Crookston listening session to focus on new ag water quality program

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will hold a listening session in Crookston, Minnesota, on Thursday, February 21, to gather input on the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. The new program has been in development over the past year and is designed to accelerate voluntary adoption of on-farm conservation practices that protect Minnesota’s water resources. Farmers who implement and maintain approved conservation plans will be certified and in turn assured that their operation meets water quality goals and standards for a set period of time.

MDA officials are seeking feedback on the program prior to its implementation. Farmers and rural landowners in the northwest region of the state are encouraged to attend the session, Thursday, February 21, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Crookston Ballroom.

The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program is the result of a state-federal partnership that includes the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ND Corn Growers host 2013 Cornvention in Fargo

Fargo, Feb. 5, 2013: The North Dakota Corn Growers Association announces their 2013 Annual Cornvention planned for February 20, 2013, at the Holiday Inn, located at 3808 13^th Ave. S., Fargo. This one-day seminar will be held from 7 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and aims to educate agriculture producers in North Dakota on the future and trends of the industry.

Topics at this year’s Cornvention include presentations from V.J. Smith, Ron Nelson of Thurston Genetics, Leon Osborne of UND Regional Weather Info Center, NDCGA scholarship recipients, a review of 2012 wetland issues and outlook on NRCS with state conservationist Mary Podoll, a Northern Plains Nitrogen update with Dave Ripplinger of NDSU and Darin Anderson, Chairman NPN, vendor visits, the Corn Growers meeting, and the drawing for the grand prize.

The North Dakota Corn Growers, in conjunction with the North Dakota Soybean Growers, will also be hosting a social for Cornvention attendees the evening of Feb. 19 at the Holiday Inn Poolside Rooms.

More information on the 2013 Cornvention can be found at ndcorn.org or by contacting Greg LaPlante at greg@ndcorn.org or 701-364-2250.

The North Dakota Corn Growers were organized in 1987 making ND one of the 48 states affiliated with the National Corn Growers Association.

The North Dakota Corn Growers association serves as the activity arm of the North Dakota Corn Council. Corn Growers have currently identified five priorities and have developed action teams to work on these priorities including: grower services, public policy, stewardship and conservation, research, livestock and ethanol marketing.

MN state park and state trail reminder

With fresh snow on the ground and crews busy grooming trails for cross-country skiing at Minnesota state parks and recreation areas, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds visitors about winter trail rules and etiquette.

On groomed trails, with or without a set of tracks, remember:

• Pets are not permitted on ski trails.
• Hiking and snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in Minnesota state parks, except on the ski trails and trails posted “closed” for the winter. (Groomed trails deteriorate when people and animals leave their footprints on them.)
• Winter mountain biking is only allowed on trails designated for that purpose.
• All skiers age 16 and older must carry a current, signed Minnesota Ski Pass with them when skiing in Minnesota state parks.

Ski passes can be purchased three ways:

• Daily ski passes ($6) are sold at park offices where staff is available.
• Self-registration for one-season ($20) and three-season ($55) ski passes is available at all Minnesota state parks except Carley, George H. Crosby-Manitou, Monson Lake and Schoolcraft.
• Ski passes can be purchased using Minnesota’s electronic license system, available at nearly 1,500 locations around the state. To find a location, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/agents.html or call the DNR Information Center between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367.

Many Minnesota state parks rent snowshoes ($6/day), and a few rent cross-country skis ($10/day). For a list of parks with rental equipment, and a list of parks with trails plowed and packed especially for hiking (with or without pets) and snowshoeing, check out the Winter Guide at www.mndnr.gov/parks.

Annual International Dinner Series at UMC

CROOKSTON, Minn. – Travel the world and never leave campus during the popular International Dinner Series at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Dinners in the 2013 series feature Egypt, Canada, and Africa and are scheduled for March 4, 11, 25, and April 3. All dinners begin at 6 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center. Tickets for the dinner series are available by contacting Rae French at 218-281-8339 (rfrench@umn.edu). Adult tickets are $15 per evening or $50 for the entire series. Children under 10 years of age are $10 per evening or $35 for the entire series. Tickets are limited.

“The Power of Egypt” is the focus of the first dinner in the series on Monday, March 4. The following Monday, March 11, will highlight the “Canadian Difference,” and the organization Change Africa will be in the spotlight on Monday evening, March 25. Students representing each of the featured countries will share their favorite dishes and a special presentation related to their home country.

