Dakota County Newsletter - Fall/Winter 2019

county newsletter

Fall/Winter 2019

OUR WORK

At your service Page 7

PARKS

Programs & events Page 15

GO GREEN

Recycling is still the best option

ON THE MARK

Residential Survey highlights strengths and helps guide our work Page 26

Page 23

Postal Customer

ECRWSS

Dakota County Board of Commissioners Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55 Hastings, MN 55033-2372

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ADVANCED MAIL

Please recycle

Your feedback is a critically important way for Dakota County to learn how we are doing in meeting residents' needs. A major component for gathering resident feedback is the Dakota County Residential Survey, which is conducted every three years. Earlier this year, we conducted the latest residential survey and, in this issue, we highlight what we learned. The Board of Commissioners and all of us who work at Dakota County take our role as stewards of your tax dollars very seriously. By rating quality of life, services and your overall satisfaction, you help the Board of Commissioners make decisions on how to invest your tax dollars to best serve all residents and maintain the high quality of life and low tax rate for which Dakota County is widely known. Thank you to all who participated in the 2019 survey.

Contents Feature Page 26

ON THE MARK Dakota County values your input, and one of the ways we receive feedback is through the Residential Survey. Learn what residents told us in the 2019 survey about why they chose to call Dakota County home, what they like about the county, what concerns they have and how well we’re providing services.

D E PA R T M E N T S

Page 3

Page 7

Page 11

Page 15

Page 23

IN BRIEF

OUR WORK

COMMUNITY

PARKS

GO GREEN

A bright future may look hopeless to teens who drop out of school, age out of foster care with nowhere to go or receive services for a mental heath condition. We’re aiming to change that.

Our fraud prevention team is working hard to make sure every penny of every tax dollar meant to help those on public assistance ends up in the hands of those who really need it.

It takes a village to raise a child. It also takes one to keep our water clean and healthy.

Learn about the watershed you live in and what each of us can do to help keep our water clean.

More trails and trail connections, improved play areas and modern camping conveniences are just some of the improvements visitors will love at two Dakota County regional parks.

China has stopped taking our recycled materials, but recycling is alive and well in Minnesota supporting more than 260 local companies — when we recycle right.

F O L LOW U S

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3 CAREER SUCCESS 5 DISTRACTED DRIVING 6 DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Overcoming the odds Career Success program offers at-risk youth a brighter future

Personal circumstances that are often out of their control prevent many youth from envisioning a hopeful future. The most vulnerable are ages 15–18 who are receiving mental health services, in foster care or in the juvenile corrections system.

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In Brief | Career Success Many of these youth are truant or have dropped out of school completely.

Some are aging out of foster care without a job to support themselves or an adult mentor to help guide them in job and career choices. Many are receiving services for mental health conditions such as depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. More times than not, their families cannot provide support because they also face repeated crises in housing, mental health, chemical dependency, domestic violence and other adversities.

…improved social skills, friendships and a sense of accomplishment…

These obstacles put these youth at high risk of chronic unemployment or underemployment, mental health and chemical dependency issues, or continued involvement in the criminal justice system as adults.

Exposing these youth to job hunting skills and a variety of career options in a supportive environment can significantly improve their chances for becoming a thriving, selfsufficient adult.

That’s where the Dakota County Career Success program comes in.

Career Success is a voluntary program that helps youth in the social services and corrections systems overcome these obstacles and learn about jobs and careers that can be within their reach.

During the 6–8-week program, participants take part in discussions and skill-building activities for 3–4 hours each week. Each phase of the program focuses on a different career area, including the trades, culinary arts, automotive, health care, and technical and outdoor careers. Activities might include

a career assessment, team-building skill development, cooking, heavy equipment operation, volunteering and tours of local businesses. The activities help the participants build their résumés and provide experiences to cite during an interview.

Local community involvement is key to the program’s success. To date, 24 local businesses, schools, non-profits and others have hosted

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facility tours; provided information about possible careers and required education; conducted training in how to complete an application, write a résumé, and search for and interview for jobs; discussed on-site job training, education and apprenticeship possibilities; and provided hands-on learning opportunities.

Youth in the program have made encouraging strides already. One

In Brief | Distracted driving group of participants trained and certified in first aid and CPR; one group helped the County pilot Traitify, a web-based personality and career assessment program, and another assisted a culinary arts instructor in preparing meals for a local teen shelter.

Defeating distracted driving

The program is making a difference.

One participant was offered a job by a chef at ISD 917; one enrolled in Gateway College to finish her high school work while earning college credits; two participants tried a summer Scrubs Camp — one of whom is now enrolled in a nursing program.

The primary goal of the program is career exploration, but improved social skills, friendships and a sense of accomplishment are also positive outcomes. Youth from across the county are able to come together to get a fresh start with other youth who may not know their history but face comparable circumstances.

Since the program started in 2016, 124 have participated.

There’s more to come. We’re planning to provide even more hands-on training in the trades, including forklift operation, construction and sheet metal fabrication and in exploring more careers in the automotive, audio engineering and healthcare fields.

The Career Success program exposes at-risk youth to jobs and possible career paths that can help them envision a better, brighter future for themselves — that’s no small feat for youth facing so many obstacles.

Distracted driving is a significant public safety threat. To combat it in Minnesota, the state Legislature passed a law that prohibits drivers from handheld cellphone use.

Don't be distracted

The law went into effect on Aug. 1.

Drivers are now restricted to making calls or sending texts through handsfree voice activation — expanding on the existing law that prohibits texting or reading texts while driving.

• Pre-program favorite radio stations for easy access. Arrange music (MP3 player/CDs) in an easyto-access spot.

• Turn off cellphones or place them out of reach to avoid the urge to dial or answer.

According to the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety, between 2013 and 2017, distracted or inattentive driving contributed to 1 in 5 crashes in Minnesota, resulting in an average of 53 deaths and 216 serious injuries each year. These numbers, however, are likely underreported because of law enforcement’s challenge in determining distraction as a crash factor.

In 2018, nearly 15 percent of crashes in Dakota County were caused by distracted driving, and distracted driving accounted for 1 in 5 personal injury crashes. Behind failure to yield, distracted driving is the second highest cause of crashes with injuries in our county.

• Use a hands-free, voice-activated GPS or map out destinations in advance. Pull over to study the directions.

• Try to avoid food and beverages.

Be sure food and drinks are secured.

• Teach children good behavior in a vehicle. Don’t underestimate how distracting it can be to tend to children while driving.

Help save lives by following the law and putting a stop to distracted driving.

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In Brief | Dates for your calendar

Plan on it

Know what to do this fall and winter Monthly

September–October

Immunizations available for uninsured adults and children at the Northern and Western service centers. Find more information at www.dakotacounty.us, search immunization clinics

Head to the Northern Service Center to learn how to use Uber and Lyft rideshare options. Bring your smartphone. www.dakotacounty.us, search rideshare training • Sept. 20, 1:30–3 p.m.

• Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m.–noon

Immunization Clinics

September

HHW Drop-off Safely dispose of chemicals, confidential material and electronics for free ($10 fee for TVs and computer monitors). www.dakotacounty.us, search one-day collection • Sept. 14, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Farmington Maintenance Facility Farmington • Sept.

28, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Burnsville Maintenance Facility Burnsville

Rideshare 101

Transportation Options 101

Free one-hour training highlighting public and private transportation options in Dakota County. www.dakotacounty.us, search godakota • Sept. 25, 11 a.m.

Western Service Center, Apple Valley • Oct. 24, 11 a.m.

