Upper Green meadow Project Team

Green meadow Project Team2nd MeetingJanuary 29th, 2014Wild Rice Watershed District Offices

Fritz Background

Project Acceleration - Red River Watershed Management Board

Approval from the WRWD Board

1Agenda1st Meeting Review2nd Meeting ObjectivesWatershed Problem Statement (action)Goals (action)Strategies/AlternativesStrategies/Alternatives to Consider/Not ConsiderTodays agenda.

Briefly describe

Introductions2PROJECT TEAM GOALDevelop viable strategy option(s) to solve known problem(s) within Upper Green Meadow Subwatershed for Wild Rice River Watershed District Board of Managers consideration

Completion: Spring 2014

Anticipate 1- 6 Meetings

Green Meadow Project Team Process Goal assuming we get through the required steps along the way.31st Meeting ObjectivesProvide Background InformationMN Mediation Agreement and ProcessEstablish Project Team Process/Ground RulesIdentify and Prioritize Water Resource Problems in the Upper Green Meadow WatershedDetermine if there is Agreement Among Project Team Representatives that the Problem(s) is/are Severe Enough to Warrant Action by the Wild Rice Watershed DistrictDevelop Green Meadow Watershed Problem Statement

Briefly describe4Processsome relevant quotesNever mistake activity for accomplishment(John Wooden, 1910-2001)

The key to failure is trying to please everybody(Bill Cosby, 1937 -)

Before we begin, some relevant quotes to consider

These quotes are my favorite and certainly applicable to water resources management in the Red River Basin.

5ProcessProject development StepsProblem IdentificationExisting Watershed ConditionGoal(s), Purpose, and NeedRange of Alternatives/Alternatives EvaluationSelection of Preferred Alternative(s)

To give you all a sense of what this process is designed to address

We MUST address each of these steps if we want to get to the point where we have a project.

The process weve put into place is/will be disigned around addressing each of these 5 steps.

We are here today to address step number 1.

6Process.Roles and ResponsibilitiesWATERSHED DISTRICT (Statutory Authority)Identify Areas of ConcernInvite Stakeholders to Serve on PTCoordinate MeetingsArrange for FacilitatorRecord KeepingCommunication with PT MembersBOARD MEMBERSPT Direction, Focus, SupportConsidering Alternatives Taking Action (DECISION-MAKING BODY)Review the roles and responsibilities of the Watershed and the and Board members

Watershed District has Statutory Authority and is THE Decision Making body PERIOD!

7processroles and responsibilitiesUPPER GREAN MEADOW PROJECT TEAMRepresent Stakeholder ConstituencyIdentify Problems and Opportunities for FDR/NREFormulate and Evaluate Alternative(s) to Address Problems and OpportunitiesRecommend Preferred Alternative to Wild Rice Watershed District BoardIdentify and Clarify Regulatory Requirements and PermittingReview/Comment on Key Project DocumentsAssist if the Formulation of Operating/Monitoring Plans

DECISION-MAKINGProject Team Make Recommendations to the WRWD and WRWD Board members

How are we going to make decisions; here, at the Project Team Level.?8ProcessProject team Decision-makingConsensus Individuals collectively make a choice

9ProcessProject team Decision-makingI CAN LIVE WITH IT

The end game here is not to have us all hugging and singing kombya

At the very least we must strive achieve some level of agreement when a decision is required/needed

Often, this will require a project team member to swallow hard and WORK WITHIN THE PROCESS WITH THEIR FELLOW PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS to get to the point where they can live with a decision

If a single project team members cannot live with a decision, the process stops until the impass is addressed or he project team colletively comes to the conclusions that there is no further discussion that can overcome the impass..process/effort over!10Process Final wordProject team Decision-makingConsensus Individuals collectively make a choiceI can live with itThree Kinds of Believers (C. Wright Mills)VulgarCriticalSophisticated

Charles Wright Mills(August 28, 1916 March 20, 1962) was an Americansociologist, and a professor of sociology atColumbia Universityfrom 1946 until his death in 1962. Mills was published widely in popular and intellectual journals, and is remembered for several books, among themThe Power Elite, which introduced that term and describes the relationships and class alliances among the U.S. political, military, and economic elites;White Collar, on the American middle class; andThe Sociological Imagination, where Mills proposes the proper relationship in sociological scholarship between biography and history.