The series concludes with an international dinner and showcase on Wednesday, April 4. The final event is a dinner hosted by the International Multicultural Club and includes talent showcase, along with demonstrations, table displays, and entertainment from countries all over the world. At 4:30 p.m. students will present a showcase of talent followed by the dinner at 6 p.m.

The International Dinner Series is a longstanding tradition at the U of M, Crookston and highlights the culture and cuisine of selected countries annually. To learn more about international programs, visit www.umcrookston.edu/international.

Public Meeting to discuss Hwy 2 & Hwy 89 intersection

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The public is invited to attend a meeting Monday, Feb. 25, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., to discuss the findings of an intersection traffic control evaluation of Highway 2 and Highway 89 west of Bemidji.

The meeting will be held at the Minnesota Department of Transportation offices, 3920 Highway 2 West, Bemidji.

The meeting will begin with a short presentation of the study followed by discussion.

An Intersection Control Evaluation is a process that identifies the best intersection control using a comprehensive analysis and documentation of the technical (safety and operational), economic and political issues of viable alternatives. The findings will help MnDOT plan for an upcoming road construction project at the intersection.

Citizens not able to attend the meeting but interested in the findings may contact Michelle Rognerud, MnDOT assistant traffic engineer, at 218-755-6572 or by e-mail at michelle.rognerud@state.mn.us.

To request an ASL or foreign language interpreter, or other reasonable accommodation, call Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 or 1-800-657-3774 (Greater Minnesota), 711 or 1-800-627-3529 (Minnesota Relay). You also may send an email to janet.rae.miller@state.mn.us.

United Blood Services in need of donors across region due to winter storms

Due to the winter storms impacting much of the region, United Blood Services is requesting help from the community to donate blood in the coming days to ensure a stable blood supply.

Winter storms over the weekend forced several blood drives across the region to cancel and very few donors were able to venture out to donate on Monday. According to Tami Kilzer, United Blood Service representative, “We are counting on the community right now to replenish the units that were lost. The need for blood doesn’t stop for a storm so it is vitally important that we stock the shelves to ensure that we have enough blood available for patients.”

United Blood Services assures the public that hospital blood needs have been and continue to be met. But it is important to build up the local supply in anticipation of any emergencies or unforeseen usage in the near future.

Donors in the Fargo-Moorhead area can donate at the blood center on south University Drive or participate in the 22^nd Annual NDSU Bison Athletics blood drive at the BSA on February 12-13. To make an appointment contact United Blood Services at 701-293-9453 or go to www.unitedbloodservices.org .

Volunteer blood donors must be 16 years old or older (16 year olds must have a signed permission form which is available on the website or at the blood drive), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.

High snow banks limit visibility at intersections

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Motorists and pedestrians are asked to use extreme caution and proceed slowly at intersections, as high snow banks are limiting visibility at intersections and driveways.

In areas with high snow banks, motorists should slow down and anticipate that another vehicle or pedestrian could be approaching the intersection. Approaching drivers and pedestrians should do so with extreme caution and not assume that others can see you.

MnDOT snowplow operators have been extremely busy clearing the roads. When crews complete work of pushing snow to the sides, they will begin removing snow and transporting to selected disposal sites.

For updated information on road conditions, visit www.511mn.org or call 5-1-1.

MN Dept of Commerce Recognizes Insurance Fraud Awareness Week

SAINT PAUL, MN –To raise awareness, the Minnesota Department of Commerce is highlighting Insurance Fraud Awareness Week, February 11-15, 2013. Insurance fraud costs an average family about $950 a year, and insurance companies and consumers across the United States an estimated $80 million a year, according to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud.

“Everyone pays for insurance fraud one way or another,” said Commissioner Mike Rothman. “To help combat insurance fraud, on behalf of the State of Minnesota, the Commerce Department Insurance Fraud Division investigates insurance fraud crimes to help stop criminal fraudsters and bring them to justice.”

To combat insurance fraud in Minnesota, the Department of Commerce Insurance Fraud Division (IFD) was created by the State Legislature in 2004 to review reports of insurance fraud, respond to complaints of suspected insurance fraud generated by law enforcement agencies, refer alleged insurance fraud to appropriate law enforcement agencies including county attorneys, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and others for criminal prosecution, and assemble evidence and prepare charges. The IFD team is comprised of detectives, analysts who assist with the casework, and a computer forensics specialist.

