Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District

Bloomers and Clumpers for Lousy Soils
2025-05-19 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Chisago Lakes High School, 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, United States
Do you have that patch of lousy soil where nothing seems to grow very well? There are plenty of tough MN native plants that will not only survive, but thrive in sketchy soil conditions. We will chat about all aspects of those tricky soil sites to get plants and blooms started for season to come. Participants may request an informational folder, native plant book, and be entered into the prize drawing simply by emailing the instructor after class.
https://isd2144.ce.eleyo.com/course/2895/summer-2025%E2%80%942/bloomers-and-clumpers-for-lousy-soils

05/22/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-05-22 18:30 - 20:30 | MN
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 845 7092 9529
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Regular Meeting
Setting of Meeting Agenda
Consent Agenda: The consent agenda is considered as one item of business. It consists of routine administrative items or items not requiring discussion. Items can be removed from the consent agenda at the request of the Board member, staff member, or a member of the audience. Please state which item or items you wish to remove for separate discussion.

a) Regular Board Meeting Minutes – April 10, 2025
b) Special Board Meeting Minutes – April 15, 2025
c) Regular Board Meeting Minutes – April 24, 2025
d) Special Board Meeting Minutes – April 29, 2025

CLFLWD YouTube Channel (for watching past meetings)

Public Open Forum*

*If you would like to address the Board during the Public Open Forum, you must attend the meeting in person at 44 Lake St S, Suite A, Forest Lake, MN 55025.

Advisory Committee Updates
New Business

a) Permit 25-004 North Shore Trail

Engineer’s Exhibit

b) Impact of Federal Funding Cuts

Old Business

a) Strategic Plan Formatting and Distribution

Strategic Plan Spreadsheet

b) Lake Impairment Delisting Requests
c) Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership 10-Year Plan Amendment
d) Standard Project Signage

Report of Staff

a) Administrator
b) Emmons and Olivier Resources
c) Smith Partners

Report of Treasurer and Approval of Bills
Report of Officers and Managers
Summary and Approval of Board Direction
Adjourn

a) Next special board meeting – June 5, 2025, 6:00 pm
b) Next regular board meeting – June 12, 2025, 6:30 pm

Office Holiday - Memorial Day 2025
2025-05-26 | MN
The Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District office will be closed to observe this holiday.

Rain Barrels 101
2025-05-29 15:00 - 16:00 | Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
Rain barrels harvest rainwater from roofs and other structures that can then be used to water gardens, lawns, and potted plants. Installing a rain barrel is an excellent way to reduce run-off and pollution as well as save money! As much as 40 percent of residential water is used for irrigation in the summer.
Participants will learn the ins and outs of rain barrels, site selection, and other tips to use rain barrels most efficiently. We will also discuss the pros and cons of many commercially available rain barrels and how to make your own.
Participants will receive a free native plant book, and there will be a drawing for two free rain barrels.
Register at https://washcolib.libcal.com/event/14569915

Greening Up Hot Spots
2025-05-29 18:30 - 19:30 | Chisago Lakes High School, 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, United States
Do you have a hot garden spot that normally bakes and dries out with the summer sun? Are you tired of watering day after day to keep your garden healthy and growing? There is a wide variety of native prairie plants that thrive in the full sun and dry soils. Let’s look at some of these great growers to add to your gardens and landscaping. Participants may request an informational folder, native plant book, and be entered into the prize drawing simply by emailing the instructor after class.

https://isd2144.ce.eleyo.com/course/2896/summer-2025%E2%80%942/greening-up-hot-spots

Restoration Day at North Shore Trail – Forest Lake
2025-06-05 17:00 - 19:00 | North Shore Trail Nature Area, North Shore Trail, Forest Lake, Minnesota, 55025
We’re excited to share that our Restoration Day at North Shore Trail – Forest Lake is coming up soon on Thursday, June 5th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM!
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, support local conservation efforts, and enjoy a beautiful evening outdoors. We still have spots open, and we’d love your help spreading the word to fill them!
Registration link for the event here: https://givepul.se/qvuiu5

