Category: Lakes & Land

Itasca Waters “Practical Water Wisdom” for April

Would you like to leave a legacy of clean water for future generations? If so, then Itasca Waters has the series for you. The “Practical Water Wisdom: A Virtual Learning Series” runs for an hour beginning at noon on the first Thursday of each month (except July when it is on the second Thursday). It is FREE, online, open to all, and includes an interactive Q&A session.

The April 4 program will be “Loon Restoration in Minnesota” presented by Jayden Jech, a Loon Specialist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Nongame Wildlife Program. Jayden works to promote the conservation and restoration of loons in Minnesota by conducting surveys, developing management plans, and supporting stewardship through public outreach as part of the Minnesota Loon Restoration Project. Jayden connues to be amazed by loons’ charismatic calls, unique life history, and ability to inspire and unite people in his role. You won’t want to miss his insightful experiences!

Join us as we dive into learning about the restoration and conservation of Minnesota’s state bird, the common loon. Together we will explore loon biology, threats facing loons, and ways you can support the conservation of the species. We will share information about the Minnesota Loon Restoration Project and opportunities to participate in ongoing community scientific reports with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Nongame Wildlife Program.

We hope through our Water Wisdom series you will be inspired each month to think about water in a new way. Please join us online April 4 for this enlightening talk about conservation, restoration, and all things loon by registering at: https://itascawaters.org/water-wisdom-2024.

You will receive a Zoom invite by email, with periodic reminders, to join the program. For more information contact Info@itascawaters.org .

The Wabana Township AIS boat decontamination unit is available at the Wabana Town hall – 30980 Clearwater Rd, Grand Rapids, MN 55744.

The decontamination unit will be staffed Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Hot water decontamination is free to everyone during the hours the unit is staffed.

PLEASE utilize this resource to help keep our lakes from being contaminated with aquatic
invasive species (AIS). Stop by and see the new unit!

Thank you to all that helped make this unit possible.

An Itasca Septic Initiative, sponsored by Itasca Waters and ICOLA with support from Itasca County is available to Itasca County residential, seasonal, and commercial property owners. This initiative offers possible incentives such as no interest loans and free septic testing. Please see the attached files “Clean Water Initiative SEPTIC”, “2022 Septic Loan Program” and “2022 ICOLA Septic Compliance Inspection Offer…”  for more information.

Property owners who have questions concerning the loan program should contact Itasca County Environmental Services (Katie Benes: katie.benes@co.itasca.mn.us).