Perpetrators of insurance fraud come from all walks of life and usually act out of either perceived financial pressures at home or work, or perceived opportunities to “beat the system.” They rationalize that they “deserve” it or are “owed” the money and sometimes convince themselves they will pay it back or that no one will be adversely affected by the fraud.

Insurance fraud comes in many forms and sizes, including heinous crimes and organized criminals. It also arises in various insurance lines, from life insurance to homeowners. Sometimes it involves issuing fake policies, pocketing the premiums, and making false statements with the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Fraud scams are perpetrated by individuals, policy holders, unethical medical providers and career criminals. Sometimes fraud includes incidents of arson, false theft reports, bogus injury claims from accidents, and phony work-related injury reports.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce receives tips from companies and individuals to report suspected fraud. Minnesotans can report fraud anonymously by calling the Insurance Fraud Division at 1-888-FRAUDMN (1-888-372-8366).
More information about insurance fraud in Minnesota can be found on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website<http://mn.gov/commerce/insurance/topics/fraud/>. Consumers with complaints or questions may call the Minnesota Department of Commerce at (651) 296-2488 or toll free, 800-657-3602.

Explore ice fishing with a youth, without a license this weekend

Minnesotans who would like to introduce a child to ice fishing can do so without a fishing license from Saturday, Feb. 16, to Monday, Feb. 18, during Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Minnesota residents age 16 and older can fish without a license provided they are helping a youth younger than 16.

Using the tips, activities and ideas provided at www.mndnr.gov/minnaqua/icefishing makes it easy for beginners to get out on the ice and enjoy one of Minnesota’s wintertime activities.

“It takes little equipment and even less expertise,” said Mike Kurre, the DNR’s mentoring program coordinator. “Just do a little planning and don’t be afraid to ask a nearby angler to drill a hole or two. Most will be glad to help.”

Ice never is completely safe, even in mid-winter. Check with a local bait shop or people familiar with ice conditions before heading out on the lake.

State receives donation of forest land from The Nature Conservancy

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently accepted a donation of 2,751 acres of land in Cass County in north-central Minnesota from The Nature Conservancy.

The property is adjacent to more than 200,000 acres of land owned by the county, the DNR and the U.S. Forest Service. Consolidating publicly owned forest land helps conserve wildlife habitat and access for outdoor recreation.

The donated property is in eastern part of the county, about 25 miles southeast of Walker, close to the town of Longville. The acquisition will help maintain a large block of habitat for white-tailed deer, black bear, timber wolf and ruffed grouse.

The property contains mixed forests of pine, hardwoods, small ponds and wetlands and more than 3,000 feet of shoreline on Camp Lake. More than half of the property is within the Leech Lake watershed. The land includes more than five miles of grant-in-aid snowmobile trails. The donation will bring about more opportunities for hunting, fishing and paddling along undeveloped shoreline, hiking, bird watching and other activities.

“This land donation will be managed as working forest that provides for timber production, wildlife habitat and recreational activities,” said Forrest Boe, DNR Forestry Division director.

The Potlatch Corp. previously owned and managed the property and The Nature Conservancy acquired it in May.

The nonprofit acquired the property with $3.1 million in private money raised as part of the Minnesota Forest Legacy Partnership, a coalition that includes business and conservation groups, along with the DNR. The groups have worked together to conserve more than 338,000 acres of industrial forest land to provide wildlife habitat, protect jobs and ensure public access for outdoor recreation.

The Conservancy, which has helped protect more than 672,000 acres in Minnesota since 1958, is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations and helps protect lands and waters throughout the United States and in more than 30 countries.

“Protecting the Camp Lake property was a priority of ours because of its connection to Leech Lake and the Brainerd lakes area,” said Peggy Ladner, director of The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota. “What we do on the land has an impact on the health of our waters.”

The DNR and Cass County are exploring the possibility of a land exchange involving this property in the future. Selected Cass County-administered forest lands would be exchanged for these new parcels, a strategic move that would improve forest management for both agencies.

“Moving this land into public ownership is the first win for the public,” said Joshua Stevenson, Cass County land commissioner. “A land exchange to consolidate ownership and increase efficiencies for the state of Minnesota and Cass County is the second win for the public.”

Lori Dowling-Hanson, DNR Northwest regional director, agreed, "This is a good example of DNR's commitment to work with counties on more progressive and efficient management of public lands.”

