5.2. SR 07-12-2004TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMOBANDUiM
Mayor & City Council
Rebecca Haug, Environmental TechniCian
July 12, 2004
Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO)
Item 5.2.
When thinking of Minnesota, one;s thoughts naturally drift i toward sparkling blue lakes, verdant
forests, and gleaming fields of snow and what is described hs "The Good Life"; but more and
more, we are seeing our abundant natural resources being cbnsumed by the onslaught of
development. In the Twin Cities Metropolitan area it is estimated that there will be an additional
950,000 residents and 450,000 homes by 2030 and that is only in the seven county metro area!
The Twin Cities are not alone. We are seeing small communities throughout the State faced with
the same challenges. Development pressures are immense and the effects on our natural
resources and receiving waters are tremendous.
As part of the City's NPDES Permit, Jay Michels from the Minnesota Erosion Control
Association will be giving a brief presentation to you on July 12, 2004 on Project NEMO
(Nonpoint source pollution Education for Municipal Officihls) which is a nationally recognized
educational program for land use decision makers that addrbsses the relationship between land
use and natural resource protection.
The basic NEMO educational presentation - Linking Land Use to Water Quality - explains the
links between land use, water quality, and community character. Beyond the basics, Northland
NEMO works with the community through additional presdntations, materials, and guidance to
help move forward on the two major aspects of natural resource-based planning which are
planning for areas to be preserved, and planning for developed or developing areas. Northland
NEMO has had overwhelming interest in this program from the target audiences and the results
have been impressive. The program is already starting to see changes to local plans and
ordinances and requests for more follow up information. The momentum for NEMO is building
and, with the help of their partner organizations, Northland NEMO will help Minnesota protect
its natural resources while facing the pressures of development.