Northern Service Center, West St. Paul

September–December Fix-It Clinics

Learn what happens at a landfill, compost site, recycling center and The Recycling Zone on a field trip from 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. $10 fee covers busing and lunch. www.dakotacounty.us, search tour de trash

Get free help fixing everything from sweaters to lamps. www.dakotacounty.us, search fix-it clinics • Sept. 22, 1–4 p.m.

Wentworth Library, West St. Paul • Oct. 19, noon–3 p.m.

Central Square Community Center South St. Paul

Sept. 20

Oct. 8

Learn about services that can help your family be healthy and discuss ways to strengthen our community from 5–8 p.m. at Diamondhead Education Center in Burnsville.

Interpreters available.

Learn to teach waterway protection and water pollution prevention in this 7-session course at Wellstone Center in St Paul. $125 fee reimbursed upon certification. www.dakotacounty.us, search master water stewards

Sept. 17

Tour de Trash

Free Resource Fair

Sept. 24–Oct. 29

Master Recycler/Composter Class Master recycling and composting and learn to inspire others to reduce waste on Tuesdays, 6:30–9 p.m. at Eagan Community Center. www.dakotacounty. us, search master recycler

Master Water Stewards

Nov. 2

Local Author Fair Meet local authors and publishers at Galaxie Library from 10:30 a.m.– 3 p.m., attend a free workshop and hear bestselling author Antonia Felix. www.dakotacounty.us/library, search local author fair

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Be winter driving ready When it snows, our 29 plowing vehicles make sure county roads are cleared shoulder-to-shoulder, so you can get where you need to go. Make sure you and your vehicle are ready.

1 Before heading out, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org for road conditions 24/7.

2 Carry a car emergency kit with: - Boots, hat, gloves and blanket - Phone charger - Flashlight and batteries - Water and snacks - Road flares - Coffee can, candle and matches - Sand or cat litter and shovel -B ooster cables, tow chain and basic tools 3 Clear frost and snow from windows and mirrors before you leave.

4 Allow extra time when roads are snow or ice covered.

5 Drive with headlights and seat belt on.

6 Stay at least 10 car lengths behind snowplows. Never drive into a snow cloud.

7 Adjust your speed to the conditions. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions. Leave cruise control off.

8 If you start to skid, ease your foot off the gas and gently turn in the direction you want to go.

9 If you get stranded, call for help and stay with your vehicle.

7 PERMITS, LICENSES & PASSPORTS 9 VITAL RECORDS 10 FRAUD INVESTIGATION

At your service Where to go for permits, licenses and passports

Your life is busy — that’s why we offer service and license centers at six different locations throughout Dakota County, so you’re always just minutes away from the services you need.

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Our Work | Permits, licenses & passports But each of our locations offers slightly different services, which can cause a little bit of confusion.

This isn’t because we want to make it tougher for you, but because federal law requires the services be separated.

The U.S. Department of State requires all passport facilities to be physically apart from counters that issue birth records and driver’s licenses and identification cards.

Our license centers — located in Burnsville, Lakeville and Rosemount — act as an agent of the state on behalf of Driver and Vehicle Services. Those locations specialize in providing motor vehicle and other state licenses.

This can include driver’s license and vehicle tab renewals, transfers of vehicle titles, and state licenses for fish and game, snowmobiles, ATVs, and boats.

Northern Service Center (NSC) West St. Paul

Administration Center (ADC) Hastings

Service centers in Hastings, West St. Paul and Apple Valley have a different purpose. They act as an agent of the county. This may include accepting and reviewing passport applications, issuing marriage licenses and certificates, and registering notaries and ministers of marriage ceremonies.

All of our locations offer voter registration, homesteading application and property tax payment. All except for the Western Service Center in Apple Valley provide birth and death certificates.

For a full list of what’s available and hours of business, go to www.dakotacounty.us, search service centers.

Western Service Center (WSC) Apple Valley

Burnsville License Center (Burnhaven Library) Burnsville

Available at

Service Centers • Passports and passport photos (WSC and ADC only)

• Marriage licenses • Marriage certificates • Notary registration • Ministerial registration • Document recording • County park passes

(archery, dog park, cross-country skiing)

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No need to get in line Although the services we provide differ among our locations, we’re working to make your visits as convenient and efficient as possible.

For example, by the end of 2019, your passport and passport photo appointments can be scheduled online, so you won’t have to wait in line. We’ll still take walk-in applications, but this will be another option for people on a tight schedule.

You also have the option to complete marriage license applications and driver’s license renewal forms online.

Lakeville License Center Robert Trail License Center (Heritage Library) (Robert Trail Library) Lakeville Rosemount Available at

Available at

Both • Birth certificates (except WSC)

License Centers • Driver’s license renewals and duplicates (also available

at ADC, only duplicates at Rosemount)

• Death certificates (except WSC)

• Vehicle tab renewals

• Property tax payment (license

• Vehicle title transfers

centers have drop boxes — no receipts)

• Homesteading • Voter registration

• Dealer title work • Trailer licenses • Recreational vehicle licenses • Fish & game licenses

Our Work | Vital Records Pack a lot of patience Our service and license centers are some of the busiest in the state — and even nation. The Western Service Center reviewed more than 14,200 passport applications from June 2015–June 2016, making it the busiest passport location in the country. In 2018, it accepted 12,200 applications.

Searching through history

With that amount of traffic, it’s important to stay patient and have all of your paperwork ready.

Passports and REAL ID driver’s licenses require an application and multiple documents proving citizenship and identity. Check the Dakota County website to see what’s accepted.

Passport applications can take as much as 30 minutes to process.

Wait times for other services vary.

Researching your family history is now easier with businesses like Ancestry.com, but you don’t have to pay for subscriptions to find family and local history records. You can uncover a lot of the information you’re looking for at Dakota County for free.

information easier, staff and volunteers manually keyed it into digital format that can be easily accessed and searched. To date, more than 32,000 names have been entered into the birth tracking program and almost 10,000 marriages from 1857–1924.

Vital statistics, such as birth, death and marriage records, are available at the state and county. Through the state, births have been registered electronically since 2001 and deaths since 1997, but Dakota County maintains the most historic records going back to the mid-1800s. Marriage records are still handled strictly by the county.

This work decreases the need for staff time and improves customer service.

It will also make the information more accessible for everyone.

Previously, you had to physically visit the county archive to request information for conducting research, making it very time consuming and difficult. To make retrieving historical

You can also explore family and local history at the Dakota County Historical Society. Their research archive and library in South St. Paul contains more than 50,000 documents with family and community histories, diaries, newspaper articles, census records, maps and more. For more about what information is available at the Historical Society, go to www.dakotahistory.org.

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Our Work | Fraud investigation

Protecting your tax dollar We value every penny of every taxpayer dollar. That’s why Dakota County works hard to make sure public assistance funds end up in the hands of those who need them most.

A County fraud investigation team made up of detectives, legal experts and financial workers work together to root out instances of fraud that threaten public assistance funds. Their work focuses on programs that provide food, cash, child care and medical assistance.

A certified fraud investigator concentrates on the prevention of public assistance fraud, while a financial worker and sheriff’s detective focus on those cases that need significant investigation. They also recommend cases to the County Attorney when criminal prosecution is appropriate.

The team proactively works to stop fraud for new cases by investigating during the application process instead of waiting until benefits are dispersed to a client. Our financial workers are trained

Less than 1% of public assistance cases are found to be fraudulent.

to spot signs that a client isn’t being truthful in the information they supply when applying for public assistance.

