Members present introduced themselves. Minutes of the November 20, 1996 meeting were accepted as mailed. Ballots were distributed for Tom Lochner, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, who wants to be considered for a position on the Board of Directors.

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE: Jeanne Daniels and Mike Peloquin of MPCA presented information on the progress of the Coastal Zone Management Initiative in Minnesota, with background information on the program. CZM was established by Congress in 1972 and is a voluntary program. 29 states now take part; Minnesota's plan is in development. CZM includes all waters of Lake Superior, including watersheds. $600,000/year is available. They distributed information on projects in other states. Minnesota CZM has set boundaries from the Canadian border to Jay Cooke Park including all of Duluth and Carlton (township lines). Looked at economic and cultural resources: erosion, sedimentation, septic systems. Highest population is situated close to water. Can always change boundaries. Monies should be focussed on shoreline projects.
1) Program uses existing policies and governmental authorities
2) First set boundaries
3) States have supremacy over federal actions, e.g. Corps of Engineers, Fed. permits
4) Organization and Implementation: Mn has Coastal Council appointed by the governor: 3 delegates/county, 5 delegates at large. This Council decides grant process and chooses projects, which can be used on public land. Requires a funding match (cash or in-kind). Projects must be completed within 18 mos. Coastal Council won't be in place until October 1997 after governor's approval. CZM is trying to encourage a comprehensive land-use plan so there is a balance between preservation and development.

The CZM Initiative wants input from the CAC inparticipating at Open House events and being candidates for the Coastal Council. CAC would like to be apprised of progress and projects so that we can have input or give help. CZM will provide information about the grant process.

Brian Fredrickson distributed copies of St. Louis River Citizens Action Committee Strategic Plan, presented the Plan and asked for comments to be sent to PO Box 57, 55801. Mission of the CAC:
1) De-list St. Louis River as an Area of Concern (AOC) - listed in 1973
2) Protect natural resource values of St. Louis River and western Lake Superior
3) Advance goals of Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement

Core Services of CAC:
1) Public forum for issues that impact St. Louis River and Lake Superior
2) Implementation catalyst
3) Project facilitators
4) Research (Planning, Public Policy, Project Implementation)
5) Environmental Stewardship

Strategic Plan has workplans for two grants for CAC in place, including Historical Land Use Reconstruction Project. CAC should tell state agencies that we want to be the public forum for Remedial Action Plan (RAP) for St. Louis River. Government agencies are realigning programs based on watershed management. St. Louis River board is doing corridor management.

Items to be considered:
1) Might need a Watershed Management standing committee
2) Should have a volunteer monitoring plan, e.g. River Watch. ( MPCA would like to pass this function to CAC.) Could consider monitoring stormwater outfalls with fathead minnows.
3) Neeed to continue special events, e.g. Environmental Stewardship awards
4) Environmental Resource Council - Mayor's Committee: CAC needs a representative to that body.

Present financial status: 100% funding for 1st year; 73% for 2nd year. Prospects for additional funding are reasonably good. Currently CAC has 60 members.

Tom Lochner was elected to a three-year term to CAC Board of Directors.

Karen Plass distributed information from Lake Superior Lakewide Management Plan (LaMP). Those interested can comment on the document; comments are due by the end of February.

Joel Peterson read a letter from the Natural Resources Program of the Fond Du Lac reservation asking the CAC for a letter of support in their efforts to continue mercury mitigation research by seeking additional funds. CAC will support their efforts. The secretary will respond with a letter to Larry Schwarzkopf, Program Manager.

The Board was given an update on plans for the hiring of an Executive Director. The Board will meet Wednesday, April 9th at 7:00 PM at MnDOT at which time candidates for the position will make presentations and comments will be solicited from the Board.

Nan Stokes, Secretary