06/05/25 Special Board Meeting - Budget
2025-06-05 18:00 - 20:00 | MN
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 810 4757 4421
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Budget Workshop
Adjourn

a) Next regular board meeting – June 12, 2025 6:30 pm

Improve Your Soil
2025-06-12 15:00 - 16:00 | Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
Healthy soil is important for growing strong, resilient, and tough plants that can handle our wacky Minnesota growing conditions. Whether you are starting a new flower garden or trying to revitalize an old veggie patch, we will cover it all! From soil testing to composting, and so much more.
Participants will receive an informational folder full of great publications, and several door prizes will be given away from local plant specialists.
Register at https://washcolib.libcal.com/event/14562246

06/12/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-06-12 18:30 - 20:30 | MN
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 879 8500 3149
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Regular Meeting
Setting of Meeting Agenda
New Business

a) Permit 25-003 Beltz Park Improvements
b) Mid-Year Accounting & Reimbursement Requests
c) Spring Newsletter
d) Open Meeting Law Update

Old Business

a) Strategic Plan Formatting and Distribution

PDF
Excel Workbook

b) 2026 Budget and Projects

Program/Project Update

a) Project Update
b) Program Update – Land Acquisition & Management

Report of Managers
Summary and Approval of Board Direction
Adjourn

a) Next special board meeting – June 16, 2025, 6:00 pm
b) Next regular board meeting – June 26, 2025, 6:30 pm

06/16/25 Special Board Meeting - Budget
2025-06-16 18:00 - 20:00 | MN
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 820 6449 9549
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Strategic Plan
Budget Workshop
Adjourn

a) Next regular board meeting – June 26, 2025, 6:30 pm

Living Fence Lines
2025-06-16 18:30 - 19:30 | Chisago Lakes High School, 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, United States
Natural fences constructed of shrubbery, tall flowers, and clumping grasses are attractive and environmentally friendly. These living fences add an eye-catching way to define your property boundaries, while also adding pollinator plants that serve as effective privacy screens. Good fences make for good neighbors….and good habitat! Participants will receive an informational folder full of great publications, and several door prizes will be given away from local plant specialists.

https://isd2144.ce.eleyo.com/course/2897/summer-2025%E2%80%942/living-fence-lines

06/17/25 CAC Meeting
2025-06-17 17:00 - 18:00 | MN

Office Holiday - Juneteenth 2025
2025-06-19 | MN

06/23/25 Special Board Meeting - Budget
2025-06-23 18:00 - 20:00 | MN
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 836 1975 5434
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Budget Workshop
Adjourn

a) Next regular board meeting – June 26, 2025 6:30 pm

Composting and Mulch 101
2025-06-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
Compost and mulch are nature’s way of recycling, keeping waste out of landfills and fertilizing without chemicals.
Learn about different composts and how to decide which mulch is right for your planting and landscaping needs. As we head into summer, you’ll appreciate how mulch can protect your plants and keep your landscaping looking great.
Whether you make them yourself or buy them off the shelf, we’ll talk about the pros, the cons, and everything in between!
Participants will receive a native plant book, an informational folder, and two compost bins will be given away as door prizes.
https://washcolib.libcal.com/event/14738828

Many MN Milkweeds
2025-06-26 18:30 - 19:30 | Normandy Park Education Center / Senior Center, 2484 County Rd F East, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, 55110
We have over a dozen milkweeds that are native to Minnesota. Let’s chat about the wide variety of these great pollinator plants! Some are wildly popular and very common growing in gardens and local areas. We will also discuss where to buy milkweed plants and seed, plus how and where to add these pollinator magnets to your landscapes. Participants will receive an informational folder full of great publications and several door prizes from local plant specialists will be given away. This class will be held in White Bear Lake.

