Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District

04/24/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-04-24 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | MN
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 834 9486 7554
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 – March 4, 2025
b) Regular Board Meeting Minutes – March 13, 2025
c) Special Board Meeting Minutes – March 25, 2025
d) Regular Board Meeting Minutes – March 27, 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) 2024 Audit Report

Audit Executive Governance Summary
Audit Financial Report
Audit Presentation

b) 2026 Budget Schedule
c) 2025 Forest Lake Curly-leaf Pondweed Treatment Contract (updated 04/24/25)

Old Business

a) 2024 Year-In-Review, Annual Report, Progress Report

2024 Year-In-Review Draft
Annual Report Draft
Progress Report Draft

b) 2024 Water Monitoring Report

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 – April 29, 2025, 6:00 pm
b) Next regular board meeting – May 8, 2025, 6:30 pm

Native Plants for Lousy Soils
2025-04-23 18:30 - 19:30 | Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
Do you have that patch of lousy soil where nothing seems to grow very well? There are plenty of tough Minnesota native plants that will not thrive in sketchy soil conditions. We will chat about all aspects of those tricky soil sites to get plants and blooms started for the season to come. Participants will receive an informational folder and a native plant book, and there will be several gift certificates from local nurseries given away as door prizes.

Spring Lawn Prep
2025-04-17 18:30 - 19:30 | MN
Let’s get things greened up and growing! Lawn care can be expensive and puzzling. Learn some simple tips and techniques that can help you get the best performance out of your yard while saving some cash and preventing pollution. We will cover a wide variety of topics and answer your questions about watering, fertilizing, weed identification and so much more to make your lawn the best it can be. Residents within the Comfort Lake – Forest Lake Watershed District may be eligible for free soil testing….join us to learn more. Participants will receive a free native plant book and there will be several gift certificates from local nurseries given away as door prizes.

04/15/25 Special Board Workshop – Strategic Planning
2025-04-15 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: 884 8627 6837
Meeting Notice & Agenda
Full agenda and board packet items will be posted on this page no later than 3 days preceding the meeting.

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Strategic Planning Workshop

Memo
Strategic Planning Initiative Table
Expansion Process
Access Philanthropy Fundraising Feasibility Report
ISG Office Space Feasibility Report

Adjourn

Next regular board meeting – April 24, 2025 6:30 pm

04/15/25 CAC Meeting
2025-04-15 17:00 - 18:00 | MN

Native Plants for Wetlands and Shorelines
2025-04-14 18:30 - 19:30 | Chisago Lakes High School, 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, United States
Do you have a ditch, shoreline, or wetland on your property you want to spruce up beyond cattails and swamp grass? Do you have an area of yard where the grass just won’t grow because it is wet most of the time? There are lots of varieties of natives and non-native perennials that can be used to add color, texture, and eye-appeal that don’t mind having wet toes. Let’s figure out how to add an aesthetic splash into that soggy site. Participants will receive a native plant book, and several door prizes will be given away from local plant specialists.

04/10/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-04-10 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: 881 4575 2046
Meeting Notice & Agenda

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

a) 2024 Water Monitoring Report and Presentation

YouTube Video

b) Office Space Site Visits
c) Office Space Architect

Old Business

a) 2024 Year-in-Review, Annual Report, Progress Report Presentations

YouTube Presentation
Year-in-Review
Annual Report
Progress Report

Program/Project Update

a) Project Update

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

a) Next special board meeting – April 15, 2025, 6:30 pm
b) Next regular board meeting – April 24, 2025, 6:30 pm

Watershed Connections: The Alum Treatment Impacts on Forest Lake
2025-03-31 17:30 - 19:00 | Forest Lake Senior Community Center, 767 4th St SW, Forest Lake, MN, 55025
Dr. Wilkinson is a civil engineer and limnologist at EOR where she applies her expertise in watershed engineering, primarily focused on lake and stream water quality and ecology. She will present an introduction to lake science and discuss Forest Lake’s overall water quality. The focus of the presentation will be on nutrient cycling and the recent alum treatment on Forest lake. How effective was the alum treatment, what are the impacts of the treatment within the lake, and what are the next steps for the water quality in Forest Lake?

