Dakota County Newsletter - Fall/Winter 2015

county newsletter

OUR WORK

GOING PUBLIC rewarding careers in government Page 7

COMMUNITY

IT PAYS TO VOLUNTEER

making your community a better place Page 11

PARKS

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS fall - winter 2015

fall/winter 2015

SO YOU WANT TO BE MORE? If you want to make a difference, public service is the place to be Page 26

TRANSPORTATION ENVIRONMENT · SERVICES RECREATION · RESOURCES AND MORE…

Making Dakota County a great place to live doesn’t just happen.

From maintaining roads to maintaining property records, protecting the environment to protecting the health of our kids, finding homes for those in need to finding the bad guys, it takes a lot of great people dedicated to delivering the services that our residents want and need. Over the next few years, Dakota County will be facing a high level of retirements as baby boomers age. That’s why the Dakota County Board of Commissioners is looking for the best and the brightest to join our team and take on the challenging and rewarding work of public service so that we can continue to provide the superior service our residents have come to know and expect.

Contents Feature

Be more page 26 If you want a chance to change the world, public service is the place to be. And no one has more service opportunities than county government.

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

Homelessness is a problem, and documenting it is taking the first step to solving it. Surveying homelessness can help us see ways to stop it before it happens.

Our work makes a difference in the lives of our residents. Check out some careers we offer and imagine how you could have an impact on someone who needs you.

Volunteering can impact your social life, career and health in a variety of positive ways, and we’ve got an abundance of opportunities for you to get started.

Nature is no doubt intoxicating, but sometimes it takes a retreat to a remote location to appreciate absolutely everything the outdoors has to offer.

From protecting land to educating new recycling experts, we’re doing all that we can to maintain our commitment to being a clean and green place.

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3 KNOW YOUR PROPERTY TAX 5 HOMELESS IN DAKOTA COUNTY

6 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

In Brief Your piece of the tax pie ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PROPERTY TAXES

H

ave you ever wondered how the County determines your property’s value and the taxes that come with it? While it’s pretty obvious the features of your home play a large role, the health of the economy is just as important to figuring out your home’s worth.

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In Brief | Know your property tax

A

county appraiser views each property in the county at least once every five years and gathers information on all characteristics of the property that affect market value. This includes size, age, quality, basement finish and extra features (fireplaces, walk-out basements, etc.). Your property is also classified based on how the property is used (home, apartment, cabin, farm, business), with each classification taxed at a different percentage of the property’s value.

Next, information on actual sales of property in each community is studied to help determine what similar properties would sell for if they were placed on the market. The market value that is established in one year is used to formulate the property taxes for the next year. For example, the sales timeframe examined for taxes payable in 2016 begins with sales dated Oct. 1, 2013 and ends with sales dated Sept. 30, 2014.

The open market sales during this 12-month period are used to determine the 2015 assessed value of the property for taxes payable in 2016.

We know. It’s complicated. What you really need to know is that in any given year you are paying taxes based on market conditions from two years ago.

Finally, the estimated market value of the property is computed using a mass appraisal system which utilizes the property’s characteristics and market sales data. The State Board of Equalization requires the overall level of assessment across all properties to be between 90 and 105 percent of market value. The taxable market value of your property is determined after calculating all reductions, limitations and deferrals.

Appeal process

After value notices go out in March, you have the opportunity to appeal the value or classification of your property. If you disagree with the valuation,

contact the County Assessor’s Office or attend an Open Book meeting to discuss your concerns. Oftentimes, your questions can be answered during that informal discussion, but in cases where they can’t be, there are two formal appeal options: 1. Attend an appeal meeting with your city or township’s Local Board of Appeal and Equalization, or if your city or township no longer has a Local Board of Appeal and Equalization, go directly to the County’s Special Board of Appeal and Equalization.

2. If your dispute still isn’t resolved, you may petition the Minnesota Tax Court.

How are your property taxes determined?

Each fall, the County Board of Commissioners determines the budget for the next year. This includes the amount of money needed through property taxes to balance the budget.

The levy may change from year-toyear based on the needs and wants of the community along with changing federal and state aid and mandates. Also, if the tax base has grown throughout the year (e.g., because of new construction), the need for property taxes is then spread between more property owners, equaling lower rates for everyone.

The County sends every property owner a Proposed Property Tax Notice (Truth in Taxation Notice) in midNovember of each year. This estimates the property tax you’ll pay in the following year if all the taxing jurisdictions approve their levies as proposed.

For a typical home, the County’s share of the total property tax bill is about 25 percent. School districts, cities/ townships and special districts make up the remainder of the bill.

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Holding the line The table below shows the amount of money the County has levied in property taxes each year to balance the budget. The Board of Commissioners has approved a property tax levy that is lower than the rate of inflation from year to year.

Year

County Property Tax Levy ($)

% increase

2011 129,402,073

0%

2012 129,402,073

0%

2013 129,152,073

0%

2014 128,377,938 -1%

2015 129,661,717

1%

In Brief | Homeless in Dakota County

Behind the numbers Just because you don’t always see homeless people in Dakota County doesn’t mean they’re not here

E

very January, Dakota County and its partners conduct a countywide point-in-time survey count of persons who are homeless on one given night. By enlisting staff, community partners and volunteers, we can properly document our homelessness problem and figure out ways to solve it.

