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- Environmental Education Advisory Board Meeting Minutes - 2000 - July
- Minnesota Environmental Education Advisory Board
Minutes
July 27, 2000
Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance
St. Paul, MN
12:00p.m. ? 4:00p.m.
Board Members Present: Henry Otto (District 1), Elaine Johnson (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency/EEAB Vice Chair), Pam Landers (Citizen At-Large/EEAB Chair), Lee Ann Landstrom (Citizen At-Large), Kathy Ford (District 5), Steve Dahlberg (District 7), Kathy Svanda (Department of Health), ), Dr. Stephan Carlson (University of Minnesota Extension Service), Catherine Lyman-Onkka (District 4)
Board Alternates Present: Byron Graves (Alt. District 7), Celeste Daw (Alt. District 8), B.J. Smith-Kohlstedt (Alt. Citizen At-Large), Char Benzenen (Alt. District 1), Dawn Flinn (Alt. Department of Natural Resources)
Ex-Officio Members Present: Rich Huelskamp (Minnesota Department of Commerce),
Others Present: Sue Wiley (Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance), Jeff Ledermann (Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance), Denise Stromme (Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance), Mike Kennedy (Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance/EEAB Staff Liason)
Absent: Sherry Enzler (Office of Environmental Assistance), Pauline Langsdorf (Metropolitan Council), Nancy Eckert Harger (District 3), Kathleen Lundgren (Department of Children, Family, and Learning), Bob Bystrom (Department of Natural Resources), Bob Bruce (District 8), Jill Torres (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Representative), Lars Erdahl (Minnesota Zoo Representative), Jim Hientzman (Minnesota Science Museum Representative), Lyndon Tortenson (Alt. National Park Service), Kathy Kinzig (Alt. District 4), Rolf Nordstrom (Alt. Environmental Quality Board), Mary Hanks (Department of Agriculture), Ron Struss (Board of Water and Soil Resources), Jennifer Gasperini (District 6), Keith Leiseth (District 2), Greg Lee (Alt. District 6), Jan Hatle (Alt. District 3), Marilou Theodore (Board of Teaching), Gregory Owen (Alt. District 5), Mike Sullivan (Environmental Quality Board), Sam Casselton (Citizen At-Large), Billye Rabbe (Alt. University of Minnesota Extension Service), Adam McDonald (Alt. Citizen At-Large U.S Forest Service Representative, Tessa Hill (Alt. Citizen At-Large), Ralph Johnson (Alt. District 2),
I. Action Items
A. Approve minutes from May 2000 MN EEAB meeting
Unanimous vote ? 11 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain
B. Approve Agenda for July 2000 MN EEAB meeting
Unanimous vote ? 11 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain
C. Approve Executive Committee (Vice chairperson, Executive Committee Member)
Mike Kennedy prepared mail in ballots for the executive committee and vice chair positions. The results were read to the board.
The following motion was forwarded to the Chair by Landstrom:
I move that the EEAB Appoint Elaine Johnson (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) as EEAB Vice chair and Bob Bruce (Congressional District 8 Representative) as EEAB Executive Committee Member.
Seconded by Dahlberg.
Unanimous vote ? 11 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain
II. Discussion Items
A. Facilitate the implementation of the GreenPrint (State Plan for Environmental Education)
1. Update on GreenPrint
Sue Wiley, MN Office of Environmental Assistance, gave an update on the GreenPrint, Second Edition: State Plan for Environmental Education. Sue indicated that the document is long over due and thanked members for their patience. Sue indicated that the document is in the final stages of editing and will be sent to the printer within a week. That means the document will be released to the public somewhere in the middle of September. All members will receive copies and if anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact the project manager, Jeff Ledermann (651-215-0236) or Sue Wiley (651-215-0260).
Landers thanked Sue Wiley and indicated that the next EEAB meeting would address the overview of the GreenPrint, Second Revision.
B. Advocate for environmental education
Landers began by giving an overview of the progress of the board to date. The update included a look at past activities of orientation, overview of board duties, prioritization of GreenPrint audiences, a look at common environmental issues for the congressional districts and agencies.
Landers then started a discussion about ?advocating for environmental education.? The central question is ?HOW.? Landers stated that before we build advocacy for EE, we must first build a ?presence? for EE in MN.
