Lake County SWCD Program Implementation / Capacity Building (310-05-08)

Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program
Lake County SWCD Program Implementation /
Capacity Building
Wayne Seidel
Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District
July 1, 2009
Project No. 310-05-08
Contract No. B16370
This project was funded in part under the Coastal Zone Management Act, by NOAA’s
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, in cooperation with Minnesota’s
Lake Superior Coastal Program.
Introduction
The Lake County SWCD requested $5,400 in Coastal Nonpoint funding to implement
projects and build District capacity. The District used the funding to assist in
implementing Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program
by providing engineering, educational, and technical assistance in Lake County. Specific
projects included increased technical assistance to solve erosion problems, participation
in natural resource issue-based meetings, assistance in planning and conducting the North
Shore Erosion Forum, and having District Supervisors serve on state-wide and regional
natural resources planning efforts.
Proposed Work
Listed below is a detailed compilation of the proposed projects.
Urban / Rural:
1. Provide site reviews on land disturbing projects to assess compliance with erosion
and sediment control ordinances (private property owners, local units of
government).
2. Assist the Lake County Planning Commission on land use issues related to water
quality such as erosion and sediment control, storm water management, and
wetlands conservation.
3. Work with Cities, Townships, and County on erosion and sediment control
measures.
4. Provide assistance in revising the Lake County Land Use Ordinance, notably the
provisions on storm water management and erosion control.
5. Participate on the Arrowhead Water Quality Team to develop educational
materials and programs on water quality used throughout northeastern Minnesota.
6. Assist with implementation of the Two Harbors Storm Water Management Plan.
7. Assist the CCLNS Joint Powers Board Engineer with site reviews, assessment
summaries, and project planning on erosion control projects.
Forestry:
1. Provide landowner contacts for CCLNS Forester.
2. Have SWCD Supervisors participate on Laurentian RC&D Committee,
Minnesota Forestry Committee, CCLNS Joint Powers Board, Water Plan
Advisory Committee, and Lake Superior Association of SWCDs.
Wetlands, Riparian Areas & Vegetated Treatment Systems:

1. Provide site reviews to make wetland determinations, field check wetland
delineations, prepare and monitor wetland restoration plans, participate in
monthly Lake County Hydrology Committee meetings, and serve as a
clearinghouse for information on the Wetland Conservation Act.
Work Completed and Results

Technical Assistance:
1. Provided technical assistance on ninety-four requests for information and/or site

visits.
2. Initiated two cost-share contracts: Streambank Stabilization (1) and Shoreline
Stabilization (1)
3. Completed two Critical Area Stabilization (CAS) and one Streambank
Stabilization (SS) cost-share projects: Two Harbors Old Dump Site (CAS), Silver
Creek Township (SS) and Lakeview National Golf Course (CAS).
4. Worked jointly with Keith Anderson, Joint Powers Board Engineer, to provide
technical assistance (design, construction inspection, final sign-off) on two
projects – Two Harbors Old Dump Site, Lakeview National Golf Course.
5. Participated in the planning process to develop a Storm Water Ordinance for Lake
County. The draft ordinance has been submitted to the Lake County Board for
adoption.
6. Conducted a tour of the Two Harbors Storm Water Projects for University of
Minnesota Extension staff during the Fall Program Conference in Duluth. The
tour included discussing the overall need, planning process, technical design,
funding sources, and partnerships as well as viewing the completed projects.
7. Provided information to Lake County Forestry regarding a proposed ATV trail
originating at the Lake County Demonstration Forest.
8. Led a process to hire a Lake County Volunteer to conduct the Beach Water
Quality Monitoring Project for the Lake County Health Department. The
volunteer takes water quality samples once a week from May through August.
Wetland Conservation:
1. Provided technical assistance on the Ziement Wetland Bank, four wetland
restorations, and two wetland violations.
2. Participated in one Wetland Conservation Act Training Session.

3. Participated in the planning process to revise the Lake County Wetland
Ordinance.
4. Participated in five Lake County Hydrology Committee TEP meetings.
SWCD Supervisors:
Lake County SWCD Supervisors served on a host of regional and state-wide planning
efforts including Laurentian RC&D Committee, Minnesota Forestry Committee, CCLNS
Joint Powers Board, and the Lake County Water Plan Advisory Committee. These are
typically bi-monthly meetings and the Supervisors provide a report on recent committee
activities at each SWCD meeting.
North Shore Erosion Forum:
Helped plan and conduct a one-day North Shore Erosion Forum held in Two Harbors on
June 18, 2009. Approximately thirty local decision-makers participated in the morning
session that included presentations on the Challenges of Erosion Control in Northern
Minnesota, Storm Water Management, and the Cook County Storm Water Ordinance.
Twenty-three people participated in a three-hour afternoon tour that featured successful
projects on shoreline stabilization and storm water management. The forum was
sponsored by the North Shore Management Board.
Natural Resource Meetings:
Participated in the following natural resource issue-based meetings: Technical Advisory

Committee of the North Shore Management Board (2 meetings), Clean Water Legacy
Protection Strategy, CCLNS Joint Powers Board Meetings, Lake County SWCD (11
meetings), Arrowhead Water Quality Team, Kawishiwi Watershed Partners Meeting,
Lake County Water Plan Advisory Committee (3 meetings), Area III Minnesota
Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts - Annual Meeting, University of
Minnesota Forestry Focus Group Interview (Tree Inspector Program), Minnesota
Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts – State Convention, and Knife River
TMDL Meeting
* See the attached narratives and other supporting materials for specific project details.
Conclusions
This project was effective in enhancing the technical assistance provided by District staff,
increasing the leadership capacity of District Supervisors to work on a regional and
statewide basis, and to develop new land use management tools for Lake County.
Minnesota's La ke Superior Coastal Progra m Project Number: 3 10-05-08
Contract Number: B1 6370
Progress Report Date Received by MLSCP :
Project Title: Lake County SWCD Program Imp lementati on / Capacity Building
Proj ect Start Date: July 16,2008
Reporting Period From: July 16,2008 To : September 30, 2008
Name & Tille of Person Completing Report Wayne Seidel, Project Manager
1. Thoroughly discuss progress made during this reporting period , ci ting specific
tasks li sted in contract scope of services.
The project is now underway and a toloal of 81 hours were logged on a vari ety of
projects incl uding those listed below:
1. Field ReviewslRequests for information - Conducted 34 reviews and/or requests for

information on proposed developments, erosion problems and land use violations
(wetlands). This included work on six erosion control projects utilizing District Cost
Share funding.
2. Participated in the following natural resource issned-based meetings: Teclmical

Advisory Committee (North Shore Management Board), CCLNS Joint Powers Board
Meeting, Lake County SWCD, AlTowhead Water Quality Team feelin g, MASWCD
Area III Meeting.
3. SWCD Supervisors continue to participate on a regular basis on the fo llowin g

committees related to fore stry and natural resource issues: Laurentian RC&D, Minnesota
Forestry Committee, CCLNS Joint Powers Board, and Water Plan Adv ismy Committee.
2. Identify and di scuss any problems or concems (issues or project implementation and
adm ini strati on).
None
Email completedrepmitokarla.SundbergilUdnr. state.nm.us

Minnesota's Lake SupeI"ior Coastal Program Proj ect Number: 3 10-05 -08
Contract Number: B16370
Progress Report Date Received by MLSCP:
Project Title: Lake County SWCD Program Implementation / Capacity Building
Project Start Date: July 16,2008
Reporting Peri od From: October 1,2008 To : December 31, 2008
Name & Title of Person Completing Report Wayne Seidel, Project lanager
1. Thoroughly discuss progress made dnring this reporting pet-iod, citing specific
tasks I isted in contract scope of services_
The proj ect is now wlderway and a total of 147.5 hours were logged on a variety of
projects including those li sted below:
1. Field ReviewslRequests fo r information - Conducted 28 reviews and/or requests for

informati on on proposed developments, erosion problems, pre-construction meetings, and
land use violations (wetlands) . This included work on tbree erosion conh'ol projects
utilizing District Cost-Share funding.
2. Parti cipated in the following natural resource issued-based meetings: Forestry Focus
Group Interview (University of Minnesota), Lake County SWCD, MASWCD State
Convention.
3. SWCD Supervisors continue to participate on a regular basis on the following

committees related to forestTY and natural resource issues: Laurentian RC&D, MirUlesota
Forestry Committee, CCLNS Joint Powers Board, and Water Plan Advisory Committee.
2. Identify and di scuss any problems or concerns (issues or proj ect implementation and
adm ini stration).
None
Email completedreporttokarla.S undberg(ciJ.dnL state.mn.us

Minnesota's Lake S up erior Coastal Prog"am Project J umber: 3 10-05-08
Contract Num ber: B163 70
Progress Report Date Received by tvILSCP:
Project T itle: Lake County SWCD Program Implementation / Capacity Building
Proj ect Stmi Date: July 16, 2008
Rep0I1ing Period From: January I, 2009 To: March 31,2009
Nmlle & Title of Person Comp leting Report Wayne Seidel, Project Manager
1. Thoroughl y discuss progress made during this repo,·ting period , citing specific
tasks listed in contract scope of services.
A total of 24.5 additional homs were logged on a vm'iety of projects including those listed
bel ow:
1. Field Reviews/Requests for info rmation - Conducted 14 reviews and/or requests for
inform ation on proposed developments, erosion problems, wetlmld monitoring plans,
wetland restoration plans, and land use violations (wetlands). This included work on two
cun'ent erosion control projects utili zing District Cost-Share funding and fi ve potential
cost-share proj ects. I also revised om Erosion & Sediment Control P lan Checkli st for use
with the revised Lake County Stonn Water Ordinance.
2 . Participated in the following natural resource issued-based meetings: Lake County

Teclmical Evaluation Panel, White Iron Chain of Lakes Association - Kawishiwi
Watershed Protection Project, and Lake County SWCD (2).
3. SWCD Supervisors continue to paJ1icipate on a regular basis on the foll owing

committees related to forestry and natural resource issues: Laurentiml RC&D, Minnesota
Forestry Comm ittee, CCLNS Joint Powers Board, and Water Plml Adv isory COIllillittee.
2. Identify and discuss any problems or concerns (issues or project implementation and
adm ini stratio n) .
None
Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program Project Number: 310-05-08
Contract Number: B16370
Progress Report Date Received by MLSCP:
Project Title: Lake County SWCD Program Implementation / Capacity Building
Project Start Date: July 16, 2008
Reporting Period From: April 1, 2009 To: June 30, 2009
Name & Title of Person Completing Report Wayne Seidel, Project Manager
1. Thoroughly discuss progress made during this reporting period, citing specific
tasks listed in contract scope of services.
A total of 112 additional hours were logged on a variety of projects including those listed
below:
1. Field Reviews/Requests for information - Conducted 18 reviews and/or requests for

information on proposed developments, erosion-related problems, wetland site reviews,
and land use violations (wetlands). This included one new District Cost-Share project.
2. Participated in the following natural resource issued-based meetings: Lake County

Technical Evaluation Panel (3), White Iron Chain of Lakes Association - Kawishiwi
Watershed Protection Project (2), Knife River TMDL, Hiring Lake County Volunteer
(water quality monitoring), CCLNS Joint Powers Board (3), Water Plan Advisory
Committee, Storm Water Ordinance, North Shore Management Board Technical
Advisory Committee, and Lake County SWCD (3). I also helped to plan and conduct the
North Shore Erosion Forum, sponsored by the North Shore Management Board. I gave a
presentation in the morning and led a two hour field tour in the afternoon that featured
successful storm water management and shoreline protection projects (30 participants).
3. SWCD Supervisors continue to participate on a regular basis on the following

committees related to forestry and natural resource issues: Laurentian RC&D, Minnesota
Forestry Committee, CCLNS Joint Powers Board, and Water Plan Advisory Committee.
4. Led a process to hire a Lake County Volunteer to conduct the Beach Water Quality
Monitoring Project for the Lake County Health Department. The volunteer takes water
quality samples once a week from May through August.
5. Completed the Non-Point Grant Final Quarterly Progress Report and the Final Report.
2. Identify and discuss any problems or concerns (issues or project implementation and
administration).
None
Email completed report to karla.Sundberg@dnr.state.mn.us

2008 Coastal Non-Point Implementation Grant
#B16370
Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District
Expense Summary
Wayne Seidel – Conservation Specialist - Per contract with the University of Minnesota
Extension Service that includes salary, travel/meal expenses, and benefits in hourly figure
= $42.50 / hour.
A total of 287.5 hours were expended on this Non-Point Grant project as detailed by the
following time log for Wayne Seidel from July 16, 2008 – June 30, 2009.
Date Project / Activity Time
2008
07/16 Gill Hensgens – waterway issue 0.5

07/17 Forest Management-Tom Martinson/Chauncey Opsahl 1.5
07/21 AWQT Meeting 4.5
Keith Anderson – Encampment Forest Association Project/John Bathke
07/22 EFA letter – request for rock (County Board stockpile @ Castle Danger) 1.5
Rick Tofte – flood plains
07/23 EFA letter reviewed and sent
Field review @ Hensgens and Christensen’s 3.5
Derek McCorison – land purchase (suitability/wetlands)
07/24 Jay Michals – wetlands/Tom Gelineau – Golf Course Project
Hensgens letter drafted/Keith – updates (EFA/Walker’s)
Meeting with County Board on EFA rock
Sent Dan Walker field review summary 3.5
07/25 Cliff Bentley – update on EFA rock
Completed and sent Hensgens field review summary 2
07/28 Chronicle – technical program news release
Gill Hensgens – waterway issue 1
07/29 Kane Lake Wetland Field Review (replacement site)
Keith Anderson/Al Goodman – courthouse parking lot 3
07/30 George Scheidt – native planting information; Kelly Faughnan –
Critical area stabilization information; Courthouse Parking Lot
Plans to Keith Anderson 1.5
08/01 Jim Hanson (Kendall D.) – agricultural question on new seeding 0.5
08/04 Malechi Field Review / Dan Steward – storm water projects / Al & Keith
Schedule confirmation 1.5
08/05 Lynette Carney – Two Harbors Dump Site Project
Coastal Program Team Evaluation Meeting 1.5
08/06 Rick Hogenson – tree planting/ditch stabilization / John Bathke –
EFA / Field review with Peter & Charlette Malechi – shoreline
Erosion / Review with Keith & Al / Chronicle - Skunk Creek Story 5
08/11 Karen Rylander – water testing / Wayne Zellmer – storm water
Project for Cost-Share - Tom Gelineau – Golf Course Project 1.5
08/14 Dan Steward & Wayne Zellmer –Storm Water Project –
Cost-Share Contract Amendment for Golf Course /
Golf Course/Parking Lot Meeting with Al G., Tom G., Lee K.,
Keith A. / SWCD Meeting 5
08/18 Mike Kohn – Soils information for Ziemet’s wetland restoration site 0.5
08/19 Kendall Dykhuis – Shoreline erosion (rip-rap, permits) 0.5
08/25 Tim Erickson – field review (9/4) w/Keith A.; Ben VanTassel (ARDC) –
TAC Meeting (9/3); John Bathke – Crow Creek site review 2
08/26 Administration Update 0.5
08/27 LaTisha@ Polymet / Matt H.- Huseby conversion to Farm Use (wetland
Violation) 1
08/28 Jim Linscheid – shoreland restoration information (Mary B., Eleanor B.)
Ziemet Wetland Restoration Plan; Mr. Ulrich – tree relocation/planting 2
09/02 Wade Soderholm (Kendall) – food plot recommendation for deer 0.5
09/03 NSMB TAC Meeting (EHA/GIS,etc.) / Keith Anderson & Wendy L. –
Silver Creek Cost-Share Project 3
09/04 Todd Ronning – land clearing (Sam Cave) / Field Review @ Huseby’s /
Matt H. – Sam Cave’s site / Field Reviews @ Gooseberry Cabins,
Crow Creek, Silver Creek Project (photos) 7
09/05 NP Update – Wendy L.- Silver Creek Twp. Project Completed / Tim
Erickson – project details / Keith – sent field review photos 2
09/11 Keith A. – Dump Site – Nicles Project – Erickson Site Visit – Field
Reviews @ Gooseberry Cabins & Two Harbors Dump Site 3
09/12 Nicles-Cost-Share Amendment – Al Goodman.- Hwy 3 Update –
Erickson’s Cost-Share Amount, rock, Cliff Bentley – Old Dump Site
(Tom Gelineau & Lee Klein) 1.5
09/15 Two Harbors Dump Site – Lee Klein (bids) /
Huseby Field Review Summary with Matt Huddleston & Walt
VanDenHuevel / Hensgens Reviewed with Matt Huddleston 2
09/16 Revised Huseby’s Summary and sent to Matt and Walt
JPB#3 Meeting @ Duluth / Keith A. - Nicles Amendment, Erickson
Cost-Share Contract / Tom Clifford – Courthouse Parking Lot –
Sulfide Mining 3.5
09/17 Erickson rock request letter to County Board 0.5
09/18 Walt VanDenHuevel – Ziemet’s Plan; Huseby photos / Barbara
Mecklin – estimate on Old Dump Site 0.5
09/22 Jeff Hrubes (BWSR) – Disaster Declaration/Al G. ,Linda L., Lenore J.
Matt H., Wilma R. / George Pope – Superior Hiking Trail Field Review
Results / Hensgens – letter of response to County Board / Dump
Site bid to City Hall 3
09/23 Lee Klein/Keith Anderson/Joe Mecklin – Approval of Old Dump
Site Bid & Cost-Share Amendment – Walt/Hare Lake Field Review 9/26-
Jim Dexter/Tom Martinson – NPDES Permit (ESC Plan)
Jed Greenwood (Barr) – Hwy 3 project 2.5
09/26 Field review @ Hare Lake – wetland restoration/development
Erickson’s Cost Share Contract sent – Lee Klein Cost-Share
Amendment 5
09/29 Field review @ Ziemet’s - wetland bank creation / Nate - Storm
Water Tour Map / Hare Lake field review summary / Huseby’s
Issue reviewed with Tim Peterson (/Army Corps) / Update with Mike
Scott & Russ Conrow – Huseby Update (wetland violation) 5
09/30 Keith Anderson/project update / Russ Conrow - Huseby project /
Rick Grupe – Silver Creek Cost-Share Project 2
10/01 Old Dump Site Pre-Construction Meeting / Huseby wetland restoration
Project field review / Highway 3 Erosion Control Project 6
10/02 Tim Peterson – Huseby Restoration – 50 copies Property Owners
Resources Guides (AEOA) 1
10/08 Hare Lake Summary reviewed and sent / Erickson - Keith A. contact
Information / Landfill project plus photos updates / Huseby Violation
Summary to Conrow / T. Martinson - NPDES information / Silver Creek
Project update – City of Orr (wetland information) 6.5
10/09 Contractor Workshop (Carolyn @ MECA) / TAC minutes / SWCD
Meeting – Cost-Share Policies (Dump Site & Golf Course) 7
10/13 NP Progress Report 1
10/15 Curt Uppgard – streambank erosion 0.5
10/20 Keith Anderson - Golf Course, Dump Site, Erickson, Storm Water
Tour / Tom Gelineau Project Update 1.5
10/27 Reviewed DITCH BMP Coastal Report from Dan Breneman (NRRI) /
Matt H./Walt V. – Rustad Land Use issue 1.5
10/28 Photos @ Golf Course & Dump Site Project / Hensgens Issue -
Rich Sve / Field review with Matt & Walt 4
10/29 Keith Anderson – Project Update plus Tom Gelineau
Cost-Share forms (C-S voucher) 1
10/30 Don Warner/Al Goodman – Hwy 3 0.5
10/31 Project Update – Silver Creek/Old Dump Site
Wetland TEP Meeting (Rustad Site Review) 3.5
11/01 Hwy 3 – Buttress field review 2
11/03 Hwy 3 photos to Jed Greenwood/Al Goodman/ Don Warner/
Tom Clifford – Silver Bay erosion issue 1
11/05 Field reviews with Keith Anderson – Two Harbors Campground -
Curt Uppgard – Silver Bay Ditch 5.5
Matt H. – Hensgens project update
11/06 Jim Blomberg – Silver Bay Ditch plus photos – SWCD Meeting 2.5
11/24 Silver Bay Ditch Update – letter from Keith A. to Jim Blomberg 0.5
11/25 Dave Rustad site – Jim Russell/Walt VanDenHuevel 0.5
12/01 TEP Meeting – Dave Rustad site (wetlands) 2.5
12/05 Project Update with Al Goodman – rock quantities for Mecklin/
Encampment Forest Association (EFA)/Erickson 1
12/10 Steve Bartz – critical area planting seed mix 1
12/11 Barbara Mecklin – project update / SWCD Meeting 2
12/12 Jed Greenwood – Hwy 3 update 0.5
12/15 Joe Mecklin – EFA project – Erickson project / Don Warner - Hwy 3 /
Swede Larson – forestry needs / Soil Survey Funding (Julie Klocker,
Matt H., and Wilma Rahn) 2
12/16 Ditch Summary letter sent to Tom M., Jim B., Swede Larson.
Forestry Focus Group Interview 8
12/23 NP Progress Report and Administration 1
2009
01/22 Walt/ update on TEP – Storm Water Committee – Water Plan

