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Hey everybody, this is Lisa from the Greater East Side District 2 Community Council, and you're listening to the D2NU Podcast. The show that recaps everything happening on the East Side of St. Paul for people who love to be in the know. We have lots to talk about today, so sit back, grab a cup of coffee, or your favorite drink of choice, and let's get to it. Hey everybody, this is Lisa from the greater east side district two community council. And this is D two. And you today, we are talking to Lauren Hazon Sinn from the Ramsey, Washington Metro watershed district. We will learn what the heck is a watershed district and what do they do, and also hear about their big event happening at lake Fallon in a few weeks water Fest. So thank you so much for joining us today, Lauren. Thanks for having me. Absolutely. Let's start by telling everyone a little bit about you. How long have you been with the watershed? All right. I've been with the watershed for a little under four years. I started, right after the pandemic started. Ooh. Yep. That was a wild time. But yeah, loving. My time at the watershed district. So in what is your official role there? Yes. so I am the communications and outreach coordinator at the district. Great. What is the most difficult part of your job? I would say the most difficult part is cutting through all the noise we, our information builds a culture and time, and a lot of it is very important and there's a lot of important topics. Being able to get people's attention about water and water issues in general. it's the day of the eclipse. And the only two things we need on this planet for life are, that the presence of water. And inappropriate distance from the sun. To not stare at the sun today. The stairs. Correctly at the sun, really? In general, probably a good rule. so water is extremely important. but it's not something that comes up on everybody's radar on a regular basis. It's something that we can really take for granted. Sure. What is your favorite part of your job? I have a lot of favorite parts. The variety. I really enjoy. Being able to be outside and, Learn more about water management. This is not my background at all. I'm definitely one of the few nonscientists I'm a scientist translator at the watershed district. I get to fly a drone every once in a while. And the people I work with, every person that I work with at the watershed district is very passionate about what they do. They're very friendly. they love to answer questions. so I unfortunately enough to have varied. And really positive work environment. So gamey. What is one thing that people are surprised to find out about you, a watershed district or meet in person? I would say that, Around 2007 ish. Right when I was out of college. I spent a year in AmeriCorps joining a natural disaster response. Oh, wow. So that was right after Katrina. Yeah. About 2005. Still doing some recovery. From that. In past Christianne, Mississippi. I also just a wildfire. response and, flood response and a bunch of just random asundry things. what an amazing experience that mustard. Was, it was life-changing for sure. And, particularly flood issues. I will never look at flooding the same when you see the impact there's flooding. Yeah, that was fun, but people who just meet me off the street aren't necessarily oh, she looks like she. I've surrounded chainsaw. but I did for a year, a very cool. So let's shift over to the watershed. What is a watershed district? Yeah. It's a, this is the first time anybody's asked me. No. There you go. It's very, it's a very common question. so we're a special unit of government. And so similar to, like a school district. we basically have as particular function in our boundaries. are based on that function. So water doesn't really care about political boundaries. I don't care what the city begins and ends. so we have three, what they call tributaries to. The Mississippi and that's how our boundaries are made up. Oh, okay. and what we care about day-to-day are the lakes, the rivers, the ponds in the wetlands. so we don't really focus on drinking water. but pretty much any other water function that you can think of. And also the storm water systems that lead to those water bodies. so there's a whole system. Of tunnels under our feet that are not the sewer system. That's a whole nother one and that's our stormwater system. When you see a drain in the street, that's going through the stormwater system. And most likely to your local Laker street. So does the watershed actually maintain those or is it more. Testing and maintaining that the quality is good. W what does the watershed do? So the, all of the above. so we have, a huge tunnel that's called, the BeltLine. that flows from. The bottom of lake failing all the way to the Mississippi river. And we have a permit. from the state to operate that. So we do maintain that system. we test water quality in the lakes, around the districts. lake failing. Wakefield's would be some examples from around here. our water quality team is actually out today as they are after any good rain. testing the water quality specifically today for chloride or salts. Sure. Especially in spring. Yeah. Yeah. It's a nasty pollutant. And it's a permanent pollutant. And so it's one that we test for on a regular basis. But we're also looking for flood risk. are there areas in our district, where things aren't draining properly? Are there. Areas of localized floodings to look less flooding means. Are you at a local store? And you're noticing that the parking lot is damp. Oh. Or, if you're looking at it in your lawn and there's some pooling. That's localized flooding. So those are areas that we're especially concerned about and we have a whole 10-year plan to go address those. and we work with a bunch of state, local and private partners to make sure that happens on a regular basis. So flood risk and water quality are the two things that we really focus on. So I know that there has been some projects right here. In our neighborhood that the watershed has worked on specifically just a couple blocks away from our