October 22, 2003 at the Superior Public Library in Superior Wisconsin.

Co-Chair Diane Soden-Groves called the meeting to order.

Members and guests present introduced themselves.

The Real Scoop on the St. Louis River
Dr. Randall Hicks, Biology Professor at UMD presented information relating to the research projects they are conducting. His newest project is identifying the origins of different strains of the water quality indicator bacterium, E. coli, which is found in the streams and nearshore areas of Lake Superior. He explained that Coliform bacteria are not necessarily pathogenic, but an indicator of pathogens. Coliform has been used historically as an indicator of the potential for pathogenic microbes to be present. Coliforms are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Humans are not the only source of Coliform bacteria, they come from birds, pets, farm animals etc. In an attempt to develop identification criteria, they have been developing a database of the banding pattern found in the DNA of Coliform bacteria from known sources. Using this database, they then try to identify the sources of Coliform found in our lakes and rivers. At this time they can identify the source with a 90 percent confidence level only about half of the time. This will improve as they gather more data in the database. They are also working on identifying sources and impacts of naturalized coliform in a coastal environment. Evidence exists to show that some strains of coliform have made their way into sediments or periplyton (the slimy growth on rocks) and have become self-sustaining. Determining their original source, potential for survival and contribution to the overall coliform found in the harbor is their next challenge. Larry Sundberg, St. Louis County Department of Public Health, reiterated that coliform is not an ideal indicator of pathogens. As a bacterial indicator, it does nothing to warn about other types of pathogens like viruses and protozoans. As a general rule though, the more sewage in the water, the greater the risk. The danger of a sewage spill, however, is much less than it was in the past. The primary goals at the Health Dept are first prevention then treatment. Keeping pathogens out in the first place is less costly and has a greater chance of success. Human waste is much more likely to carry pathogens that affect humans. A federally funded program to conduct more monitoring is resulting in more beach closing. The St. Louis River is not unique in this problem; more beaches are being closed all around the Great Lakes. There is not a direct correlation between a positive test and disease risk. In general, the more feces present, the greater chance for problems.

Business Meeting:

Minutes of the May 28, 2003 meeting were approved as distributed.

Old Business:

Natural Area Program: Bill Majewski covered the status of the North Bay Recommendation. A problem occurred when it was discovered that the DOT did not own a parcel of land but only had an easement on it. A title search was done to determine who the owners. The owners will be contacted to see if they are willing to support this designation. If not, it is possible that we could redefine the area boundaries. The designation requires a management plan be developed. The university and Stowe Elementary School have volunteered to help manage the area. This is an excellent opportunity to promote environmental stewardship among our young.

New Business:

Restoration Goals: Meetings have been scheduled to develop restoration goals for the beneficial use impairments. Restoration goals, targets and/or milestones need to be determined by us before others determine delisting goals for us. The meetings are will all take place in the DeWitt-Seitz conference room on the third floor. Please try to attend as these meetings will set the groundwork for future CAC activities. The meetings scheduled so far are:
• Monday, Nov. 3 6:30­8:30pm BUI#1 Fish Consumption Advisories
• Tuesday, Nov. 4 6:30­8:30pm BUI#3 Fish Tumors and Deformities
• Thursday, Nov. 6 6:30­8:30pm BUI#6 Excessive Nutrient and Sediment Loading
• Thursday, Nov. 13 6:30­8:30pm BUI#7 Beach Closing and Body Contact and BUI#8 Degradation of Aesthetics

Duluth Superior Area Foundation Grant: We have received our first foundation grant for $1,100 to develop poster relating to the Habitat Plan.

Financial Report: At the end of the third quarter 67% of the projected budget had been spent but only 46% had been received. 94% of revenue is grant based, with most of that being the reimbursement type. This means we need the money to spend first, then can ask for reimbursement. We need money in the bank to prevent this cash flow bind we are continually in. Our marginal fiscal status reflects on our future survival as an organization. Other means of support is essential.

Stewardship Report: Next year's spring clean-up is scheduled for May 8th somewhere in Wisconsin. They are considering Pokegema Bay, Wisconsin Point or any suggestions they receive. The canoe trip is scheduled for Aug. 8th. The annual stewardship awards are coming up. Nomination forms are available on the website and are due by December 12, 2003. The Stewardship awards will be presented at the January 28, 2004 annual meeting. Everyone is encouraged to make nominations.

Habitat Workgroup Report: Rick Gitar has been elected as the new chair of this committee. A sheltered bay evaluation was performed on the river July 30, 2003. One characteristic being checked out was the presence of purple loosestrife. The areas where the beetles were released showed dead stalks from last year's plants. A new area was identified and beetles were released two days later.
Professionals involved in the Interlake site to determine restoration goals etc are using the Habitat Plan.

Director's Report: The Enhancing the St. Louis River Program is going well. Each month focuses on one of the 18 strategies, last month being storm sewer overflows. Lynelle found it very informative. Habitat Plan presentation training has occurred with most of the volunteers willing to give presentations. We are waiting for the MN Coastal Grant to start the presentations. Hermantown High School is helping with poster development. Stowe Elementary is helping with erosion control and land use poster development. We are working with a web developer to have an interactive website for the habitat plan. Connecting the pieces of data to the maps will make the information much more user friendly.

Diane Thompson, secretary