for landowners to establish communication with our office. Once this form is submitted, a land services specialist from our office will promptly give the landowner a call to set up a time to meet. Once on-site, they will identify issues that may be encountered during the permitting/regulatory process, potentially saving time and money.

In addition, we have updated our Web site to include a wealth of new information on a variety of water protection topics, including fact sheets on water planning, wetlands, environmental assessments, lake water quality, shoreline restoration and stormwater management. In addition, the Web site provides submittal forms, meeting dates, frequently asked questions, and ordinance information. Go to www.co.crow-wing.mn.us and look under the Planning and Zoning tab for this helpful information.

We all have a stake in the quality of our local water resources and I encourage anyone interested to contact me to discuss water protection issues and how you can be involved. Feel free to reach me by phone at 218-824-1128 or e-mail at mitch.brinks@co.crow-wing.mn.us.