Minnesota Erosion Control Association Volume 17, Issue 2 E ROSION MATTERS INSIDE THIS ISSUE: D ON T MISS THE 2011 CONFERENCE! MECA Conference 1 Virtual Tour 2 Happy Hour 2 Product Forum 3 M E A I N I N E S O T A R O S I O N C O N T R O L S S O C I A T I O N MECA Board Election 4 MECA Awards 4 Letter from the President 5 Upcoming Events 5 Learn all about Tran Terra in the Product Forum Page 3 Join MECA Board Members for Happy Hour and a Little Learning Page 2 The 2011 MECA Conference promises to be packed with great presentations, informative workshops, good food, fun, and the largest trade show of its kind in Minnesota! We re trying something new this year. The conference is taking on a game show theme. In between the presentations we will be introducing some fun and games. Maybe you ll want to challenge your colleagues in a round of Stormwater Feud. How about Erosion Jeopardy? Find out more as we get closer to the conference date. Here s a peek at some of the topics: Natural stream restoration Unique flood control solutions Agricultural BMPs for sediment reduction Shoreline erosion solutions Stormwater reduction projects Soil compaction Performance and maintenance of BMP retrofits Workshops & breakout sessions Thursday evening Social event.and much more! Watch your emails for more information. Registration will open in late December What does the acronym MS4 stand for? Don t miss out on the fun! Mulch with straw within 4 days MECA staff sure are shining stars Municipal separate storm sewer system Stay tuned for the latest information on the upcoming conference by frequently visiting the MECA website at www.mnerosion.org.
Page 2 Volume 17, Issue 2 Virtual Project Tour Coming Soon! MECA is introducing an exciting new tool for your use. Part of MECA s mission is to act as a clearinghouse for information. This new tool will help fulfill that mission. Designers, engineers, product suppliers, contractors, watershed organizations, agencies and others will now have the opportunity to display their products in the MECA Virtual Tour. The Virtual Tour is a sortable directory of projects of various types, ranging from infiltration, to erosion control to stormwater treatment. The directory can be sorted by location on a map, company name, type of project, products and city. It will be populated with separate detail pages for each project with lots of photos and information. The Virtual Tour is supported financially with fees for displaying projects. To find out more about displaying your projects, please contact the MECA office. MECA will be unveiling the tour in the next couple months. We think you ll like it! Happy Hour and a Little Learning Join MECA Board members and many other professionals at this new social event/ learning series sponsored by the National Center for Earth-Surface Dynamics. Board members John Chapman and Stacy Anderson will be attending. Check it out, and while you re there, chat with John and Stacy about what MECA is planning or help shape MECA s plans for 2011. A SIP OF SCIENCE - Second Wednesday of the Month Weather vs. Climate: A Minnesota Perspective Wednesday, December 8, 5:30p.m. The Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main Street, St. Anthony Main, Minneapolis No cover DECEMBER 8th EVENT Are summers in Minnesota really getting more hot and humid? Are we experiencing more frequent thunderstorms than we used to? If so, what does it all mean? How do we put our day-to-day weather experiences into the context of a changing Minnesota Climate? University of Minnesota Climate Professor and State Extension Climatologist/Meteorologist Mark Seeley has the lowdown on the differentiation between weather and climate and what climate change has in store for the state of Minnesota. Join us for happy hour to learn the local perspective. The talk takes place during happy hour at the Aster Cafe Food and Drink Available for Purchase ABOUT THIS MONTH'S SPEAKER Dr. Mark Seeley is the Minnesota State Extension Climatologist and Meteorologist and a professor in the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Seeley coordinates weather and climate educational programs with the National Weather Service, the Minnesota State Climatology Office, and other state agencies. He has served as a weekly commentator on Minnesota Public Radio's Morning Edition since 1992. His new book is entitled Voyageur Skies: Weather in the Wilderness of Minnesota's National Park. A SIP OF SCIENCE is a new science happy hour sponsored by the National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics (NCED). It is a chance to hear about new and exciting research over beer, in a cool bar. Come talk with the experts about their efforts to address some of the Earth's most pressing problems. NCED's A SIP OF SCIENCE brings the wonder of science to happy hour. FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.nced.umn.edu/content/sip-science-weather-vsclimate-minnesota-perspective This series, featuring discussions on the second Wednesday of every month, bridges the gap between science and culture in a setting that bridges the gap between brain and belly. Food, beer, and learning are on the menu in a happy hour forum that offers the opportunity to talk with researchers about their current work, its implications, and its fascinations.