Landers continued to develop the idea that this board can build a presence by possibly developing a publication of sorts to ?inform and educate? EE and community leaders. She indicated that the publication could be done well in-house and come out possibly 2X per year. The board would build a presence by including in the publication 1) priorities for EE in MN and 2) updates from the congressional district representatives and agency representatives. Landers indicated that this was dependent upon each and every member to submit updates as requested at each of the board meetings. Kennedy will then compile the individual reports and distribute to the board to put in local publications and share the ?happenings?? of the board with the local constituency and/or agency the member represents. In essence, this is the boards? marketing tool to the public.
Landers indicated that this is the board that collects EE priorities in the state, this is the board that makes recommendations to the LCMR, legislature, agencies, etc.. about EE in Minnesota. It is imperative that this board gets out and around and knows what is going on in their congressional district and or agency. Equally it is important that the board develop a tool to publicize its purpose and existence. Hopefully the development of a publication, along with the board cooperation in writing reports, will jump start our ?presence of EE in MN.? Landers continued that this group (EEAB Board) advises ?power brokers? in MN leadership on environmental education matters.
Carlson stated that we would be building capacity to do EE on a more effective level. But we first must asses environmental issues and concerns. Extension is about to do this as we speak. He also indicated that the Extension Service is re-organizing to better serve Minnesota?s population in environmental issues.
Smith-Kohlstedt asked if we are duplicating efforts in the GAR survey?
Landers indicated that we are not duplicating the results, but the measurement tool. We need to conduct this survey of environmental issues often as they change as time moves on. The GAR survey was done in May 1999. Is that good information at this time?
Benzenen stated that this would be a good framework to start from. It would identify the gaps from the GAR survey. These identified gaps could be very helpful in identifying a starting point.
Landers concurred that this was a good idea.
BREAK
2. Sue Hankner?s Presentation Summary ? Pam Landers
Landers thanked all for participating in Sue Hankners presentation. She indicated that this is one way for us to advocate for EE in Minnesota. She said the situation now revolves around ?what? to advocate for, not necessarily ?how? to advocate. This is why the first part of today?s meeting is important because it will solidify the ?what? in terms of advocacy.
C. Set long and short term priorities for enabling Minnesota citizens to become informed
decision makers on environmental matters and issues.
Landers asked the board to brainstorm on ways that the board communication process can become a ?two way street.? This would include bringing information/ideas/projects/requests to the board from the districts and agencies represented and also disseminating information/ideas/projects/requests to the districts and agencies from the board meetings. The following information was gathered on the chalk board:
-Roundtable discussion for agency representatives (similar to DNR and Health)
-Developing an EE Team for agencies such as OEA and Health
-Have a dedicated EE person, such as Commerce?s Energy division and MPCA is developing
-Unmediated listserve such as OEA is spearheading
-shared meetings
-Web site commonalties such as an EE icon on each agency Web site.
-small lists of agency folks that can network in EE about listserves
-get out in the districts and meet with folks in EE and learn needs, ideas, projects
-in-house ?how to?s?
II. Information Items
D. Help EEAB members stay informed on EE trends and issues.
A. Congressional District Reports
District 1 ? No Report
District 2 ? No Report
District 3 ? No Report
District 4 ? No Report
District 5 ?
A major issue facing this district is the airport expansion and the efforts of proposed work on water table levels in areas near the airport. Original dewatering plans for tunnel construction could have had very detrimental impacts on lakes in S. Minneapolis. The airport and corresponding highway 55 expansion continue to be community topics with relation to noise levels, air quality and general environmental consequences. Submitted by----K.Ford
District 6 ? No Report
District 7 ?