Less than 1 percent of public assistance cases are found to be fraudulent. But, the return on investment has still been worth it. For the fraud investigator alone, every dollar we spend results in a benefit of $7.51.

In 2018 alone, the combined efforts of the fraud team kept $624,660 in fraudulent benefits from being paid out.

When we receive a tip that a client is not reporting all of his or her income or hasn’t been truthful about his or her

In 2018, our combined efforts resulted in a total cost savings of

$624,660

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household composition, our investigator determines if an overpayment has been made. Last year, we identified $621,368 in fraudulent paid benefits that we are working to collect.

We rely heavily on tips from the public to identify cases needing investigation.

When a tip is received, our fraud investigator reviews and studies the case. Investigations may include home visits; interviews with the client, employers, schools, landlords or family members; and a review of the client’s online presence. Our financial worker also completes an income study to verify the information provided on the client’s application. Staff will then conclude if fraud took place and determine next steps.

To make an anonymous public assistance fraud referral, call the Minnesota Department of Human Services at 651-431-3968 or 1-800-627-9977.

11 PROTECT OUR WATER 13 DISEASE CONTROL 14 TRY SOMETHING NEW

It takes a village Keeping our water clean and healthy for everyone

When you turn your tap on to get a drink of water or jump into a local lake for a swim, you count on the water being safe and clean.

But, it takes a village to make sure it stays that way.

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Community | Protect our water Our lakes, rivers, wetlands and groundwater are valuable natural resources that provide water for drinking, recreation, wildlife habitat, and local agriculture and industry.

The water that supplies these resources comes from the surrounding watershed.

Watersheds are areas of land that channel rainfall and snowmelt into lakes, rivers and wetlands. In Dakota County, we all live in one of six watersheds — the Vermillion River watershed being the largest.

Runoff from local parking lots, roads, yards and driveways flows through the watershed, picking up debris and pollutants along the way.

Many of these contaminants can have detrimental effects on our lakes and streams and the health of their ecosystems and surrounding areas.

Polluted runoff can also seep into the ground and contaminate our groundwater, the source of our drinking water.

Because we rely on water so much, it is important that we make good decisions on how we use and protect this valuable shared resource.

Pollutants include fertilizers, pesticides, sewage, industrial wastewater, trash, salt, motor oil and other chemicals that contaminate the water when we aren’t careful.

Pollutants can also be living organisms like the invasive zebra mussels or Eurasian water milfoil that threaten to crowd out native plant

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Community | Disease control species that provide food and shelter for native wildlife. When habitats are damaged and water quality is degraded, it can take many years to reverse the damage.

An ounce of prevention

There are things each of us can do to help improve and protect the quality of water in our watersheds, but we all need to work together. Here are simple things you can do to support a healthy watershed.

• Properly store and dispose of the chemicals you use. Keep them from entering drains and sewers.

• Dispose of trash properly. Make sure it stays in the bin until picked up.

• Follow the directions when applying fertilizers and pesticides.

• Ensure your yard waste (grass clippings, leaves and plant matter) makes it into a compostable bag or plastic bin and to a reputable compost facility.

• Switch to earth-friendly cleaners for inside and outside the home.

• Thoroughly inspect for aquatic invasive species and clean your watercraft and toys. Allow two or more days of dry time before using in another lake.

The U.S. has seen more than 1,000 cases of measles nationwide this year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, that’s the largest caseload since 1994. The disease was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but the recent outbreak flourished in unvaccinated populations.

Dakota County is committed to protecting all its residents from the spread of infectious disease. Our Public Health department monitors immunization and disease rates for our community. When someone gets sick with a disease such as measles, they track those who may have been exposed and help them take preventive measures to avoid getting sick and spreading the disease.

Misinformation can run rampant on the internet and social media, contributing to anti-vaccine attitudes.

Dakota County actively fights the spread of misinformation. Scientifically sound sources are regularly shared on our website and social media platforms. A community health worker dedicated to helping parents understand vaccine safety regularly does outreach at day cares, schools, libraries and apartment complexes

and connects with local nonprofits seeking to boost vaccination rates.

Vaccines help the body learn to fight off dangerous — and deadly — infections.

To ensure they’re safe, they must pass rigorous regulations by the Food and Drug Administration before they’re available to the public.

Our community relies on “herd immunity” — when everyone who can get vaccinated does so. It protects those who can’t — such as infants and those with immune system illnesses.

Our vaccination rates continue to be very high in Dakota County. However, there are a few areas with lower rates than we’d like, so we’re currently targeting those areas to dispel myths about vaccine safety.

Vaccines are available at no cost during monthly walk-in and weekly appointment immunization clinics for those without insurance or whose insurance won’t cover the vaccine. In 2018, more than 1,500 immunizations were dispensed at these clinics.

To learn more and view a brief video about this topic, visit www.dakotacounty.us, search immunization clinics.

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Community | Try something new

Library on the move Try something new before you buy Whether you want to start a new hobby or just start a conversation, Dakota County Library has all the resources you need with 2GO Kits.

These kits let you try the latest equipment for fitness, nature exploration, and maker and STEM activities before you buy — there’s no commitment to buy gear you’ve never used before.

If you want to focus on your health, fitness kits allow you to try out new workouts. Kits include portable exercise equipment like stability balls, resistance bands and foam rollers as well as an instructional DVD to guide you along the way. There are 12 different kits ranging from cardio and core training to Pilates and tai chi.

For the nature lover, you can try your hand at bird watching or identifying insects, animals, trees and flowers with a nature backpack. Each backpack includes binoculars, a magnifying glass and nature activity cards.

Or, you can let your imagination soar with the Library’s iLAB Kits and experience a variety of maker and STEM activities. Explore virtual reality, learn how to knit or crochet, create your own fashion designs or comics, learn about circuitry, record an oral history interview with your family members, and more.

…kits let you try the latest equipment…

EXPERIENCE VIRTUAL REALITY — EXPLORE HAND THERAPY

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There are even kits specifically designed to create conversation and allow positive and engaging interactions between people with Alzheimer's and other dementias and their caregivers.

Each kit has a theme such as cooking, farming, fishing, the State Fair, winter in Minnesota, sports and hobbies.

All 2GO Kits can be checked out for three weeks free of charge.

Only one kit can be checked out per library card. For details, go to www.dakotacounty.us/library, search 2GO Kits.

Your Parks PROGRAMS & EVENTS • FALL & WINTER 2019

New ways to enjoy the outdoors PLUS

Cross-country Ski Lessons Full Moon Snowshoe Trails by Candlelight FOLLOW US

www.dakotacounty.us/parks

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New ways to enjoy your parks Trails for exploring picturesque lakes, rolling prairies, river shorelines and wetlands. Playgrounds where children of all abilities can experience nature. Camping options for visitors who want modern conveniences as they enjoy the great outdoors. Those are just some of the improvements underway at two Dakota County regional parks — Whitetail Woods and Lake Byllesby.

An improved Whitetail Woods visitors through one of the largest wetlands in all of Dakota County parks.

The Whitetail Woods project includes a total of 5 additional miles of hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and hard-surface trails for a total of nearly 28 miles in the park.

Whitetail Woods opened in 2014 with basic park services, including trails, picnic areas and an amphitheater for outdoor entertainment. It also included three camper cabins perched among tall pines in a wooded area of the park, and those cabins have proven extremely popular for people who don’t camp with a tent or RV. With the upcoming improvements, there will be new opportunities and services for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the park and to see wildlife, prairies, wetlands and Empire Lake.

