Water Policy Study Committee
- Committee Chairs
- Dianne Krizan
- Gene Merriam
- Committee Members
- Jonathan Abram
- Larry Baker
- Alex Bakkum
- Leah Bartizal
- Janna Caywood
- Karen Chesebrough
- Sherry Enzler
- Janne Flisrand
- Lea Foushee
- Annette Jacob
- Kelsey Johnson
- Sherri Knuth
- Tony Kwilas
- Bruce Leslie
- Joseph Mansky
- Nicole Moen
- Wallace Neal
- Randy Neprash
- Jack Ray
- Shelley Shreffler
- Erika Sitz
- Jay Sjostrom
- Joel Spoonheim
- Kaitlin Steiger-Meister
- Nena Street
- Michael Troemel
- Becca Vargo Daggett
- Danielle Waldschmidt
Staff lead: Annie Levenson-Falk (alevensonfalk@citizensleague.org or 651-293-0575, ext. 16)
This study committee, as all projects, is run according to the Citizens League civic operating guidelines.
This charge has been approved by the Citizens League Board, but the study committee may amend and refine it as appropriate as the study proceeds.
Current water quality issues combined with projected population growth and increasing demand for water are creating concerns about the future of water quality and supply in Minnesota. Exurbanization has more than doubled the population of shoreline houses, and there is a widespread sense of declining quality of lake environments. Growth (and energy production) has also stressed groundwater resources.
Water is a fluid resource, flowing across multiple jurisdictions and used by people for everything from drinking to manufacturing. Yet our approach to managing this vital resource is fragmented and disconnected from the ways that people think about and use water. There is no comprehensive approach to water policy in Minnesota. Consequently, our tendency is to react to water-related problems after they have been identified with restrictions and mandates, which often meet resistance from water users.
In order to effectively manage our water resources, the Citizens League Water Policy Study Committee is charged with answering the following questions:
- What are the appropriate roles and responsibilities of individuals, communities, businesses, nonprofits, and the various units of government that manage water in Minnesota?
- Based on those roles and responsibilities, what core principles should guide collaborative water use and management in Minnesota
As it answers these questions, the committee may also consider particular policy issues of concern to Minnesota, including but not limited to:
- Water quality, impaired waters and non-point source pollution
- Sustainable water usage and water conservation
- Lake management, including shoreline zoning, docks, fishing, aquatic plant management, invasive species, and septic systems
- Urban stormwater
See the earlier version of study committee charge
Committee Meetings
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July 7, 2007 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Flannery Construction July 15, 2008 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. League of Minnesota Cities Presentation: Water Use and Sustainability Public encouraged to attend Click for more info and to RSVP July 29, 2008 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. League of Minnesota Cities Presentation: Water Quality Public encouraged to attend Click for more info and to RSVP |
Meeting locations: Flannery Construction 1375 Saint Anthony Ave., St. Paul League of Minnesota Cities 145 University Ave., St. Paul Special thanks to both organizations for hosting this study committee. |
Interested in this committee?
Stay informed and get involved:
- Sign up to receive regular emails regarding committee meetings and progress, and let us know your questions, suggestions, and thoughts. Email Jim Horan at jhoran@citizensleague.org to sign up.
- Attend committee meetings. All Citizens League study committee meetings are open to the public. Interested individuals are especially encouraged to attend three early framing presentations - the meetings held on July 15 and July 29 and a third meeting to be held either August 11 or 14 (click the meeting dates to RSVP).
- Add your ideas to the discussion on our policy blog.
Resources
Click to view additional resources relevant to this project