Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District

04/09/26 Regular Board Meeting
2026-04-09 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 898 9958 9723
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 – March 12, 2026

CLFLWD YouTube Channel (for watching past meetings)

New Business

a) Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership Update
b) 2026 MN Watersheds Request For Resolutions
c) Manager Liaisons and Interagency Agendas

Old Business

a) 2025 Comprehensive Monitoring Report
b) 2025 Year-In-Review, Annual Report, Progress Report Presentation

YouTube Presentation
Comments on 2025 Annual Report and Progress Report

c) Natural Shoreline Outreach and Education Campaign Update

YouTube Presentation

Program/Project Update

a) Project Update
b) Program Update – Grant Research & Preparation

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

a) Next regular board meeting – April 23, 2026, 6:30 pm

04/14/26 CAC Meeting
2026-04-14 17:00 - 18:00

Bugged Out Water - Winter 2026
2026-04-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Chisago Lakes High School, 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, United States
Is there anything more exciting than playing with bugs? We will be digging right in and seeing what kind of buggy neighbors are swimming around the lakes and streams. This is a very hands-on session full of creepy crawly fun that will leave you with a better appreciation of how important insects are as well as what they can tell us about the water quality. All the supplies and materials are provided, just bring your creativity.

https://isd2144.ce.eleyo.com/course/3240/winter-2026/bugged-out-water

Landscaping Septics - Winter 2026
2026-04-20 18:30 - 19:30 | Chisago Lakes High School, 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, United States
Landscaping near and around septic systems is a concern of many homeowners. Whether you already have an existing septic system or will be installing a new one to your residence, there are many aesthetic options. Participants will learn some tips and techniques that not only will help the looks of the system; they will also help the functioning of the system. Participants will receive an informational folder full of great publications, a native plant book, and several door prizes will be given away from local plant specialists.

https://isd2144.ce.eleyo.com/course/3237/winter-2026/landscaping-septics

Build Your Own Lures Parent/Child Ages 5-10 (2) - Winter 2026
2026-04-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Forest Lake Area Schools Education Center, 943 9th Ave SW, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
Why do fish chase after one lure but ignore the next one? Do they see every color, certain colors or none at all? We will be talking about and looking at a wide variety of gadgets and lures, as well as giving you a chance to make your own to take home and try out. All the supplies and materials are provided, just bring your creativity.

https://forestlake.ce.eleyo.com/course/8443/winter-2026-jan-apr/build-your-own-lures-parent-child-ages-5-10

04/23/26 Regular Board Meeting
2026-04-23 18:30 - 20:30
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 823 3785 4045
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 – March 26, 2026

Link to March 26 YouTube Recording

b) National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Five Star Grant Application

Public Open Forum
Advisory Committee Updates
New Business

a) 2025 Audit Report

Audit Executive Governance Summary
Audit Financial Report
Audit Presentation

b) 2027 Budget Schedule & Outreach Plan
c) Watershed Management Plan Minor Amendment
d) Starry Stonewort Rapid Response Plan

Old Business

a) 2025 Year-In-Review, Annual Report, & Progress Report

2025 Year-In-Review Draft
2025 Annual Report Draft
2025 Progress Report Draft

b) Bone Lake South Nature Area Fencing
c) Natural Shoreline Education and Outreach Campaign Update

Report of Staff

a) Administrator

Presentation

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 – May 14, 2026, 6:30 pm

Watershed Connections: How Zebra Mussel Populations Affect Mercury Accumulation in Fish
2026-04-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Forest Lake Senior Community Center, 767 4th St SW, Forest Lake, MN, 55025
Please join us to learn how the University of Minnesota’s Fisheries Systems Ecology Lab is studying the ways zebra mussel invasions influence mercury buildup in aquatic food webs. The lab’s recent work brings together several related projects that explore how these invasive mussels can reshape lake ecosystems by altering nutrient cycling, changing food web structure, and influencing how contaminants such as mercury move through the environment. By examining patterns across different lakes and conditions, the research aims to better understand when, where, and why zebra mussels alter mercury dynamics. This work helps reveal how ecological changes caused by invasive species can affect fish contamination levels, with important implications for fisheries management, ecosystem health, and fish consumption by people and wildlife.
This FREE workshop will be held at the Forest Lake Senior Community Center (767 4th St SW, Forest Lake, MN 55025) starting at 6:00 p.m. The workshop includes an hour presentation, a box supper, and time for open discussion after the presentation.
Please RSVP before Friday, April 24th 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