This FREE workshop will be held at the Forest Lake Senior Community Center (767 4th St SW, Forest Lake, MN 55025) March 31, 2025, starting at 5:30 p.m. The workshop includes an hour presentation, a box supper, and time for open discussion after the presentation. Please RSVP before Friday, March 21st for this workshop, so we have an accurate headcount for food and seating.
To register, please contact the CLFLWD at 651-395-5850 or by email.

Event Flyer
Open Meeting Notice

03/27/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-03-27 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: 861 1926 1954
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 – January 28, 2025
b) Special Board Meeting Minutes – February 11, 2025
c) Regular Board Meeting Minutes – February 13, 2025
d) Regular Board Meeting Minutes – February 27, 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.

Citizen Advisory Committee Update

a) Update
b) Appointment

New Business

a) Sunrise River Headwaters Project Development Scope of Work
b) Water Quality & Storage Grant Application
c) 2024 CAT & DIY Monitoring Report

YouTube Video

d) Insurance Liability Coverage Waiver
e) Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
f) 2024 Year-In-Review, Annual Report, Progress Report Initial Drafts

2024 Year-In-Review Draft
Annual Report Draft
Progress Report Draft (posted 3/28/25)

g) Shallow Pond

Old Business

a) Flood Resiliency Community Engagement Final Report
b) Flood Resiliency Action Plan Scope of Work
c) FY24 General Fund Transfer Amount

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
Bone Lake South Wetland Property Appraisal [may convene in closed session]
Adjourn

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

Shoreline Ice Ridge Informational Workshop
2025-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Forest Lake American Legion, 355 W Broadway Ave, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
Event Flyer
Open Meeting Notice
Did the ice push up a ridge along your shoreline? What can you do about it? Are permits required to repair the damage? Are there grants available for repairs and improvements? Is there technical assistance available? How can you prevent an ice ridge from forming again?
The Comfort Lake – Forest Lake Watershed District (CLFLWD) is sponsoring an informational workshop to answer these questions and more about your shoreline. Speakers include DNR staff, watershed staff, and local lakeshore landscapers.
This FREE workshop will be held at the Forest Lake American Legion, Hall A (355 West Broadway Avenue, Forest Lake, MN 55025) starting at 6:00 p.m. The workshop includes several presentations and time after for discussion.
Please RSVP before Friday, March 21st for this workshop, so we have an accurate headcount for materials and seating. To register, please contact the CLFLWD at 651-395-5850 or email.

03/25/25 Special Board Workshop – Strategic Planning
2025-03-25 17:30 - 19:30 | MN
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 850 9825 9162
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Strategic Planning Workshop

Memo
Initiative Table
Statute

103D.335 Subd. 19. Open Space and Greenbelts
103D.201 Watershed District Purposes

Adjourn

Next regular board meeting – March 27, 2025 6:30 pm

Native Plants for Hills and Slopes
2025-03-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Chisago Lakes High School, 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, United States
Are you struggling to establish plants and vegetation on a hill or slope? Are you fighting with erosion and washouts every time we get a big rain event? There are lots of varieties of native plants that will put down roots quickly and will hold their ground…and your ground. When it comes to native plants, it is all about the roots! Participants will receive a free native plant book and there will be several gift certificates from local nurseries given away as door prizes.

03/18/25 CAC Meeting
2025-03-18 17:00 - 18:00 | MN

03/13/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-03-13 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: 818 7555 6877
*Please note: a new Zoom link will be generated for each meeting
Meeting Notice & Agenda

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

a) Chisago County Joint Powers Agreement
b) 2025 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention & Management Plan

YouTube Video

c) 2025 Water Monitoring Plan

Old Business

a) Floodplain Vulnerability Assessment Update

Presentation

Program/Project Update

a) Project Update
b) Permitting Program Update

YouTube Video

Summary and Approval of Board Direction
Adjourn

a) Next special board meeting – March 25, 2025, 5:30 pm
b) Next regular board meeting – March 27, 2025, 6:30 pm

Pollinator Patch Plan and Plant
2025-03-10 18:30 - 19:30 | Forest Lake Area Schools Education Center, 943 9th Ave SW, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
A native wildflower garden will attract beautiful butterflies and bees to your yard and help pollinators stay healthy. You can plant a garden anywhere from the tiniest corner of your city lot to the shadiest area under a pine tree. We will cover it all from weeds to seeds to bountiful blooms for small spaces. Participants will receive an informational folder full of great publications and several door prizes from local plant specialists will be given away.