Advisory Committee 1
01/23 Keith A./Project update – Jacobson, Uppgard, Two Harbors, Harvey
Installed Google Earth 1
01/26 Curt Uppgard – project details (streambank project) / Ryan Hughes –
Project Update / Joan Weyandt – Wetlands Plan 2
02/02 Keith Anderson – Soiseth project update 0.5
02/03 Sent ESCP Checklist to Dubai/Soiseth’s 1
02/04 Chel Anderson – Project Photos Request (representative projects)
Project List for BWSR/Wendy L .and Lana F. (project ideas) 1.5
02/05 Keith A. – Two Harbors Gully, Laura Kleive – dam project /
SWCD Meeting 1.5
02/10 Al Goodman – Project List 0.5
02/11 Submitted Top 10 Projects List/Estimate from Keith Anderson 1.5
02/23 Swede Larson – Two Silver Bay Projects / Jim Blomberg / Eric Furo 1
02/26 Jim Blomberg – Silver Bay Ditch 0.5
03/02 TEP Panel/sent photos to Chel Anderson (3 sets) 3
03/05 SWCD Meeting 1
03/06 Laura Kleive- assistance for dam design 0.5
03/09 Commissioner Clifford – rain garden project @ County Parking Lot
Jim Blomberg – update 1
03/10 Clay Nicles – Cost-Share Project Extension request – Gayle Coyer-
Bridge information delivered/Ryan Clark-volunteer 1.5
03/11 Clay Nicles/Ryan Hughes – project extension / Tony Demars –
Reviewed Wetland Monitoring Plan (Tim Peterson & Walt V.) –
sent response letter / Matt H. – Parking Lot Update / Commissioner
Clifford –rain garden update 2.5
03/12 Mike Kohn – Peterson Pit restoration (topsoil)
Tony Demars – confirmation of tree species for wetland plan 1
03/18 Keith Anderson/Danny Weber – Harvey’s Project Design
Complete – Gypsy Moth Open House 0.5
03/20 Administrative Update 1
03/23 Clay Nicles – Cost-Share Amendment prepared and sent 0.5
03/24 Nate Schroder – Knife River TMDL – Dave Stark – Hare Lake 1
03/27 Nick Fronar – Eric Furo Project 0.5
03/30 Keith Anderson – Nicles contract 0.5
04/02 Kate Kubiak – sent revised ESCP 0.5
04/06 TEP Meeting – Kane Lake and Peterson Pit
Rain Garden Meeting prep 2.5
04/07 Glenda Clausen – Gabian baskets/shoreline protection 0.5
04/09 Lake SWCD 2
04/13 Curt Uppgard/Cherrol Soiseth/Sue Sullivan (tree recommendation)
Tim Erickson/Glenda Clausen/Jim Blomberg/.Laura Kleive/
Dave Stark – Hare Lake / Carl Jarvi – Forestry Issues 3.5
04/14 Tony Demars – Hare Lake Data / Rick Sve – Water Plan / 1.5
04/15 Brad Jones – Water Plan 1.5
04/17 Todd Lindahl – soil testing lab information 0.5
04/20 Joan Weyandt – TEP Meeting /Rick Clark/Lake County Volunteer 1
04/21 Ryan Clark – contacted 3 references & interview prep/Walt/TEP/
WICOLA/wildlife pond protocol (WCA)/Goulds Gravel Pit 3
04/22 Ryan Clark Interview – led interview/met with Cammie @Personnel
JPB Meeting @ Carlton 7
04/23 WICOLA Watershed Meeting @ Ely 6
04/24 Matt H. – WICOLA update/Mark Voight – soil test information 1
04/30 Larry Squillace – WICOLA proposal / Ben VanTassel – TAC meeting 1
05/05 TAC Meeting @ Beaver Bay/Larry S. – WICOLA Administration costs 4
05/06 WICOLA conference call 1
05/07 Ryan Clark - update on starting date / Jim Blomberg – update 1
05/08 Larry Squillace - WICOLA / Keith A. – Glenda Clausen 0.5
05/11 TEP Meeting plus Field Reviews @ Peterson Pit & Kane Lake Pit
Commissioner Clifford - WICOLA project / Walt V. - Hensgens issue 5
05/12 John Bathke (Walt V.) – Road Project / Al Goodman & Keith Anderson –
Stewart River 1
05/13 Erosion Forum – Ben VanTassel (ARDC) – overview / Joan Weyandt –
Field Review Update / Abazs/Stark – request for project updates /
Jim Linscheid – ISTS – Sara @ University of Minnesota Extension 2.5
05/14 Lake SWCD Meeting / Corey Swartout – soil sample information 2
05/18 Ben V./Heather – Erosion Forum Planning; Jim L. & Sara – ISTS –
Keith Anderson – project update / Reviewed Finding of Fact
Summaries for Kane Lake & Peterson Pit field reviews –
Gnerer letter on hazard tree 5
05/20 Reviewed WICOLA Paleontology Presentation / Ben-Erosion Forum 1
05/26 George Watson – new Split Rock Campground protocol / Field
Reviews @ Carl Consadine – wetland restoration / Silver Bay
Ditch with Tom M. & Jim B. 6
05/27 JPB Meeting @ Duluth 3
06/02 Tom Martinson – ATV Trail Meeting (with Brad Jones)
Keith Anderson – project update – Soiseth 2
06/03 Walt V. – Hensgens – ATV Trail update – Storm Water Ordinance /
Updated Erosion Forum Presentation / Cost-Share Update – Harvey
(Keith A./ Ruth Gubrud) 2.5
06/04 Erosion Forum speakers (Ben) plus map, field tour draft itinerary
(Tom Gelineau – Ruth) / Bob Nelson – shoreline erosion issues 2
06/08 TEP Meeting – ATV Trail & Hensgens issue 2
06/09 Water Plan Advisory Committee Meeting – Knife River TMDL
Presentation – Nathan Schroeder 2
06/10 Keith Anderson – Harvey Project – Nicles Project
Rock request letter to County Board (+cc copies)
Knife River TMDL Public Meeting 4
06/11 SWCD Meeting and Prep 3
06/16 Karen Erickson – Cost-Share Project done, forms
Ben VanTassel – Erosion Forum Final Details
Marty Staples – water quality issues related to road salt 2
06/17 Tour updates to Tom Gelineau and Keith Anderson
Sent field review summary to Bob Nelson 1
06/18 North Shore Erosion Forum 7
06/22 Two Harbors Well Sealing Contract
Swede Larson – Boulevard Trees recommendation 1.5
06/23 Keith Anderson – project update / County Board – rock request
for Harvey Project / 2008 NP Grant Administration 3
06/24 JPB Meeting @ Duluth / Erickson C/S Project Summary Form 3.5
06/25 Erickson Project – Barb Mecklin (rock rip rap payment) / Ben V. –
Erosion Forum Summary – sent E& SC Plan Checklist / NP Final Report 5
06/29 NP Final Report Administration / Soil Survey Update w/NRCS /
Russ Conrow – forestry assistance (Tim Byrnes) 5
06/30 NP Final Report & Final Progress Report 3
Total Hours = 287.5 hours

Monthly Narrative - August 14, 2008
To: Lake County SWCD Supervisors

From: Wayne Seidel, Conservation Specialist
Activities
Skunk Creek Stream Bank Restoration Project:

Completed the final report and submitted it to the Great Lakes Comm ission. The
Chronicl e also published a feature article on the comp leted project in the August 8'h
edition. To help increase public awareness of this project, I prepared a display board with
project photos for use in the SWCD Booth at the County Fair.
Demonstration Forest Update:

I . Met with Karen Sunderman and Steve Ash, WDSE Channel 8, to do an interview
on the Lake County Demonstration Forest. They conducted a two hour
hikelinterview that will be featured in the "Two-Minute Toms" section o f their
Venture North program. We had a great visit and I took them on a tour of the
Demonstration Forest that included the KlOSK area, new restrooms, future
pavilion site, old railroad camp, and the Pepperlin homestead .
2. Vince Sando and the Lake County Work Crew cleared a large deadfall off of the
Knife River Trail. Kim Sianga continues to do maintenance on tbe biking trails.
3. The Pavilion PlalUling Grant Agreement was approved and signed by the DNR on
Jul y 30, 2008. I have worked with our Architect, Wayne Dahlberg, to develop a
professional services contract on a not-to-exceed basis up to $8,790. Our first
committee meeting will be on August 25, 26 or 27 that will include a visi t to the
future pavilion site.
Field Reviews / Plan Reviews / Technical Assistance:

I. Soil Survey - Participated in a meeting with the County Board on Jul y 15'h to
discuss the proposed soi l survey. I provided an update oftbe proj ect to date and
then Joe McCloskey (NRCS) and Greg Larson (BWSR) presented information on
the current status oftbe so il survey. They welcomed the local contribution of
office space in Silver Bay and Mr. Larson will carry our request forward for state
LCCMR funding. The Board reaffirmed their supp0l1 of the soil survey.
2. St. Louis County Water Plan Update - Sent a copy of the Lake County Water Plan
Update to St. Louis Co unty since they are beginning to update their plan. Our
update includes the priority concern s that we identified as impol1ant to protect
both surface and groundwater resources in Lake County.
3. Hensgens/Clu'istensen Water Issue - Conducted a field review on July 23'd to
investigate a water runoff issue impacting the Hensgen propel1y located near the
intersection of Hi gway 61 and Highway 3. I prepared a detailed summary of my
review and submitted it to Mr. Hensgens, Mr. C1u'istensen, Al Goodman and Matt
Huddleston (see SUnm1al), letter for details).
4. Encampment River Stream bank Erosion Project - Provided a letter of support for
the use of county rock rip rap that was contingent on adequate engineering
supervision being pro vided to the contractor. I met with the County Board on July
241h and shared my recommendation and concern. John Bathke, Encampment
Representati ve, has secured the services of Krech & Ojard Engi neers to provide
site superv ision during construction.
S. Derek McCorison - Provided resource information on a prospective land purchase
- wetlands, access, utilities - along with a copy of the Lake County Property
Owner' s Resource Guide.
6. Go lf Course Erosion Control Project I Courthouse Park.ing Lot - Participated in
an August 1 41h meeting to finalize construction plans on the golf course and to
provide design input on the new Courthouse parking lot.
7. Kane Lake Gravel Pit - Participated in a TEP meeting on July 29 1h to review a
potential wetland replacement site.
8. Provided information on critical area stabilization to Kelly Faughnan.
9. Field inspected a shoreline erosion problem near Castle Danger with Peter and
Charlette Malechi .
Miscellaneous:
1. Completed the 2007 Non-Point Grant Final Progress Report and the Di strict has
since received the funding.
2. The Water Plan Advisory Committee met on July 1 7'h and received an update on
projects completed to date. The meeting included a presentation by Nate Meyer,
Un iversity of Minnesota Extens ion, on the Field Day Research Project conducted
1h
in Lake County. The next meeting will be October 7 •
3. 1 pal1icipated in a Coastal Program Evaluation Meeting on August 51h to eva luate
the effectiveness of the Coastal Program . I provided information on how the
Coastal Program has assisted our effo l1s to develop the Lake County
Demonstration Forest, initi ate Storm Water Management Planning &
Implementation in Two Harbors, revise the Property Owner' s Guide, and provide
technical assistance to Lake County residents.
4. David Falk and I met with the Lake County Board on July 29 1h to review the
District 2009 Budget Request. We shared additional information and photos of
the recently completed Skunk Creek Project.
5. Participated in the Arrowhead Water Quality Team meeting on July 21 st.
6. Prepared the SWCD county fair displays .
7. Contacted Wayne Zellmer and Dan Steward, BWSR. regarding the Lake County
local levy (15% increase ) and inquired about the possibili ty of using cost-share
funds on an upcoming storm water management project.
8. Participated in the August 51h Depar1ment Head meeting and shared information
on the comp leted Skunk Creek. project.
9. Good News ... Itasca County completed their " Northwood' s Guide for Propeli)'
Owners in Itasca County". Their guide used the Lake County PORG as a
template.
Monthly Narrative -September 11,2008

From : Wayne Seidel, Conservation Specialist
Activities
Silver Creek Township Stream bank Project
Silver Creek Township completed the streambank stabilization project on Crow Creek. A
new concrete box culvert has replaced the under-sized corrugated metal pipe and the
streambank has been armored with rock rip-rap. All disturbed areas have been re-seeded
and covered with erosion control blankets. The cost-share contract and invoice support
materials will be processed in October.
Natural Resources Block Grant:

Completed the 2009 Natural Resources Block Grant Application for Lake County. The
$53,395 grant includes funding for administering the Local Water Management Plan,
Shoreland Ordinance, Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Program, and the Wetland
Conservation Act. The Board approved the application at their September 9th meeting.
Demonstration Forest Update: Our first Pavilion Planning Committee meeting was
held on August 27'h and we made good progress on brainstorming ideas for the new
pavilion. Wayne Dahlberg will prepare concept design drawings for review at our next
meeting scheduled for September 30 th . Note: I wi ll be bringing the Lake County
Extension Committee out for a site visit on September 16th
Volunteer Program Update

Kim Slanga, Lake County Volunteer, completed her volunteer duties at the end of
August. Kim did excellent work on the Beach Water Quality Monitoring Program, Lake
County Gravel Pit monitoring project, and assisting with trail maintenance at the
Demonstration Forest.
Lake County Fair
* Photo: Supervisor David Falk sharing information on the recently completed

Skunk Creek Streambank Restoration Project
Ruth and I prepared and set up the display booth at the Lake County Fair. Our display
featured our Lake County SWCD display (staff, purpose, accomplishments, major
programs) plus individual display boards highlighting the following projects: Skunk
Creek Streambank Stabilization Project & Lake County Demonstration Forest.
Note: The Skunk Creek Photos are currently on display in the Courthouse lobby.