06/26/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-06-26 18:30 - 20:30 | MN
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 853 8511 0513
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Regular Meeting
Setting of Meeting Agenda
Consent Agenda: The consent agenda is considered as one item of business. It consists of routine administrative items or items not requiring discussion. Items can be removed from the consent agenda at the request of the Board member, staff member, or a member of the audience. Please state which item or items you wish to remove for separate discussion.

a) Special Board Meeting Minutes – May 6, 2025
b) Regular Board Meeting Minutes – May 8, 2025
c) Regular Board Meeting Minutes – May 22, 2025

CLFLWD YouTube Channel (for watching past meetings)

Public Open Forum*

*If you would like to address the Board during the Public Open Forum, you must attend the meeting in person at 44 Lake St S, Suite A, Forest Lake, MN 55025.

Advisory Committee Updates
New Business
Old Business

a) Standard Project Signage

Report of Staff

a) Administrator
b) Emmons and Olivier Resources
c) Smith Partners

Report of Treasurer and Approval of Bills
Report of Officers and Managers
Summary and Approval of Board Direction
Adjourn

a) Next regular board meeting – July 10, 2025, 6:30 pm

Office Holiday - Independence Day 2025
2025-07-04 | MN

Bee Houses
2025-07-10 18:30 - 19:30 | Chisago Lakes High School, 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, United States
This is a Family Class…so kids bring an adult with you!
Come and join us to learn about native bees. We will learn the bee basics and also the importance of these incredible insects. We will also be making bee houses that you will be able to take home. Turn your crafty creativity into functional fun. More bees means more fruits, veggies, and flowers in your own backyard! All the supplies and materials are provided, just bring your creativity.
https://isd2144.ce.eleyo.com/course/2899/summer-2025%E2%80%942/bee-houses

07/10/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-07-10 18:30 - 20:30 | MN
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 841 1300 5641
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Regular Meeting
Setting of Meeting Agenda
New Business
Old Business

a) Flood Resiliency Action Plan

EOR Presentation

b) Greenbelt & Open Space Plan Scope of Work

EOR Presentation

c) Annual Review of Crisis Communication Plan

Memo and Plan
Presentation

Program/Project Update

a) Project Update
b) Program Update – Watershed Planning & Resiliency

Report of Officers and Managers
Summary and Approval of Board Direction
Adjourn

a) Next special board meeting – July 14, 2025, 6:00 pm
b) Next regular board meeting – July 24, 2025, 6:30 pm

07/14/25 Special Board Meeting - Budget
2025-07-14 18:00 - 20:00 | MN
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 863 3093 7930
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Budget Workshop
Adjourn

a) Next regular board meeting – July 24, 2025 6:30 pm

Native Plants for Shade and Woodlands
2025-07-14 18:30 - 19:30 | Normandy Park Education Center / Senior Center, 2484 County Rd F East, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, 55110
Do you have a dark and damp corner of your property that you want to bring out of the shadows with blooms and bunchgrasses? Let’s go beyond hostas and the humbugs of traditional green foliage for these tricky shade areas. There are lots of woodland treasures that will add a nice glow to the shadiest swaths. Participants will receive an informational folder full of great publications, a native plant book and several door prizes from local plant specialists will be given away. This class will be held in White Bear Lake.

https://forestlake.ce.eleyo.com/course/8015/spr-sum-2025-apr-aug/native-plants-for-shade-and-woodlands

07/15/25 CAC Meeting
2025-07-15 17:00 - 17:30 | MN

Native Plant Walk and Talk
2025-07-17 17:30 - 19:00 | Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
Join CLFLWD’s Adam Hjelm for a walk and talk around the prairie and pond areas outside Hardwood Creek Library. We’ll learn about the plants and wildlife outside the library’s back door. Each walk and talk is different and will change with the season. Participants are encouraged to take photos and stop and smell the flowers along the way. Please wear good walking shoes.