Visitors can choose to spend the night in one of two new camper cabins. Like the original three, the new cabins offer sheltered camping with bunks, a deck, electricity and a table to gather for meals or games. But the experience will be slightly different in the new cabins, which overlook prairies and the Vermillion River in the distance.

A year-round, accessible trail around Empire Lake will provide a new way to watch birds and other wildlife. The trail includes a boardwalk that will guide

Kids will enjoy updates to the park’s Fawn Crossing nature play area. New play features will welcome children with special physical, mental or emotional needs. There will be a new paved path to the fort building area; a pollinator garden; and more benches, picnicking spots and shaded areas.

A four-season shelter that can be converted into an open-air shelter for events in warmer months provides a space for activities year-round.

Transforming Lake Byllesby

Lake Byllesby, in the southern part of the county, is a popular park for camping, picnics and beach play. Updates will make these activities even better, and make it easier to explore the nearby Cannon River Valley by bike or on foot, including from the Mill Towns State Trail and along the Cannon Valley Trail that connects Cannon Falls to Red Wing.

These new activities and features make Lake Byllesby the perfect starting point for a day trip or relaxing vacation to explore the region.

With its waterfront views, Lake Byllesby is a fun place to camp by RV or tent.

Beginning next year, campers will see longer sites to better accommodate

RVs, free Wi-Fi and more electricity in camping areas, larger concrete pads at RV sites to make them accessible for all users and more trees around campsites to increase privacy. There will be more campsites as well. By July 2020, visitors will be able to pick from 83 sites, an increase of 26 sites. The existing 34 sites at the edge of the lake will still be available.

Changes are taking place all over the park. The beach will include a sand play area with a slide, a stone fire pit, new beach volleyball courts, a water play area separate from the lake and more space for small and large grounp picnics. The existing playground will be renovated to

Thompson County Park include educational features about the area’s natural resources.

Other improvements will make it easier to enjoy the Cannon River below the Byllesby Dam. A paved trail will provide access from the Mill Towns State Trail to the edge of the Cannon River at the east end of the park. From there, you can launch canoes and kayaks, fish, or enjoy river views from shore.

The park’s Echo Point area will include a hard surface trail, and visitors will be able to fish from a new pier or from a shoreline area designed with anglers in mind. Fire pits and more shade will improve picnics and other gatherings on Echo Point. Native plants are being used to restore land along the shoreline and elsewhere on Echo Point. This is part of a larger effort to restore 95 acres in the park by removing invasive species, planting prairies and improving habitat for wildlife and pollinators.

To get the work done safely and efficiently, short-term closures to parts of the park, including the campground and beach, are necessary. Since Labor Day, limited camping has been available and the beach is closed. The beach and all campsites are expected to re-open mid summer 2020. Remaining park improvements should be done by November 2020.

Upgrades to regional parks that share a border with another county require substantial coordination and planning. Because we share the natural resources around the lake and river with neighboring Goodhue County, it made good sense for us to partner to gather valuable public input, so we could create the best plan for the park and area.

Back in full swing The next time you visit Thompson County Park you’ll find a cleaner lake, more native wildflowers, and a new walking trail and boardwalk that will make your park experience even better than before.

Those improvements came after testing found pollutants — including chemicals from oils, fertilizers and road salt — in the lake sediment.

Partnering with the City of West St. Paul and the Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization, we removed contaminated soil that had settled in the lake bottom where stormwater runs off from neighborhoods north of the park.

Now that the eight-month restoration project is finished, stormwater is filtered through underground equipment and a new holding pond before entering a wetland that discharges into the lake.

This will reduce phosphorus levels that cause excessive algae growth that is harmful to fish and aquatic plants, and greatly reduce other contaminants entering the lake.

Clean water is just the beginning.

Invasive plants, such as buckthorn and hybrid cattails, were removed

from the lakeshore and replaced with native plants, which will further filter contaminants from the water. We’ve also planted native wildflowers, grasses and other plants that benefit pollinating insects as well as birds and other wildlife. Restoring the park’s 2-acre native oak savanna will continue into 2020.

A healthier park and lake offer a better outdoor experience for everyone. Get a unique view of the area when you explore the new boardwalk that connects the lake’s looped trail, cast a line from the new fishing pier, paddle a canoe or kayak in the newly improved Thompson Lake, or stroll through the park and take in the beauty native flowers and plants offer.

There’s more to come for Thompson County Park. The park’s master and natural resources management plans will be completed this fall with recommendations for new ways to make fishing, picnicking and other activities even more enjoyable in the comming years.

To learn more, visit www.dakotacounty.us, search Thompson master plan.

Improvements to Lake Byllesby and Whitetail Woods regional parks give Dakota County residents and visitors new reasons to explore and enjoy nature in wide-open spaces.

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Biking

C ounty/Regional Park

 Main Park Entrance

Secondary Park Entrance

Boating

Trailhead Regional Trails and Greenways Other Paved, Local/Regional Trails

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Camping Canoeing/Kayaking

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Dog on-leash Dogsledding/Skijoring Fishing

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Gardening Geocaching Hiking

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Horseback riding Horseshoes

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Ice skating In-line skating

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Kicksledding Mountain biking

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Picnicking Play area Recreational bonfire

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Skate skiing Sledding Snowshoeing Swimming

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Visitor Center Walking

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Nature play Paddleboarding

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

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Camper cabin

Cross-country skiing

Pick up a large Parks and Greenways Guide at any park facility.

Thompson County Park

Archery

LEGEND

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

PARKS AND GREENWAYS

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Equipment Rental

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PROGRAMS & EVENTS

www.dakotacounty.us/parks Call 952-891-7000 Monday throughClick Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Programs & Events

HOMESCHOOL LAB YOUTH KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS

Discover nature with a child through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, art projects, storytime and more.

Ages: 3–6 Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Worms and Dirt

Explore the world of worms, learn how they move and dig for them.

Create worm art to take home.

Activity Number: 212001-01 • Thu, Oct. 17; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001-02 • Sat, Oct. 19; 10–11:30 am

A Gobbler Get-Together

Create turkey tracks, look for signs of turkeys and learn about them through sensory exploration.

Activity Number: 212001-03 • Thu, Nov. 21; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001-04 • Sat, Nov. 23; 10–11:30 am

The Hibernators of Winter

Learn about hibernating animals and how and where these critters spend the winter.

Activity Number: 212001-05 • Thu, Dec. 12; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001-06 • Sat, Dec. 14; 10–11:30 am

Winter Birds

Discover Minnesota's winter birds.

Learn how their beaks help them eat and observe birds on a walk. Make binoculars to take home.

Activity Number: 212001-07 • Thu, Jan. 23; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001-08 • Sat, Jan. 25; 10–11:30 am

Plenty of 'Possums

Do opossums really hang from their tails? How are they similar to kangaroos? Explore the world of opossums.

Activity Number: 212001-09 • Thu, Feb. 13; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001-10 • Sat, Feb. 22; 10–11:30 am

Signs of Spring

Discover what happens in spring to animals and plants. Learn how a tree grows, enjoy a scavenger hunt and plant your own flower.

Activity Number: 212001-11 • Thu, March 12; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001-12 • Sat, March 14; 10–11:30 am

Use the park as your lab for handson study and scientific inquiry and experimentation.

Ages: 6–12 Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Science of Spiders

Delve into the world of spiders and discover the important role they play in our ecosystems.

Activity Number: 211501-01 • Wed, Oct. 2; 1–3 pm

Geology

Learn about different types of rocks and how they make up the Minnesota landscape.

Activity Number: 211501-02 • Wed, Nov. 6; 1–3 pm

Animal Homes

Explore different homes animals use and make your own woodland shelter.