This year, 22 volunteers logged a total of more than 100 volunteer hours completing the survey. The results help us measure homelessness and use that information to seek funding for housing programs.

Although it’s particularly difficult to count every homeless person at one time, our survey did reveal that families are still the most at-risk to homelessness. The sum of the unsheltered, doubled-up and emergency-sheltered households has increased from 195 households in 2014 to 215 households in 2015. This increase stems from a variety of factors, including a lack of affordable housing and a narrow vacancy rate, but also from circumstances such as loss of income, financial crisis, medical emergencies and disabilities impacting the head of a household.

According to our survey results, about 50 percent of all unsheltered homeless heads of households indicated they suffer from a disabling medical condition like post-traumatic stress disorder, severe

mental illness, and chronic health conditions such as cancer and heart disease that prevents them from maintaining stable housing. Unfortunately, nearly 25 percent of those people said they also suffer from a serious mental illness and a second disabling condition. And once a household becomes homeless they’re likely to stay homeless, making them more vulnerable to health problems and possibly needing more assistance to transition back into stable housing.

Homelessness is very expensive to fix. That’s why we work hard to prevent homelessness from ever happening.

Emergency prevention and homeless prevention programs help keep people from losing their homes. These methods have proven to be the most cost-effective way to reduce homelessness: Every dollar spent on prevention saves taxpayers more than $7 in shelter costs. Without our homeless prevention efforts and the support of our partners, more than 2,000 households that received assistance last year may have been lost to homelessness.

Get involved Help end homelessness in Dakota County Every third week in January, we look for volunteers to help us conduct a countywide point-in-time count of persons who are homeless on one given night. If you’re interested in helping us end homelessness in Dakota County, contact Rebecca Bowers at rebecca.bowers@co.dakota.mn.us.

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In Brief | Dates for your diary

Plan on it What’s on tap this fall and winter September–October HHW drop-offs

Safely dispose of your household hazardous waste for free at the following drop-off events: •9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Farmington Maintenance Facility, 19650 Municipal Drive, Farmington •9 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Burnsville Maintenance Facility, 13713 Frontier Court, Burnsville

Oct. 1–Nov. 5

Master Recycler/Composter Become a recycling leader in Dakota County by taking this six-week training course on waste reduction, recycling, composting and solid waste. Held from 6–9 p.m. Thursdays at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, the class features hands-on demonstrations, presentations from local and regional experts, and field trips to relevant sites. Cost is $30 and covers course materials and field trip transportation. For details or to register, call Jenny Kedward at 952-891-7043.

Oct. 3

Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival Ride the best mountain bike trails in the metro from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Free bike demo, tune-ups, clinics, group rides and more. See Parks program and events guide in this newsletter.

Nov. 14

Local Author Fair Meet local adult, teen and children’s authors from 1–4 p.m. at the Dakota County Western Service Center.

Door prizes and free writing workshops. Authors will sell their books.

Visit www.dakotacounty.us/library, search local author fair.

Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Party Celebrate a family New Year’s Eve from 5–8 p.m. at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center. Ice skate, hike and snowshoe by candlelight; slide on a lit sledding hill; and countdown for the ball drop at 7:59 p.m. See Parks program and events guide in this newsletter.

Oct. 1–31

Feb. 13

Teen writers ages 12–18 can win prizes by showing off their writing talent with a short story based on a photo. Winners will have their story published on our Library website.

Visit www.dakotacounty.us/library, search short story contest.

Cross-country ski, hike, ice skate and snowshoe by candlelight and slide on the lit sledding hill from 6–9 p.m. at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. See Parks program and events guide in this newsletter.

Teen Short Story Contest

Trails By Candlelight

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Better all the way around www.dakotacounty.us, search roundabout Roundabouts are popping up across Dakota County and with good reason.

Roundabouts improve the flow of traffic, and they have lower long-term operational costs. But the most important benefit is that they significantly reduce the number of fatal and injury crashes.

Single-lane roundabouts are fairly easy to navigate and may be old hat for some drivers by now. But last month, a new multi-lane roundabout opened at the intersection of County Roads 50 and 60 in Lakeville that is a little different than what drivers may be used to in Dakota County. This roundabout has two lanes throughout and there are no lane lines in the roundabout itself.

As drivers approach the roundabout, clear pavement markings and overhead signs guide them to get into the correct lane — right lane for turning right or going straight; left lane for turning left, going straight or making a U-turn. Before entering the roundabout, drivers must yield to all traffic and then enter when both lanes are clear.

Across the country, unmarked lanes inside full multi-lane roundabouts have been effective in getting drivers to yield to both lanes of oncoming traffic and in reducing crashes.

When approaching the multi-lane roundabout, remember these two basic rules: Pick the proper lane before entering and yield to all traffic in the roundabout.

