04/30/2008 Environmental Board Minutes

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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING APRIL 30, 2008 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Blue Thumb Program – Dawn Pape Mr. Asleson stated the Environmental Board is looking for ways to promote clean water issues. One of the goals the board would like to adopt is the Blue Thumb Program. Ms. Dawn Pape from Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) created this program. Ms. Pape presented a Power Point presentation to the board on the Blue Thumb Program. Thus far, there is not a city within the Rice Creek Watershed District that is a member at this time. Blue Thumb helps meet the Clean Water Act federal mandates. Ms. Pape stated that mostly this is a web based program, blue-thumb.org or bluethumb.org. The main categories on this site are Native Gardens, Rain Gardens and Shoreline Stabilization. There are 43 partners that have joined this program within the last year. She stated these ideas are catching on like recycling in the 80’s. There is an awareness that people are just starting to understand. There is a 10 minute overview video that explains the steps of shoreland restoration. Blue Thumb has a train the trainer program. There are many events that take place through the year such as, state and county fairs, green fairs, etc. She stated Blue Thumb is a finalist for the Minnesota Environmental Initiative Award. Blue Thumb partners are expected to donate $1,500 each year or complete a minimum of 30 “action hours” during 2008. Action hours are defined as any action that promotes or furthers the development of the Blue Thumb program. She handed out Blue Thumb project ideas for 2008. The next partner meeting will be held on June 13. Each partner keeps track of their own hours and description of what they do. There is no minimum of hours. Ms. Pape stated that Ms. Brouillet could be trained to give presentations on the Blue Thumb Program. She stated neighborhoods could also be partners with this program. Ms. Bor questioned if the cost share program exists or did it go away. Ms. Pape stated at the time it is on hold due to staff. B. Earth Day Wrap-up Mr. Asleson stated that the Earth Day turnout was very successful. Mr. John VonDeLinde accepted a $300,000 grant from Edith Wargo, wife of Joseph Wargo at the Wargo Nature Center Earth Day celebration. There were many informative booths on display. A Goetz Landscape representative, who had a booth at Earth Day, stated he would like to talk to the Environmental Board regarding environmental benefits of using slow release fertilizer. 2 DRAFT MINUTES