1. Hosted the September 4th Technical Advisory Committee Meeting for the North
Shore Management Board. Discussion included Erosion Hazard Areas
(guidelines, possibility of "de-listing"), Prioritizing Regional Projects, and GIS
Collaboration.
2. Hare Lake: Contracted with Dave Stark to complete the 2008 water quality
sampling on Hare Lake in August - part of a long-term water quality analysis to
determine if a new development is impacting water quality.
3. Ziemet Wetland Banking Application: Reviewed the wetland bank application
provided by Dan and Brenda Ziemet. The total wetland credit area totals 10.2
acres and will consist of Type 2 (sedge meadow) and Type 6 (shrub/alder)
wetlands.
4. Provided information to Lake County residents on the following topics: shoreland
buffer establishment (Lax Lake), wildlife food plots, potential land clearing
violation, and soils information.
5. Keith Anderson, Tim Byrns and I conducted two field reviews on September 4th:
a. Crow Creek - Field inspected a significant bank erosion site located
approximately 100 yards north of the Highway 61 bridge. The erosion
appears to be natural and a copy of our observations and recommendations
will be provided to Encampment Forest Association.
b. Gooseberry Cabins (Castle Danger) - Field inspected a shoreline erosion
problem and offered two options to correct the problem: pinned rocks or a
low-head concrete wall. Keith Anderson, Joe Mecklin, Tim Erickson and
I met on-site on September 11th to complete a survey and fine-tune the
placement of the pinned rocks.
6. Huseby Wetland Violation:
Matt Huddleston, Walt VanDenHeuvel and I met with Russ Huseby on September 4th
to field inspect his property south of Lax Lake. We reviewed an Administrative
Subdivision Application and then walked the property. On the largest wetland impact
area, Russ has burned all of the windrowed trees, done additional clearing on adjacent
upland property, used a dozer to move soil and wood ashes, and disced the entire
cleared area. On the north edge of the property, the wetland impact area has been
rock raked and the woody debris removed. The Wetland Restoration Plan has not
been completed.
Miscellaneous:
1. Participated in the September 2nd Department Head meeting.
2. Water Plan Advisory Committee - The next meeting will be on October 14th and
will include a 45 -minute presentation on the proposed Polymet Mining Project
near Babbitt. Meeting materials were sent out on August 28 th and additional
agenda items include updates on: Demonstration Forest, Coastal Program
Evaluation Team, Lake County Volunteer, Extension Annual Conference Storm
Water Tour (10/21).
3. Good News -Itasca County completed their "Northwood ' s Guide for Property
Owners in Itasca County" and Crow Wing County competed their "Lake
Stewardship Guide." Both were modeled after the Lake County Property Guide.
Monthly Narrative - October 9, 2008

Activities
Cost Share Project Update (action
1. Old Two Harbors Dwnp Site - Critical Area Stabilization. Pre-construction

meeting held on October 1sl Action: Cost-share Amendment to increase cost
share amount from $4500 to $5100 and to extend the completion date to
December 11, 2008.
2. Tim & Karen Erickson (Gooseberry Cabins) - Shoreline Stabilization on Lake
Superior. Received approval from County Board to use rock from Castle Danger
stockpile. Awaiting final permit approvals.
3. Clay Nicles - Shoreline Stabilization on Lake Superior. Action: Cost-share
Amendment to extend project through June 11 ,2009.
4. Pat Harvey - Streambank Stabilization on Beaver River
5. Silver Creek Township - Streambank Stabilization on Crow Creek. Project
completed, invoices pending.
6. Two Harbors Golf Course - Project to start on October 21 st with a completion
deadline of 10/31. Wayne Zellmer, BWSR, gave approval for 1116/08 payment.

1. The second Pavilion Planning Committee meeting was held on September 30'h
Our architect, Wayne Dahlberg, unveiled the first concept plan for the
Demonstration Forest Pavilion. Based on the responses from committee members
and the discussion that followed , Wayne hit a home-run with this design. He
incorporated all of the ideas generated from our first meeting and added a number
of additional design elements to make the pavilion attractive, functional for small
groups and large groups, and useful year-round. At our October 15'h meeting we
will review the revised concept plan and discuss potential funding sources. (See
Concept Plan)
2. PBS Channel 8 will be broadcasting the "Two-Minute Tour" of the
Demonstration Forest tonight at 8 p.m. and also at 10 a.m. on Sunday, October
12th Hopefully the program turned out well and will encourage people to come
out and enjoy the Demonstration Forest.
3. The Lake County Extension Committee toured the site on September 16th and
thoroughly enjoyed their visit.
4. Installed a new laminated aerial photo in the KIOSK.
5. Wrote a newsletter article on the Demonstration Forest for the Lake Superior
School District Newsletter.
I. Highway 3 Update: Talked with Jed Greenwood, BARR Engineering, regarding

the design used to stabilize the slumping hillside adjacent to Highway 3 and the
Beaver River. Mr. Greenwood stated that two 2007 events led to the unstable
bank - I) herbicides were used to kill trees within the railroad right-of-way and,
2) large amounts of rainfall fell in October. The rainfall-induced landslides were
shallow rotational failures (groundwater piezometers were dry). The weight of the
rock buttress is designed to resist movement of the slope.
2. Ziemet Wetland Banking Application: Field inspected the banking site on
September 29 th with Tim Peterson, Dan Ziemet, and Mike Kohn. We approved
the wetland delineation and had good discussion on the design - inflow, outflow,
two-tiered inner wetland area (Type 2 & Type 6), emergency spillway, seeding
practices and project timing. The total wetland credit area totals 10.2 acres and
will consist of Type 2 (sedge meadow) and Type 6 (shrub/alder) wetlands.
3. Huseby Wetland Violation: Completed the fi eld review summary based on our
September 4, 2008 site review. The summaty along with relevant photos was sem
to those working on the project. Russ Conrow, County Attorney, also requested
an update on the status of the 1995 Huseby wetland violation. Thi s violation has
been mitigated with a constructed wetland approximately 108' by 108' ( 11 ,664
square feet). The only remaining component is granular material that has not been
removed from within the 75-foot structure setback from Lax Lake.
4. f-l ensgens Waterway: Provided a letter to the Lake County Board as background
information for a September 25,h meeting between the Board and Mr. f-l ensgens.
5. Extension Conference - Two Harbors Storm Water Tour: Continued preparation
for the October 2 1" tour.
6. Moosewalk ATV Trail Damage: Provided assistance to Tom Mat1inson, Land
Commi ssioner, on preparation of a NPDES Storm Water Permit Appli cation.
Maintenance work wi ll be done to repair the trail damaged in a June storm .
7. Hare Lake Wetland Restoration: Conducted a field review with Walt
VanDenHeuvel, Tim Peterson, Matt Brunner, and Tony Demars on September
26'h We reviewed three wetland restoration sites and they appear to be
developing wetland characteristics. My summary letter included four additional
recommendations for the project - monitoring plan, survey, tree planting density,
and erosion repair along trail.
8. C ity of Orr - Wetland Conservation Act: Provided information on the Wetland
Conservation Act and the local LGU contact person.
9. Superior Hiking Trail: Provided additional site assessment detail s to George Pope
relative to our recent streambank erosion review.
Miscellaneous:
I. Participated in the CCLN S Joint Powers Board meeting on September 16'h
2. Pm1icipated in the Area III MASWCD Meeting in Mi lle Lacs County on
September 24-25 . We had a follo w-up meeting on September 25,h to di scuss the
merging of the two JPB work areas within Area Ill.
3. Started planning the 2009 Contractors Workshop with Jolm Chapman. Universi ty
of Minnesota. We are tentatively plmming for late-April to mid-May.
4. AEOA requested 50 copies of our Property Owner' s Guide for use in meetings
with new homeowners. They were aware of the Cook County booklet as well and
would like to see one put together for St. Loui s County.
5. Provided information to local 8'h grade teachers on a FREE Groundwater
Education Program Opportunity. The offer is from the Science M useum of
Milmesota in pm1nership with the Milmesota Association of SWCDs.
6. Sent MPCA Grant information on Water Quality Monitoring to Ray Doran, White
[ron Chain of Lakes Assoc iation.
7. Drafted a letter of support for the Emerald Ash Borer Training conducted by
University Extension this past spring (award nomination).
Monthly Narrative - November 6, 2008

Activities
Great News! The Science Museum of Minnesota and the MN Association ofSWCDs
are jointly sponsoring a series of 50 days of classroom education training (statewide) on
groundwater for 8th grade students. We applied and received word that our application
for the FREE Groundwater Education Programs for earth science students was accepted.
Lake County received one day for Two Harbors and one day for Silver Bay. The material
is especially important because the students will learn how groundwater moves through
rock via a multi-media presentation and hands-on activities.
Cost Share Project Update:
Two Harbors Golf Course: "Before" " After"
1. Two Harbors Golf Course - The Lake County Highway Department assisted the
City of Two Harbors Public Works Department in completing the gully
stabilization project. Construction has been completed and the Cost-Share
Voucher is ready for approval.
2. Old Two Harbors Dump Site - Critical Area Stabilization. Construction has been
completed and the Cost-Share Voucher is ready for approval.
3. Tim & Karen Erickson (Gooseberry Cabins) - All permits except the DNR
Waters Permit have been approved. The project is slated to be completed this fall.
4. Silver Creek Township - Streambank Stabilization on Crow Creek. Construction
has been completed and the Cost-Share Voucher is ready for approval.
5. Clay Nicles - The Lake Superior shoreline stabilization project completion
deadline has been extended to June II , 2009.
6. Pat & Nancy Harvey - The Beaver River stream bank stabilization project is slated
for construction in 2009.
Clean Water Partnership Grant - WICOLA:
The White Iron Chain of Lakes Association will be applying for Clean Water Partnership
funds to expand their water quality monitoring program. They wi ll need a local sponsor
to administer the grant and have requested that either Lake County or the Lake County
Soil & Water Conservation District consider this role.
Field Reviews I Plan Reviews I Technical Assistance:
Before Slump (1011) After Slump (1111)

th
I. Highway 3 Update: Don Warner informed me on October 30 that the top
buttress had failed so I field inspected the site on Saturday, November I st. I
notified Jed Greenwood, BARR Engineering, and he said they were aware of the
failure and that this portion of the project was constructed incorrectly from the
beginning. They will be re-constructing the slope at a shallower angle.
2. Ziemet Wetland Banking Application: The Lake County Wetland Technical
Evaluation Panel met on October 31 st and approved the Ziemet Wetland Banking
Plan. Construction will begin this fall and be completed in 2009.
3. Keith Anderson, JPB Engineer, and I jointly field inspected the following sites on
November 5th :
a. Curt Uppgard - Streambank erosion on the Knife River
b. Silver Bay Ditch Water Issue on Davis Drive
c. Seventh Avenue Ditch Erosion near old Two Harbors Football Field.
4. Reviewed Ditch BMP Coastal Program Report by Dan Breneman, NRRI.
5. Site Review of Rustad property on Burlington Road (former Bill Weller Property
where Lake SWCD cost-shared a shoreline protection project in 2000)
wetlandslhydrologylsewage treatment issues.
6. Hensgens Waterway Issue - Participated in the November 4th County Board
meeting to discuss thi s issue. Also provided background information on the issue
to Rich Sve, County Board Commissioner-elect.
7. Two Harbors Library Expansion Project - Proposed expansion will include a new
entrance, new landscaping and pervious pavement (storm water component).
8. Soiseth's Field Review Summary Letter Sent
Proposed Pavilion - Side View
Proposed Pavilion - Floor Plan

I. The Pavilion Planning Committee has met three times - September 30 th , October
15th & 30 th - to continue planning and designing the proposed pavilion. Our
architect, Wayne Dahlberg, has fi ne-tuned the pavilion plans. He incorporated all
of the ideas generated fro m our August meeting and added a number o f additional
design elements to make the pavili on attractive, fi.mctional for small groups and
large groups, and usefi.I1 year-round . The estimated cost is $ 167,000 and we have
begun researching funding opti ons. Potenti al funding sources include pri vate
donors, businesses and grants. The Commi ttee will not be submitting a Coastal
Grant Application thi s December due to the lack of match fi.mds but plans to
pursue funding sources and submit an appl ication in December 2009.
2. The ·'Two-Minute Tour" of the Demonstration Forest was broadcast on October
9 th and l 2'h on PBS Channel 8. J recei ved many comments on the program and
received two call s at home the ni ght of the initial broadcast.
3. Completed the Progress Report fo r the Pavilion Planning Grant.
Demonstration Forest Update: (cont.)
4. Gave two presentations on the Demonstration Forest:

a. Rotary Club on October 14th in Two Harbors
b. Association of Minnesota Counties District Meeting on October 24th at
Castle Danger.
Extension Conference Storm Water Tour:

Conducted the Two Harbors Storm Water Tour on October 2 1st during the AIUlual
Extension Fall Program Conference. The participants truly enjoyed the tour and were
fascinated by the cooperation of the many pal1ners in dealing with the Two Harbors storm
water situation. We discussed the overall need (problem identification), planning
process, funding sources (C ity, Grants, Water Plan), partners, engineering/design of
projects, and viewed the completed proj ects. Additional presenters included Tom
Gelineau, Keith Anderson, Mike Kohn, and Al Goodman.
2009 ENVIROTHON:
The 2009 ENVIROTHO will be held at Camp Chicagami near Eveleth on Monday,
May 4th I will continue to coordinate the Wildlife Station (fi ve presenters) for both the
northern and southern E VIROTHON Competitions in Area III. Preliminary information
has been sent to Team Advisors Penny Juenemann, Two Harbors, and Mike Casper,
Silver Bay.
Water Plan AdYisory Committee Meeting:

The featured presentation at the October 14th Water Plan Advisory Committee meeting
was provided by Joe Scipioni and LaTisha Gietzen of Polymet Mining Company. They
shared information on the proposed platinum-group mining effort that will be conducted
near Babbitt. The Water Plan Adv isory ConUl1ittee was especially interested in the
provisions to safeguard both ground water and surface water during the mining operation.
Miscellaneous:
I . Completed and submitted the Non-Point Grant Progress Report.
2. Pal1icipated in the Extension Fall Program Conference held at the DECC on
October 20-22. The conference included a poster session where Nate Meyer, Barb
Liukkonen and I displayed the poster and shared the results of the Lake County
Natural Resources Field Day Study.
3. Lake County PlalUling & Zoning submitted a STAR Grant proposal to augment
our Clean Water Legacy funding for improving the storm water management
provisions in the Lake County Land Use Ordinance.
4. Provided additional copies of the Lake County Property Owner's Guide to the
Silver Bay Library and Silver Bay City Hall.
Monthly Narrative - December 11,2008

Activities
Groundwater Education Classes:
Lake County 8th grade students recently had the opportunity to learn more about
groundwater thanks to ajoint effort between the Lake County SWCD, the Science
Museum of Minnesota and the Lake Superior School District. The Science Museum
provided six FREE presentations - two in Silver Bay and four in Two Harbors. The
students learned how groundwater is stored in rocks; how it moves; how it is connected to
lakes, rivers and wells; and most importantly, about the importance of keeping our
groundwater clean from contamination. Much to the students delight, they had the chance
to use groundwater simulator models to learn how groundwater levels change with
rainfall and pumping wells. This "hands on" activity also showed them how susceptible
groundwater is to contamination. Using colored dyes they simulated a diesel fuel spill
and observed how contaminants move in the groundwater. Thanks to the help of 8th
grade teachers Ed Walker and Tony Altiere, the students now have a better understanding
of groundwater and the importance of keeping our drinking water clean.
Cost Share Project Update:

1. Tim & Karen Erickson (Gooseberry Cabins) - This project has been started.
2. Cost-Share reimbursement checks on completed projects were delivered to Silver
Creek Township ($8,000 - Streambank Stabilization) and Two Harbors ($5, I 00 &
$4,988 - Critical Area Stabilization).
Field Reviews I Plan Reviews I Technical Assistance:
I. Highway 3 Update: On November , workers were repairing the failed slope

adjacent to the North Shore Mining railroad tracks and Highway 3.
2. Dave Rustad Property on Burlington Road: Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP)
met on December 1st and discussed the project with Mr. Rustad. The TEP
provided a recommendation to the Board of Adjustment regarding the wetland
impact and the drainage system. We approved the project provided that a wetland
delineation is completed during the next growing season, any impacted wetlands
are mitigated, and that the improvements to the drainage ditch are implemented as
shown on the engineered plans.
3. Sent Keith Anderson' s (JPB Engineer) summary letter out on his
recommendations regarding the Silver Bay ditch. I also met with the homeowner,
Jim Blomberg, on November 20 th and took photos of the work after City workers
cleaned out the ditch.
4. Sent Keith Anderson' s (JPB Engineer) summary letter to Ralph Jacobson
regarding his streambank erosion issue on the Knife River.
5. Steve Bartz, DNR - sent a seed mix and copy of the E & S Control Plan template.
Demonstration Forest Update: We have received the final plans of the proposed
Demonstration Forest Pavilion from Wayne Dahlberg, Architect. He did an excellent job
and we will continue to pursue funding for construction.
Minnesota Association of SWCD State Convention - Participated in the 2008 State

Convention held in St. Paul, December 7-9. The keynote presentation and topic-specific
sessions were excellent, overall. I attended the following sessions: Stuck in the Muck
(Wetland Conservation Act - legal considerations); Performance Review and Assistance
Program for SWCDs; Bugs, Buckthorn and Buffers (Emerald Ash Borer I District Tree
Programs); Preparing for Retirement; and, What a TMDL Can Do For Your SWCD and
It's Mission.
2009 EN VIROTHON Update:
Plmm ing continues and we have the oral presentation judges and presenters fin ali zed.
Area III also received a $500 donation from Minnesota Energy. The next plann ing
meeting will be on JanualY 29 th in Carl ton.
Water Plan Update:

1. Completed the 2008 Water Plan Annual Report.
2. Completed the 2008 Water Plan Expenditure SununalY.
3. Ordered and deli vered 100 Septi c System Owner" s Guides to the Lake County
Planning & Zoning Department. The septic guides are handed out with each
sewage treatment system permit.
4. Submitted a carryover request to Dan Steward regarding use of our FY 2008 funds
through December 2009.
Clean Water Legacy Project Update:

I . The Lake County Planning & Zoning Department received a $5,000 STAR Grant
to update the storm water management provisions in the Lake County Land Use
Ordinance. The req uired 50 percent match for the grant w ill come fro m the Clean
Water Legacy fundin g.
2. Matt Huddleston, Walt VanDenHeuvel and [ met to put together a Request For
Proposals eRFP) to soli cit bids for a consultant to work with our Storm Water
Ordinance Committee. Proposal s are due by December 18 th and interviews will
be "ond ut:ted on Decem ber 22 nd .
3. The proj ect will include the fo rmation o f a Storm Water Ordinance Comminee
with representati ves fro m the County Board, SWCD, Plmming Commi ssion,
Water Plml Advisory Committee, BWSR, Two Harbors/Sil ver Bay, and the
general public. We request that Tom Ge lineau be appoi nted to serve on this
comminee representing the SWCD due to his involvement in the development of
the Two Harbors StOl11l Water Management Plan and hi s general knowledge of
stormwater issues.
Miscellaneous:
I. Met with our new BWSR Board Conservationi st, Ryan Hughes, on December 2 nd
Ryan was accompanied by Ron Shelito and Dan Steward , BWSR staff. Ruth and I
shared information about the Lake SWC D to familiari ze Ryan with our proj ects. past
successes mld provided an overview of our Di strict Board and Staff.
2. Used Vacation and Fl ex time in November.
3. Rece ived final payment of $25,000 from the Great Lakes Commi ssion for the Skunk
Creek Streambank Stabilization Project.
4. Met with Tom Martinson. prospective SWCD Supervisor, to exp lai n the duties and
responsibilities of this elected position.
5. Wrote a letter of support fo r the Sugarloaf - I orth Shore Stewardshi p Associ at ion
regarding thei r Coastal Grant application to prov ide local workshops on terrestrial
invasive spec ies educat ion.
Monthly Narrative - January 8, 2009
T o: Lake County SWCD Supervisors

Activities
Note: My wife, Karen, has been in St. Mal)" s hospital with a serious blood infection
since Janua ry l SI. They have iso lated the strep bacteria and she is currently
undergoing treatment with antibiotics. The ordeal has been extremely painful for
Karen but we are trusting God for a complete healing. Due to this situation, I will
not be attending the January Stll meeting.
Clean Water Legacy Project Update - Storm Water Ordinance Revision :

Matt Huddleston and Walt VanDenHeuvel, Lake County Planning & Zoni ng Department,
and I are working jointl y on this project to revise the ex isting storm water ordinance
language in the Lake County Land Use Ordinance. We have received a $5,000 STAR
Grant from the Coasta l Program and the required 50 percent match fo r the grant will
come from the Clean Water Legacy fundin g already secured by the Lake County SWCD.
Together, we have developed a Request For Proposa ls (RFP), solicited bids for a
consultant to work with our Storm Water Ordinance Committee, interviewed two
consulting firm s on December 22nd, and have extended a contract offer to the successful
firm. The project wi ll begin in January and wi ll include the formation of a Stotm Water
Ordinance Committee with representatives from the County Board, SWCD. Planning
Commission, Water Plan Advisory Committee, BWSR, Two Harbors/Sil ver Bay, and the
general publi c.