Vulgar (Nave) believers can only operate with slogans and stereotypes within a point of view they egocentrically identify

Sophisticated believers are well read/willing to educate themselves, but only for the purpose of refuting views/opinions opposing theirs.

Critical believers are willing to enter sympathetically into opposing points of viewlargely because only the critical thinker can recognize the weakness in their own point of view.

Ingredients to become a Critical ThinkerInformation/Knowledge - from more than one discipline/angleDisposition/Attitudes/character traits passion for the truth, capacity to take criticism, a sense of fair play, etc.Thinking Skills the capacity to construct, interpret, and criticize argumentation

Handout encourage Project Team members to move as far to the right on this scale as possible

11Processroles and responsibilitiesFacilitator/Watershed Administrator/Consulting Engineer/FDRWG CoordinatorNOT PT Member no participation in developing alternativesGuide PT FDRWG Mediation AgreementMonitor - Ground Rules, PT DynamicsAsk QuestionsClarify IssuesWorker BeeProvide InformationManage ProcessCreate Products (notes, reports, etc.)Resources Me, Kevin, Henry, Jerry12Ground rules/ExpectationsProject Team meeting/discussionEveryone ParticipatesNo Single Right AnswerKeep an Open Mind (Sophisticated Thinker)Listen to OthersKeep Discussion on TrackTry to Understand the Views with Whom you DisagreeAsk QuestionsDisagreements OKStrive for I can Live with itMeeting ground rules - 13Ground rules/ExpectationsProject Team CommunicationConstituency Communication LeadWatershed District Board - WD AdministratorPress Media WD AdministratorStakeholders Project Team Members

If consensus cannot be reached, the Project Team member(s) with a minority opposing opinion, shall work with the Additional Resources Team to prepare a minority report for the Wild Rice Watershed District Board

Project Team Membership = Representative.therefore, each of you has a constituency that your are required to keep informed and serve as the voice for those who are not sitting at the table.

Lastly we hope to complete this process with a single recommendation (or recommendations) from the Project Team. If we get to the point where theres an impass, and a consensus recommendation cannot be reached, then a minority opinion/report will be develop to accompany a majority recommendation.14GROUND Rules/ExpectationsProject Team ParticipationSnooze you Loose RuleStrictly enforced As project Team members, you are expected to attend meetings and participate (during meetings and perform needed interim tasks)152nd Meeting Objectives:Approve/Finalize DRAFT Green Meadow Watershed Problem Statement*

Establish Goals

Establish Range of Possible Alternatives

16Green meadow problem statement (Draft)Handout(s)PT Input (Location? Extent? Frequency?)Private Infrastructure Damages?Agricultural Land Flooding?Insufficient Drainage?Natural Resources?Next Steps/COE Early Coordination MeetingAdditional Resources Team

Handouts - Problem Statement Draft and problems area map(s)

Problem Statement when finalized (approved by the PT), then early coordination meeting with COE regulatory staff17Problems - DetailsPrivate Infrastructure DamagesAgricultural Land FloodingNatural ResourcesMark up Jerrys / Henrys Map

NEED CONSENSUS DECISION WHEN THIS DISCUSSION IS FINISHED

Does the final draft Problem statement capture the essence of the problems in the GM subwatershed?

Project Team OK with the Additional Resources Team proceeding with the early COE coordination meetings?

