Citizen Advisory Committee Provides Recommendations

The Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) is a resident-led volunteer advisory group to the Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District (CMSCWD) that is appointed by the District Board of Managers.  CAC members are residents of the District and have a variety of interests, talents, and backgrounds. Members represent the opinion of residents of the District and provide guidance and support on issues, priorities, and programs.

The Citizen Advisory Committee met three times in 2020. The meetings focused on: CMSCWD organizational structure and stakeholders, existing district programs and projects, and the CMSCWD 10-year management plan update. CAC members also toured CMSCWD projects.

In the third meeting, the CAC reviewed findings from the resident survey conducted throughout the summer of 2020 and created a draft letter of recommendation to the CMSCWD Board of Managers.  Overall, the CAC felt the survey was representative of the diverse viewpoints of the constituency and communities within the CMSCWD and identified a strong overarching need for improved public education and engagement. The CAC offered recommendations for expanding public education and outreach, increasing coordinated efforts to manage and prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, continue to consistently enact rules in a coordinated and consistent manner, continue landowner assistance programs, increase groundwater monitoring and education, and enhance shoreland landowner programs.

The CAC will continue to work closely with the CMSCWD over the next six months to guide the development of the 2021-2031 Watershed Management Plan.  If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to a CAC Member.

The full CAC recommendation letter is located here: Full CAC Recommendation letter