1. We have recei ved the final plans of the proposed Demonstration Forest Pavilion
from Wayne Dahlberg, Architect. He did an excellent job and we will continue to
pursue ntnding for construction. *See Plan Set for details.
2. I submitted the September - December Progress Report and will be completing
the Final Grant Report in January for this $8,790 Coastal Program Grant.
3. Wrote up the Lake County Demonstration Forest as a "Signifi cant Impact" in a
new reporti ng system within Extension to communicate successnt l projects across
Minnesota.
4. The January edition of the Lake Superior School District Newsletter contained an
article I wrote to help familiari ze people with the recreati onal/educational
opportuniti es avai lable at the Demonstrati on Forest.
Water Plan Update:

I. Received approval from Dan Steward. MN Board of Water & Soi l Resources, to
CatT Y over FY 2008 funds through December 2009 .
2. Completed the 2009 AJUllIal Pl an of Work (SWCD and Water Plan).
1. Highway 3 Update: Notified Jed Greenwood, BARR Engineering, of the recent
movement in the re-worked area. He appreciates the District's assistance.
2. Encampment Forest Project Update - Received updates from Joe Mecklin and
Cliff Bentley. The streambank stabilization project has been completed with an
additional component that was not covered by the original permit - approval by
DNR is pending.
3. Vern Hoff Wetland Violation - Discussed the status of the violation with Walt
VanDenHeuvel and Joan Weyandt, BWSR Wetland Specialist.
4. Silver Bay Ditch - Sent out the technical summary letter prepared by Keith
Anderson, JPB Engineer. The summary provided some background information
and potential solutions for this challenging situation.
Miscellaneous:
I. Received my new office computer thanks to assistance from the Information Systems
Department (set-up and new software installation). I allocated $1200 from the
Extension budget combined with $316.13 from the Lake County Soil & Water
Conservation District to fund the computer purchase.
2. Tom Gelineau and I participated in a focus group interview in Hibbing on December
16th for the Tree Inspector Program. The University of Minnesota conducts the
training for this statewide program and needed input on current community needs. I
invited Tom to join me for the interview because he serves as the Public Works
Director for Two Harbors and has a passionate interest in urban forest management.
Prior to the interview I also contacted Swede Larson, Silver Bay Street
Superintendant, to get his perspective on important tree management issues.
3. Submitted the photo of Brenda VanBergen with the SWCD Board to the Lake
County News Chronicle.
4. Good News! Funding for the Lake County Soil Survey is on the "Recommended
List" from the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
Lake County is currently working with NRCS to determine if the in-kind offer of
work space in Silver Bay is still needed by the soil survey crew.
5. Completed my 2008 Self-Assessment and 2009 Extension Plan of Work.
6. Completed and submitted the Non-Point Grant Progress Report for September
December.
Monthly Narrative - February 5, 2009
To: Lake County SWCD Supen'isol"s

From: Wayne Seidel, Co nsen'ation Specialist
Activities
*Thank you for all of yo ur thou ghts and prayers for my wife, Karen, this past
month. She is now home and doing well after a 14-day hospital stay. Her left wrist
and hand arc still very painful but we count our blessings daily - for hea lth, family,
go od friends , and a loving God.
Storm Water Ordinance Revision :

The Storm Water Conmlinee met fo r the first time on Janumy 29 th and the meeting was
led by .leffLee, BARR Engineering. We made good progress and identified many of the
key facto rs that the ordinance need s to include and had good discussion on the follow ing
items: overall goals, water quantity (rate/volume), water quality (maintain quality),
importance of erosion control on the front end of projects, admi nistration, and
enforcement . Overall, we want to develop an ordinance that is practical, easy to
admini ster, and that protects water quality. Members on the conuninee include Jolm
Eaton, Lana Frali ch, Tom Gelineau, Rick Goutermont, Jim Linscheid, Matt Huddleston,
th
Todd Rorming, and Walt VanDenHeuve l. Our nex t meeting w ill be on FebruaIY 26 with
a final meeting in March.
Water Plan Update:

I. The Water Plan AdvisOIY Comm inee met on February 3rd to review the 2009
Arumal Report and to rece ive an update on current projects. The Comm ittee also
reviewed a request from the White Iron Chain of Lakes Assoc iation (WICOLA)
for continued funding of their on-going Water Quality Monitoring Program. The
Advisory Committee recommends all ocating $ 1,000 of water plan funds towards
thi s effOIi in 2009.
2. Clean Water Pminership Grant - WICOLA : The AdvisOIY Comm ittee reviewed a
request from WlCOLA to have the Lake County SWCO serve as the grant sponsor
for a Clean Water PaI1nership Grant (CWP). C\VI' Grants are adm ini stered by the
M ilmesota Pollution Control Agency and need a loca l govenullental unit so serve
as the sponsor. Our role would be to serve on the Executi ve Conunittee, hire a
pali-time Coordinator. and administer grant funds. The Water Plan Adv isolY
Committee was supportive of th is project partnership. See handout for detail s.

I . There may be interest by a statewide Minnesota snowmobile organization to
assist in fund ing construct ion of the newly designed pavilion. I have provided the
0 1 R with the plans and they wi ll present th is option to the snowmob ile
organization leadershi p for their consideration.
2. Compl eted the Final Report fo r the Pavilion Plalming Project.
E-Linl, Report Update
Completed the E-Link on-line reporting process for the Lake County Natural Resources
Block Grant on January 30 th . Thi s included inputting resul ts and spending informati on
on each of the four main funding areas: Local Water Planning, Shoreland Ordinance.
Wetland Conservation Act, Sub-smface Sewage Treatment Systems. In addition, I
entered information on completed Cost-Share Proj ects and the results of our SWCD on
Point Grant through the Coastal Program. The only reponing informati on still to be
entered is the location of each of the seven proj ects ~ the mapping software program
would not open on my computer.

1. Have begun to prepare a Top 10 proj ect li st for potential funding in 2009. The
funds would be made avail able from the new Constitutional Amendment Tax that
was approved last November and is dedicated pri.marily for conservation efforts.
In addition to SWCD projects on fil e, I have requested additional project ideas
from the Lake County Highway Engineer, Two Harbors Public Works Di rector,
City of Silver Bay, and Silver Creek Township .
2. I received notice that the City of Winona has a new storm water ordinance and
they are usin g our Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Checkli st.
3. Received a req uest from Dubai, UAE, for a copy of our Erosion and Sediment
Control Plan Checkli st for use on a proj ect on the Persian Gulf.
4. Talked with three property owners about funding for their respective erosion
control proj ects:
a. Cherrol and Robert Soiseth ~ streambank stabilization (unnamed tributary
adjacent to Lake Superior)
b. Ralph Jacobson ~ streambank stabili zation (Knife River)
c. Curt Uppgard ~ stream bank stabilization (Knife Ri ver)
2009 ENVIROTHON:
Regi stration information has been sent to teachers at William Kelley High SchooL Two
Harbors High School and Lakeview Clu-i stian Academy regarding this year's
ENVIROTHO . I have also begun working with my four co-presenters for the Wildlife
Station . We will have tbe Wi ldlife Station Test completed by the end of February.
Miscellaneous:
I. Met wi th Jim Pinkney and Larry Squillace on February 2 nd to di sc uss the WICOLA
Clean Water Partnership Grant Request. Fo llow-up conversation with Nolan
Baratono, MPCA, on grant administration procedures.
2. Reviewed the Cost-Share Audit results with Ryan Hughes, BWSR Board
Conservationist. Overall we are doing well but need to begin imp lementi ng a new
B WSR requirement - field inspections of comp leted projects on a scheduled basi s.
3. Good ews! The Lake Co unty Board approved our 2009 budget request - $38,630.
4. I have begun planning for the 2009 Natural Resources Fi eld Day. The Field Day will
be held on Thursday, May 2 1st at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.
5. Reviewed the amended Joint Powers Board Agreement.
Monthly Narrative - March 5, 2009
To: Lake County SWCD Supen'isors

From: Wayne Seidel, Consen'ation Specialist
Activities

The Storm Water Committee met for the second time on February 26'h and we reviewed a
draft ordinance outline that contains the key factors that the ord inance will address. We
are currently reviewing the Cook County Storm Water Ordinance in detail since it may be
a good fit for Lake COlmty as well. Jeff Lee, BaIT Engineering, has spoken with Tim
Nelson, Cook County Planning & Zon ing Director, and Thave talked with Bill Lane,
Cook County Planner, to see what is working well and what items they might change to
improve the ordinance. These prospective changes may include: using only an aerial
threshold for distmbance (not cubic yards), use one threshold tlu-oughout the County
rather than a different threshold for shoreland and non-shoreland areas (recommended
1,000 square feet) , and revise the Erosion & Sediment Control Plan Checklist sli ghtl y
(use topical headings with ·'bullets"). The next meeting is scheduled for March 19'''.
Water Plan Update:

1. WTCOLA was very appreciative to recei ve $ 1,000 in financial support from tbe
Lake County Water Plan for their water quality monitoring projects. If WICOLA
is awarded a Clean Water Partnership Grant, they will use this funding as part of
the required match.
2. Clean Water Partnership Grant - WICOLA: The W1COLA leadership team was
pleased to hear that the Lake SWCD is willing to serve as the grant sponsor for a
Clean Water Partnership Grant (CWP). They are plamung a conference call on
March 9'h to discuss grant details followed by hosting the WICOLA Watershed
Partners AlUllIal Meeting on March 26,h in Ely.

1. Prepared and sent a Top 10 Project Li st for potential funding in 2009 to BWSR.
Assisting with input on the projects were Keith Anderson, JPB Engineer, AI
Goodman, Lake County Highway Engineer, and Swede Larson, Silver Bay Streets
Commi ssioner. Following thi s submittal, I received approval from another
landowner. Eric Furo, to incl ude hi s project for potential fi.mding. Hi s site is
located on tbe Knife River and is a major stream bank stabilization effolt
($ 122,000).
2. The Lake County Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) met on March 2nd to review
four wet land projects. These included : Kane Lake (wetland restoration/creation),
Peterson Pit (wetland restoration), Dave Rustad home site on Burlington Bay, and
Oils Hensgen (stonnwater runoff). Mike Ko lUl, ICECOR, provided information
on tbe Kane Lake and Peterson Pit projects. ConUllissioners Rick Goutermont
and Ricb Sve have begun to attend the TEP meetings.
2009 ENVIROTHON:
I. I have comp leted the Wi ldlife Station test with assistance from four wi ldlife
biologi sts who serve on our planning team. We believe the test is challenging yet
fair.
2. Twenty-five teams have registered for the Northern E VIROTHON that will be
held at Camp Chicagami near Eve leth. Thi s includes tlu-ee teams from Two
Harbors. Eighteen teams have registered for the Southern ENV IROTHON that
will be held at Camp Onamia.
M iscellan eous :
I . Delivered the final report for the Demonstrati on Forest Pavi lion Plmming Project to
the DNR Coastal Program Office.
2. Participated in the March 3'd Department Head Meeting.
3. I sent the proposed Joint Powers Board Agreement to Russ COIU-OW, Lake County
Attorney, for his review.
4. Reviewed the Laurentian RC&D Annual Plan of Work at the request of Paul
Sandstrom.
5. Submitted a nomination to the Minnesota Envirorunental lnitiative organization for

our Skunk Creek Watershed Project. They were soliciting projects that emphasized
teamwork and partnerships. Our project cel1ainly fit this requirement, ell - as I
stated in the nomination, " The projects would not have been able to be accompl ished
without the participation of each of the partnering entities. Each partner had a
specific role that was critical in accompli shing the overall goal. "
6. Provided three sets of "before" and " after" photos of shoreline stabil ization projects
to Chel Anderson, Cook County. She requested representative examples of Lake
Superior projects - rock revetments and concrete retaining wall s.
7. Took vacation from 2/ 12 through 2/20.
Monthly Narrative - April 9, 2009
To: Lake County SWCD Supen'isors

Activities
Storm Water Ordinance Revision:

The Storm Water Ordinance Committee met fo r the final time on March 19th and
reviewed the draft ordinance language with Jeff Lee, BmT Engineering. Prior to the
meeting, I revised the Erosion and Sediment Control Planning Checkli st with input from
Bill Lane. Cook County. Bill and I regrouped the checkli st items under topical headings
and also standardi zed the site map. restorati on guidelines, and maintenance provisions.
These changes should make the checklist easier for residents to understand and complete.
Following the March 19th committee meeting, Matt Huddleston, Walt VanDenHeuvel and
[met to review and amend the draft ordinance prior to submittal to the Co unty Board.
We have provided additional edits to Barr Engineering and are schedul ed to meet one
final time to review sample scenarios and rev iew the implementation process.
WICOLA Clean Water Protection Project Proposal Update:

I . Pal1icipated in a conference call on March 9 th to assist in planning the March 26 th
Kawishiwi Watershed Project meeting.
2. Participated in the March 26 th meeting in Ely. The meeting covered the history
and vision of WICOLA, background on the Clean Water Partnership process, and
a detailed review of the current proposal to gather water quality data in the
Kawishiwi Watershed . Revisions to the proposal were solicited and many good
suggestions were brought forwm·d . Potential pal1ners were also recruited and
encouraged to submit letters of support. Also attending from Lake County were
Commissioner Clifford , Matt Huddleston, and Walt VanDenHeuvel.
3. Submitted a letter of support for the Kawishiwi Watershed Clean Water
Protect ion Proposal on April 2nd
Demonstration Forest:
l . The Demonstration Forest Committee met on March 3 1st to discuss the pavilion
project, trail maintenance, educational offerings, and D R Habitat Proj ect
proposals. We have received information on a potential donor for the pavilion
proj ect through Les Olilla, D R Trails @ Grand Rapids. If the group is interested
in our project, we will have a site visit this spring/summer. We also began putting
together courses that we could offer to elementary and secondary students. These
may include forestry (p lanting, bud-capping, pruning), orienteering (compass
skills, pacing, geo-caching), wildlife sign, and hi story. We also proposed six
potential projects for the D R to consider doing at the Demonstration Forest.
These included constructing wildli fe openings, planting fruiting trees & shrubs,
installing wood duck nesting boxes, and conducting wildlife research .
2. Met with the County Board on April 7'h to review fou r items.
a. Membership on the Demon stration Forest ConU11ittee - Rich Sve (Brad
Jones - Alternate)
b. Update on the Pavilion Project (potential donor) .
c. Request establi shment of a Pavili on Donation Fund - The Board is in
supp0l1 of establi shing this fund .
d. Recommend addition of two 40-acre parcel s to the Demonstration Forest
The Board will consider thi s item at their action meeting on April1 4'h
3. The next Demonstration Forest meeting will be held on April 28'h and we have a
Work Day set for April 30'h to conduct trail and restroom maintenance.
2009 ENVIROTHON:
We now have thirty-three teams regi stered for the Torthern ENV IROTHON that will be
held at Camp Chicagami near Eve leth on May 4'h This includes three teams from Two
Harbors.

