Rain Barrels 101
2025-03-03 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.

03/04/25 Special Board Workshop – Strategic Planning
2025-03-04 17:30 - 19:30
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

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.

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.

03/13/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-03-13 18:30 - 20:30
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

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

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.

03/25/25 Special Board Workshop – Strategic Planning
2025-03-25 17:30 - 19:30
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

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.

03/27/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-03-27 18:30 - 20:30
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

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

04/10/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-04-10 18:30 - 20:30
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

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.

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

04/15/25 Special Board Workshop – Strategic Planning
2025-04-15 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 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

Spring Lawn Prep
2025-04-17 18:30 - 19:30
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.

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.

04/24/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-04-24 18:30 - 20:30
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

04/29/25 Special Board Workshop – Strategic Planning
2025-04-29 18:00 - 20:00
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 832 3269 8733
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Strategic Planning Workshop

Strategic Planning Dashboard (Excel Download)
Strategic Planning Dashboard (PDF)

Adjourn

Next regular board meeting – May 8, 2025 6:30 pm

05/06/25 Special Board Meeting - Budget
2025-05-06 18:00 - 20:00
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 863 4219 4361
Meeting Notice & Agenda

Call to Order of Special Meeting
Budget Prioritization and Visioning Workshop

Memo
Budget Outline

3. Adjourn

a) Next regular board meeting – May 8, 2025 6:30 pm

05/08/25 Regular Board Meeting
2025-05-08 18:30 - 20:30
Remote Attendance Instructions:
Click here to join the zoom meeting online or dial by phone: 301-715-8592. Meeting ID: 871 2321 0325
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
New Business

a) Permit 24-013 Gaiovnik Subdivision
b) Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund Grant Applications
c) Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership 10-Year Plan Amendment
d) Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership Grant Work Plan Amendment
e) Review of Governance Manual
f) Wake Boat Control in Freshwater Lake
g) Minnesota Watersheds Summer Tour

Old Business

a) Program Signage
b) State of the Watershed

Program/Project Update

a) Project Update
b) Program Update – Education & Outreach

YouTube Summary

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

a) Next regular board meeting – May 22, 2025, 6:30 pm

Native Plants for Lousy Soil
2025-05-12 18:30 - 19:30 | Forest Lake Area Schools Education Center, 943 9th Ave SW, 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 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 seasons to come including free soil testing. 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.

https://forestlake.ce.eleyo.com/course/8013/spr-sum-2025-apr-aug/native-plants-for-lousy-soil

05/13/25 CAC Meeting
2025-05-13 17:00 - 18:00

What’s going on at North Shore Circle Park?
2025-05-13 18:30 - 19:30 | North Shore Circle Park, 7619 North Shore Circle N, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
CLFLWD has partnered with the City of Forest Lake to restore the shoreline at North Shore Circle Park. A neighborhood meeting will be held at the park (7619 North Shore Circle N) Tuesday 5/13 from 6:30-7:30pm. Stop by to learn more about the restoration plans, or contact Aidan For more information contact Aidan Read at 651.583.6590 or by email.

Native Minnesota Fruit Trees
2025-05-15 15:00 - 16:00 | Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
Growing fruit trees and shrubs in Minnesota can be tricky with such a short growing season. The answer to that dilemma: grow native fruit trees and shrubs! Learn about the hardy varieties that will flourish in our backyards, sustaining both people and local wildlife. There are many more varieties than most people typically think, and they can be commercially available too! Participants will receive an informational folder full of great publications, and several door prize bare root trees will be given away.
Register at : https://washcolib.libcal.com/event/14557382

Improve Your Soils
2025-05-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Chisago Lakes High School, 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, United States
Healthy soil is important for growing strong, resilient, and tough plants that can handle our wacky MN growing conditions. Whether you are starting a new flower garden or trying to revitalize and old veggie patch, we will cover it all. From soil testing to composting, and so much more. 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/2894/summer-2025%E2%80%942/improve-your-soils

Bloomers and Clumpers for Lousy Soils
2025-05-19 18:30 - 19:30 | 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
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
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