Erosion Matters Page 3 The Tran Terra has been designed to assist in the fastening of erosion control blanket, sod, and geo-textiles. Available in two user-friendly styles, the ride-on and the walk-behind, the units are capable of meeting the needs of today s contractors. Proper installation of materials will provide longer protection than default cover; lowering the chances of product failure. TRAN TERRA ATTACHMENT Equipped with an Ingersoll Rand Rotary Screw Compressor, Two Stapler Heads, an IQAN Computer System (which gives contractors the capability of programming staple patterns), and Doppler Shift Radar; the Tran Terra can easily maneuver up to a 3:1 slope, depending on the ground/soil type and blanket type, this riding unit will make contractors labor intensive jobs less frustrating. Product Forum: Tran Terra Re-creating the Wheel Rather than re-create the wheel, we contacted the Hustler Turf Corporation, otherwise known as Excel Industries for insight on a drive unit for the attachment. Hustler Turf and Environmental Control Systems, Inc. have partnered and we are proud to say the Hustler Turf 3000 Series will be the driving unit for the Tran Terra attachment. Utilizing a Multipurpose Unit Distributes Your Dollars Farther The Hustler drive unit not only operates the staplers, it also operates multiple attachments which may be beneficial to many needs of the contractors. Of the many attachments available, some of the more popular are the mower decks, rotary broom, rear catcher, mulch kit, beacon kit, tire chain kit, and snow blower & blade. Need to get out of natures elements? Hustler Turf also offers canopies and cabs to handle the heat and cold. TRAN TERRA 4M1 The pneumatic stapling walk-behind unit, is powered by an unattached air compressor, has one stapler head, an Ingersoll-Rand pneumatic actuator valve (allowing the operator control of staple location), while conveniently carrying one box of staples on the unit. It takes about 15 minutes to get used to it, but you don t have to stop to put a staple in the ground. You manually fire on the go. Patented and Trademarked Erosion and Sediment Control Field Seminar On August 25, MECA held a field seminar on building lot erosion and sediment control in North Mankato. The seminar took place at Benson Park Cottages and contained several NPDES compliant lots and demonstration areas. This interactive, fast-paced and hands-on field course provided the attendees with a better understanding of erosion and sediment control practices and products available. Several vendors and contractors provided tips and tricks for the installation of traditional, as well as new products and services. There were two sessions held in the morning at 8:00 am and 10:30. For information on the upcoming MECA events, please visit www.mnerosion.org
Page 4 Volume 17, Issue 2 MECA Board Elections Calling all candidates and voters! Three board positions will be decided in the 2011 election. The volunteer board and MECA staff welcome you to run for the board of directors. To be eligible, you must be a member of MECA. If you are interested in running for the board, please submit a short biography and photo and we will add you to the ballot. To be included in the next MECA newsletter, please submit your information no later than December 31st. All members are elected by a vote of the membership. The last day to vote will be on Friday, March 4th at the MECA Annual Conference. Board members serve a three-year term and are expected to attend monthly meetings, respond to emails and phone calls, and help out with special events, like workshops and the annual conference. Award Nominations Each year at the annual conference, MECA recognizes outstanding individuals and projects. If you know of someone or some project that deserves recognition, please submit a nomination form which includes a description of the project, person or company s work, the award category, and why the award should be given. Each year the MECA Board will accept and review the nominations and determine which awards will be given and to whom. Award Categories: Innovation Award awarded to an individual, company, government agency or organization that has developed new products or ideas that have advanced the field of erosion and sediment control or stormwater management. Industry Leadership awarded to an individual, company, government agency or organization that has demonstrated leadership in the erosion and sediment control, or stormwater management field Environmental Excellence- awarded to an individual, company, government agency or organization for a project that is deemed excellent based on many factors including, but not limited to; innovation, partnership, water quality and quantity protection, and project success. Environmental Leadership awarded to an individual, company, government agency or organization who has shown leadership in advancing effective erosion and sediment control and stormwater management or other water resource related fields that have advanced water resource quality in Minnesota. MECA Recognition Award awarded to an individual who has been actively involved with MECA and contributed significant time and effort to MECA s work. Please submit your nominations no later than January 17, 2011. The form is available online at http://mnerosion.org/?page_id=59 MECA 215 Hamel Road Hamel, MN 55340 or meca@mnerosion.org 2010 MECA Award Recipients Innovation Award: Peter Leete & Dwayne Stenlund, MN DOT Industry Leadership Award: David Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke Turf Environmental Leadership Award: Sauk River Watershed District Recognition Award: Lawrence Berkland Environmental Excellence Award: Shiloh Wahl & Jeff Perkins, MNDOT District 4 2009 MECA Award Recipients Innovation Award: Dakota County SWCD Industry Leadership Award: Mat, Inc. Industry Leadership Award: Blair Jenson, T.A. Schifsky & Sons, Inc. Industry Leadership Award: Enebak Construction Company Environmental Excellence Award: Janelle Riley, Syvantis Technologies 2008 MECA Award Recipients Innovation Award: Stearns County Industry Leadership Award: Land & Water Magazine Environmental Excellence Award: TH36 Reconstruction Team Environmental Leadership Award: Mark Nelson 2007 MECA Award Recipients Innovation Award: Helen, Kris & Amy, Erosion Control, Inc. Contractor Excellence Award: Kraemer Trucking and Excavating Annual Recognition Award: Tom Schueler Environmental Excellence Award: Emmons & Olivier Resources