1. Participated in the April6'h Wetland TEP meeting. We di scussed two Lake
County wetland restorat ion projects - Kane Lake and Peterson Pit. In addition,
we reviewed the revised Wetland Ordinance that was a companion product of the
Storm Water Ordinance revision process.
2. Courthouse Parking Lot &Rain Garden Meeting - Met with Keith Anderson, Al
Goodman, Grant Mjelde and Matt Huddleston on April 8'" to di scuss the
upcoming project and the potential for including a rain garden in the des ign. The
rain garden would filter and treat parking lot runoff water before emptying the
water into the storm drain system . Keith will receive an alley profile and use thi s
to put together a preliminary rain garden design.
3. Keith Anderson and I reviewed all of our current and potential cost-share projects
to assess progress, determine next steps and to set up field reviews. The projects
include icles (shoreline stabilization), Erickson's (shoreline stabilization),
Harvey (stream bank stabilization), Uppgard (streambank stabilization), Soiseth
(stream bank stabili zation), Jacobson (stream bank stabilization), T wo Harbors
Gully, Kleive (wildlife pond impoundment), Clausen (lakeshore stabilization) and
the Sil ver Bay Ditch. We will be visiting four project sites on May 7'h and Keith
will be scheduling surveys on three additional proj ects .
4. T have received a request from a college student who is interested in gaining
vo lunteer work experi ence in water quality. 1 am working with Deb Kosiak.
Human Services, and Matt Huddl eston to determine if we have avai lable projects.
5. Clay Nicles Project: Requested an administrative extension of cost-share fund s
through November 1,2009. B WS R has granted this extension pending appro val
by the SWCD Board.
6. Reviewed Tony DeMars Wetland Moni toring Pl an for the Hare Lake
Development proj ect. T confirmed the recommended tree species and stocking
rate.
7. Provided storm damage assessment information (tree ice damage) to Two
Harbors, Sil ver Bay, and Lake Co unty Forestry. J also encouraged the Lake
County ews Chronicle to run a photo of the Two Harbors wood chipper being
used in Si lver Bay - a great example of communiti es sharlng resources.
8. Contacted Dave Stark to request a water quality monitoring proposal for Hare
Lake. Proposal attached .
9. Contacted David Abazs to request a Waste Water Treatment Education Proposal
for the Lake Superior School Distri ct. Proposal attached.
10. Provided a Forest Stewardship Plan refeITal to Tim Bymes, JPB Forester. for
property owned by J olUl Clu·istenson.
Miscellaneous:
I. P8.l~icipated in the April 7'h Department Head Meeti ng.
2. Russ Co nrow, Lake Cou nty Attorney, provided feedback on the proposed Joint
Powers Board Agreement. He offered recommendations on insurance provisions and
membership.
3. Met with Mary Mjelde, Lake County Information Systems, to receive training on
updating the Lake County SWCD web page. J added a number of before and after
proj ect photos.
4. We received word that the Skunk Creek Watershed Project did not recei ve an award
from the MiIUlesota Environmental Initiative Organization. The Wimllng entries
were outstanding. See letter for wilUling projects.
5. Nathan Sclu'oeder will be our featured presenter at the June 91h Water Plan Advisory
Comm ittee meeting. Nathan will provide an update on the Knife Ri ver TMDL
Proj ect.
6. Palticipated in the Gypsy Moth Open House held on March 18 1h at the Courthouse.
The program was hosted by the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture and included
information on the upcoming control efforts in Lake and Cook County.
7. Revised the E-Link Cost Share entries for 2002 - 2008 .

8. Updated the Clean Water Legacy Grant and Non-Point Grant records. I al so
submitted the quarterl y Progress Report to DNR for the Ion-Point Grant.
9. Continued preparation for the 2009 Natural Resources Field Day on May 2 1st. Jesse
Schomberg, Sea Grant Extension, will be a new presenter and will be co-presenting
the Lake Superior Game with me. I' ve also deve loped an evaluation tool to use with
the students.
Monthly Narrative - May 14,2009

Activities
Two Harbors First Place Team at the 2009 ENVIROTHON Competition
2009 ENVIROTHON:
Twenty-eight teams competed in the 2009 ENVIROTHON held at Camp Chicagami near
Eveleth on May 4th The three teams from Two Harbors placed 1st, 3'd and in a tie for
th
6 ! The top three teams will go on to the State ENVIROTHON Competition to be held
in Stewartville on May 18th I coordinated the Wildlife Station along with four Wildlife
Biologists.
Lake County Volunteer:

Mike Duffy, Deb Kosiak and I conducted our interview for the Lake County Volunteer
position on April 22 nd Ryan Clark has accepted our offer to serve as a Lake County
Volunteer and brings excellent experience and work skills to the position. Ryan is a
sophomore at UMD majoring in Environmental Science and has aspirations to work in
the water quality field. Pending completion of a satisfactory background check, he will
be conducting the Beach Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Lake County Health
Department, conducting maintenance work at the Demonstration Forest, and assisting me
at the Natural Resources Field Day. He is excited to begin these new tasks and wi ll work
approximately one day per week on these combined duties.
Matt Huddleston, Walt VanDenHeuvel and I met one final time to review and amend the
draft ordinance language. Specifically, we addressed the administrative needs and how
the requirements can best be conununicated with the public. Checkli sts will be
developed for both large and small site proj ects.

rd
1. Participated in the Apri l 23 meeting in Ely. The meeting included a discussion
of the current proposal , recommended additions, potential partners, letters of
support, and next steps. Additional information was provided by Lauri Brown,
Extension, on ISTS issues, and from Doug Jensen, Sea Grant, on aquatic invasive
speCies.
2. Participated in a conference call on May 6 th to review the proposal , draft budget,
and letters of support.
Grade Class proudly display their sheets of

home-made paper.
Paper Making Classes:

Conducted our annual paper-making program with approximately 100 sixth grade
students in Silver Bay and Two Harbors. This activity helps the students better
understand the significance of the forest products industry to our region and, most
importantly, that trees are a renewable natural resource. The students learn how we use
paper (over 100,000 different uses), how much paper we each use annually (635 pounds),
and the process used in making paper. Each student then makes their own sheet of paper
in a step-by-step process. The students also have the opportunity to view a wood fiber
with a microscope and draw what they see on the chalkboard.
Kevin Johnson and Nate Eide - 2009 Work Day
1. The Demonstration Forest Committee met on April2S th to review potential
education activities. These may include forestry (planting, bud-capping, pruning),
orienteering (compass skills, pacing, geo-caching), wildlife sign, and history
(rai lroad camp, homestead, gravel pit). We also decided to use the remaining trail
medallions to better mark the trail system, especially the new Lowland Ash Trail.
Nancy Gellennan, DNR, shared that three wood duck boxes had been erected
adjacent to the Old Camp Trail ... within one week of our request!
2. The County Board approved the establishment of a Pavilion Donation Fund and
approved the addition of two forty-acre parcels on the northern edge of the
Demonstration Fores!.
3. We held a Work Day at the Demonstration Forest on April 30 th to conduct trail
and restroom maintenance. We cleared deadfalls from the entire 4.5 mile trail
system, cleaned the two restrooms, and made one new sitting bench on the
Lowland Ash Trail.
4. I met with Todd Lindahl to tour portions of the Demonstration Forest area to
glean some of the important historical highlights from his research and field work.
We hiked portions of two old rail grades (one with 60 feet of rail still in place),
looked at old mining test pits, and visited a potential prehistoric fire ring. Todd
has provided me with dozens of historical pictures to use in developing a field
activity for students.
Natural Resources Field Day - May 21":
Work continues on planning the upcoming Natural Resources Field Day for Lake County
6th grade students. I have met with the students and teachers to provide an orientation,
have mailed out schedules to presenters and teachers, met with staff at Split Rock
Lighthouse, and have trained Jesse Schomberg to teach the Lake Superior Game.
Field Reviews f Plan Reviews / Technical Assistance:

1. PaI1icipated in the May 11 th Wetland TEP meeting. We field inspectelt two Lake
County wetland restoration projects - Kane Lake and Peterson Pit - with Mike
Kohn, Wetland Consultant.
2. Met individually with Commissioners Rich Sve and Brad Jones to review the
Lake County Water Management Plan (hi stOlY & objectives) aIld the hi story of the
Demonstration Forest Project. Tllis time provided a great opp0l1unity to share
past activities and learn about their concerns and interests.
3. Keith Anderson, JPB Engineer, and I conducted five field reviews on May 7th :
a. Laura Kleive - wi ldlife pond site assessment
b. Glenda C lausen - shoreline erosion assessment
c. Gooseberry Cabins - status of shoreline erosion control project
d. Silver Bay Di version - field review of upstream watershed
e. Wayne Seidel - streambank erosion assessment
4. Participated in the North Shore Management Board TAC Meeting on May 5th in
Beaver Bay. We received an update on the DNR Shoreland Rules Revision from
Peder Otterson, DNR. In other business, the NSMB would like to host a North
Shore Erosion Forum and I have offered to provide input and possibly present and
lead a field tour. The forum is being planned for June.
5. Tom Gelineau and I provided a tour of the Two Harbors Storm Water
Management projects to Jesse Schomberg, Sea Grant Extension. Jesse does a lot
of community plaIUling work related to storm water management and this wi ll
provide him with some local examples of successnIl projects.
6. Participated in meeting of SWCD Managers on April 22 nd to discuss additional
funding sources for the expanded Joint Powers Board service area.
7. Provided Dave Rustad with an update on his stoml water management project.
Miscellaneous:
I. The Lake County CIU'onicle wrote a feature article on the wood cllipper being shared
between Silver Bay and Two Harbors. This wood chipper was purchased through a
Coastal Program Grant that was supported by both Extension and Lake SWCD.
2. Kim Slanga, former Lake County Volunteer, was selected by the Itasca SWCD for
their student worker position for 2009 - 2010.
3. Completed a staff eva luation for Ryan Hughes, BWSR Board Conservationist.
4. Wrote a letter to Forum Communications regarding the dismissal of Forrest Johnson,
fOlmer editor of the Lake County News Chronicle. Forrest was well-respected and
always went over and above to help publicize both SWCD and Extension proj ects.
5. Contacted LeAnn Buck, MASWCD, and requested guidaIlce on whether the SWCD
should sign US DA Attaclunent C. No forma l response yet.
Monthly Narrative - June 11,2009

Activities
Natural Resources Field Day - May 21't:
Janny Harling, Site Supervisor, shares information about the

Lighhouse Keeper's Home.
We had great weather, excited students, and enthusiastic presenters ... all ingredients to
help make our 22 nd Annual Natural Resources Field Day a success! Approximately 100
sixth grade students combined with 10 teachers and adult volunteers to enjoy the full-day
program. The students watched the movie, "The Age of Steel", and learned about the
history and culture of the North Shore. Following the movie, they toured Split Rock
Lighthouse and the Lighhouse Keeper's home. After lunch the students participated in
three sessions - Water Quality (Lake Superior Game), Recreation, and Forestry. During
these sessions they had the opportunity to role playas well as participate in "hands on"
activities such as tree planting. Judging from the Thank You letters and student
evaluations, the program was very well -received. I sent copies of the letters and
evaluations to each of our presenters.
Lake County Volunteer Update:

Ryan Clark began his duties on May 20 th and is completing the weekly beach water
quality monitoring project for Lake County.
I. Tom Bodell, Lake County Forester, and I led a Two Harbors Student Tree
Planting Activity on Friday, May 22 nd A total of approximately 60 students came
out and planted white pine and white spruce seedlings in a portion of the
Demonstration Forest that had been logged. The students worked hard and
planted over 700 trees.
2. Provided an electronic copy of the "Woodland Hiking Trail" brochure for use on
the National Geo Caching website.

1. Participated in the June 8th Wetland TEP meeting. We discussed two projects -
Hensgen Drainage Issue; and the proposed County ATV Trail between the
Demonstration Forest and Highway 3.
2. Encan1pment Forest - Met with John Bathke and Walt VanDenHeuvel to field
inspect the alignment of a proposed access road. We changed the alignment to
avoid wetlands and shorten the overall length.
3. Keith Anderson, JPB Engineer, and I conducted three field reviews on May 19th
and three field reviews on June 8t1,:
a. Bob Nelson (Castle Danger) - Lake Superior shoreline erosion
assessment.
b. Mike Swanson (Stanley Road) - Knife River streambank erosion
assessment.
c. Stewart River - Reviewed roadside erosion adjacent to CR 124.
d. John Bathke (Crow Creek) - Gully erosion assessment.
e. Tom Berscheid - Lake Superior shoreline erosion assessment (adjacent to
Glenda Clausen site).
f. Robert Soiseth - Reviewed proposed design to correct a streambank
Recommend for co,st-:,halfl
4. Silver Bay Diversion - Met with Tom Martinson and Jim Blomberg on May 26 th
Lake County has agreed to clean out the ditch every fall to minimize ponding
above Blomberg's property.
S. Proposed Split Rock Campground - Discussed a new campground proposal with
George Watson, Architect.
6. Carl Consadine (McAlpine Road - north of Highland Lake) - Tim Peterson, Walt
VanDenheuvel , and I field inspected a proposal to restore a wetland par1ially filled
in during a logging operation. We approved the restoration plan.
7. Harvey Project - Wrote a letter to the Lake County Board requesting up to l30
cubic yards of rock from the stockpile at the Old Castle Danger Landfill.
The Phase I Proposal for the Kawishiwi Watershed Clean Water Protection Project has
been completed. The preliminary budget estimate is $510,600.
North Shore Erosion Forum:
Helped to plan a North Shore Erosion Forum meeting that will be held on June 18 th at the
Community Center Building in Two Harbors . The meeting is intended for local officials
that are involved in land use decisions such as elected officials and planning commission
members . I will be providing a presentation titled, "The Challenges of Erosion Control in
the North Country", and will be leading an afternoon tour on shoreline erosion control
projects and storm water management projects in the Two Harbors area. The program
will also feature presentations on stom1 water mar1agement and the development of the
Cook County Storm Water Ordinance. The meeting is being sponsored by the North
Shore Management Board.
Erosion and Sediment Control BMF Seminar:

Participated in a field seminar on erosion and sediment control held in Blaine on May
28 th The workshop was excellent and featured the latest products to control erosion and
sediment on construction sites. Innovative products included perimeter control logs,
construction entrance mats, spray on mulch materials, and storm drain inlet protection
devices .
Lake County Water Plan Advisory Committee Meeting:
Led the June 9th meeting that featured a presentati on on the Knife River TMDL Project by
Nate Schroeder, South St. Louis SWCD. Next meeting will be October 6th and will
include a field tour of storm water proj ects completed in the Two Harbors area .
Miscellaneous:
I. Participated in the Knife River TMDL Public Meeting held in Knife Ri ver on June
10'iI. The two-hour meeting featured presentations on the TMDL process. forest
stewardship initiati ves in the watershed. past fo restry efforts, and a preview of the
Implementation Plan (due to be completed by December 2009).
2. Attended the JPB Meeting held in Duluth on May 27 th The meeting included an
update on erosion control and forestry projects from staff and continued di sc ussion
on combining the two JPB areas effective July 1st. Issues still to be determined
include the persOIUlel policy handbook (sick leave accrual, vacati on canyover, flex
time), and office space (co-locate with N RCS, Courthouses, secure pri vate space, and
home work options explored). Other topics of di scussion included R CS
Attachment C and an update on the budget.
nd
3. Participated in the June 2 Department Head Meeting. All Department s were
requested to submit budgets fi ve percent less than their 2009 budgets due to the
budget situation.
Upcoming:
June 15 Wetland Training @ Cloquet Forestry Center

June 18 N011h Shore Erosion Forum @ Two Harbors Community Center
June 24 JPB Meeting @ Duluth
CCLNS Joint Powers Board #3
215 North First Avtnuc Easr, Room 110
Duluth, MN 55802
(218)723.4865 or (21S)723--I867
(1IS) 723-473I Fax
A JOlnr powers org:miz:mon o(Oullon. Cook. L.lke. NOrlh St. LoUIs..1nd SolJth Sf. Lmlls
D,:~cricrs tnsh·d w/til pcol'I'ding conscrl'<1 f1 on cngl;u:cring
Soil .md 1,v,ul"r Conserlrilrion

,us/staIJce lO member S I,VCDs ;md norrifl:,1Slcrn M/nncsofil land occupiers.
July 21, 2008
Wayne Seidel
LakeSWCD
Lake County Service Center
6163" Ave. E.
Two Harbors, MN 55616
Re: Dan Walker, Lake Superior Shoreline Erosion
R.C .,
This letter is in regards to Dan Walkers property located on Lake Superior in between Two Harbors and Castle Danger.
(NW 1/4, SE 1/4 , Section 6, T. 53N. R.9 W .l . The landowner has experienced bank erosion on his property due to the
nature of the clay bank and the wave action that is present at the toe of the slope during times of intense wave action.
The sliding bank in the most severely eroding area has dimensions of approximately 20-30 feet high and 130 feet long as
measured along the sliding bank. The bank is sparsely vegetated in areas and has some tree and shrub cover in other
areas. The erosion rate appears to be at a slow to moderate rate and may get faster when the water levels come back
up. The geology of the site consists of clay over bedrock. The smooth bedrock slopes back from the lake at a point
where the clay bank intersects the bedrock. The bedrock is very hard and appears to be very stable and resistant to
erosion.. An oblique aerial photo of the site is attached along with site photos.
Erosion at the site is caused by two factors, erosion at the toe of the clay slope from the wave action from very intense
northeast winds, which causes over steepening of the slope, and overland runoff causing slope instability due to soil
saturation . The toe erosion due to wave action is most likely the driving force behind the erosion with the run on being a
secondary factor. There are two main alternatives for controlling toe erosion at this site. Alternative A, install bedrock
pinned large rip rap at the toe of the slope with additional rip rap extending up the slope, or install a concrete wall that
would be pinned into the bedrock as well.
The concrete wall option would consist of pouring a concrete wall that would be most likely pumped to down the slope.
The footings would be pinned into the bedrock through the use of concrete anchors or epoxy. The wall forms would then
need to be set and poured on top of the footings. The design may also consist of concrete tiebacks, which would
functions to prevent the wall from tipping. This design would require a structural engineer to review; therefore, my
recommendation is preliminary. Final design would consist of structural calculations and wall sizing therefore the wall
thicknesses presented in my estimate are based on past projects and not exact design calculations. Plantings could be
done on and on top of the slope to reinforce the soil and prevent further erosion from occurring due to water run on. The
cost estimate for the above-related work is estimated at approx. $30,000.
The pinned rock alternative would consist of mobilizing large diameter rip rap on the order of 2-3 feet in diameter and
pining the bottom row of rocks to the bedrock. This would give the rock a firm foundation and would prevent the
revetment from washing into the lake from toe failure. The estimate was for rock to be placed 6 feet vertically up the bank
and to a thickness of 3 feet This would result in approx. 300 CY of rock being placed on the shoreline. An access road
would also need to be constructed to allow access down to the bottom of the slope for construction of the rock revetment
C:\Oocuments and Settinqs\A11 Users\Oocuments\ACTIVE PROJECTS\lake\Potential Projects\dan walker\d an walker site memo.doc
As with the concrete wall alternative native planUngs to enhance the soil strength on and on top of the slope would be
recommended. This alternative is estimated to cost approx. 533,000.
Either alternative could provide bank protection and would greatly reduce bank erosion at this site. The concrete wall
alternative is estimated to cost slightly less and may involve a smaller construction footprint. Therefore, I would
recommend if the landowner wants to slow or stop the erosion from occurring at his site that the concrete wall option be
the first option pursued with the rock rip rap as the second .
If you or the landowner has any questions please call.
Sincerely,
??-/~
Keith Anderson, P.E.
Conservation Engineer
enclosures
C:\Documents and SettinQs\A1I Users\OocumentsV\CTIVE PROJECTS\Lake\Potential Projects\dan walker\dan walker site memo.doc
Brenda K. Van Bergen Don E. Warner Thomas R. Geli neau David W. Falk Phillip R. Goutermont
Distr ict 1 Distr ict 2 District 3 District 4 District 5
FinlandlUll org, Silver Bay City of Two Harbors LarsmontJ Sil ver Creek} Unorg.
Territory NO. 1 Knife River Territory No.2
Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District