Shoreline Restoration and Maintenance
2025-03-06 18:30 - 19:30 | Chisago Lakes High School, 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, United States
Are you losing ground? Is your shoreline eroding, unsightly or seem to be a goose magnet? Did the excessive rains last year take a toll? Is the ice pushing up a new ridge every year? Learn how to improve water quality, reduce erosion and beautify your property using native plants, simple installation techniques and smart planning for easier long-term maintenance. Participants will receive a free native plant book and there will be several gift certificates from local nurseries given away as door prizes.

03/04/25 Special Board Workshop – Strategic Planning
2025-03-04 17:30 - 19:30 | MN
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 822 7754 9006
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Strategic Planning Workshop
Adjourn

Next regular board meeting – March 13, 2025 6:30 pm

Rain Barrels 101
2025-03-03 18:30 - 19:30 | Chisago Lakes High School, 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, 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% 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 talk about the pros and cons of many of the commercially available rain barrels and how to make your own. Residents within the Comfort Lake – Forest Lake Watershed District may be eligible for free rain barrels….join us to learn more. Participants will receive a free native plant book and there will be several gift certificates from local nurseries given away as door prizes.

02/27/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-02-27 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 7754 9006
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 – November 21, 2024
b) Special Board Meeting Minutes – January 7, 2025
c) Regular Board Meeting Minutes – January 9, 2025
d) Regular Board Meeting Minutes – January 23, 2025
e) Special Board Meeting Minutes – January 28, 2025
CLFLWD YouTube Channel (for watching past meetings)

Public Open Forum
Citizen Advisory Committee Update

a) Update
b) Appointment

New Business
Old Business

a) MN Watersheds Delegate Appointments
b) Forest Lake Alum Treatment Monitoring Update
c) North Shore Trail Road Reconstruction Project

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 – March 4, 2025, 5:30 pm
b) Next regular board meeting – March 13, 2025, 6:30 pm

Many MN Milkweeds
2025-02-27 18:30 - 19:30 | MN
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 sceneries. 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.

Perennial Pocket Plantings
2025-02-25 18:30 - 19:30 | Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
A native wildflower garden will attract beautiful butterflies and bees to your yard and help pollinators stay healthy. You can plant a garden anywhere from the tiniest corner of your city lot to an open prairie setting and about anything in between. We will cover it all, from weeds to seeds and from start to bountiful blooms. We will even “walk” through a project from scratch to bountiful blooms. Participants will receive an informational folder and a native plant book, and there will be several gift certificates from local nurseries given away as door prizes.

Watershed Connections: Changing Climate Trends and Local Impacts
2025-02-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Forest Lake Senior Community Center, 767 4th St SW, Forest Lake, MN, 55025
Kenny Blumenfeld is a Minnesota DNR climatologist who has been fascinated by storms and weather extremes his whole life, and who enjoys helping Minnesotans understand their weather and climate. He will discuss long-term, ongoing, and projected climate trends, along with recent weather and climate extremes in the region. The Comfort Lake-Forest Lake area has become warmer on average, particularly during the winter, and also has become more humid and wetter, even when accounting for recent drought. Projections indicate the area will keep getting warmer and wetter on average, with even greater extremes of winter warmth, humid summertime heat, and precipitation than have yet been observed.
This FREE workshop will be held at the Forest Lake Senior Community Center (767 4th St SW, Forest Lake, MN 55025) starting at 5:30 p.m. The workshop includes an hour presentation, a box supper, and time for open discussion after the presentation.
Please RSVP before Friday, February 21st for this workshop, so we have an accurate headcount for food and seating. To register, please contact the CLFLWD at 651-395-5850 or by email.
Event Flyer
OPEN MEETING NOTICE

