Help shape the future of the Vermillion River: Final corridor workshops this month

The Vermillion River is a major Mississippi tributary and the only trophy trout stream in a metro area in the nation. This month, you can play a significant role in its future.

Photo: Dakota County

For the past year, Dakota County staff and residents, in partnership with FMR and Hoisington Koegler Group Inc., have been working to develop a comprehensive vision for the future of the Vermillion River.

The plan, designed to protect and enhance water quality, habitat, recreation and economic development opportunities in the Vermillion River corridor, is nearing completion and will be the subject of a pair of workshops later this month. (An excellent overview of this process is available in the January Metropolitan Council newsletter.)

Public input is also needed to identify collaborative opportunities for improvements and recommend priorities. State and local funding is available to implement pilot projects — such as easement acquisition, bank stabilization, grassland restoration or improved public access — determined by this process.

Two identical workshops will be offered:

• Monday, April 26, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
  Hastings High School, Room C-322
  200 General Sieben Drive, Hastings
• Wednesday, April 28, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
  Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center
  4100 220th St. W., Farmington

Both workshops are free and all residents of the Vermillion River watershed (including all of Dakota and parts of Scott County) are encouraged to attend. To sign up for the workshop of your choice, or for more information about the Vermillion River Corridor Plan, please contact Dakota County at 952-891-7000 or water@co.dakota.mn.us. Additional information is also available at www.dakotacounty.us by searching for "Vermillion Corridor".

Partners for the Vermillion River Corridor Planning project include Dakota County, Scott County and the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization. The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources and Active Living Dakota County funds the project.

— Trevor Russell, Watershed Program Director