Native Shrubs and Fruit Trees - Spring 2026
2026-05-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
Growing fruit trees and shrubs in Minnesota can be tricky because of our short growing season. One solution is to grow native fruit trees and shrubs!
Join us to learn how to make it work. Learn about hardy fruit trees and shrubs that will flourish in our backyards, sustaining both people and local wildlife. There are more varieties than you might expect, and many are available for purchase.
Participants will get an informational folder with helpful resources, and several bare-root trees will be given away as door prizes.
This program is offered in partnership with the Comfort Lake–Forest Lake Watershed District.
https://washcolib.libcal.com/event/15491672

05/12/26 Special Board Meeting - Budget Workshop #1
2026-05-12 18:00 - 20:00
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 895 2281 7192
Meeting Notice & Agenda
Full agenda and board packet items will be posted on this page no later than 3 days immediately preceding the meeting.

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Budget Workshop #1 – Prioritization
Administrator Performance Review [may convene in closed session]
Adjourn

Next regular board meeting – May 14, 2026, 6:30 pm

05/14/26 Regular Board Meeting
2026-05-14 18:30 - 20:30
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 811 7423 8370
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 9, 2026

CLFLWD YouTube Channel – April 9th

b) Letter of Support for Great River Greening Grant Application

New Business

a) Permit 25-015 Havenwood (Chestnut Creek Phase 2)
b) Permit 25-019 Amberly Woods
c) Wittrock Porch Addition Applicability of Lake Buffer Requirement
d) Watershed Management Plan Amendment Presentation

Old Business

a) Floodplain Resilience Action Plan Framework

YouTube Video
Presentation
Draft Floodplain Resilience Action Plan Framework

b) 2026 Impaired Waters List

Project Update
Report of Officers and Managers
Administrator Performance Review (may convene in closed session)
Summary and Approval of Board Direction
Adjourn

a) Next regular board meeting – May 28, 2026, 6:30 pm

05/19/26 CAC Meeting
2026-05-19 17:00 - 18:00

Office Holiday – Memorial Day 2026
2026-05-25
The Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District office will be closed to observe this holiday.

05/26/26 Special Board Meeting – Floodplain Resilience Action Plan Framework Workshop
2026-05-26 18:00 - 20:00
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 899 5008 1761
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Floodplain Resilience Action Plan Framework Workshop
Adjourn

a) Next regular board meeting – May 28, 2026, 6:30 pm

05/28/26 Regular Board Meeting
2026-05-28 18:30 - 20:30
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 884 6791 7964
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) Regular Board Meeting Minutes – April 23, 2026

Direct YouTube link

b) Special Board Meeting Minutes – May 12, 2026

Direct YouTube link

Public Open Forum
Advisory Committee Updates
New Business

a) Permit 25-020 Forest View Preserve
b) Insurance Liability Coverage Waiver
c) 2026 Budget Amendment

Old Business

a) Natural Shoreline Education & Outreach Campaign
b) Education & Outreach Program Update
c) Starry Stonewort Rapid Response
d) Floodplain Resilience Action Plan Framework

Final Floodplain Resilience Action Plan Framework

Report of Staff

a) Administrator

Presentation

b) Emmons and Olivier Resources
c) Smith Partners

Report of Treasurer and Approval of Bills

2026 Jan-Jun Cash Flow Projections

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

a) Next special board meeting – June 2, 2026, 6:00 pm
b) Next regular board meeting – June 11, 2026, 6:30 pm