Erosion Matters Page 5 Letter from the President The MECA staff and board have been working hard on the agenda for the 2011 MECA Annual Conference. Every year it amazes me the terrific ideas that are generated by the membership. It should be another outstanding conference with some new twists. I don t want to let the cat out of the bag, but the new twists and theme should keep you interested. I hope to see you there. As always, don t be afraid to contact the MECA staff or board members with ideas or concerns. We always welcome your input. Good day MECA membership! Once again I begin this letter with many great intentions of how to fill this space. Take care and stay warm! Recently in the St. Cloud Times newspaper there was a negative article entitled Legacy Amendment Dollars Hard To Track. I found this to be quite a statement in a variety of ways. First of all, as a general statement, since the public overwhelmingly supported the amendment in 2008, wouldn t you think that the article could talk about some of the positives that have developed? I can think of many. In a little over 2 years since the passing of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, there have been many hardworking people organizing the structure of the program funding. Grant programs are up and running, projects have been completed, easements funded, and computer software that tracks these initiatives and outcomes has been developed. I would venture to guess that many of you have been involved in some of these great projects, or have at least heard about them. You might ask, how does this effect MECA? Well, the part that is appropriated to the Clean Water portion of the amendment is definitely dedicated to the same goals and missions that MECA carries. Please help the industry continue to carry out the goals that the people of Minnesota intended when they passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. Greg Berg MECA President Need a designer, contractor, or product? Check out the newly updated MECA Business Directory to find products and companies that work in the Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management Field. Pollution Prevention Planning for Flood Response and Cleanup By: Vicky Dosdall When a workshop for flood issues was scheduled for September, little did we know that flooding would be in the news in Minnesota. The southern part of the state received record rains for the month causing rivers to exceed their banks, and towns, homes, and roads to receive extensive damage. The Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead was the site for the workshop on September 30 th. This is a Scandinavian center that sits along the Red River and has been challenged by the floods. A dike is being built at this site to eliminate the need for moving historical records when there is a flood. An excellent line up of speakers talked about the challenges and solutions facing pollution prevention. Along with this, products were also displayed and discussed. With the risk of floods always being on the minds of people in the Red River Valley, they are looking for solutions to minimize the affect flooding has on the community. North Dakota State University students were given the opportunity to come up with new and creative ways to use Hesco Baskets as part of a long term solution. Hesco baskets are wire mesh baskets that are filled with aggregate or other materials to create flood barriers. This was definitely an opportunity for thinking outside the box. Workshop presenters included MPCA, DNR, MNDOT, City of Moorhead, NDSU, Moore Engineering, Ulteig Engineering and Wenck Associates.
UPCOMING EVENTS U of M Erosion Control and Stormwater Management Certification Program. Registration is open for winter certification courses. erosion.umn.edu/courses/schedule.htm December 8, 2010 Happy Hour and a Sip of Science December 16, 2010 MN Seeding Contractors Meeting Don t forget to renew for 2011! MECA MEMBERSHIP As you renew your membership for 2011, you will notice the change in the membership fee structure. In 2011, only individual memberships will be available. The individual $50 fee will provide a subscription to Land and Water magazine, a discount on MECA events and right to vote in the Board of Directors election. We hope you will continue to support MECA in the Your support in 2011 will allow MECA to continue to meet the needs of Minnesota by innovating workshops and courses that advance the latest technologies and techniques throughout the state. December 17, 2010 Mississippi River Forum March 2-4, 2011 MECA Conference Minnesota Erosion Control Association 215 Hamel Road Hamel, MN 55340 Phone: 763.478.3267 Fax: 763.478.3612 Email: meca@mnerosion.org Board Members: President, Greg Berg: greg.berg@mn.nacdnet.net Vice-President, John Chapman: chapm155@umn.edu Treasurer, Emily Javens: EJavens@co.scott.mn.us Stacy Anderson: stace@earthwizards.com Steve Klein: sklein@barr.com Lisa Woog: lisa.woog@pca.state.mn.us Rick Kruger: rkruger@brockwhite.com Vicky Dosdall: lawnanddriveway@runestone.net MECA Staff: Connie Fortin Carolyn Dindorf Katie Farber Kseniya Voznyuk *** Question for the MECA staff? Send an email to meca@mnerosion.org MECA SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE Do you know anyone that may be interested in applying for the MECA scholarship? The Charlie Parnell Memorial Scholarship was established by the Minnesota Erosion Control Association (MECA) in 2007 to recognize the outstanding work and enthusiasm Charlie Parnell contributed to the erosion and sediment control and stormwater field. MECA wishes to award this $500 scholarship to an individual who wants to pursue a degree in civil engineering or natural resources with an interest in erosion and sediment control or stormwater management. To apply, please visit http://mnerosion.org/?page_id=63 The application deadline is now January 1, 2011. MINNESOTA EROSION CONTROL ASSOCIATION Created in 1988, MECA strives to communicate erosion and sediment control techniques and practices, and encourage the use of those practices. Since storm water management is such an integral part of erosion and sedimentation control, MECA also actively promotes new and innovative storm water management practices. We are an organization comprised of contractors, suppliers, engineers and government agencies. Our goal is to promote effective erosion control and storm water management through: An annual erosion conference Regional workshops and seminars A semi-annual newsletter Coordinating field demonstrations We welcome the challenge to provide meaningful and fun educational activities for Minnesota and beyond.