Activity Number: 211501-03 • Wed, Dec. 4; 1–3 pm

Minnesota Mammals

Learn about local mammals and how they weather winter.

Activity Number: 211501-04 • Wed, Jan. 8; 1–3 pm

Fun with Physics

Discover why every action has a reaction. Experiment with the science of motion in air and on land.

Activity Number: 211501-05 • Wed, Feb. 5; 1–3 pm

Making Tracks

Explore trails on snowshoes to discover what animals have been out and about.

Activity Number: 211501-06 • Wed, March 4; 1–3 pm

SCOUT BADGES

Earn your scout badge or adventure in these two-hour programs.

Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Daisy Girl Scouts — Rosie Petals

Learn about ways to make the world a better place and how you can help the planet by being green while earning your petal.

Ages: 5–6 Activity Number: 212301-01 • Sat, Oct. 19; 2–4 pm

Tiger Cub Scouts — Tigers in the Wild

Learn what you need to prepare for a hike, and hike to explore trees, plants and animals on the trail.

Finish with a campfire.

Ages: 6–7 Activity Number: 212305-01 • Sat, Oct. 26; 2–4 pm

Junior Girl Scouts — Geocacher Badge

Learn how to use a GPS unit and find geocaches in the park while earning your Geocacher Badge.

Ages: 9–11 Activity Number: 212303-01 • Sun, Nov. 24; 2–4 pm

SENSORY-FRIENDLY SUNDAYS Learn about the seasons and what's happening outdoors through books and activities in our indoor classroom.

Ages: 5–10 Fee: Free Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Autumn

Activity Number: 211002-01 • Sun, Nov. 10; 10–11 am

Winter

Activity Number: 211002-02 • Sun, Feb. 2; 10-11 am

FAMILY

Brownie Girl Scouts — Hiker Badge

Learn what to bring on a hike, how to read a map, and take a hike while earning your badge.

Ages: 6–9 Activity Number: 212302-01 • Sat, Nov. 9; 2–4 pm

Bear Cub Scouts – Fur, Feathers and Ferns

Take a hike to learn about endangered species and examine plants while completing your adventure.

Ages: 8–9 Activity Number: 212307-01 • Sun, Nov. 10; 2–4 pm

Webelos — Geologist Badge

Earn your Geologist Badge while learning how rocks form, taking a walk through time and learning about minerals.

Ages: 9–11 Activity Number: 212308-01 • Sat, Nov. 23; 2–4 pm

FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAY

Join us for family fun on the first Friday of every month with park activities and s'mores.

All ages Fee: Free Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Campfire Stories

Join us for stories and songs around the fire.

Activity Number: 211001-01 • Fri, Oct. 4; 7–8:30 pm

Park after Dark

Explore the lives of animals that are out and about at night.

Activity Number: 211001-02 • Fri, Nov. 1; 7–8:30 pm

Heavens Above

Learn to navigate the night sky with stories, activities and crafts.

Activity Number: 211001-03 • Fri, Dec. 6; 7–8:30 pm

Games on the Lake

Enjoy new winter fun with snow snakes and curling games on the lake.

Activity Number: 211001-04 • Fri, Jan. 3; 7–8:30 pm

Snow Fun

Suit up for a night of sledding and snow sculpting. Bring your own sleds and artful ideas.

Activity Number: 211001-05 • Fri, Feb. 7; 7–8:30 pm

PROGRAMS & EVENTS Game Night

Join us for a night of nature-themed board games or bring one of your favorite games to share.

Activity Number: 211001-06 • Fri, March 6; 7–8:30 pm

NATURE NIGHT

Join us for free family fun, activities and s'mores.

All ages Fee: Free Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park

The Raptor Center

October is Raptor Month and the Raptor Center will share about hawks, owls, eagles and more.

Activity Number: 211003-01 • Fri, Oct. 18; 7–8:30 pm

Nature Bingo

Join park naturalists for a fun game of nature bingo and learn about the animals and plants that make their homes in Thompson County Park.

Activity Number: 211003-02 • Fri, Feb. 21; 7–8:30 pm

PARENT CHILD CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS Learn the basic skills of classic-style cross-country skiing in a familyfriendly environment.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $15/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210602-01 • Sat, Jan. 4; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210602-02 • Sat, Jan. 18; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 210602-03 • Sat, Feb. 1; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 210602-04 • Sat, Feb. 15; 10 am–noon

LET'S GO OWLING

Learn about owls and take a hike for a chance to hear and see these nocturnal hunters at work.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $5/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211702-01 • Sat, Dec. 28; 5–7 pm Activity Number: 211702-01 • Sat, Jan. 11; 5–7 pm

COBWEBS AND CACHES

Find hidden jack-o’-lantern caches and collect Halloween trinkets.

Bring your own GPS unit or borrow one of ours. Costumes encouraged.

All ages Fee: $8/person; youth 5 and younger free Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211002-01 • Sun, Oct. 27; 5–8 pm

NORTHERN SAW-WHET BANDING

Learn about the northern saw-whet owl in this program co-sponsored

by Carpenter Nature Center. Watch staff band owls and discover what makes these small creatures unique.

All ages Fee: Free Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 211711-01 • Thu, Oct. 24; 8–9 pm

WILD ART ADULTS BUCKTHORN SPOON CARVING: FROM TREE TO SPOON

Discover how to carve a spoon using freshly cut buckthorn and traditional Nordic techniques with instructors from Women's Woodshop. Harvest your own buckthorn, axe out a blank and learn knife skills and drying and finishing.

Ages: 18 and older Fee: $90/person Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211709-01 • Sat, Oct. 5; 10 am–4 pm

Join us to create art inspired by nature. Sponsored in part by Dakota County Library. A Minnesota Legacy program.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: Free; pre-registration required

Needle Felted Fall Foliage

Learn how to turn loose, fluffy wool into a felted leaf using warm colors of fall with the Textile Center.

Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 210202-01 • Sat, Nov. 2; 9–11 am

Plarn

Join artist Ella Thomson from ArtStart as she demonstrates how to turn plastic bags into plarn. Weave a set of placemats. Bring plastic bags from home to recycle.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210202-02 • Sat, Dec. 7; 9–11 am

Clay Garden Art

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT

Join us for an evening hike and learn how animals have adapted to the night and how darkness can play tricks on our senses.

Ages: 5 and older Fee: $5/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211404-01 • Sat, Oct. 26; 6–8 pm

www.dakotacounty.us/parks Click Programs & Events

FIX AND SWAP: OUTDOOR GEAR

Drop off unused items or pick up new-to-you gear. Get outdoor clothes, gear and other equipment fixed for free and learn repair skills at this specialized Fix-it Clinic.

All ages Fee: Free Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 212401-01 • Sun, Oct. 6; noon–4 pm

FALL COLORS CANOE

Learn how to paddle and portage to experience the brilliant colors of fall.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $15/person Schulze Beach Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211901-01 • Sat, Oct. 12; 9 am–noon

Join instructors from Artistry to create lanterns, animal sculptures, toad houses, bird feeders or other clay garden art using basic handbuilding techniques. Equipment provided.

Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 210202-03 • Sat, March 7; 9–11 am

BUCKTHORN SPOON CARVING Discover how to carve a spoon using freshly cut buckthorn with instructors from Women's Woodshop. Learn about axing out a blank, knife skills, and drying and finishing.

Ages: 18 and older Fee: $60/person Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211709-02 • Thu, Nov. 14; 6–9 pm

CIDER AND CEDARS

Sip hot cider and create festive wreaths of cedar boughs, harvested as part of park natural resources restoration. Bring shears and gloves.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $12/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210204-01 • Thu, Dec. 5; 7–9 pm

BUILD YOUR OWN SNOWSHOES

Learn about snowshoes and build your own traditional wood pair for recreation or decoration.

