City of Morris Water Quality project
In the Fall of 2012, Blaine Hill approached Center for Small Towns and Office of Sustainability about the city of Morris being faced with regulations from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regarding the amount of salt being pumped into the Pomme de Terre river from city sewer. After discussions between CST, OOS and the Office of Public Engagement, a framework has been developed that will help address the issue, while also developing a larger discussion in the community around water quality issues.
Organize overarching discussion around the condition of the aquifer, and other water quality issues.
o Research water issues in the region
o Assist in contacting speakers and presenters
o Assist in outreach to farmers and other interested parties/organizations to attend the discussion.
o Assist in facilitating during the meeting
Work on water issue with city of Morris.
o Assist Blaine in research into specific issue.
o Organize any round table discussions with water experts needed to fully understand issue.
o Develop report that lays out recommendations to help resolve issue.
o Organize any public meetings/listening sessions regarding water conditions in Morris.
o Assist in further development of action plans that stem from recommendations.
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UofM Southwest Development Partnership Assistant
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The University of Minnesota Southwest Partnership serves 12 counties of the Upper Minnesota River Valley watershed including Big Stone, Chippewa, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Pope, Renville, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, and Yellow Medicine. The partnership works with citizens in the watershed to create and sustain healthy ecosystems, strong local economies and vibrant, self-reliant communities. Its mission--launching education and research that help people understand and achieve sustainability in their region--supports projects that demonstrate public purpose and is committed to building partnerships that connect the citizens of the watershed to local assets and the education, research and outreach resources of the University of Minnesota.
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Vacant School building Research Assistant
Work with the Center for Small Towns staff to research information on vacant school buildings in rural communities. Collect information on how many are getting tore down or reused. Establish a frame work for future research, conduct interviews with communities with vacant school buildings, and write a report. More »