Inform PT that the discussions with the COE may result in changes to the GM Problem statement.18Goal(s)The DESIRED result the Green Meadow Project Team envisions, plans and commits to achieve.An articulated end-point

Goals:Project Team (Green Meadow Subwatershed)Watershed*Basin*

Purpose and Need StatementAdditional Resources TeamGoals of the Green Meadow Project Team (subwatershed, watershed, and basin) DECISION required here following this discussion

Goals have already been developed in the WRWD and the Red River Basin Presentation of the WRWD plan and LTFS

Additional Resources Team will develop a Purpose and Need (PN) statement based on the problem statement and PT goals

The Purpose and Need Statement sets the stage for consideration of the alternatives.

Responsibility of the Additional Resources Team

3 Parts:The Purpose Define the problem to be solvedThe Need Data to support the problem Statement (purpose)The Goals and Objectives - Other issues that need to be resolved as part of a successful solution to the problem.

The Purpose and Need Statement is intended to clarify the expected outcome of public expenditure and to justify that expenditure - what you are trying to accomplish and why you think it is necessary. As such, it should be the first step in the project development process. It will be used to guide the development of alternatives, and it will be a fundamental element when developing criteria for selection between alternatives.

19Red River Basin Goals (jerry)RRBC Long Term Flood Solutions20% Flow Reduction Goal on the Mainstem Red River of the NorthWRWD Storage Allocation/District Storage Plan Overview

RRBC Slides20Wild Rice Watershed Goals (Jerry/Kevin)(Overall Plan)Water Quantity Goals (Section 5.1)To reduce or alleviate the damage caused by floodwaters. (Goal-1)To administer and maintain the drainage systems of the District in order to fulfill their original function. (Goal-2)Systems Approach Planning Process Goals (Water Quantity)Provide protection of rural residences and buildings to a minimum of 2-feet of freeboard over the flood of record, or 1-foot above the administrative 100-year flood, whichever is greater. (Goal-8)Provide community protection to a minimum of the flood of record plus uncertainty (3-feet), the 100-year flood plus uncertainty, or the 500-year flood, whichever is greatest. (Goal-9)Reduce flood damages to transportation and other public infrastructure. (Goal-10)Reduce flooding on the Red River of the North. (Goal-11)21Wild Rice Watershed Goals(Overall Plan)WATER QUALITY GOALS (Section 5.2)Maintain or improve water quality of all surface water and groundwater resources within the District. (Goal-12)Systems Approach Planning Process Goals (Water Quality)Improve river and stream water quality to an index of Biotic Integrity corresponding to excellent condition (score 40-50). (Goal-13)Reduce erosion from land by implementing agricultural conservation practices on lands with erosion rates exceeding tolerable3 or with very high or high potential sediment yield. (Goal-15)Reduce sedimentation into waterways by implementing agricultural conservation practices on all lands with high potential sediment yield. (Goal-16)

22Wild Rice Watershed Goals(Overall Plan)NATURAL RESOURCES GOALS (Section 5.3)Improve the condition of natural resources on a district-wide basis compared to the present condition. (Goal-24)Address the high-priority natural resource problems for each geomorphic region. (Goal-25)Avoid and minimize adverse natural resource impacts to the extent possible for any specific strategy. (Goal-26)

23Green Meadow Project Team Goal(s)Road Damages -Public Infrastructure - Upper Green Meadow DamPrivate Infrastructure -Agricultural Land FloodingNatural ResourcesAltered Hydrology -Unstable Water Courses Limited Amount of Upland Habitat - Degraded soil health -PT agree/adopt Basin and Watershed goals?

More specific goals for each damage category needed?

Goals should be RELAISTIC and MEASUREABLE

Need decision here24Green Meadow Project Team Goal(s)Road Damages

To reduce or alleviate the damage caused by floodwaters. Reduce flood damages to transportation and other public infrastructure. (Goal-10)

PT agree/adopt Basin and Watershed goals?

More specific goals for each damage category needed?