Materials provided.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $200/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211708-01 • Sun, Jan. 5; 10 am–4 pm

BACKYARD AGRICULTURE Beekeeping Basics

Learn how to start your own apiary with JoAnne Sabin of the Minnesota Beekeepers Association. Get information about honeybee biology and behavior, hive management, swarm prevention, and equipment.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $40/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211301-01 • Wed, Jan. 15, 22 & 29; 6–9 pm

FULL MOON SNOWSHOE

Explore the woods on a guided snowshoe hike under the light of a full moon.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $15/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211401-02 • Sun, Feb. 9; 7–9 pm

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS Learn about equipment, trails and technique in this introduction to classic-style cross-country skiing.

Ages: 16 and older Fee: $25/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210603-01 • Sat, Jan. 4; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 210603-02 • Sat, Jan. 18; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210603-03 • Sat, Feb. 1; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210603-04 • Sat, Feb 15; 2–4 pm

Call 952-891-7000 Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

TRAILS BY CANDELIGHT

Enjoy parks by flickering candlelight.

A variety of trails and distances will be lit with hundreds of candles.

Warm up with hot cocoa and crackling bonfires. Cocoa provided.

Hot food available for purchase from food trucks. Dogs not allowed at this event.

All ages Fee: $8/person at the door; youth ages 3 and younger free. Tickets on sale now.

EVENTS WILD RIDE MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL

Ride some of the best mountain bike trails in the state. Multiple bike demo trailers and local bike shops will be on hand for bike tune-ups, clinics, group rides and more. Free bike check-out available. Games and activities for kids. Beer and hot food available for purchase.

All ages Fee: Free West Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Sat, Sept. 21; 10 am–4 pm

Thompson County Park

NATURE: A Walking Play

Enjoy TigerLion Art's presentation of Nature, a walking play exploring the mythic telling of Emerson and Thoreau's mutual love affair with the natural world.

All ages Tickets on sale now.

Fee: Ages 18 and older: $25

Ages 6–17: $10

Ages 5 and younger: Free Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Fri, Oct. 11; 5:30–7 pm • Sat, Oct. 12; 1–2:30 pm • Sat, Oct. 12; 5–6:30 pm • Sun, Oct. 13; 1–2:30 pm • Sun, Oct. 13; 5–6:30 pm

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY

Celebrate all things winter with candlelight ice skating, hiking and snowshoeing. Hang out at the A-frame, warm up with crackling bonfires. Stay for the ball drop at 7:59 p.m. Bring your own sled and ice skates. Snowshoe rental available.

S’mores and hot cocoa provided. Hot food available for purchase from food trucks. Dogs not allowed at this event.

All ages Fee: $8/person; youth ages 3 and younger free. Tickets on sale now.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Tue, Dec. 31; 5–8 pm

OPT OUTSIDE: SUPERHEROES ASSEMBLE NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY Volunteer for family-friendly park restoration projects in the morning, followed by a thank-you lunch.

Celebrate our public lands with a fun, open-house style event in the afternoon. Meet the goats that help with restoration, try canoeing and kayaking, and enjoy live music and other activities.

All ages Fee: Free Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Sat, Sept. 28; 9 am–2 pm

Head outdoors with the whole family on Black Friday for an open house-style superhero event.

Go on a superhero scavenger hunt, crack the code on a heroic geocaching mission or solve riddles in a medallion hunt to find the greatest superhero hidden in the park. Indoor and outdoor activities available. Superhero attire encouraged.

All ages Fee: Free Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Fri, Nov. 29; 10 am–4 pm

INFORMATION REGISTRATION To register online, search for the program using the activity number or a keyword in the program title.

Registration is not required for free programs unless noted. Satisfaction is guaranteed.

IF WE NEED TO CANCEL Cancellations posted at www.dakotacounty.us/parks.

PAYMENT Payment is due at registration.

All major credit cards are accepted.

SCHOLARSHIPS Call 952-891-7000.

IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL Refund policy is posted at www.dakotacounty.us/parks, click Programs & Events.

Walk around the lake and through the woods on hiking and snowshoe trails, and plowed walking trails.

Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park • Fri, Jan. 24; 6–9 pm

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Take in the stunning views of the Mississippi River as you enjoy crosscountry ski trails and plowed walking trails. Bring your own equipment.

Dakota County Parks ski pass required for skiers.

Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve • Fri, Feb. 7; 6–9 pm

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Enjoy award-winning cross-country ski trails, hiking, snowshoe trails, and plowed walking trails. Ski and snowshoe rental available. Dakota County Parks ski pass required for skiers.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Fri, Feb. 28; 6–9 pm

RESERVE A PRIVATE PARTY

ACCESSIBILITY At least three weeks before the program, tell us what accommodation would make the program accessible to you or your family.

Celebrate a birthday, take a field trip or book a private program in Dakota County Parks.

EQUIPMENT Provided unless specified.

www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search private programs

No skis? No problem. Rent equipment and learn to ski at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search rental equipment

23 OPEN FOR RECYCLING 25 THE RECYCLING ZONE

Recycling — still the best option Minnesota markets are open for recycling

Contrary to what you may have read or heard about recycling in recent national news reports — the collapse of some overseas markets, an oversupply of materials, changing market restrictions and dropping prices — recycling isn’t going away.

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Go Green | Open for recycling Although China has stopped taking some materials, markets for recycled materials still exist in the U.S. and other parts of the world.

Over the past 20 years, 60–70 percent of U.S. recyclables were handled by domestic markets. In fact, some domestic recyclers see this as an opportunity for local markets.

Recycling paper, metal cans, and plastic and glass bottles is especially important here in Minnesota because we have several local outlets that process these materials into resources that more than 260 Minnesota companies use to manufacture their products.

is used to make a variety of items, including newspapers, toilet paper rolls, cereal and corrugated boxes, paper egg cartons, store displays and a lot more.

American Metal Group in Minneapolis buys and processes scrap aluminum, and Gerdau-Ameristeel, a steel mill in St. Paul, crushes and melts steel cans, so the metal can be made into a variety of products, including wire, cars, signs, studs, roofing, siding, appliances and more. Aluminum cans go from your recycling bin back to the shelf in as little as 60–90 days.

Plastic bottles are sorted, shredded, melted into pellets and sold to companies to make plastic lumber.

By The Yard in Jordan buys the lumber to make durable, plastic picnic tables and lawn furniture.

MasterMark in Paynesville uses recycled plastic to make composite decking and many garden products.

Water and soda bottles are also shipped to other states to be made into new bottles and carpet.

Glass bottles and jars are broken at the recycling center and sent to Strategic Materials in St. Paul to be sorted by color. Clear glass pieces and small amounts of colored glass are sent to Anchor Glass in Shakopee to make drink and condiment bottles.

Brown glass is sent to several national markets like Ardagh Group in Dolton, Ill. where the glass is used to make beer, wine and other bottles.

Paper mills such as WestRock in St. Paul and Liberty Paper in Becker mix paper and water together to make pulp, which is then flattened, dried and rolled into new paper. The paper

We need to keep recycling, just recycle right.

You can help: R ecycle paper, metal cans, and plastic and glass bottles.

M ake sure recyclables are clean, dry and loose — empty of food and liquid, no plastic bags.

Leave out batteries, diapers and items that can tangle in moving equipment — ropes, hoses, holiday lights and plastic shopping bags.