The Camp Lake project came together through the efforts and support of Cass County, The Nature Conservancy and DNR to work together to ensure permanent public access and sustainable forest management on these lands, Boe said.

Ag Commissioner seeks recommendations for new water quality pilot projects

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson is seeking recommendations for pilot project watershed areas for the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). The program is designed to accelerate voluntary adoption of agricultural practices that enhance water quality.

This program will be the first of its type in the nation and is the product of a state-federal partnership that includes the MDA, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Commissioner Frederickson says the pilot projects provide local communities the opportunity to lead the state in developing and implementing this unique approach to recognizing the stewardship and cooperation our neighbors demonstrate every day.

“Minnesota farm organizations, soil and water conservation districts, commodity councils, wildlife organizations and other agriculture-related groups can recommend a watershed in their area as ideally suited for a pilot project location,” said Frederickson. “The pilot project watersheds will serve as a guide for the rest of Minnesota in producing a water quality program that will best serve farms and families throughout the state.”

The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program pilot areas will be located in each of the primary agricultural regions of the state: the Northwest, Central/Southwest, and Southeast and be representative of the local diversity of agriculture (predominant land use types, crops, livestock, water quality goals and resource concerns).

Pilot areas could receive significant funding from multiple agencies to enhance water quality in their areas. Projects will be a maximum three-year duration to enable diverse sample conditions in weather, production systems, practice implementation, and other factors including emphasis on replication of successful MAWQCP implementation and operation locally. The pilot areas will be required to produce measurement of key elements needed for a successful program.

The deadline to submit recommendations is March 1, 2013. For more information about the pilot project or to obtain a recommendation form, contact Brad Redlin, Program Manager, at 651-201-6489 or Brad.Redlin@state.mn.us    

BBB, University of St. Thomas Announce Second Ethics Summit

Burnsville, Minnesota – February 5, 2013 – The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB), in partnership with the University of St. Thomas’ Opus College of Business (UST), will host the second annual Business Ethics Summit on Wednesday, February 20 from 8 to 10:30 a.m. The event will take place on the University of St. Thomas’ campus in downtown Minneapolis, where business leaders, ethics officers, college students and professors will gather to take part in a free-flowing dialogue about the critical role business ethics plays in today's workplace.

“Last year’s Business Ethics Summit was such a success that it was obvious it had to become an annual event,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. “We feel by bringing current ethical leaders together while incorporating the viewpoint of today’s students, the ensuing discussion will really resonate and pay dividends in the future.”

The 2012 Business Ethics Summit witnessed ethics officers and executives from General Mills, CenterPoint Energy, Best Buy and many other leading firms discussing real-life ethical scenarios their companies have faced or face on a regular basis. A recurring theme from last year’s Business Ethics Summit was the correlation between strong ethics and long-term success. Among many notable quotes from last year’s event, Dean Christopher Puto of the Opus College of Business stated, “The reward for being a good business is profit.”

KSTP’s Tom Hauser returns as event moderator, and Karen Himle, who is on the Board of HMN Financial and previously served as Vice President of University Relations at the University of Minnesota and Executive Vice President and President of The Children’s Hospital Foundation, will be the keynote speaker. Panelists at this year’s event include: Mary Benhardus, Handi Medical Supply; Dr. Stuart Dalton, White Bear Animal Hospital; Heather Hille, The Toro Company; Keturah Pestel, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans; David Rodbourne, Center for Ethical Business Cultures, UST; and Terry Stamman, Twin Cities Siding Professionals.

“As a leader in the field of business ethics education and research,” said Dean Puto, “the Opus College of Business is proud to facilitate ongoing discussions about ways to turn theory into workplace practice.”

In an effort to broaden the conversation about ethics today and encourage participation during the event, the BBB has launched a Twitter hashtag, #BBBSummit. BBB staffers will moderate a “Tweet Wall” during the event, providing updates on the event and subsequent discussions.

The Business Ethics Summit will also once again offer the Better Business Bureau Ethics Showcase (bbbethicsshowcase.org/), an online gallery of business ethics materials used by top companies and institutions. Continuing education ethics credits are also available and can be earned for several professions. Contact Mackenzie Kelley at 651-695-2482 or mkelley@thefirstbbb.org with questions or for more information.

Registration is required and open to the public at BBBSummit.org.

