For the first time since its establishment in 1999, citizens and elected officials of the Comfort Lake/Forest Lake Watershed District have a local office to coordinate water related concerns.

Randy Anhorn was hired as the administrator/staff engineer effective January 2.

The office is currently in the basement of the Forest Lake City Hall with the Watershed District meetings held in the Forest Lake City Council chambers on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The District also contracted with the firm of EOR, Emmons & Oliver Resources, to provide professional engineering oversight and guidance on projects.

Anhorn is a graduate of St. Cloud State University with a Masters Degree in Aquatic Biology/Limnology.

He has nearly 20 years experience working on water resource management issues in both the public and private sectors, including state and regional agencies, water management organizations, counties, municipalities and citizen groups.

Most recently Anhorn served as a Principal Environmental Scientist for the Met Council where he oversaw the Met Council's Lakes Program, which included the initiation of its volunteer lake monitoring program and sampling and monitoring of nearly 200 water bodies in 2006, including many of the CLFL Watershed lakes.

"We're very excited the district is taking this next step of building a local presence and providing resources to our citizens and community partners," District Manager Jackie Anderson said.

Having a local full-time administrator/staff engineer will allow the District to move quickly to the development of consistent uniform rules and regulations for the entire watershed. Rules and regulations are mandated by state statute for all watersheds in Minnesota.

"The administrator will allow us to fulfill our mission of protecting and conserving our local water resources," Manager Tom Lynch stated.

In his capacity as staff engineer, Anhorn will coordinate and oversee the work of contracted professional engineers and work with local community staffs to address water resource issues during development and land use review processes in each member community.

Anhorn has already contacted most community government offices within the District in his first month and has met with both county governments.

"There is a tremendous cooperative spirit in this District that will make the challenges we face in cleaning up and protecting our water resources much easier," Anhorn said. A formal letter of introduction is being sent to each community.

One of the Administrator's key roles is building strong partnerships with local, regional and state governing bodies to coordinate planning and management of water related issues and to encourage and monitor the implementation of best management practices.

"We are so fortunate to have someone with Anhorn's experience and background as our first administrator," Manager Jon Spence stated. "The City of Forest Lake has our deepest gratitude for assisting with the set-up of the local watershed office," Manager Dick Damchik said.

The Watershed Board at its last meeting authorized a letter of commendation to the staff and city for their cooperation and assistance.

"I believe, as do the Board of Managers, that our efforts, even small ones, can have a big cumulative impact on the condition of our lakes and rivers," Anhorn said. "As a lifelong resident of Central Minnesota, I have always felt a strong connection to our lakes and rivers.

"This has shaped my belief that our water resources play an important role in our everyday life, contributing to our economy, recreational activities, education and lifestyle. I'm excited about this tremendous opportunity to make a valuable contribution to protect and manage the Comfort Lake/Forest Lake area's water resources."

The CLFL Watershed District encompasses a 49 square mile area in Northern Washington and southeastern Chisago Counties and includes the cities of Scandia, Forest Lake, the southeastern portion of Chisago City (formerly Wyoming Township) a small portion of the City of Wyoming and portions of the Townships of Wyoming and Chisago Lakes.

There are six major recreational lakes within its boundaries: Forest, Bone, Shields and Sylvan (Halfbreed) in Washington County and Big and Little Comfort in Chisago County.

The CLFLWD is one of 46 watershed districts in Minnesota and is governed by a five-person board.

Watershed managers are appointed by their respective county boards with three managers from Washington County and two managers from Chisago County.

Current board members from Washington County are: Richard Damchik, John T. (Tom) Lynch and recently appointed from Bone Lake, Wayne Moe, who will attend his first District meeting in February. Current board members from Chisago County are: Jackie Anderson and Jon Spence.

For more information about the CLFLWD, its goals and what residents can do to help protect their water resources, contact the District office at 651-209-9753, e-mail the administrator at randy@ci-forest-lake.mn.us, or visit the District office at Forest Lake City Hall, 220 North Lake Street, Forest Lake.

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