Lake Coun ty Ser vice Cen te r, 616 T hird Avenue. Two Harbors, MN 55616
(218) 834-8370 Fax: (2 18) 834- 8545 seide002@umn.edu
July 23 , 2008
To: Al Goodman, Lake County Highway Engineer
From: Wayne Seidel, Lake County SWCD
Re: Rock Rip Rap for Encampment Forest Streambank Project
Thank you for considering our request to allow the Encampment Forest Association
(EFA) to procure rock from the former Castle Danger Landfill site for a stream bank stabilization
project. EFA will need approximately 345 cubic yards ofD.O.T. Standard Class 4 to 5 to 5+ (up
to 1 - 1 Y, CY rocks) for use in armoring eroding areas along the Encampment River. This
project has public benefits by reducing sediment in the Encampment River and improving water
quality in Lake Superior.
My only concern with the project is the lack of field engineering assistance being
provided to the contractor, Mecklin Construction. Presently, EF A does not have an engineer
who will oversee installation of the project. r have recommended that John Bathke, EF A
Representative, retain a registered professional engineer to monitor the project more closely to
ensure that the project is installed correctly - according to the design specifications he had
prepared by Krech & Ojard Engineering. r would recommend that you make this rock available
to EF A contingent on their providing engineering services sufficient to oversee the project.
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this request.
Cc: Keith Anderson, JPB Engineer
John Bathke, EFA Representati ve
Cliff Bentley, DNR Hydrologist
Lake SWCD file
Brenda K. VanBergen Don E. Warner Thomas R. Gel ineau David W. Falk Phillip R. Goutermont
District I District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5
FinlandlUnorg. Silvcr Bay City of Two Harbors Larsmontl Silvcr Creek} Unorg.
Tcrrilory No. I Knife River Territory No.2

Lake County Se rvice Ce nte r. 6 16 T hird Avenue . T wo Harbors. \ -11\ 556 16
(2 18) 83-1- 8370 Fax: (2 18) 83·1-8545 seide002@lImn .edli
July 24, 2008
To : Gill Hensgens
Re: Waterway Issue
I appreciated the opportunity to meet with you on July 23 rd to field inspect a waterway
that outlets onto your property from an adjoining parcel to the north owned by John Christensen.
My understanding is that your primary concerns include: I) that the water may not have
historically flo wed in this location and, if so, why should you suffer property inconveniences as a
result ; 2) the runoff water may contain excess levels of nutrients since the watershed includes an
area where horses are kept; and, 3) what alternatives do you have to deal with the situation.
Following my visit to your property I also spoke with Mr. Christensen. My site review
included walking hi s propelty as well to view any contributing factors to the waterway issue.
My assessment of the situation is as follows:
1. The waterway that flows southerly under Mr. Christensen's driveway is a natural historic
flow path for water. I observed a broad natural swale (with an incised channel) that was
well vegetated with mature trees on Mr. Christensen' s property. Furthermore, I observed
an old channel that outlets over the bank on your propelty that goes directly downslope
towards the Stewart River. This may have been the historic outlet of this waterway but it
no longer receives water. I am unclear as to what circumstances may have changed to
cause thi s to occur.
2. Mr. Christensen has constructed a new access road (within the past year) approximately
200-300 feet further north of the existing driveway with a ditch on the upslope side that
conveys runoff water towards Highway 3. This ditch has reduced the amount of
contributing watershed to the waterway that flows onto your propel1y.
3. The contributing watershed includes the Christensen's home, garage, corral and a bam
that houses horses. The runofflikely contains elevated levels of nutrients since surface
runoff moves through the corral which contains manure and urine from the hqrses.
4. Your response to the waterway entering onto your property was to constwct a vegetated
swale to move the water in a southeasterly direction toward the old Highway -3 ditch.
This swale, however, remains waterlogged following heavy flow events such as spring
runoff and heavy rains. The waterlogged condhion makes the area more difficult for
lawn maintenance as was evidenced by deep ruts caused by the riding lawn mower.
1explored the following options to minimize the water problems Oil your property:
I. Re-route the flow easterly along the n0l1h side of Mr. Christensen' s driveway. To do so
would kill large numbers of mature trees due to the excavation necessary to maintain
grade towards Hi ghway 3. This would not be beneficial to either of yo u because of the
loss of trees (C hri stensen) and the partial removal of an ex ist ing vegetati ve screen that is
to yo ur benefit.
2. Re-establi sh the natural waterway towards the Stewart River. This is not a preferred
option in my opinion. Re-directing the water away from the steep slope to an alternative
safe outlet will result in less potential erosion and will have less of a detrimental impact
on the Stewart Ri ver if, in fact , the nutri ent levels are elevated.
3. My prefe rred option is to improve the existing constructed waterway on your property by
installing a rock-lined center channel that mayor may not include drain tile. This will
ensure more positive drainage by acting as an under-drain and will minimi ze localized
ponding. Additional work may be necessary in the ditch on old Highway 3 to maintain
an adequate grade to move the water away from the swale outlet.
Please contact me if you have any further questions on my summary or if you need
additional information on thi s matter.
Disclaimer: This report was prepared while acting within the scope of my employment. Any
civil engineering related opinions offered in this repol1 are of a preliminary nattlre onl y, and are
not to be construed as a final engineered design nor cel1ified by a registered professional
engIneer.
Cc: Jolm Chri stensen, Landowner

Al Goodman, Lake County Highway Engineer
Matt Huddleston, Lake County Planning & Zoning
Lake SWCD file
Enclosure : Photo of waterway looking north onto the Chri stensen property.
Page \ ,
Wayne Seidel
From: Wayne Seidel

Sent: Thursday , August 28 . 20088:27 AM
To: 'Jim Linscheid'
Subject: RE: Possible Lake shore restoration ?s
HiJim,
Thanks for the inquiry on shoreland buffers ... good questions. Fortunately , Extension has a lot of research-based
information to offer on this topic. A great website is the following : http://wrc.umn.edu/outreach/shore/
Two incredibly helpful people would be Mary Blickenderfer and Eleanor Burkett. Mary can be reached at
Blick002@umn.edu , and Eleanor can be reached at Burke044@umn.edu .
They do workshops across the state and are good people to work with. One of the most useful sections I found that WOl
answer a number of your questions would be:
http://www.shorelandmanagement.org/quickins.html
Also, two native seed sources (and possibly plants ) would include:
Shooting Star Native Seeds @ Spring Grove, Minnesota

(507) 498-3944
Boreal Natives @ Cloquet, Minnesota

(218) 729-7001
Mary would likely have many nurseries to recommend as well.
Maybe we should host a workshop at your site next year ... think about it. I have long thought that this would have great
benefits for Lax Lake and might be a rallying point for the Lake Association . Let me know.
Hope this helps, Jim.
Have a GREAT day ..
Wayne
P.S. I'll be sending a notice out later today regarding the date for the next Water Plan meeting . The response was mixe(
for a Polymet field tour so we'll have them provide a presention on October 14th.
Wayne R. Seidel
Extension Educator, Natural Resources and Environment

University of Minnesota Extension - Lake County
Conservation Specialist
Cook and La ke County Soil & Water Conservation Districts

616 - 3rd Avenue
Two Harbors, Minnesota 55616
Phone : (218) 834-8377
9/3/2008
Brend<l K. Van Bergen DOll E. Warner Thomas R. Gelin eau Dav id W. Falk Philli p R. G outer llloni
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5
FinlandJUnorg. Silver Bay City of Two Harbors LarslllontJ Si l\lcr Crcck} Unorg.
Territ ory No. I Knife Rivcr Territory No. 2

Lake County Service Center. 616 Third Avenue . Two Harbors. Mi\' 5,,616
(218) 83·1-8370 Fax: (218) 83·1-85~5 seide002@umn.edu
September 17. 2008
To: Lake County Board
Re: Rock Rip Rap for Gooseberry Cab ins
We are working with Tim and Karen Erickson, GoosebelTY Cabins, to correct a severe
shoreline erosion problem . Their plan is to protect approximately 100 lineal feet of eroding bank
by pinning large rocks into the bedrock and then backfilling with smaller rock. The Lake County
SWCD has provided technical design assistance tlu'ough Keith Anderson, Joint Powers Board
Engineer, and we have also worked with the contractor, Mecklin Construction, to fmalize the
design.
Please consider our request to procure rock from the fonner Castle Danger Landfill site
for this Lake Superior shoreline stabilization proj ect. The project will require approximately 40
60 cubic yards ofD.O.T. Standard Class 4 to 5 to 5+ (up to 1 - I y, CY rocks) including the
smaller rocks needed for backfill behind the pinned rocks. The Eri ckson's understand the cost of
the rock is $ 1 per cubic yard .
The justification for tlli s request is that the proj ect has public benefits by reducing
sediment pollution into Lake Superior.
Thank you for considering this request and please contact me if you have any questions .
Tim and Karen Erickson, Propelty Owners
Matt Huddl eston, COWlty Coordinator
Lake SWCD file
Planning & Zoning

Lake County 601 3'd Avenue
MINNESOTA Two Harbors, MN 55616
PH: 118.834.8315 - FX: 118.834.8365
Website:
www.co.lake. mn.us
September 16, 2008
Summary of Huseby Wetland Restoration Site Visit on September 4, 2008
Compiled by:
Matt Huddleston, Lake County Planning and Zoning Department
Wayne Seidel, Lake County Soil Et Water Conservation District
Walt Van Den Heuvel, Lake County Planning and Zoning Department
On September 4, 2008, Matt Huddleston, Wayne Seidel, and Walt Van Den Heuvel
visited Russ Huseby's property on Lax Lake to determine if the WCA Restoration
Order issued by the Lake County SWCD had been carried out and completed by the
required July 31 , 2008 deadline. We met with Russ Huseby at approximately 9
a. m. and field reviewed an Administrative Subdivision Application that Mr. Huseby
had pending. Following this review, we walked to the southernmost end of the
wetland violation area (black ash swale) that was noted as Graded Area 3 in the
Restoration Order. We observed the following:
1. Additional land clearing had occurred on the adjoining upland areas both to
the north and south of the black ash swale. The trees were removed and the
areas cleared of vegetation had been disced.
2. The wood debris windrowed from the initial land clearing in the wetland had
been burned and the ashes spread .
3. The entire wetland impact area had been leveled. Bulldozer tracks were
observed in the wetland swale and the area had been disced. Mr. Huseby
indicated the work had been performed with a rubber tired tractor as well as
tracked earth moving equipment. Sparse vegetation appeared to be emerging
throughout the site, however, the required seeding and tree planting had not
been started.
4. Road Impact Area 3 had not been restored and was still actively being used as
a road.
5. See attached photos for a comparison of the site from September 2007 (photo
028) to September 2008 (photo 001) . Also included is a sequence of
overlapping photos taken in September 2008 (photos 002, 003 , 004, 005) .
Accompanied by Mr. Huseby, we drove to the northern edge of the property
(south of the Wax lax Road) and observed Graded Area 1. We noted the following
conditions:
1. According to Mr. Huseby, the woody debris had been removed , the site had
been rock-raked, and the area had been disced.
2. Road Impact Areas 1 and 2 had not been restored and Road Impact Area 1 was
still actively being used as an access road.
3. See attached photos for a comparison between September 2007 (photos 018,
016) and September 2008 (photos 006 , 007, 008) .
Still accompanied by Mr. Huseby, we walked to Graded Area 2 (south and east of
Mr . Huseby's daughter's house). We observed no additional change to this area.
However, we did observe additional clearing south of this area that would have
corresponded to the eastern end of Graded Area 3. Mr. Huseby confirmed that
additional clearing had occurred but would not allow us to field inspect this site.
Overall Observations :
1. Road Impact Areas 1, 2, and 3 have not been restored.

2. Graded Areas 1, 2, and 3 have not been seeded with Mixture WT1 (or a
suitable substitute).
3. No tree planting has occurred on Graded Areas 1, 2 or 3.
4. The windrow piles have been burned and the ashes spread by a combination of
bulldozing and discing (with a rubber tired tractor).
5. The ditch on the west side of Road Impact 3 has not been filled in. The main
ditch conveying water through Graded Area 1 has been filled in.
6. No Best Management Practices such as installation of silt fence along
waterways or mulching were observed.
CC : Bill Best, MN Board of Water & Soil Resources

Russ Conrow, Lake County Attorney
Russ Huseby, Property Owner
Tim Peterson , Army Corps of Engineers
Mike Scott, DNR Enforcement
Joan Weyandt, MN Board of Water & Soil Resources
Brenda K. VanBergen Don E. Warn er T homas R. Gelineau David W. Falk Phillip R. Go utcfmont
District I District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5
FinlandlUnorg. Silver Bay City of T wo Harbors Larsmontl Sih'cr Crcck/ Unorg.
Territory No. I Kn ife River Territory No. 2
La ke County Service Cente r. 6 16 Third Avenue. Two Harbors . MI': 556 16

(2 18) 83 4-8370 Fax: (2 18) 834-8545 seide002@umn.edu
September 28, 2008
Summary of Hare Lake Wetland Restoration Site Visit on September 26, 2008
Compiled by:
Wayne Seidel, Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District
On September 26,2008, Tim Peterson, Wayne Seidel, and Walt VanDenHeuvel met with Tony
Demars and Matt Brunner at Hare Lake to review the status of the wetland creation effort started
one year ago. The wetland creation (0.20 acres) was initiated to offset 0.11 acres of wetland
impact on the Snowshoe Run Development.
Mr. Demars showed us the northernmost wetland creation area and we observed a rectangular
shaped area with mineral soil that contained ponded water up to four inches deep. Wetland plant
species included wool grass, tag alder and sedges. White cedar, tamarack and black spruce were
planted along the perimeter. A monitoring plan had not yet been stal1ed but the monitoring plan
will confirm whether or not the site is developing into a functioning wetland.
In addition to the above restoration site, Mr. Demars showed us two additional linear areas
adjacent to the hiking trail (on the old roadbed) that were naturally converting to wetland. These
areas were wet due to sidehiLl seeps and we observed woolgrass, sedges, Canada blue-joint grass
as well as planted tamarack, Norway pine and black spruce.
Based on this field review, we recommended the following:
1. Develop and conduct a monitoring plan to determine if the three sites are developing
as functional wetlands. The plan specifics are contained in the Army Corps of
Engineers Permit (as-built drawings, report timelines, success criteria, etc.)
2. Survey the three areas to determine the alnount of area eligible for wetland creation.
3. Plant additional trees (tamarack, black spruce, white cedar) to attain a 1000 tree per
acre stocking rate.
4. Repair two areas of erosion that cross the hiking trail.
CC: Tony Demars, Consultant for Property Owner
Tim Peterson, Atmy Corps of Engineers
Walt VanDenHeuvel, Lake County Planning & Zoning
Joan Weyandt, MN Board of Water & Soil Resources
Wayne Seidel
From: Tony DeMars ITony@C rossRiv.com]

Sent: Wednesday, March 11 , 2009 11 :59 AM
To: Wayne Seidel
Cc: Timoth .W .Peterson@usace.army.mil; Walt VanDenHeuvel
Subj ect: re: Wetland Monitoring Plan - Hare Lake
Wayne ,
Thanks for the follow up. I must have misunderstood the species during our discussion. White cedar, black spruce and
tamarack is what I originally planned for, so I am complete agreement. Sorry for the confusion .
Tony
Fr om : "Wayne Seidel" <Wayne.Seidel@co.lake.mn.us>
Sent : Wednesday, March 11, 2009 11 :35 AM
To : 'Tony@CrossRiv .com" <Tony@CrossRiv .com >
Subject: Wetland Monitoring Plan - Hare Lake
Hi Tony,
I had an opportunity to review your wetland monitoring plan and it looks good, overa ll - species lists, coverage noted,
accurate map, hydrology, management recommendatiOns, etc .. The on ly discrepency was that during our September
fie ld review and in my subsequent fo llow-up letter I recommended the fo llowing species for planting - white cedar, black
spruce, and tamarack - at a stocking rate of 1000 trees p~r acre . Your report states on page 2, item 114, that the TEP
recommended black ash, red maple and white cedar at a 800 tree per acre stocking rate . Due to the likelihood of
Eme rald Ash Borer coming to Minnesota in the future, we aren't recommend ing that peop le plant any ash species.
wou ld stay with t he origina lly recommended species, if at all possible.
Please contact me if you have any questions, Tony.
Thanks.
Wayne
Wayne R. Seidel
Extension Educator, Natura l Resources and Environment
Unive rsity of Minnesota Extension - Lake County
Conservation Specialist
Lake County Soi l & Wate r Conservation District
Lake County Service Cent er
616 - 3rd Avenue
Phone : (218) 834-8377
Fax: (218) 834-8545
E-mail: Wayne.5eide l@co.lake.mn .us or seide002@umn .edu