Goals should be RELAISTIC and MEASUREABLE

Need decision here25Green Meadow Project Team Goal(s)Public Infrastructure - Upper Green Meadow Dam

To reduce or alleviate the damage caused by floodwaters. Provide community protection to a minimum of the flood of record plus uncertainty (3-feet), the 100-year flood plus uncertainty, or the 500-year flood, whichever is greatest. (Goal-9)

PT agree/adopt Basin and Watershed goals?

More specific goals for each damage category needed?

Goals should be RELAISTIC and MEASUREABLE

Need decision here26Green Meadow Project Team Goal(s)Private Infrastructure

To reduce or alleviate the damage caused by floodwaters. Provide protection of rural residences and buildings to a minimum of 2-feet of freeboard over the flood of record, or 1-foot above the administrative 100-year flood, whichever is greater. (Goal-8)

PT agree/adopt Basin and Watershed goals?

More specific goals for each damage category needed?

Goals should be RELAISTIC and MEASUREABLE

Need decision here27Green Meadow Project Team Goal(s)Channel/Bank Erosion

To reduce or alleviate the damage caused by floodwaters. Reduce erosion from land by implementing agricultural conservation practices on lands with erosion rates exceeding tolerable3 or with very high or high potential sediment yield. (Goal-15)Reduce sedimentation into waterways by implementing agricultural conservation practices on all lands with high potential sediment yield. (Goal-16)

PT agree/adopt Basin and Watershed goals?

More specific goals for each damage category needed?

Goals should be RELAISTIC and MEASUREABLE

Need decision here28Green Meadow Project Team Goal(s)Agricultural Land Flooding

To reduce or alleviate the damage caused by floodwaters. To administer and maintain the drainage systems of the District in order to fulfill their original function.Reduce erosion from land by implementing agricultural conservation practices on lands with erosion rates exceeding tolerable3 or with very high or high potential sediment yield. (Goal-15)Reduce sedimentation into waterways by implementing agricultural conservation practices on all lands with high potential sediment yield. (Goal-16)

PT agree/adopt Basin and Watershed goals?

More specific goals for each damage category needed?

Goals should be RELAISTIC and MEASUREABLE

Need decision here29Green Meadow Project Team Goal(s)Natural Resources - Altered Hydrology

To reduce or alleviate the damage caused by floodwaters. Improve river and stream water quality to an index of Biotic Integrity corresponding to excellent condition (score 40-50). (Goal-13)Reduce erosion from land by implementing agricultural conservation practices on lands with erosion rates exceeding tolerable3 or with very high or high potential sediment yield. (Goal-15)Reduce sedimentation into waterways by implementing agricultural conservation practices on all lands with high potential sediment yield. (Goal-16)To reduce or alleviate the damage caused by floodwaters. Maintain or improve water quality of all surface water and groundwater resources within the District. (Goal-12)PT agree/adopt Basin and Watershed goals?

More specific goals for each damage category needed?

Goals should be RELAISTIC and MEASUREABLE

Need decision here30Green Meadow Project Team Goal(s)Natural Resources Unstable Watercourses

To reduce or alleviate the damage caused by floodwaters. Improve river and stream water quality to an index of Biotic Integrity corresponding to excellent condition (score 40-50). (Goal-13)Reduce erosion from land by implementing agricultural conservation practices on lands with erosion rates exceeding tolerable3 or with very high or high potential sediment yield. (Goal-15)Reduce sedimentation into waterways by implementing agricultural conservation practices on all lands with high potential sediment yield. (Goal-16)To reduce or alleviate the damage caused by floodwaters. Maintain or improve water quality of all surface water and groundwater resources within the District. (Goal-12)PT agree/adopt Basin and Watershed goals?

More specific goals for each damage category needed?

