Environmental Department

 Office of the Environment

Announcements

There have been reports of unknown packages of seeds being delivered in the mail. If you have received one of these packages, please do the following:

Save the seeds and all packaging
DO NOT open the seed packets
DO NOT plant the seeds
DO NOT throw the seeds away
Contact Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to pick up the seeds. Click on link below for form.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_8dv1tMPweyDn-T1v0vWZU_8wTaUxaOmglvUByo7P1c70qA/viewform

If you would like the Office of the Environment to handle the package or have additional questions, we would be more than happy to answer questions and arrange pickup with the MDA.

Feel free to contact Amanda Wold (320) 564-6337.

If you would like to read more about these suspicious seeds click on link for a local article.

https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2020/07/31/over-700-minnesotans-receive-unsolicited-mystery-seeds-in-the-mail/

Current Projects

Oak Savanna and Prairie Management

The battle with invasive species, namely buckthorn creates a challenge to restore prairies to what they were once like. Our Oak Savanna project currently is focusing on eliminating the buckthorn out of the site through prescribed burning, mowing, spraying, and eventual seeding of native prairie grasses.

Water Quality Monitoring

The Office of the Environment samples various locations throughout the Community including groundwater springs, Hazel Creek, and the Minnesota River. These samples are analyzed for a variety of contaminants and pollutants. This data is used to observe trends and concerns in the watershed. The main source of pollution is the nutrients from the heavy agricultural land use surrounding the area. The Minnesota River’s pollution levels are a concern to local anglers. You will find a fish consumption guide for the River in close proximity to the Community.

Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Mitigation

The Community received funding from the settlement to purchase a new propane truck that has better diesel emission controls in place.