The first ever environmental summit was held at Concordia College this past spring. The event brought together city officials from several communities, representatives from local industries, government employees from county to federal levels, educators, and representatives of several grassroots organizations. The purpose of this meeting was to begin to dialog and make connections that will result in a community-wide vision of a sustainable and positive future for the greater Fargo/Moorhead Community. The key focus of the participants was in getting children involved with the educational and recreational opportunities afforded by the Red River. The other activity I am aware of is the planning of a new environmental
learning center on property owned by Concordia College near Detroit Lakes. A number of Concordia students have created proposals for this center and presented them to college officials. Submitted by ---S. Dahlberg
District 8 ? No Report
B. Agency Reports
MN Department of Natural Resources
A summary of the Cornerstones report (DNR?s framework for education) was presented to the Commissioner?s Management Team in late June. The final printed version will be given to the team soon to ?digest? and decide what, if any, action they would like to take. One suggestion is to hire a staff person for one year to begin implementing the goals in the report. DNR programs including MinnAqua, Projects WET, WILD, and Learning Tree, are being used as part of the Environmental Literacy Workshops (Scope & Sequence) being conducted around the state. The DNR is in the process of rewriting its 5 year strategic plan, Directions 2000. It identifies goals, objectives, and strategies for five systems: water resources, forest resources, agricultural areas, urban and developing areas, and recreation systems. Education continues to be a component throughout this document which will be completed this fall. Submitted by----D. Flinn
Board of Teaching ? No Report
Board of Soil and Water Resources? No Report
Minnesota Department of Agriculture? No Report
Environmental Quality Board? No Report
Minnesota Department of Children Family and Learning? No Report
Minnesota Department of Health? No Report
University of Minnesota Extension Service? No Report
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
The MPCA has begun the process of hiring an Environmental Education Specialist to assist in the development of a comprehensive plan for environmental education within the agency. The position is expected to be in the St. Paul office and will start Fall 2000. In addition the agency released "Minnesota Environment 2000" a look at Minnesota's air, water, and land in regards to environmental quality and progress toward a healthy vital communities in Minnesota. Many on-line companion pieces are also available on the agency Web site at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/about/pubs/mnreport/. Submitted by?E. Johnson
National Park Service? No Report
United States Fish and Wildlife Service? No Report
United States Forest Service? No Report
Metropolitan Council? No Report
Minnesota Zoo? No Report
Minnesota Science Museum? No Report
Minnesota Department of Commerce
In response to a MOEA Resource Center teacher request, the Department has developed a list of websites of Energy Education Resources. A copy is attached for your use and distribution.
The Department assisted CREED to develop and market a course, The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Industry in Minnesota, a new Science Education Course for high and middle school teachers will be available through Hamline University's Graduate Credit Program this August. See SEEK for additional information.
Rich was able to attend the Empowerment 2000 Conference in Madison, Wis. This conference was a national forum to showcase energy education initiatives that provide innovative, hands on learning opportunities for K-12 students. Lots of good information and case studies exist.
The Department has finished the installation of solar radiation monitoring stations on the roofs or campus grounds of 3 high schools, a middle school, 2 environmental learning centers, a State University, and a technical college. The Department is considering working with the Minnesota Science Museum to facilitate a meeting with the teacher(s), building maintenance staff, and administration of each site to develop an energy education project plan. Any assistance and suggestions in the development of this project will be appreciated. The goal is to install photovoltaic/solar thermal systems on these buildings. The project will: 1) educate students, faculty, building operators, and the community on energy and efficiency technology, and 2) provide education materials, leadership training, and professional development opportunities. Please contact Rich Huelskamp @ 651-297-1771 or rich.huelskamp@state.mn.us for questions, comments, or suggestions. Submitted by ----R. Huelskamp
MN Office of Environmental Assistance
The OEA is in the process of printing ?GreenPrint, Second Edition: A State Plan for Environmental Education.? The process has been very time consuming due to increased administrative support form the MN Pollution Control Agency as well as OEA. The OEA awarded EE grants to three organizations for a total of 129,681, or 27% o the total amount awarded for FY00. Hamline Center for Global Environmental Education received 74, 919 to develop a statewide environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behavior study for MN citizens. Minnesota Children?s Museum received 45, 962 to develop early childhood environmental literacy framework and workshops for educators at that age level. Minnesota council on Economic Education received 8, 800 to develop statewide teacher workshops about the environment and economics. The SEEK Web site is being ?refurbished? and is set to be launched to the public with a ?new look? on September 1, 2000. Submitted by?M. Kennedy
C. Director?s Report ? No Report
Chair?s Report ? No Report- For more information, contact:
Mike Kennedy, OEA, at 218-529-6258 or 888-668-3224
mike.kennedy@moea.state.mn.us- Posted: 4/19/01
- Revised: 4/4/07
- Minnesota Environmental Education Advisory Board
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