office, the Cub foods that were, previous, asphalt was used for in the parking lots. Yes. What are some other projects that folks would say, Hey, that's a water shed project. I think people would be here. It's their prize to learn that where in a lot of places on the east side, The biggest one that I can think of. And it's fairly old. Is the lake failing shoreline restoration. Oh yes. So that one is a little over 20 years old now, but it was really groundbreaking at the time. And so at the time there was a lot of erosion. It was actually a safety risk. A lot of the shoreline was. and the water quality of failing. Wasn't too great. And lastly, they had a lot of carp which are invasive species. Yes. so what we did is we went in and, about 75% of the people who worked on this project were civic and school groups. Wow. So a lot of the schools that the area, we have a pretty strong education program. A lot of people. On the east side might remember Sage she's been around for 20 years in our local classrooms. She's my first call for help. Yeah. The stage knows a lot. And they worked on that project and now it looks like a garden. It really does. So all of those root systems are filtering out pollutants on a regular basis. They're slowing the flow of water. so it's a great, what we call a green infrastructure system. More recent one is, on the other side of 94, the local east side target. So we have been partnering with target, And we've done two targets in the area where, parking lots are not the greatest in terms of absorbing water. So you can have some flooding and it also doesn't really take up pollutants from the system. What we've done is partnered with target. And put in some rain gardens and some native plant gardens in their cars. So those are great for, locals, pollinator species. Oh, yes. All those native plants, all those flowers. but it also filters out pollutants like phosphorus. So that's been a wonderful partnership. We're expanding into Woodbury this year. we're very excited that we've been able to work with some larger businesses. And we can also do strip malls and other business focused projects as well. the last one I want to mention is probably one a that might be interest. She anybody who owns property. So homeowner business owner, you name it. This part of St. Paul, is in a priority area for us. Grant funding. Oh, yeah. Basically what that means is if anybody has, what I was talking about, those local I splitting issues, you look out after rainfall like this, you have some pooling, maybe your sub pump is going crazy. We can help with that. So we can put a rain garden on your property. We can put native plants which have nice absorbent root systems on your property. Or that permeable pavement. And we will cover. for people who are having funding, obstacles to doing that sort of thing, we'll cover a hundred percent upfront. Wow for some others, we'll do 75%. And everybody else, it's 50%. And that's up to$15,000. Holy cow. That is a lot. So how would someone. Access that it's pretty easy. You can go to our website, which is RW, M w D e.org. And you'll click on, get involved. Our stewardship grant programs are there, or you can go to our staff page and just contact page, all work directly. she is our project manager. She has that program and she will get, you started with everything you need. which includes a free on-site. Consultation with a specialist that's huge right there. Yes. Yes. So that will not only give you information on that potential project, but they'll look at your whole property. So if there's any drainage issues, any other concerns that you have, you want an expert to take a look at it? They can do that for you. That and at no cost or limited cost, that's huge because landscaping is not cheap. No. And then doing it the right way where you're protecting the water quality you're doing it. With that in mind, that's really important. Is there a deadline or is there a certain time period where folks need to apply for this? Or is it just throughout the year? No deadlines. Oh, great. Those grant applications are approved monthly at our board meetings. So that's really the only dates that we have, this is year round. So if you want to apply in the middle of January, no problem. In fact, I encourage people to apply sooner rather than later. because if we do have our funds exhausted, then we have to wrap up for the year. That hasn't happened yet. I would definitely encourage people to apply at any point. And the worst case scenario, you just wait until next year. Sure. Yeah. You mentioned that these are stewardship grants. How is the watershed funded and where do you get those grants? We are. A special district. And that basically means that our funding comes from a levy. Okay. So I want to do the school district. And, it's a property tax levy. Okay. So for somebody whose house is about$250,000, they're looking at about probably$70 a year, which I think is a pretty good. Deal for, us keeping water off your property. that's where the funding comes from. Very interesting. So as one of the biggest projects on this side of town on the east side is the Heights. what ways or is the watershed district involved with that project? Or have you had conversations with the port or with the developers about That project yet we have. so one thing that I haven't mentioned about the watershed district. As we're, what's called a regulatory authority. Okay. So we're given authority from the state and federal government to, basically. Make sure that construction sites are following proper stormwater regulations. So we don't want, anything to flow off of the construction site into our public waters. Either moving a lot of dirt around a lot of things. Yes. We don't want that in our water. so that's essentially what we do. They have permits that, they're required to have through our district. And those also ensure, that they're doing things according to the wetland conservation act. so wetlands don't get as much love as they really should. And we have a lot of wetlands that are in our state and then we've lost a lot of wetlands. they are. Of course essential for wildlife. but they also