215 :-':onh Pirst Avenue East. Room 110
Du luth. M?'< 55802
(1 18)713-4805 0' ( 2 18)713- 4807
' 218)713-4731 F",
.A iOli-J{ powers org:ll11z.7rJon ofCulton, Cook. LIke, .North !:Jr. Louis. ,wd South St. LOUl:t;
SOII .1I1d HJ:1ll'r ConSl'TI":lrion Di!J'rrlcfs t:lskcd With prol'lding conscn,1ClOn engmeenng
.1S5J5(,llh(' co I1h'mbcr S IVCDs .md nonhc.1stcrn lv/i"rmeso(;l I.7nd oCCUp/CH.
October 15, 2008
Wayne Seidel
LakeSWCD
Lake County Courthouse
601 3rd Ave, East
Re: Soiseth Site Assessment
Wayne:
This letter is in regards to a site visit conducted on June 30, 2008 at the Soiseth property located north
of Larsmont at 726 Old North Shore drive (Section 15, T52N , R,11W.), The concern from the
landowners is from a small intermittent stream that fiows through their property, The stream bisects
their property and fiows between their house and their driveway. A bridge is used to get across the
stream , which is down cut in a relatively deep channel that varies in depth and width but below the
bridge is approximately 10 feet wide and 6-8 feet deep. The eroded channel walls extend downstream
approximately 90 feet on either side of the channel. The channel bottom is composed of a variety of
substrates that varies from gravel to boulders to bedrock, Downstream of the bridge the stream banks
are bare and eroding, The west bank is fairly close to the Soiseth's house,
The cause of the stream bank erosion may be due to the constriction in the stream that is caused by
the bridge abutments, The bridge abutments are made of cast in place concrete and in fair to good
condition , The abutments force the stream to constrict to a channel opening of approximately 6 feet
wide, This channel constriction causes an increase in velocity during high fiows that has created a
plunge pool below the bridge. An analysis of the upstream hydrology was not performed but this could
also have an effect on the erosion. If the watershed of the stream is being developed without
stormwater management devices or considerations the resulting impacts could be due to increased
stream fiows during rainfall or snowmelt events,
The alternatives for remedying this situation are the following :
1, Remove and repair Bridge Abutments to allow for a wider channel bottom.
2, Install riprap revetment on both sides of the channel walls downstream of the bridge,
3. Install Concrete walls on either side of the channel.
Alternative #1 consists of removing and repairing the main cause of the problem and would help
prevent the situation from getting greatly worse in the long term but would not stabilize the downstream
banks, The landowners should consider widening the stream channel under the bridge at a point in
U:\Wayne2\Soiseth site assessment.doc

• Page 2 June 30, 2009
time where work needs to be done on the bridge abutments or bridge itself. In the mean time, the
landowners could monitor the condition of the concrete and bridge and replace it if the concrete shows
more serious signs of deterioration. Alternative #2 consists of pinning or digging to rock rip rap into the
stream bed and sloping back at an angle of 1:1 (Horizontal:Vertical) for a vertical distance of
approximately 4-5 feet. Above this location the bank could be shaped and planted with shrubs to allow
for greater slope stability. The rip rap would need to be sized and elevation determined as to the point
of the top of the rock with flood flows in mind , The estimated cost for this project is approximately
$15 ,500, This estimate includes restoration, erosion control, plantings, and seeding. This is an
engineer's estimate and upon further design would be updated with more refined information.
The concrete wall alternative would most likely be more expensive than the rip rap alternative and may
not look as natural as well placed and selected rip rap. The very preliminary estimate for a 5 foot high
concrete wall on either side of the channel downstream of the bridge is approximately $27,700. Due to
costs this alternative was eliminated from consideration.
My recommendation would be to rip rap both sides of the channel and shape and plant the areas
above the rip rap with native vegetation, If you or the landowner have any questions regarding the
above alternatives please call.
Sincerely,
Keith Anderson, P.E,

• Page 3
June 30, 2009
Site Photos
Photo looking downstream, note constriction due to the bridge abutments.

• Page4 June 30, 2009
CCl1'I S .hint Po\\elS Boarrl # 3
2 15 North First A\enue East ~ Room 110
Duluth, lvIN 55802
(2 18)723-4865 or (2 18)723-4867
(2 18)723-473 1 Fax
Ajoinf poweJ's OIgmizaiol1 o/Ca-/lon, Cook, Lrite, N0I111 Sf. Louis, md Sowh SI. Louis
Soil md W(tel' Consenaiol1 Districts ta;ked with providing conservaiOIl el1gilleeJing
assis(mce io member SJV CDs {lid 11Ort/tm'(ern lHinnesota Imel occllpiers.
November 20, 2008
Wayne Seidel
LakeSWCD
601 3rd Ave. East
Re: Silver Bay Interceptor Ditch Assessment
Wayne:
This is a summary letter describing a drainage problem located in the City of Silver Bay above Davis
Drive (See Attached Map). A site visit on November 5'", 2008 with yourself and Swede Larson from the
City of Silver Bay was performed. My short history and understanding results from a landowner
concern that is located on the upper side of Davis Drive with the concern being that his yard is wet in
areas that he believes should not be. This portion of the City is located just below a steep hillside with
intermittent drainages that result from runoff on the hillside onto shallow soils and bedrock. When the
city was developed the city planners and engineers, in order to manage surface water runoff,
constructed a series of interceptor ditches that capture hillside runoff and effectively shunts the runoff
into the closest stream. This ditch system intercepts not only the water but also any sediment that is
transported down the hillside. The landowners' yards in this area are at or below the bottom of the
interceptor ditch. It appears that the interceptor ditch bottom is located on bedrock. One theory is that
the wet yard problem that landowners are having is resulting from the groundwater following the
bedrock profile and intersecting the yards below the ditch. This is a theory and was not confirmed in
our site investigation. The ditch also, in one location where an intermittent stream discharges, is filling
with coarse sediments resulting from erosion upstream in the small drainage. These sediments are
causing a blockage in the ditch impeding the water flow. In addition to the main interceptor ditch a
secondary ditch running parallel to the main ditch runs behind the residences below the main ditch.
This ditch is much more subtle and appears to over the years with ground movements and rutting has
not maintained a constant slope and allows for water pooling.
The recommendations for this problem are controlled by access to the ditch and other factors. The
upstream contributing drainages may have things going on in their watersheds that may be causing the
sedimentation in the ditch. It was noted that several trails might be causing bank instability and erosion.
This activity may be leading to increased erosion and stream instability. Other recommendations are
the following:
1. Remove accumulated sediment from the interceptor ditch and return the bottom to the original
profile.
C:\Documents and Settings\wseideI.LAKECQUNTY\Local Settings\Temporary Intemet Files\OLK9C\wseideI112408Itr.doc

• Page 2 November 24, 2008
2. Re-grade the ditch located on landowner properties to provide more positive drainage.
3. Allow natural vegetation if landowner preferences allow in landowner ditches to provide for
additional water absorption.
4. As time and resources allow, investigate the source of the upstream erosion and mitigate by
relocating or installing erosion control on trail networks.
Please call or e-mail with any questions regarding the above analysis and recommendation
Sincerely,

~ --l..._ /"\..---.._
l'-""~'I ""'?~' 215 :"onh Fi rsl A \'c nul' ElSf, Room 110
Duluth , M;\' 55802
, $ou"~ll0~ (218~ 723 - 4 86S or ( 1 I 8~ n3 -4 86 7

(218;723·473 1 Fax
- -0'
~111""
A joinr powcr$ olg,ma<1rion O/elr/ron, Cook, L.1k<'. Norm !)r. Louis. .wJ South St. LOllis
Soil,1fJd 1jI,1(l"r COf1SCn,1f/OIl D,:~(nCts f:Jskcd With pro nding cOIJSCn",7tloll ClIginccring
:lSS1~~wncl' ro member S I VCDs .111d l1orcllC'.15rt'rfl Nfmnr'Sot,l hnd occllpier:. .
December 10, 2008
Wayne Seidel
LakeSWCD
601 3rd Ave. East
Re: Ralph Jacobson Knife River Streambank Stabilization Technical Assessment
Wayne:
This letter is in regards to a site visit conducted on June 30, 2008 at the Jacobson property located just
north of County Highway 11 (SW Y.., NE Y.., Section 33, T53N . R.11W.). The landowner has property
on the main branch of the Knife River. The area of concern is where the river is meandering and
intersecting a low terrace that may be in the 50 year floodplain. The bank height is approximately 5-6
feet in height and is experiencing a low rate of erosion. Cracking of the bank soils were observed on
the top of the bank. The land use on top of the bank is primarily lawn area. This lawn was created
relatively recently most likely in the last 5-10 years.
It appears that the erosion at the Jacobson property may be enhanced by the removal of deep rooted
woody vegetation along a bend in the river. The native woody vegetation acts to reinforce and stabilize
banks naturally. When removed and replaced with short rooted grass this stabilizing mechanism is not
available to reinforce the banks. Therefore, in order to reestablish this resisting force my
recommendation is a replanting with native trees and shrubs in the area that is most susceptible to
bank erosion. In addition these trees should provide shade that is integral to maintaining cool water
necessary for trout survival. The trees that should be planted include long-lived conifers such as
spruce, red and white pine. A view corridor from the house to the river can be maintained through well
planned tree planting .
A structural approach to the erosion problem is to add flow diversion structures such as stream vanes
or J-hooks along with a bankfull bench. The vanes or j-hooks are structures that project upstream at a
25-30 degree angle to the tangent to the bank. The vanes and j-hooks are keyed into the bank at
bankfull height and slope down to the stream bottom. During high flows the water will intersect the
vanes and be directed towards the center of the channel. In addition , this type of remedy will create
pools downstream from the tip of the vanes. J-hooks are just slight modifications to vanes with added
rock at the tip of the vane to create a deeper pool area below the vane. Along with the vanes a bankfull
bench may be added to create a reinforced stream bank with area above the bank for the river to
spread out during flood events. The bench can be made of soil reinforced with bioengineering
practices or small rip rap. The bench in the Jacobson case would need to be approximately 150 feet
long and approximately 3-4 feet in height. The work that is proposed in the river will need permits from
U:\Wayne2\Jaoobson Site Review - Keith Anderson.doc

• Page 2 June 30, 2009
DNR Division Waters with comments from DNR Fisheries. Due to the high profile nature of the Knife
River this proposal would get close scrutiny and require the full 60-day review time before it could be
permitted. The total estimated costs for the project that includes the tree and shrub planting is
approximately S8,000.
Feel free to call or e-mail with any questions.
Sincerely,

• Page 3 June 30, 2009
Site Photos- View Looking upstream from the east side of the river.
• Page4 June 30, 2009
Top Ten Potential Projects
Clean Wa ter, Land and Legacy Amendment
Lake County
Compi led by: Wayne Seidel, Lake County SWCD
1. Curtis Uppgard - Knife River Streambank Stabilization Project ($13,000)

2. City of Two Harbors Campground - Gully Stabilization ($14,000)
3. Robert Soiseth - Stream bank Stabilization adjacent to Lake Superior ($20,000)
4. Silver Bay Perimeter Ditch Stabilization ($5,000)
5. Ralph Jacobson - Knife River Stream bank Stabilization Project ($8,000)
6. Lake County Parking Lot Rain Garden Project - ($20,000)
7. CSAH 7 - Baptism River Stream bank Stabilization (6000 lineal feet - $3000)
8. CSAH 24 - Silver Creek Streambank Stabilization (.15 acres - $20,000)
9. Lake County Demolition Landfill- Critical Area Stabilization ($30,000)
10. Shelhon Road Ditch Stabilization (.5 acres - $10,000)
Additional Projects not Submitted

11. Rock Rip Rap Restoration at Bridges/Large Culverts on County & Township Roads (.1 acres)
12. CSAH 7 - Durkee Pit Critical Area Stabilization (.75 acres)
13. Depleted Gravel Pit Critical Area Stabilization (20 acres)
14. Eric Furo - Knife River Streambank Stabilization ($122,000)
Erosion and Sediment Control Planning Checklist
Goal: To conh'o l erosion and prevent sed iment and other pollutants from entering Lake
Superior / stream / lake / wetland / storm drain systems during construction.
E rosion & Sediment Control Principles and Measures (circle all that apply to your project)
Planning Prior to Construction:

I. Maintain ex istin g vegetation whenever possible and minimize the area of disturbance. Flag
and protect trees to enhance future landscaping efforts and to reduce so i I erosion from
raindrop impact. (Vegetation is the best and most cost-effective erosion contro l practice).
2. Ph ase construction activities to minimize the areas disturbed at one time. A llow comp leted
areas to be stabilized and re-vegetated BEFORE disturbing adjacent sites. The need for
temporary erosion control measures may be avo ided by completing a phase of construct ion
and in stalling permanent erosion control measures when the final grade is attained.
3. Minimize the use of impermeab le surfaces stich as roofs, driveways, parking lots and roads.
Protecting Sensitive Areas:

4. To avoid so il compaction and damage to vegetation, stake and flag areas that need to be off
limits to constructio n equipment BEFORE con struction begi ns. These areas include sewage
treatment areas, infiltration basins, natural watercourses, valuable trees, and wet land s.
5. Install all sed iment contro l practi ces BEFORE any soil disturbing activities occur (i ncluding
clearing and grubbin g). These may include silt fencing. bio rolls, rock check dams, and
storm drain inlet protection. Install silt fence , bio rolls, or rock socks in sholter reaches on
the contour wi th each end curved uphill to morc effectively filter water. Sensitive areas such
as wetlands, drainage swales and shoreland areas should also be protected.
Protecting Waterways:
6 . Maintain and protect all natural waterways. Retain at least a 20-foot wide strip of natural
vegetation along all waterways to filter out sediment and other pollutants.
7. Use rock rip-rap at both the inlet and outlet ends ofcul vel1S to prevent scour erosion and use
energy dissipaters at the outlet ends (e.g. plunge poo ls) .
8. In areas of concentrated fl ow in sta ll rock check dams, triangular dikes, bio rol ls or rock
socks to slow runoff and trap sed iment.
Additional Erosion Control Practices:

9. Divel1 run-off around the site, if practical (avoids treating clean water).
10. Use temporary slope drains or rock chutes to move water down steep s lopes.
I] . Construct sediment basins (> I 0 acre watershed or >5 acres near trout streams or Lake
Superior) and/or infiltrati on basins.
12. Install water bars on access roads to prevent concentrated water runoff from fl owing dO\\l n
the road surface, eroding gra ve l, and/or fillin g in the ditches.
13. To reduce mud transported onto paved roads, a rock construction entrance pad may be
required (6" layer of 1-3" washed rock / a minimum of 50 feet in length / underlain by geo
textile fabr ic).
14. Cover any stockpiled topsoil with plastic (or ot her imperv io us coveri ng) or use a temporary
seed mix to establish vegetation. Consider using stoc kpiled topso il shaped into earthen
berms to serve as temporary sediment bas ins.
-
2 15 :--':onh FIrst An.-nuC' East. Room I ! 0
Dulmh. M~- 55302
'21 '723-4 865 or ~2 1 S) 723-486 7
)18 ~723--I731 Fax
"
A j Olnr pow,'rs org,1niz.l{IOI1 OrelrlrOn. Cook. LIke, 1Vorrh St. LOllis, ,wei Sourh Sr. LOllis
!:Jot! and lI ~lfcr COJJSClT.1f10n Discri.:rs tasked wirh Pl'o l'/~Hng cons{'n:uion engmeering
:1SSISf;Il1..:r to tnl'mb"l" S IliCa alld 110l"dl'·,15tl..'J"IJ iVI/lmesoril /'ll1d {}.'xllf'll'rs.
February 5, 2009
Wayne Seidel
LakeSWCD
601 3rd Ave. East
Re: Two Harbors i ' Avenue Gully Stabilization Technical Assessment
Wayne:
This letter is in regards to a site visit conducted on November 5, 2008 in the City of Two harbors adjacent to the
proposed campground expansion north of 7th Avenue (NW )1.., NW )1.., Section 32 , T53N . R.10W.). The
resource concern is the ditch running on the north side of the avenue that is down cutting and causing sediment
to be transported into Lake Superior. The ditch accepts water from the neighborhood north of the area and
across highway 61. The watershed appears mainly urban and developed long before stormwater rules that
would mandate capture and treatment of stormwater. The high peak storm flow rates that discharge from the
urban area have eroded the ditch in question. There is an access road to the tourist information center that
runs across the ditch. This access road has a culvert that is perched and in poor condition.
The remedy for the above problem is to reinforce the ditch with a rock lined channel. This will enable the water
to flow over the rock without eroding the soil in the channel. The ditch would be excavated to a typical cross
section , have geotextile applied and then followed by 1-2 foot thickness of well graded rock rip rap. If this
project moves forward the design would consist of sizing the rip rap, a survey of the site, and the preparation of
a plan set. The culvert underneath the access road is also recommended for replacement. The site would
also need revegetation and mulching to complete the project. The estimated cost for the above-related work is
approximately $14,000 (see attached estimate).
I would enjoy working on this project if it fits with the Lake SWCO's and landowner' s priorities. Feel free to call
or e-mail with any questions.
Sincerely,
Keith Anderson , P.E.
Conservation Eng ineer
C:\Users\wseidef\AppOala\local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\ConlentOutlook\8JaHXTPZ\campground gully memo (2).doc