06/02/26 Special Board Meeting - Budget Workshop #2
2026-06-02 18:00 - 20:00
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 823 6310 7770
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Budget Workshop #2- First Review
Adjourn

a) Next regular board meeting – June 11, 2026, 6:30 pm

Native Plant Walk and Talk - Hardwood Creek Library Summer 2026
2026-06-08 17:30 - 18:30 | Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
Join Adam Hjelm for a walk and talk through the prairie and pond areas outside Hardwood Creek Library. We’ll learn about the plants and wildlife just outside the library’s back door.
Each walk and talk is different and changes with the season. Participants are encouraged to take photos and stop to smell the flowers along the way. A boxed dinner will be provided. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Registration is required.
https://washcolib.libcal.com/event/16713274

North Shore Trail Nature Area Walk and Talk
2026-06-09 18:00 - 19:00 | North Shore Trail Nature Area, North Shore Trail, Forest Lake, Minnesota, 55025
Join Comfort Lake – Forest Lake Watershed District’s Aidan Read for a walking tour through the recently restored North Shore Trail Nature Area.
Attendees will have the opportunity to take part in a guided walk through a unique natural area located in the heart of Forest Lake. During the tour, we will explore the history of the site and take an in-depth look at the restoration work that has been completed. Discussion will include the ecological goals that guided the project, the techniques and tools used to achieve those goals, and the methods being used to monitor and evaluate progress over time.
In addition, we will look ahead to the future of the site, including ongoing management strategies and stewardship efforts designed to protect and preserve this valuable and distinctive habitat for years to come.
Please RSVP via email to Adam Hjelm or call 651-395-5850 by June 8th so we have a headcount for supplies and materials.

Participants can park at the Forest Lake 3rd lake boat launch and walk to the site for the event.
Open Meeting Notice

06/11/26 Regular Board Meeting
2026-06-11 18:30 - 20:30
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 865 6511 0602
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 – May 14, 2026

CLFLWD YouTube Channel – May 14th

b) Special Board Meeting Minutes – May 26, 2026

CLFLWD YouTube Channel – May 26th

New Business

a) Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund Grant Awards
b) Shallow Pond Audubon Property Donation and ESA SOW
c) Natural Shoreline Outreach Plan Framework

Old Business

a) Heath Iron Enhanced Sand Filter Project Contract Award
b) Watershed Management Plan Minor Amendment Adoption
c) Floodplain Resilience Project Feasibility Scope of Work
d) Clean Water Partnership Loan E Agreement
e) MN Watersheds Resolutions

Project Update
Report of Managers
Summary and Approval of Board Direction
Adjourn

a) Next special board meeting – June 15, 2026, 6:00 pm
b) Next regular board meeting – June 25, 2026, 6:30 pm

06/15/26 Special Board Meeting - Budget Workshop #3
2026-06-15 18:00 - 20:00
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 815 2552 2269
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Budget Workshop #3 – Clarifications & Communications
Adjourn

a) Next regular board meeting – June 25, 2026, 6:30 pm

06/16/26 CAC Meeting
2026-06-16 17:00 - 18:00

Comfort Lake Delisting Celebration
2026-06-17 17:30 - 19:00 | Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church, 25402 Itasca Avenue, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
After 24 years on the state’s impaired waters list due to excess nutrients, Comfort Lake is now slated for delisting — a major milestone for the community and the lake itself. This achievement reflects years of collaboration, dedication, and stewardship from the Comfort Lake–Forest Lake Watershed District, the Comfort Lakes Association, the City of Wyoming, Chisago County, and many local groups, organizations, and community members who worked together to improve and protect the lake’s water quality.
We will be having a short program to commemorate the activities and partnerships that have helped the lake reach this milestone. There will be a light supper, refreshments, and cake following the program.
Please RSVP via email or by phone by June 10th.
Event Flyer
OPEN MEETING NOTICE