are, a giant sponge for local flooding and they also have filter pollutants. wetland conservation act basically ensures that we're not losing any more wetlands. so when there's construction where there's new construction, they have to adhere to that. And one of the ways that they document that they're doing that is through this permit process. So every couple of weeks, especially after a rain event like this again, we have an inspector who will go out on site. And ensure that they're doing everything that they should be doing to, make sure that. The water quality is going to be maintained. So that's our main role there. we're very excited about, some of the ecological aspects of the project. But mainly it's a regulatory. And I know a lot of the neighbors are concerned about the water because the ponds were very visible from the road. Folks knew about them. and also they remember the hundred year flood that we had. where he'll Cress know was created by flood. So I'm sure that folks are thinking, okay. is the watershed involved, making sure that there is some sort of regulatory body that is in conversation. So that's good to hear that. Good to know the answer is yes, we are. We are out there on a routine basis. And there are certain rules that get triggered. we've seen the designs. We're very aware of what's going on there. And, if there was a concern, that's something that we would review. Great. Good to know. so let's shift to water fast. At lake failing. what can you tell me about the event? Oh, I love water Fest. so it's a family friendly and. This is important note free event. Yay. It's at a lake feelin pavilion. It'll be Saturday, June 1st, this year from 11 to four. and it's celebrating, our local lakes. Oh, yeah. it started as a way to, to celebrate what we were doing at lake feeling. When I mentioned that short. Restoration. But it's really continued on. And it's a way for us to. Both celebrate and educate. so Pretty much everything that we do at the district as part of a partnership. Sure. And that includes residents. there's plenty of things that the average person can do to benefit water can benefit. flooding. And, we have over 50 booths that, can talk to you about those things. And then we also have a lot of fun. so we have performances throughout the day, from a bunch of different cultural groups. We're gonna have kids deal with STJ this year. bounce houses. Everybody loves a bounce house. He loves a bounce house, face painting. We've got both. but we also have free boat rides. If you want to try out our fishing contests. Oh, yes. So it's a very good time. I definitely encourage you to come out. and if you want to find more information about That is also on our website. So that's R w M as in mom. wd.org. And that's on our events page. You can find more information about that, or you can follow the water Fest page on Facebook. Food and beverage also at water fast. Oh, yes. Okay. Cause I know that's an important question. Oh yes. We were very excited to, to have our food trucks back. We had a juice bar last year. That was very popular. It was very hot last year. we've been lucky enough to have some nice sunny weather with, drinks and ice cream and different treats. You could have your lunch there. so yeah, definitely food trucks and beverages. There are a couple of questions that we ask all the folks that we interview. so if you met someone who had never been to the east side of St. Paul before, where would you send them? And why. Oh, I would say mung village. Good. Good choice. Yeah. Aye. Big fan of any indoor market. There you go. And end-year. Year round. And I think indoor markets are just such a good way to. connect with community and just see it in action. Yeah, you're around. And that's a good place to go for lunch. Absolutely. Yeah. It doesn't hurt. and if I can add one more. Oh, absolutely. Ian's lake. And the reason is because of the history specifically. I was done when I found out that used to be a shopping. Yes. It was a slowly thinking shopping center. Shopping center. Shopping center. It went from a wetland to a shopping center. Back to a wetland. And, some local east side of youth have done art that's, that you can see at aims lake. And, we've also spotted. The endangered rusty patch, bumblebee Abbey. It's yes, I've heard that. And then some herons and some other wildlife you can see there. It's really cool. Yeah. And then you can go across the street and do your shopping. I think that's another hidden gem. So would you say those are your favorite spots on the east side or is there another favorite spot that you have? No. No, I think that was what. Okay. Okay. So are there any final thoughts that you'd like to leave with our neighbors or anything else that you'd like to. Thank you for inviting me. Yeah, absolutely. and just, check us out. if you care about water, if you want to be involved, there's definitely a way for you to do that. whether it's volunteering at water Fest or checking out one of our grants. or just learning more about how you fit into the whole. Watershed system. stop by or websites or office. We'd love to talk to you. One more question. You mentioned volunteers. Yes. our volunteers needed for water Fest. Yes. Always.. The volunteer link is live it's on that event page. So if you go to RTO, w M w d.org/events. Go to the water Fest section. You can click and that water Fest volunteer link. And, our event coordinator, Matty will get in touch with you. Fantastic. Thanks again for coming today. Lauren, thank you for coming to our office, which most folks have been coming via zoom. So we can't show it off to folks, but, we really do appreciate you coming out and hopefully you'll come back one day and tell us more about. Things that are happening at the watershed and tell us how wonderful, what if this was absolutely. My pleasure. Thank you for listening to today's episode of D two in you. If you are new here, welcome and be sure to hit, follow or subscribe. So you never miss an episode. Check out our website@greatereastside.org for further information on what is happening in your neighborhood. Thanks again. And we'll chat with you next time.