Location: Terrence Murphy Hall, Opus College of Business, University of St. Thomas, 1000 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Date and Time: Wednesday, February 20, 2013, 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Cost (breakfast is included): $29 / Person, $25 / BBB Accredited Businesses, Free / College Students

MN TOURISM CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN MINNEAPOLIS

The Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference, to be held in downtown Minneapolis February 12 and 13, will focus on marketing trends and tactics for an industry that generates almost $12 billion in sales annually in Minnesota. Governor Mark Dayton will greet the conference during the Wednesday luncheon.

Other conference speakers include Adam Sacks, of Tourism Economics, on economic trends and the outlook for travel; Shaun Aukland, of Google, on digital marketing; and travel author Doug Lansky, on learning from common mistakes in travel marketing.

"The Minnesota tourism industry is very optimistic about the upcoming spring/summer travel season," notes Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state's tourism promotion agency. In fact, a January survey of lodging properties in the state found that well over 40 percent of survey respondents expect spring/summer occupancy and room revenues to surpass those of last year. There has been a growth in travel each of the past three years as the tourism industry in Minnesota and across the country has recovered from the recession.

The conference will introduce the 2013 Explore Minnesota marketing campaign, a fresh take on the "More to Explore" theme with a series of new television ads and a fun, customizable vacation video app for Facebook. Sessions will cover a range of other topics, including sports marketing, cultural travelers, outdoor adventure travel, managing traveler reviews, and recent tourism research. The conference includes a tourism awards banquet, as well.

"Consumers have a pent-up demand for travel," said Edman, "and Minnesota aims to attract more visitors as they select destinations in the highly competitive travel market."

The annual tourism conference draws about 300 participants from around the state, including representatives of convention and visitors bureaus and other tourism promotion organizations; hotels, resorts and campgrounds; and a variety of attractions, such as museums and historic sites.

The conference is being held at the Hilton Minneapolis Hotel, and Meet Minneapolis is sponsoring a pre-conference social media learning lab on Monday afternoon, Feb. 11. Conference registration is $319, with lower rates for single day attendance. For more details, go to www.industry.exploreminnesota.com.

Tourism is an $11.9 billion industry in Minnesota, a key sector of the state's economy. The leisure and hospitality industry, a major provider of tourism services, employs almost 240,000, representing 11 percent of private sector employment. Leisure and hospitality also generates 17 percent of state sales tax revenues.

Reduce Ice Dam and Icicle Damage

This is the time of year when ice dams and icicles will begin to develop on roofs and potentially cause damage.

Ice dams and icicles are most common when snow is on the roof and outdoor temperatures are just below freezing. Homeowners have a few steps they can take to reduce ice dams and icicles, according to Ken Hellevang, an engineer with the North Dakota State University Extension Service.

"The key is to ensure your roof is constructed properly with sufficient attic insulation and ventilation to prevent the formation of ice dams, and remove snow on the roof," Hellevang says. "All too often, homeowners try to treat the symptoms of ice dams with things like heat tape instead of preventing the
problem in the first place."

An ice dam forms when snow melts and the water runs downs the surface of the roof. As the melted snow hits cooler parts of the roof near the eaves, it freezes. This process continues and eventually creates a dam of ice on the roof. As more snow melts, the dam stops the water, which freezes, making the dam bigger and backing up the melt water, allowing it to leak under the shingles into the attic or eaves. This can lead to water stains in the ceiling,
structural damage and mold growth inside the home.

Ice dams are clearly visible once they form, but to find out what causes them, a homeowner needs to look inside the attic.

Heat loss from the home into the attic is the major cause of snowmelt on the roof forming ice dams; this is wasted heat. Trying to remedy the ice dam problem with electric cables on the roof deck also is wasting energy. The key is to minimize the heat loss into the attic.

The attic is warmed with heat leaking from a home's living space. Any openings where plumbing, heating or electrical components protrude into the attic that are not sealed properly can allow heat leaks. Recessed or "can" lights and attic access doors or ladders can be other areas where heat leaks into the attic.

Even if all the leaks into an attic from inside the home are sealed, heat from the home can be lost to the attic if the attic does not have proper insulation.

"The ability of insulation to slow heat loss depends on the type and thickness of the insulation, but attics in northern climates need a minimum of roughly 15 inches of insulation to be properly insulated," Hellevang says.