• Page 2 June 30, 2009
Site Photos
View of the deeply down cut ditch
th
View of ditch in question from 7 Avenue. Eroding ditch is hidden by vegetation
...- : '.
May 19,2009
To: Tom Martinson, Land Co nuni ssioner - Lake County
From: Wayne Seidel, Conservat ion Spec iali st - Lake Co unty SWCD
Extension Educator - University of M ilUlesota Ex tension
Re: Update on Silver Bay Di tch Adjacent to Jim Blomberg's Property
I have visited the site twice in May and wanted to prov ide you with both an update and some
summary recommendati ons.
On May 7'h. Keith Anderson (JPB Engineer) and I wal ked up the tributary (above Blomberg's)
all the way to the headwaters. We observed minimal dislUrbance or land use changes that would
result in additional water coming down this waterway. Thi s is the tributary that has contributed a
sedim ent plume to the ditch that has blocked fl ow and allowed water to back up behind it
(directly ups lope from Blomberg' s pro perty).
On May 141h, I visited the site again with Jim Blomberg. We hiked up the snowmob ile/ATV trail
and observed the erosion occuning on the trail system. According to Jim ' s recollect ion, the trail
has eroded more severely recentl y. The trail s cut across the slope and act as a diversion by
captm in g all the cross-slope drainage. The water concentrates in the treads and unuer heavy
runoff conditions will erode the soil. In many areas the soil is wmpleldy eroded away to
bedrock.
Recommendations:
l. Consider a periodic cleanout of the Si lver Bay ditch from above Blomberg' s to a point
south west of the snowmobil e/ATV bridge. Tlu s will removed accumulated sediment and
minimi ze ponding.
2. Consider constructi on of a diversion in the trail northwest of the trai l bridge to divert
water southwesterl y to a natural waterway that enters the ditch downstream of the bridge.
Thi s will prevent the water fro m continuing to erode the trail and depositing sediment at
the bridge site.
3. The property owners down-slope fro m the ditch need to consider re-establishing the
secondary ditch constructed in their back yards. Thi s will prov ide a second line of
defense to help move surface and sub-surface water away fro m their propel1y.
4. The trail system is a maze of disj ointed trail s that will further disru pt natural water fl ow
on this slope. The thi n soils are easi ly eroded.
I have also attached a series of trail photos for your review. Please contact me ifl can be
of further assistance on th is matter @ (2 18) 834-8377.
Jim Blomberg, Landowner
Dr. Tom Clifford, County Comm issioner

2 IS North First Avenue. East, Room r10
Duluth. MN 55802
(218)723--18650' (218)723.-1867
(218)723-473 1 Fax
A ja/or powers org:mizaoon arCH-fron, Cook, Lake, North St. Louis, and South SL Louis
SOli ilnd \·V,2{er Consen'ac1olJ Districts L'lsked with prol'l(iJiJg const:rvilfJon engineering
assisc.mce co memher S IVCDs and normc;lSccrn ,Hinnesot:J land occupiers.
June 9, 2009
Wayne Seidel
LakeSWCD
6163'" Ave. E.
Two Harbors, MN 55616
Re: Bob and Sue Nelson, Lake Superior Shoreline Erosion
RC ,
This letter is in regards to shoreline erosion at the Nelson's property located on Lake Superior just southeast of
Gooseberry State Park. (NE 1/4, SW 1/4 , Section 27 , T. 54N. R9 W). The shoreline in this region of the shore is
composed of intermittent hard and soft bedrock interspersed with areas of clay soils. It appears that the soft bedrock
underlies clay soils and in areas the clay soils have run over the top of the soft bedrock. The soft bedrock at the toe of the
slope is slowly eroding . The area of most significant erosion on this property is a section of shoreline that has dimensions
of approximately 20-30 feet high and 95 feet long as measured along the eroding bank. The second area of more minor
erosion is shorter in extent but closer to the house. Measurement on this second area was not able to be performed due
to the large wave action on the day of the site visit. For the purposes of cost estimating , 50 feet was used. The two
erosion prone areas are bounded by points of fractured crumbled bedrock. The bank is sparsely vegetated in areas and
has some tree, shrub, and grass cover in other areas. The erosion rate appears to be at a slow to moderate rate and
may increase when the lake water levels rise again. This area like many North Shore shorelines has exceptional scenic
quality and any remedial action, if taken , should take the visual impact into account in order to minimize potential visual
impacts. An oblique aerial photo of the site is attached.
Erosion at the site is caused by two factors, erosion at the toe of the clay soft bedrock slope from the wave action from
very intense northeast winds, which causes over steepening of the slope, and overland runoff causing slope instability
due to soil saturation. A few things to consider if a remedial action is taken to control erosion at this site are the following.
The rate of erosion should be considered along with the assets or soil loss that is being protected. In this case the main
physical asset is the house that is located closest to the northeast eroded slope. This slope appears somewhat stable
and is the least affected by the strong northeast winds that produce the largest wave action. The amount of soil loss on
the site appears to be low to moderate as compared with other sites that have little to no bedrock and all clay down to the
waters edge. The least cost remedy is to plant additional trees and shrubs in the shoreland area that will absorb water
and strengthen the soils through rooting.
Engineering alternatives are as follows:
One alternative for physicaVengineering solutions consist of the use of large rip rap, approx. 24-48" diameter, placed at
the toe of the slope and vegetating the slope up from there. On Lake Superior rip rap is typically toed into the shoreline 4
5 feet to counter the scour produced by intense wave action. The drawback of this approach is the potential visual
impact, the loss of beach area due to the rip rap needing to be at a slope, and the potential cost and construction related
impacts. The benefits are that this remedy has been used successfully to control erosion along various reaches of
shoreline and is proven to be a long term remedy. A second alternative would be to install a concrete wall type structure
C:\Documents and Settings'Ali Users\Documents'ACTIVE PROJECTS\Lake\Potential Projects\nelsonsite memo\nelsonsile memo.doc

along the area of the existing soft bedrock. It has some of the same drawbacks as rip rap in terms of visual impacts and
construction related disturbance but the benefits may be that the wall could be stained to match the bedrock and the
beach area would be left largely intact due to the vertical nature of concrete wall and resulting small footprint. If designed
property these systems can also be long term but can be more maintenance than a properly designed rip rap installation.
The one unknown at this site is the location of the bedrock and the resulting competency of the rock. This can cause
design changes and cost adjustments either up or down pending what is found under the shoreline. A third more
experimental approach would be the use of gabion baskets. These are wire baskets that contain smaller rock. The
baskets tend to mimick larger rock through the heavy weights produced by filling the baskets with smaller rock. The
drawback of this approach again may be the visual impact of wire baskets on the shoreline and the more experimental
nature of this approach .
The concrete wall option would consist of pouring a concrete wall that would be most likely pumped to down the slope.
The footings would be either dug approx. 4 feet below the existing grade or pinned into the bedrock through the use of
concrete anchors or epoxy. The wall forms would then need to be set and poured on top of the footings. The design may
also consist of concrete tiebacks, which would functions to prevent the wall from tipping . This design would also require a
structural engineer to review. Final design would consist of structural calculations and wall sizing therefore the wall
thicknesses presented in my estimate are based on past projects and not exact design calculations. Plantings could be
done on and on top of the slope to reinforce the soil and prevent further erosion from occurring due to water run on. The
cost estimate for the above-related work is estimated at approx, $33,000, (See Attached),
The rock rip rap alternative would consist of mobilizing large diameter rip rap on the order of 2-3 feet in diameter and
pining the bottom row of rocks to the bedrock and/or toeing into the existing cobble shoreline, This would give the rock a
firm foundation and would prevent the revetment from washing into the lake from toe failure, The estimate was for rock to
be placed 4-6 feet vertically up the bank and to a thickness of 3 feet. This would result in approx, 260 CY of rock being
placed on the shoreline. An access road would also need to be constructed to allow access down to the bottom of the
slope for construction of the rock revetment. As with the concrete wall alternative native plantings to enhance the soil
strength on and on top of the slope would be recornmended, This alternative is also estimated to cost approx. $33,000
(see Attached),
Either alternative could provide bank protection and would reduce bank erosion at this site. The concrete wall alternative
would involve a smaller construction footprint and if done correctly less of a visual impact. Therefore, I would recommend
if the landowner wants to slow or stop the erosion from occurring at his site that the concrete wall option be the first option
pursued with the rock rip rap as the second. If interested the gabion basket approach could be further analyzed, If an
engineering solution is selected a MN DNR Waters permit would be required,
If you or the landowner has any questions please call.
L
Sincerel~
fl~~
Keith Anderson, P,E,
enclosures
C:\Documents and Settings'Ali Users\Documents'ACTIVE PROJECTS\lake\Potential Projects\ne!sonsite memo\neJsonsite memo.doc

Nelson
Cost Estimate for rip rap by: KAA

Lake SWCD 21-Jul-08
No. ITEM Quantity UNIT CosUunit COST

1 Mobilization (5%) 1 LS $1,365.56 $1,366
2 Pinned ro ck 50. 0 EA $100.00 $5,000
3 Rock Rip rap 260 CY $70.00 $18,200
4 Erosion control 1 LS $500 .00 $500
5 Excavation 136 CY $10.00 $1,36 1
6 Plantings 1.0 EA $250.00 $250
7 Access Construction 1.0 EA $2,000.00 $2,000
SUBTOTAL $28 ,677
CONTINGENCIES 15% $4,302
PRELIMINARY COST $32,978

Nelson
Cost Estimate for cast in place concrete wall by: KAA

Lake SWCD 21-Jul-08
No. ITEM Quantity UNIT Cost/unit COST

1 Mobilization (5%) 1 LS $1 ,356.71 $1,357
2 Pin Wall into Bedrock 25.0 CY $25.00 $625
3 Grass and Shrub plantings 1 LS $250.00 $250
4 Erosion control 1 LS $500.00 $500
5 Concrete wall 32 CY $500.00 $16,204
6 Concrete Footing 11 .1 CY $50000 $5 ,556
7 concrete tie back 4.0 EA $500.00 $2,000
8 Excavation 1 LS $2 ,000.00 $2,000
SUBTOTAL $28,491
CONTINGENC IES 15% $4,274
PRELIM INARY COST $32,765

N
Nelson Shoreline-Oblique Aerial Photo
w
s
Brend a K. VanB ergen Don E. Warn er Thomas R. Gel ineau David W. Fall-: Ph illip R. Gou iennoni
Di strict I Distri ct 2 Distri ct 3 Dislricl 4 District 5
Fin landfU norg. Silver Bay City Of Two Harbors l.al"5montl Sil vcr Creek! Unorg.
Territory No. I Kni fe RiVcr Territory No . 2

Lake County Se rvice Center. 616 Third Avenue. Two Harbors. ~I;\ 55R113
(218) 831-8:100 Fax : (218) 8~~-8545 sClde002@umn .edu
June 10, 2009
To: Lake County Board
Front: Wayne Seidel, Lake County SWCD
Re: Rock Rip Rap fo r Harvey Proj ect
We are working with Pat and Nancy Harvey to COITect a severe streambank erosion
problem along the Beaver Ri ver. Their plan is to protect approx imatel y 200 lineal feet of
eroding bank by constrLlcting a rock rip rap bench along the bank and in stalling a series of stream
"vanes" to deflect water away from the outer bank. The Lake County SWCD has provided
technical design assistance through Keith Anderson, Joint Powers Board Engineer, and we will
also be working with their contractor to finali ze the design.
Please consider our request to procure rock from the former Castle Danger Landfill site
for this streambank stabilization project. The project will require approximatel y 90 cubic yards
of D.O.T. Standard Class 4 and 50 cubic yards of Class 2 (smaller rocks needed for the bench).
We understand the cost of the rock is $1 per cubic yard.
The justifi cation for thi s request is that the proj ect has public benefits by reducing
sediment pollution into the Beaver Ri ver and, ultimatel y, Lake Superior.
Thank you for considering thi s request and please contact me if you have any questions.
Al Goodman, Lake County Hi ghway Engi neer
Pat and Nancy Harvey, Property Owners
Matt Hudd leston, County Coordinator
Lake SWCD fil e
Erosion and the North Shore:
How can we prevent it?
Thursday, June 18, 2009 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Two Harbors Community Building
417 South Avenue Two Harbors, MN
Those encouraged to attend:

• Elected Officials
• Planning Commissioners
• Planning Staff
• Interested Others
The North Shore Management Board (NSMB) is holding an Erosion Forum
to encourage the exchange of ideas and concepts to benefit local
governmental units along the North Shore. Erosion along lake Superior
affects water quality, shoreline stability, aquatic habitat and continues to
be an important topic along the shores of lake Superior.
At this forum, attendees will learn about erosion efforts along the North
Shore, how stormwater contributes to erosion, and how a stormwater
control ordinance can be effective. Also, the forum will include field visits
to local erosion project sites and a discussion on what considerations
should be made during development projects along the North Shore. The
goal of the forum is to educate local officials and support good land use
decision making by local government staff, planning commissions, and
elected boards to expand their knowledge on erosion issues.
Lunch will be provided to attendees

This project was fonded in
part by the Coastal Zone that RSVP by June 10th to:
L-___ r----'
Management Act, by
NOAA's Office o/Ocean Liz Sarabia, ARDC
and Coastal Resource (218) 529-7535
Management, in conjunc
tion with Minnesota's
Isarabia@ardc.org
Lake Superior Coastal

Program. More information available at www.arrowheadplanning.org/nsmb
AGENDA
9 :30 AM REGISTRAT IO
10:00 AM We1comellntroducti on
NSMB Representative
10: 15AM Erosion and the orth Shore Overview

Wayne Seidel- Lake County Soil and Water Conservation
District/ University ofMN Extension
10:45 AM Stonnwater and Erosion

Jesse Schomberg- MN Sea Grant
11 :15AM Slormwaler Ord inance Deve lopment

Tim Nelson- Cook County Planning
I I :35 PM LUNCH
12: 15 PM Departure fo r Field Tour to Loca l StormwaterfErosion Efforts

Wayne Seidel- Lake County Soil and Water Conservation
District/ University ofMN Extension
2:15 PM Site Review on Lake Superior

Collaborative Discussion
3: 15 PM Wrap-Up/Questions
This project was funded in part by the Co astal Zo ne Management Act. by NOAA's Ojfice
ofOcean and Coastal Resource A'fanagement, in conjunction lrith Minnesota's Lake
. Superior Coastal Program.
l~~ort~ ~~0f1 Mana emenl Boar~

~3·~--~-.....,
North Shore Erosion Forum - Field Tour ~--' ,.-,......-J,....
..
Legend
,.,
~ Skunk Creek
c:::::s Skunk Creek Watershed
Tour Route
1 - Sku nk Creek OutleVTwo Harbors Campground

2 - Flood Bay Wayside Rest
3 - Two Harbors Cemetery Detention Basin
4 - 19th Street Detention Basin
5 - Battaglia Blvd. Detention Basin
6 - Skunk Creek Streambank Stabilizalion Project
1 inch =1,800 7 - Field Assessment Site

Lake County SWCD Program Implementation / Capacity Building (310-05-08)

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Lake County SWCD Program Implementation / Capacity Building (310-05-08)

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Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program

Lake County SWCD Program Implementation /

Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District

Project No. 310-05-08

Contract No. B16370

Minnesota Forestry Committee, CCLNS Joint Powers Board, Water Plan

Advisory Committee, and Lake Superior Association of SWCDs.

Wetlands, Riparian Areas & Vegetated Treatment Systems:

delineations, prepare and monitor wetland restoration plans, participate in

monthly Lake County Hydrology Committee meetings, and serve as a

clearinghouse for information on the Wetland Conservation Act.

Work Completed and Results

1. Provided technical assistance on ninety-four requests for information and/or site

1. Provided technical assistance on the Ziement Wetland Bank, four wetland

restorations, and two wetland violations.

2. Participated in one Wetland Conservation Act Training Session.

4. Participated in five Lake County Hydrology Committee TEP meetings.

Natural Resource Meetings:

Participated in the following natural resource issue-based meetings: Technical Advisory

Proj ect Start Date: July 16,2008

Reporting Period From: July 16,2008 To : September 30, 2008

1. Field ReviewslRequests for information - Conducted 34 reviews and/or requests for

2. Participated in the following natural resource issned-based meetings: Teclmical

3. SWCD Supervisors continue to participate on a regular basis on the fo llowin g

Email completedrepmitokarla.SundbergilUdnr. state.nm.us

Project Title: Lake County SWCD Program Implementation / Capacity Building

Project Start Date: July 16,2008

Reporting Peri od From: October 1,2008 To : December 31, 2008

1. Field ReviewslRequests fo r information - Conducted 28 reviews and/or requests for

3. SWCD Supervisors continue to participate on a regular basis on the following

Email completedreporttokarla.S undberg(ciJ.dnL state.mn.us

Project T itle: Lake County SWCD Program Implementation / Capacity Building

Proj ect Stmi Date: July 16, 2008

Rep0I1ing Period From: January I, 2009 To: March 31,2009

2 . Participated in the following natural resource issued-based meetings: Lake County

3. SWCD Supervisors continue to paJ1icipate on a regular basis on the foll owing

Project Title: Lake County SWCD Program Implementation / Capacity Building

Project Start Date: July 16, 2008

Reporting Period From: April 1, 2009 To: June 30, 2009

1. Field Reviews/Requests for information - Conducted 18 reviews and/or requests for

2. Participated in the following natural resource issued-based meetings: Lake County

3. SWCD Supervisors continue to participate on a regular basis on the following

Email completed report to karla.Sundberg@dnr.state.mn.us

Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District

Date Project / Activity Time

07/16 Gill Hensgens – waterway issue 0.5

01/22 Walt/ update on TEP – Storm Water Committee – Water Plan

Total Hours = 287.5 hours

To: Lake County SWCD Supervisors

Skunk Creek Stream Bank Restoration Project:

Demonstration Forest Update:

Field Reviews / Plan Reviews / Technical Assistance:

To: Lake County SWCD Supervisors

Silver Creek Township Stream bank Project

Natural Resources Block Grant:

Volunteer Program Update

* Photo: Supervisor David Falk sharing information on the recently completed

Field Reviews / Plan Reviews / Technical Assistance:

6. Huseby Wetland Violation:

To: Lake County SWCD Supervisors

Cost Share Project Update (action

1. Old Two Harbors Dwnp Site - Critical Area Stabilization. Pre-construction

Demonstration Forest Update:

Field Reviews / Plan Reviews / Technical Assistance: