Posted: 2/19/03

Comfort-Forest watershed district mapping project is now complete

Cliff Buchan
News Editor

A cooperative effort between the Chisago County Board and the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District has led to the completion of a detail study of the watershed.

On Feb. 5, county and watershed district officials announced the completion of the topographic mapping and aerial photography of the district. The district includes southern Chisago County in Wyoming Township.

ìThe commissioners and board of managers cooperated in completing the work, which has been characterized as some of the finest resolution data available,î said Ben Montzka, Wyoming area county commissioner.

Montzka said the county surveyor provided valuable, expedited ground surveys to coordinate with the aerial mapping. The countyís contribution significantly reduced the cost of the work performed by GRW, Inc. under contract to the watershed district, Montzka said.

The new topographical study seamlessly matches mapping undertaken in Washington County. Montzka said a complete mapping will reduce the costs of public infrastructure.

The board of managers of the watershed district committed to making the data available to the county, cities and townships for their use without charge.

Ken Banta, Wyoming Township, a watershed district manager, thanked the county commissioners for their support and effort.

ìThis cooperation made the difference, cut through the red tape and got the work done faster and at less cost to taxpayers,î Banta said.

What is next?

Responding to a question from Montzka as to what happens next, Banta said the data from the study will be used to prepare hydrologic and hydraulic computer models which can lay out solutions to flooding and for improving and protecting water quality.

ìProtecting our lakes for swimming, fishing and boating is critical for our communities,î said watershed district manager Lou Sibik.

ìIf we delay, development will overtake and overwhelm our local officials; now is the time to act.î

Three engineering firms have been interviewed by the board of managers and proposals are now being considered.

Once completed, the board of managers will again provide the computer models to the county, cities and townships without charge.

The Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District meetings are the third Thursday of each month at Forest Lake City Hall, 220 N. Lake St., starting at 6:30 p.m.

Appointed by the Chisago and Washington county boards, the board of managers regularly reports its budget and plans to assure county commissioners stay informed and can advise and guide the important task of managing waters to protect beneficial uses of it.

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