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MN

RE CY CL ES

Go Green When you put paper, metal cans, and plastic and glass bottles in your home recycling cart, you can be certain they’re getting recycled. State law prohibits haulers from landfilling the recyclable materials you place at the curb for recycling.

Across Minnesota, the recycling industry supports about 8,700 direct jobs…

Across Minnesota, the recycling industry supports about 8,700 direct jobs and 28,000 downstream jobs.

These jobs generate billions of dollars that help support our economy and millions in federal and local tax revenue. Even more importantly, recycling helps reduce our energy consumption, the need to use limited virgin natural resources, and the need for more landfills.

This doesn’t mean that we’re OK recycling the way we are. The primary reason China shut its door to our recyclables is because of contamination — non-recyclable materials mixed into our recycling.

Keeping contamination out of our recycling is something we can all do to help Minnesota markets stay strong. Contamination found in a load of recyclables creates inefficiencies and reduces profitability for recycling facilities, and it can taint the entire load and cause it to be rejected by the recycling vendor. While we do better than most parts of the country, putting materials such as plastic bags, garden hoses and diapers in our curbside recycling is still a huge problem we can work together to tackle.

Doing the right thing just got easier Through the last 25 years, a million people have come into The Recycling Zone, located in Eagan, to drop off their household hazardous waste. Soon they can just drive through.

We’re renovating The Recycling Zone to make your experience better. You won’t even have to get out of your car to do the right thing for the environment. A convenient drive-thru lane allows you to scan your driver’s license or identification card at a new kiosk and stay in your car as your household hazardous waste, electronics and recyclables are unloaded for you. To make

unloading as safe and efficient as possible, please bring your waste in a container (such as a cardboard box) that can be left at The Recycling Zone.

We’re expanding from two to three lanes to get you in and out faster.

The reuse area — where you can get paint, pesticides, household cleaners and more for free — now has more space and a separate entrance.

For information on materials accepted and business hours, go to www. dakotacounty.us, search The Recycling Zone.

DRIVE THRU

Drive up.

Drop off.

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F E A T U R E

S T O R Y

Residential Survey highlights our strengths and helps guide our work

O N

T H E

M A R K

Residents have told us Dakota County’s quality of life is great, communities are safe, services are dependable and even the snowplowing is top-notch.

Every three years, we invite a representative number of residents at random to participate in the Dakota County Residential Survey. We want to know what you like about the county, why you chose to call it home and what concerns you might have about the county. This year, nearly 1,000 residents provided their thoughts on these and all sorts of issues, including parks and libraries, the roads they travel, housing needs in their community, and their experiences with County services.

Gathering input is important. Survey results tell us how we’re doing and show how well we compare with other counties in Minnesota and across the country. This year’s results rank Dakota County first in overall quality of life, economic health, and quality of libraries, compared to the 61 other large cities and counties in the U.S. that conducted a similar survey.

Residents here also believe county leaders do a good job managing their tax dollars and acting in the best interest of the community. Most residents — 92 percent — also approve of how the Dakota County Board of Commissioners manages county government.

A whopping 97 percent of residents surveyed said their quality of life is good or excellent — an all-time high for this survey. That says a lot about our communities, parks and libraries, schools and other attractions. In fact, 96 percent consider Dakota County a good or excellent place to live, and 91 percent gave it similar marks as a place to raise a family. Seven in 10 surveyed thought highly of Dakota County as a place to retire.

96% consider Dakota County

a good or excellent place to live.

So how do we know these results truly represent all of Dakota County? The survey was conducted by the National Research Center, a leading survey research firm for local governments nationwide.

The survey was mailed to 3,850 randomly selected households countywide, so all geographic areas were represented. That’s important because we know residents’ thoughts on issues such as road construction projects or housing may differ depending on where they live. The survey results are considered to be a statistically valid

SAFETY 28 | www.dakotacounty.us | fall/winter 2019

representation of Dakota County residents, within a range of plus or minus 4 percent. The results can be used to guide decisions the County Board makes about how to wisely spend tax dollars and provide services at the best value.

A safe community is one of the reasons families and others make Dakota County home. It’s important for all of us to feel safe, and in the survey, residents told us libraries, parks, schools, places of worship, county buildings and their neighborhood were among the places they feel safest. The survey results also showed that residents feel safer from violent, property and drug crimes compared to three years ago, but fewer feel safe from electronic crimes such as identity theft and phone scams. The Dakota County Electronic Crimes Unit is partnering with other local law enforcement agencies to help curb this growing type of crime by analyzing cellphones and other devices for evidence of illegal behavior in criminal investigations.

We all want a smooth commute, so we get to where we’re going as quickly and safely as possible. The County uses a number of ways to make sure traffic flows well on our roads, including the Automated Traffic Management System technology that coordinates traffic signals to make them more efficient, safe road designs that reduce the potential for crashes, and roundabouts to keep people on the move. Those tools, along with

80%

Nearly of residents surveyed had a good or excellent impression of the condition of county roads.

ROADS ongoing construction improvements, are making a difference. Nearly 80 percent of residents surveyed had a good or excellent impression of the condition of county roads. This is our highest rating in about 20 years and it’s a very positive response considering the survey was conducted during snowy winter months.

Even with the many improvements we complete each season, there are roads that still need work. Residents who drive those roads every day can point out firsthand what needs repair.

In the recent survey, most responses involved concerns with state highways, not county highways. However, respondents did say County Road 42 is too congested and in need of safety improvements. That feedback is valuable as we prepare for future road construction projects and update our long-range transportation plan that will guide road and bridge improvements over the next 20 years on the 424 miles of roadway the County maintains.

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O N

T H E

M A R K

Road safety is also a big concern in winter, and our crews went the extra mile to make sure roads remained open during snowstorms last winter.

Our 33 plow operators tallied more than 2,500 hours of overtime and logged 60,000 miles using 29 plowing vehicles to ensure county roads were safe for commuters before, during and after storms. Residents had positive things to say in the survey about our ability to keep county roads clear of snow and ice; 78 percent rated the service as good or excellent. That was higher than ratings in four other Minnesota counties that conducted a similar survey.

We’re the third-largest county in Minnesota, people… with more than

425,000

Nobody likes to pay property taxes, but that is the main source of funds used to provide County services, many of which are mandated by the state and federal government. We work hard to manage your tax dollars carefully. Sixty percent of those surveyed believe we do a good or excellent job.

Residents who completed the survey were split on whether they would support an increase in property taxes to maintain County services at current levels. There was more support for that this year — 51 percent of respondents approved — than when we last surveyed in 2016.

Commissioners take that into consideration as they decide how to provide services at the best value to taxpayers.

We’re the third-largest county in Minnesota, with more than 425,000 people, and we continue

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to grow at a rapid rate. That growth has created housing shortages. You recognize that and told us affordable housing is the most serious issue facing the County. Twice as many people said that this year compared to the last survey in 2016.

We know seniors on a fixed income want housing that fits their budget and lifestyle. We also know working families need an affordable place to live that is close to their jobs. Some residents need a place to live that is near a bus stop or other public transit, or where they can easily access services that help them live on their own. Different types of homes are needed in our community, and that’s why the Board of Commissioners has made housing one of its top priorities.

There are several exciting housing projects happening around the county that will serve hundreds of residents. Partnering with the Dakota County Community Development Agency, we opened 40 affordable townhomes

HOUSING

for working families at Prestwick Place in Rosemount this summer. This is in addition to other developers’ projects, including 49 affordable units at Wexford Place Apartments in Rosemount and 172 units of affordable senior housing at The Winslow in West St. Paul.