Another cause of ice dams is improper attic ventilation. Keeping all the heat out of the attic space is impossible, so allowing that heat to leave the attic through vents is important. This can be done through soffit and ridge vents or vents on the gable ends of the home. Make sure the attic's insulation does not block the airflow from the soffits or eaves. Use baffles to create a channel to hold insulation back from the soffit vents to allow airflow.

Removing snow is another way to reduce the likelihood of ice dams forming on the lower portion of the roof. Solar heating can warm the roof, allowing the water to run off the roof rather than freezing on the colder portion of the roof.

Solar heating also will warm the gutter and edge of the soffit, raising the temperature enough to melt snow. This will create icicles and ice dams near the edge of the roof. Removing the snow on the lower portion of the roof should reduce the icicles and ice dams near the gutter because the source of the water has been removed.

"However, removing snow from the roof can be dangerous, so avoid getting on the roof by using a roof rake," Hellevang advises. "You also need to take care when using a roof rake to avoid overhead power lines."

North Dakota Corn Growers host 2013 Cornvention in Fargo

Fargo, Feb. 5, 2013: The North Dakota Corn Growers Association announces their 2013 Annual Cornvention planned for February 20, 2013, at the Holiday Inn, located at 3808 13th Ave. S., Fargo. This one-day seminar will be held from 7 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and aims to educate agriculture producers in North Dakota on the future and trends of the industry.

Topics at this year’s Cornvention include presentations from V.J. Smith, Ron Nelson of Thurston Genetics, Leon Osborne of UND Regional Weather Info Center, NDCGA scholarship recipients, a review of 2012 wetland issues and outlook on NRCS with state conservationist Mary Podoll, a Northern Plains Nitrogen update with Dave Ripplinger of NDSU and Darin Anderson, Chairman NPN, vendor visits, the Corn Growers meeting, and the drawing for the grand prize.

The North Dakota Corn Growers, in conjunction with the North Dakota Soybean Growers, will also be hosting a social for Cornvention attendees the evening of Feb. 19 at the Holiday Inn Poolside Rooms.

More information on the 2013 Cornvention can be found at ndcorn.org or by contacting Greg LaPlante at greg@ndcorn.org or 701-364-2250.

The North Dakota Corn Growers were organized in 1987 making ND one of the 48 states affiliated with the National Corn Growers Association.

The North Dakota Corn Growers association serves as the activity arm of the North Dakota Corn Council. Corn Growers have currently identified five priorities and have developed action teams to work on these priorities including: grower services, public policy, stewardship and conservation, research, livestock and ethanol marketing.

MPCA invites comments on statewide permit that regulates construction stormwater

St. Paul, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites comments through March 20 on a permit that regulates construction stormwater throughout the state.

Under the federal Clean Water Act and Minnesota law, the MPCA oversees a program to manage stormwater runoff from construction activities. These activities include clearing, excavating and grading that disturb more than one acre of soil.

The purpose of the state program is to protect water resources from pollutants, particularly sediment, as well as nutrients, oil, chemicals and litter carried with runoff. In addition, the program strives to prevent this runoff from flooding streams and lakes and damaging habitat for fish and wildlife.

The MPCA issues a general permit that requires controls for construction stormwater runoff. When construction site owners and operators apply for coverage under the general permit, they agree to comply with the conditions set in the permit.

The current permit expires on Aug. 1, 2013. Because federal rules have changed since the last permit was issued in 2008, the MPCA must update the general permit to comply with these rules. Based on research and experience, the federal government continues to make changes to ensure that adequate best management practices are in place.

While the primary changes concern federal rules, the changes also include reorganization of the permit language. The draft permit includes clarifications and minor language changes to make the permit more concise, to delete duplicate or unneeded language, and to make the permit more readable and easier to understand.

In addition, the MPCA will require that permit applications be submitted electronically to achieve greater efficiency.

The MPCA values comments by stakeholders and will provide equitable access for all who wish to comment and learn about the permit. Stakeholders will have an opportunity to ask questions about the draft permit at a public information meeting on March 8, beginning at 9 a.m., in the MPCA Citizens Board Room in the agency’s St. Paul office.

Comments, which must be writing, are due by 4:30 p.m. March 20 to Lawrence Zdon, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd N, Saint Paul, MN 55155-4194 or by sending them by email to lawrence.zdon@state.mn.us.

For more information, visit the MPCA’s Public Notices webpage.