Register at https://washcolib.libcal.com/event/14562249

Bugged Out Water
2025-07-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
Is there anything more exciting than playing with bugs? In this program at Hardwood Creek Library, we will dive right in to see what kind of buggy neighbors are swimming around the lakes and streams in our area. This hands-on session is full of creepy-crawly fun that will leave you with a better appreciation of how important insects are and what they can tell us about the water. This program is put on by the Comfort Forest Lake Watershed District.
This class is for kids and their adults. This program will be outside in the courtyard off the children’s area. Please use one registration slot per child and adult pair.
https://washcolib.libcal.com/event/14591383

07/24/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-07-24 18:30 - 20:30 | MN
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 822 3666 7113
Meeting Notice & Agenda
Full agenda and board packet items will be posted on this page no later than the Monday immediately preceding the meeting.

Call to Order of Regular Meeting
Setting of Meeting Agenda
Consent Agenda: The consent agenda is considered as one item of business. It consists of routine administrative items or items not requiring discussion. Items can be removed from the consent agenda at the request of the Board member, staff member, or a member of the audience. Please state which item or items you wish to remove for separate discussion.

a) Special Board Meeting Minutes – June 5, 2025
b) Regular Board Meeting Minutes – June 12, 2025
c) Special Board Meeting Minutes – June 16, 2025
d) Special Board Meeting Minutes – June 23, 2025
e) Regular Board Meeting Minutes – June 26, 2025

CLFLWD YouTube Channel (for watching past meetings)

Public Open Forum*

*If you would like to address the Board during the Public Open Forum, you must attend the meeting in person at 44 Lake St S, Suite A, Forest Lake, MN 55025.

Advisory Committee Updates
New Business

a) MN Watersheds Annual Meeting on Resolutions and Petitions Notice

Old Business

a) Flood Resiliency Action Plan
b) State of the Watershed

Report of Staff

a) Administrator
b) Emmons and Olivier Resources
c) Smith Partners

Report of Treasurer and Approval of Bills
Report of Officers and Managers
Summary and Approval of Board Direction
Adjourn

a) Next special board meeting – July 28, 2025, 6:00 pm
b) Next regular board meeting – August 14, 2025, 6:30 pm

07/28/25 Special Board Meeting - Budget
2025-07-28 18:30 - 20:30 | MN
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 846 9597 3864
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Building Architect
Budget Workshop
Adjourn

a) Next regular board meeting – August 14, 2025 6:30 pm

07/30/25 St. Croix River Workshop on the Water (WOW) Meeting Notice
2025-07-30 17:30 - 20:30 | Taylor’s Falls Princess, 220 South St, Taylor's Falls, MN, 55084, United States
The workshop is designed for city councils, planning commissions, township boards, county commissioners, SWCD and watershed board members, and other local leaders.
The annual St. Croix WOW offers a unique opportunity for community leaders to network, access support from state and local government, and learn about issues such as sustainable community development, preventing harmful algal blooms, community forestry, healthy shorelines, and St. Croix Watershed resources and connections. This year’s workshop will include a keynote welcome from Matt Poppleton, Executive Director of Wild Rivers Conservancy of the St. Croix and Namekagon, as well as five learning stations with mini-presentations.
Open Meeting Notice

Build Your Own Lures
2025-07-31 18:30 - 19:30 | Chisago Lakes High School, 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, United States
Get ready for a fun, family-friendly adventure! Kids, bring an adult along for the ride!
Ever wondered why fish chase after one lure but ignore the next? Do they see all colors, just some, or none at all? We’ll dive into these questions while exploring a variety of gadgets and lures. Plus, you’ll have the chance to create your very own lure to take home and try out! All materials and supplies are provided—just bring your creativity and excitement!
https://isd2144.ce.eleyo.com/course/2900/summer-2025%E2%80%942/build-your-own-lures

Making Bee Houses Fall 2025
2025-08-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
Come and join us to learn about native bees. We will learn the basics of bees and the importance of these incredible insects. We will also make bee houses that you can take home. Turn your crafty creativity into functional fun. More bees mean more fruits, veggies, and flowers in your backyard! All the supplies and materials are provided, just bring your creativity. This program is put on by the Comfort Forest Lake Watershed District at Hardwood Creek Library.
This class is for kids and their adults. This program will be in room 1203/1204. Please use one registration slot per child and adult pair.
https://washcolib.libcal.com/event/14593785