Top Twenty Tough Native Plants
2025-02-20 18:30 - 19:30 | Chisago Lakes High School, 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, United States
Learn how to put down some roots and use native plants in your landscaping, flower gardens, and everywhere else. We will help identify some of our favorite no-fail natives for a wide variety of soils, shade levels, and overall hardiness. These are the rough, tumble, aggressive, and easy to find native plants. Also learn some easy ways to integrate native plants into your current landscaping, or start a whole new project. Participants will receive a free native plant book and there will be several gift certificates from local nurseries given away as door prizes.

02/18/25 CAC Meeting
2025-02-18 17:00 - 18:00 | MN

Office Holiday - Presidents Day 2025
2025-02-17 | MN
The Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District office will be closed to observe this holiday.

02/13/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-02-13 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 7754 9006
Meeting Notice & Agenda

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

a) Stearns County Shoreland Presentation
b) Washington County Cooperative Weed Management Area
c) North Shore Circle Park Agreement
d) 2025 Forest Lake Cooperative Aquatic Invasive Species Agreement
e) MN Watersheds Delegate Appointments

Old Business

a) 2024 Education & Outreach Yearend Summary

YouTube Video

b) 2025 Education & Outreach Implementation Plan

YouTube Video

c) Heath Iron Enhanced Sand Filter Acquisition Budget Transfer

Program/Project Update

a) Project Update
b) Operations & Maintenance Program Update

YouTube Video

Summary and Approval of Board Direction
Adjourn

a) Next regular board meeting – February 27, 2025, 6:30 pm

02/12/25 Floodplain Vulnerability Assessment Community Engagement Workshop
2025-02-12 17:00 - 20:00 | Forest Lake Area High School, 6101 Scandia Trail N, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
A quorum of the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District Board of Managers is anticipated at the Floodplain Vulnerability Assessment Community Engagement Workshop.
Special Meeting Notice

02/11/25 Special Board Workshop – Strategic Planning
2025-02-11 17:30 - 19:30 | MN
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 822 7754 9006
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Strategic Planning Workshop

Vision, Mission, Values
Plan Priorities – Manager Schmaltz
Plan Priorities – Manager Bakke
Strategic Plan – Manager Anderson
Plan Priorities by Manager Toavs
Strategic Plan Staff Meeting Summary

Flood Resiliency Community Engagement

Flood Resiliency Planning Process
Community Workshop Presentation Slides

Adjourn

a) Next regular board meeting – February 13, 2025 6:30 pm

Top Twenty Native Plants
2025-02-10 18:30 - 19:30 | Forest Lake Area Schools Education Center, 943 9th Ave SW, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
Learn how to put down some roots and use native plants in your landscaping and flower gardens. We will identify some of our favorite no-fail natives for a wide variety of soils, shade levels and overall hardiness. These are the rough, tumble, aggressive and easy to find native plants. Also learn some easy ways to integrate native plants into your current landscaping or start a whole new project. You will receive a free native plant book and there will be several gift certificates from local nurseries given away as door prizes.

Watershed Connections: Carp Management for Water Quality
2025-02-06 17:30 - 19:00 | Forest Lake Senior Community Center, 767 4th St SW, Forest Lake, MN, 55025
Event Flyer
Open Meeting Notice
The ecological effects of carp on the environments which they invade are negative and numerous. They can include decreased native aquatic vegetation, increased turbidity, increased nutrients, increased algae blooms, and an overall decrease of fish and wildlife diversity. The science of carp management has significantly changed since 2010. The ability to quantify carp populations, track carp movement, and reduce abundance can be a major tool in improving water quality and overall lake health. WSB has been a leader in the field of invasive fish management and specifically carp management.
This FREE workshop will be held at the Forest Lake Senior Community Center starting at 5:30 p.m. The workshop includes an hour presentation, a box supper, and time for open discussion after the presentation. Please RSVP before Friday, January 31st for this workshop, so we have an accurate headcount for food and seating.
To register, please contact the CLFLWD at 651-395-5850 or by email.