Build Your Own Lure - Hardwood Creek Library Summer 2026
2026-06-18 17:00 - 18:00 | Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
Why do fish chase after one lure but ignore the next one? Do they see every color, certain colors, or none at all?
In this class, we will be talking about and looking at a wide variety of gadgets and lures. You will also have a chance to make your own lure to take home and try it out.
All the supplies and materials are provided, just bring your creativity!
This class is for all ages. Registration is required.
https://washcolib.libcal.com/event/16713195

Office Holiday – Juneteenth 2026
2026-06-19

06/25/26 Regular Board Meeting
2026-06-25 18:30 - 20:30
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 895 1831 3180
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 – May 28, 2026

Direct YouTube link

b) Special Board Meeting Minutes – June 2, 2026

Direct YouTube link

Public Open Forum
Advisory Committee Updates
New Business

a) Floodplain Resiliency Project Development Budget Amendment
b) Bone Lake South Property Management Plan Scope of Work

Old Business

a) Eurasian Watermilfoil Policy
b) Comfort Lake Delisting Event Recap

Report of Staff

a) Administrator

Presentation

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 9, 2026, 6:30 pm

Purple Loosestrife Beetle Release Event
2026-07-01 10:00 - 10:30 | Forest Lake Launch 3, 739Q+764, Forest Lake, MN, 55025
In 2026, District staff began implementing purple loosestrife biocontrol management efforts following Minnesota DNR beetle rearing and release guidelines. An initial collection of 100 beetles was completed in May and placed on contained host plants for rearing. The beetles are then allowed to develop through several life stages, ultimately producing thousands of beetles for future release. Biological control has proven to be an effective, low-cost method for managing medium- to large-scale infestations of purple loosestrife.

Purple loosestrife is a perennial wetland plant that is non-native to Minnesota and is classified as a Prohibited Invasive Species. It contains a flower spike of pink-purple flowers that bloom in late June to August. Purple loosestrife aggressively invades wetland areas, displaces native plants, and disrupts habitat for native animals.
Additionally, the District will be assessing the feasibility of expanding this into a citizen volunteer program and any interested individuals are encouraged to contact Matthew Hendrickson by email or phone for more information.

Office Holiday – Observed Independence Day 2026
2026-07-03

07/09/26 Regular Board Meeting
2026-07-09 18:30 - 20:30
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 898 6423 2504
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 – June 11, 2026

CLFLWD YouTube Channel – June 11th

b) Special Board Meeting Minutes – June 15, 2026

CLFLWD YouTube Channel – June 15th

New Business

a) Permit 25-023 Dealer Rental Parking Lot Paving
b) Annual Review of Crisis Communication Plan
c) Annual Review of Strategic Plan

Old Business

a) Community Advisory Committee
b) Bone Lake South Management Plan

Project Update
Report of Managers
Summary and Approval of Board Direction
Adjourn

a) Next regular board meeting – July 23, 2026, 6:30 pm

07/14/26 CAC Meeting
2026-07-14 17:00 - 18:00

07/22/26 Special Board Meeting - Budget Workshop #4
2026-07-22 18:00 - 20:00
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 821 6005 6829
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Budget Workshop #4- Clarifications & Communications
Adjourn

a) Next regular board meeting – July 23, 2026, 6:30 pm
b) Next special board meeting – July 30, 2026, 6:00 pm

07/23/26 Regular Board Meeting
2026-07-23 18:30 - 20:30
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 891 7356 6283
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 – June 25, 2026

Direct YouTube link

Public Open Forum
Advisory Committee Updates

a) Community Advisory Committee Update
b) Community Advisory Committee Appointment

New Business

a) MN Watersheds Annual Meeting on Resolutions and Petitions
b) BWSR Easement Programs

Old Business

a) Bone Lake South Nature Area Wetland Restoration Scope of Work

Report of Staff

a) Administrator

Presentation

b) Emmons and Olivier Resources
c) Smith Partners

Report of Treasurer and Approval of Bills

2026 Jul-Dec Cash Flow Projections

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

a) Next regular board meeting – July 9, 2026, 6:30 pm