The County and the Community Development Agency also work with community partners to update existing affordable housing and provide options for people who struggle to find a permanent home. In Hastings, for example, the Guardian Angels apartments and townhomes needed improvements in order to continue offering housing at affordable rates.

The Community Development Agency provided financing to make that possible. The County and the Community Development Agency are providing financing for the Cahill Place project in Inver Grove Heights, where 40 families will find affordable housing with support services.

We’re making progress on housing. In all, these projects will create and preserve 334 affordable homes. These efforts are in addition to private construction, including single-family developments and senior living projects, that meet other housing needs in the county.

most

Libraries are among the services the County provides.

popular

LIBRARIES Libraries are among the most popular services the County provides, and survey respondents told us they are very satisfied with them. Dakota County Library is viewed better than libraries anywhere else in the country where a similar survey was conducted, with 98 percent of residents surveyed here rating them as good or excellent. Our libraries offer more services, new technology and different ways for people of all abilities to experience what they offer.

Galaxie Library in Apple Valley, remodeled in 2018, is among four locations with a dedicated iLAB. There are also features for people with sensory disabilities and a calming space for those who may need to regulate during their visit.

A similar iLAB and calming space are also part of the newly remodeled Pleasant Hill Library in Hastings, which opened this summer following an expansion. In addition to new technology, there are more public meeting spaces, a fireplace lounge, patio and an interactive children’s area.

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M A R K

More meeting space, a new iLAB, an enhanced children’s area and other improvements are part of the newly remodeled Heritage Library that opened in early August. We combined that renovation with an expansion of the adjacent Lakeville License Center where a larger lobby and service area will help residents using the center get in and out faster and easier. Records and licensing service is one area where our survey scores dipped this year compared to 2016. The improved service area at Lakeville and more property information available online are meant to improve those services.

The Library continues to provide other popular services like books, music, movies and other materials for checkout. That service is still what residents say they value most in their local library.

Those materials and other resources can also be accessed online.

Parks are just as popular as libraries. Residents consistently rated Dakota County parks higher in surveys over the past decade. This year, 97 percent of respondents rated county parks as

PARKS

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good or excellent. Our parks offer a variety of amenities and activities, great facilities for group gatherings and many ways to experience nature.

80% said that the County should

protect and improve nature and wildlife areas.

Like the libraries, we’re improving parks and expanding the ways people can enjoy them.

Earlier this summer we finished restoring Thompson Lake in West St. Paul. Now, Thompson County Park visitors will find a cleaner lake for fishing and canoeing and improved trails around the lake. Camping, biking and other outdoor activities will be even more fun at Lake Byllesby Regional Park when we complete major improvements in 2020 — more campsites, better trails, new river access, and a connection to the Cannon River Trail. And visitors to Whitetail Woods Regional Park can enjoy two new camper cabins, additional year-round trails and other enhancements.

These park projects also include improvements that will help preserve our water and open spaces. This work matters to residents: 9 out of 10 survey respondents said it’s essential or very important to invest County property tax dollars in protecting and improving our water quality.

More than 80 percent of survey participants said it’s important to use County funds to protect and improve wildlife habitat and natural areas.

Other County services also fared well in the survey. Service at The Recycling Zone, the facility in Eagan that accepts household hazardous waste

and recycling, was viewed as good or excellent by 86 percent of survey participants. However, the survey also found that 23 percent of respondents said they do not have anything to drop off at The Recycling Zone. We’re doing more to inform residents about The Recycling Zone and what can and cannot be brought to the facility. We are proposing to build a second household recycling and hazardous waste facility in Lakeville or Burnsville, in a partnership with Scott County.

We saw minor rating improvements in other service areas as well. Satisfaction with the trail and bikeway system grew, as did approval of the Sheriff’s Office’s patrol and protection of County parks and greenways. There was a big jump in approval for employment support services — from 67 percent to 76 percent — and a similar increase for how we serve people with mental illnesses.

6 in 10 residents prefer learning

about County services and news through this twice-annual newsletter.

Residents often get information for park visits, recycling and road construction using the County website. More than half of survey responses said that parks details on our website is the most valuable. Recycling information was a close second, followed by road construction project details. Improvements to our website this year are making this and other information even more easily accessible by using a simple keyword search from our home page.

Resident opinion of how well the County provides information has been improving for more than

INFORMATION a decade and is higher than the average of other counties and cities that conducted similar surveys. Our website — www.dakotacounty.us — is a popular way for residents to get information about the County, but 6 in 10 residents surveyed told us they prefer learning about County services and news through this twice-annual newsletter.

We’ll continue using the newsletter, the website, social media, public meetings and other ways to keep you connected to Dakota County.

We’re proud to be earning good marks on service delivery and that residents give a high ranking to their satisfaction with County government and their quality of life in Dakota County. That helps us to know we’re on the right track, and we’ll continue to work hard to make sure your experiences with County government get even better. To see the full 2019 Dakota County Residential Survey results and learn more about how the survey is conducted, visit www.dakotacounty.us, search residential survey.

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Vaccinate for health

Learn about vaccines, eligibility and immunization clinics at www.dakotacounty.us, search immunizations

Your Commissioners Mike Slavik District 1

T: 651-438-4427 Includes the cities of Coates, Farmington, Hampton, Hastings, Miesville, New Trier, Randolph, Vermillion, Northfield Precinct 2; townships of Castle Rock, Douglas, Empire, Eureka, Greenvale, Hampton, Marshan, Nininger, Randolph, Ravenna, Sciota, Vermillion and Waterford.

Kathleen A. Gaylord District 2

T: 651-438-4428 Includes the cities of South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, and Inver Grove Heights Precincts 1 and 8–10.

Thomas A. Egan District 3

T: 651-438-4429 Includes the cities of Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, and Eagan Precincts 1–7 and 9–12.

Front row: Mary Liz Holberg, Liz Workman (Chair), Kathleen A. Gaylord Back row: Mike Slavik, Thomas A. Egan, Chris Gerlach, Joe Atkins

Contact us

Email: board@co.dakota.mn.us LILYDALE MENDOTA

Joe Atkins

MENDOTA HEIGHTS

District 4

T: 651-438-4430 Includes the cities of Inver Grove Heights Precincts 2–7; Eagan Precincts 8 and 13–17; and Rosemount Precincts 1–2, 4, and 6–7.

Liz Workman

Mary Liz Holberg District 6

2

EAGAN INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

BURNSVILLE

4

7

5

APPLE VALLEY

NININGER

ROSEMOUNT

HASTINGS

COATES

6

MARSHAN

1

LAKEVILLE FARMINGTON

RAVENNA

VERMILLION

EMPIRE

T: 651-438-4243 Includes the city of Lakeville.

Chris Gerlach

SOUTH ST. PAUL

SUNFISH LAKE

3

District 5

T: 651-438-4431 Includes the city of Burnsville.

WEST ST. PAUL

VERMILLION TWP NEW TRIER

MIESVILLE

HAMPTON EUREKA

CASTLE ROCK

HAMPTON TWP

DOUGLAS

District 7

T: 651-438-4411 Includes the cities of Rosemount Precincts 3 and 5, and Apple Valley.

RANDOLPH RANDOLPH TWP SCIOTA

GREENVALE

WATERFORD NORTHFIELD

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Helping you land your career.

CareerForce Center • Innovative programs and workshops for job seekers and employers • Assessment tools to match your career and personal interests • Help with career planning and résumé writing • On-site hiring events with local employers

et us help you land the L career that’s right for you. www.dakotacounty.us search job search assistance