Goals should be RELAISTIC and MEASUREABLE

Need decision here31Green Meadow Project Team Goal(s)Natural Resources Limited Upland Habitats

To reduce or alleviate the damage caused by floodwaters. Improve the condition of natural resources on a district-wide basis compared to the present condition. (Goal-24) Avoid and minimize adverse natural resource impacts to the extent possible for any specific strategy

PT agree/adopt Basin and Watershed goals?

More specific goals for each damage category needed?

Goals should be RELAISTIC and MEASUREABLE

Need decision here32Green Meadow Project Team Goal(s)Natural Resources Degraded soil health

Reduce erosion from land by implementing agricultural conservation practices on lands with erosion rates exceeding tolerable3 or with very high or high potential sediment yield. (Goal-15)Reduce sedimentation into waterways by implementing agricultural conservation practices on all lands with high potential sediment yield. (Goal-16)

PT agree/adopt Basin and Watershed goals?

More specific goals for each damage category needed?

Goals should be RELAISTIC and MEASUREABLE

Need decision here33RANGE OF STRATEGIES/Alternatives (Henry)(Technical Paper 11)Reduce Flood VolumeConstruction or Restoration of Depressional Wetlands, Cropland BMPs, Conversion of Cropland to Perennial Grassland, Conversion of Land Use to Forest, Other Beneficial Uses of Stored WaterIncrease Conveyance CapacityChannelization, Agricultural Drainage, Diversions, Setting Back Existing Levees, Increasing Road Crossing CapacityIncrease Temporary Flood StorageOn Channel Impoundments, Off Channel Impoundments, Restored or Created Wetlands, Drainage, Culvert Sizing, Setting Back Existing Levees, Overtopping LeveesProtection / AvoidanceUrban Levees, Farmstead Levees, Agricultural Levees, Evacuation of the Floodplain, Floodproofing, Flood Warning and Emergency Response Planning34TP 11 FDR measures and associated NRE opportunities1) Reduce Flood Volumea) Restore or create wetlands (providing infiltration and evapotranspiration)b) Use cropland BMPs (increase infiltration and evapotranspiration)c) Convert cropland to prairie or other types of perennial grassland (e.g., Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) to increase infiltration and evapotranspiration)d) Convert land use to forest (forested areas generally have the lowest runoff coefficients, due to high interception and evapotranspiration)e) Other beneficial uses of stored runoff.Associated NREsProtect, restore, enhance existing habitats.Improved hydrologic conditions for streams.35TP 11 FDR measures and associated NRE opportunities2) Increase Conveyance Capacitya) Channelization (increasing the flow capacity of existing channels or flowages)b) Drainage (creating new or improved conveyance capacity)c) Diversions (of flood waters around a current damage area)d) Setting back existing levees (to restore floodway capacity)e) Increasing road crossing capacityAssociated NREsPotential stream corridor restoration associated with setting back leveesPotential water quality benefits for more stable drainage ditches and installation of side inlets36TP 11 FDR measures and associated NRE opportunities3) Increase Temporary Flood Storagea) Impoundments (with or without a normal pool, to detain water in excess ofdownstream channel capacity)b) Restored or created wetlands (functioning as impoundments)c) Drainage (to lower surface water and groundwater levels, which increasesinfiltration and temporary storage in the upper soil horizons)d) Culvert sizing (to increase temporary storage by widespread metering of runoff close to its source)e) Setting back existing levees (to restore floodplain storage areas)f) Overtopping levees (to utilize diked floodplain storage capacity when criticallyneeded)37TP 11 FDR measures and associated NRE opportunities4) Protection/Avoidancea) Urban leveesb) Farmstead leveesc) Agricultural leveesd) Evacuation of the floodplain (removing people and flood-prone facilities and converting to more flood-compatible land uses)e) Floodproofingf) Flood warning and emergency response planningAssociated NREsPotential stream corridor restoration associated with floodplain evacuation.38

Early, Middle, & Late Water (jerry)39

EARLY, MIDDLE, LATE WATER CONSIDERATIONS(Handout)40Elimination of strategies41Strategies/alternatives for consideration42