7 REWARDING CAREERS 10 YOUR DIGITAL FINGERPRINT

Our Work Going public YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO THE PRIVATE SECTOR ROUTE FOR THESE JOBS

D

uring Career Day at school, very few, if any, kids ever stand in front of the class and declare, “I want to be a county employee when I grow up.” But that’s only because they don’t know of the wide variety of careers available at Dakota County.

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Our Work | Rewarding careers

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hether you want to fix something with your hands or build relationships with the community, Dakota County has career options that you wouldn’t think were possible working for government. Here’s just a few of the careers at Dakota County.

Registered Dietitian

Fleet Technician

You probably take your car to a dealership or auto shop when it needs to be fixed, but Dakota County doesn’t have to do that. We have our own repair shop for 676 vehicles, ranging from snow plows to squad cars, with a replacement cost of more than $23 million. Dakota County has earned the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the same certification given to top private sector vehicle repair shops in the country.

The County has nine technician positions that require an associate’s degree or two-year technical certificate. Each year, Dakota County technicians complete more than 11,000 repair and maintenance jobs.

The technicians are one of the reasons the Dakota County Fleet Department is a 5-time recipient of the 100 Best Fleets in North America award.

Registered dietitians can work in many different settings — hospitals and health care facilities, corporate wellness programs, and education. They can also work in public health.

They make a difference in the lives of expecting mothers and their children by helping them get the nutrition they need to stay healthy. They work with families to determine their eligibility in the County’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program as well as educate them on ways to improve their nutrition to help them stay out of the doctor’s office.

In 2014, more than 10,600 women, infants and children received services through the program. Dakota County has 11 registered dietitians to help them.

In addition, Dakota County has three registered dietitians working throughout the county to educate the public as well as assist schools, child care centers and worksites in adopting healthy eating practices.

Registered dietitians have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in food and nutrition or dietetics and are registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

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Graphic Designer

Marketing agencies use graphic designers to create ad campaigns to help sell products and services.

Printing companies have graphic designers to layout newspapers, magazines and books, so publications are pleasing to the eye.

Dakota County’s graphic designer does all that and more. Sure, the designer creates brochures, newsletters and ads to engage residents in county services, but the designer also makes sure we are using taxpayer dollars wisely by getting the best deal on printing.

Dakota County has one graphic designer that creates campaigns across the county. The graphic designer has a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and five years of experience in the field.

Help wanted With more than 1,800 positions, there’s always a job opening at Dakota County.

Here are some of our most frequent job openings: www.dakotacounty.us, search jobs

Social Worker

There are so many different types of social work that a position is bound to be open — child care licensing, child and adult protection, mental and chemical health services, adoption, foster care licensing and senior and disability services all use social workers to complete their duties. It all depends on who you want to help.

Financial Assistance Specialist Administrative Assistant and Program Support

They are the life blood of every business — the front line of customer service. It’s no different at Dakota County. In many instances, administrative support staff are the face of the organization — the first person residents see when they enter a county facility or the first voice they hear when they give us a call.

But administrative assistants also work behind the scenes, tracking the County’s purchases and contracts, protecting private data, and keeping vital information at their fingertips for use at a moment’s notice. They provide support to attorneys, law enforcement officers, engineers, professional staff, and department heads and managers all over the county.

Dakota County has more than 400 administrative assistants and program support staff. Qualifications for these positions vary. In general, these positions require at least a two-year degree with 1–5 years of direct work experience.

These specialists work with residents applying for public assistance. They determine the need and match individuals and families with governmental and community resources that will meet them. It is often an entry level position, and employees move on to other jobs in Community Services.

Commercial Appraiser

Dakota County’s commercial appraisers determine the value and classify commercial, industrial, apartment and other properties for tax purposes. The positions are tough to fill due to the limited number of people going into this field.

Assistant Probation Officer

They keep the County safer by monitoring criminal offenders of all ages and types, but as they develop their skills, they often advance into specialized probation officer positions.

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Our Work | Your digital fingerprint

Taking the byte out of crime New Electronic Crime Task Force will get the bad guys

W

e used to catch criminals using old-fashioned detective work, but now digital evidence is tackling the task.

Virtually everyone carries their lives around inside a smartphone these days. They rely on this technology to make life a little bit easier — even if it’s a life of crime. Whether electronic devices are being used to commit a crime or simply research plans in advance, it’s clear that some people are finding crime and technology now go hand-in-hand.

Fortunately, the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office found that criminals are leaving behind more than just physical evidence. They’re leaving behind the digital equivalent of a muddy boot or finger print.

We know that when a crime is committed, electronic devices can provide a wealth of information. That’s why we started using technology to fight back in 2003. Although it’s helped us close numerous open criminal cases, the rapid advance in technology and the volume of open cases with electronic evidence became overwhelming for a then-understaffed team. This caused a year or more backlog of open cases to collect digital evidence, leaving criminals on the loose much longer. In January, we were able to end the pile-up.

After meeting with law enforcement across the county, we pooled our resources to staff and fund a new electronic crime task force. We also applied for and received a $200,000 Violence Against Women grant that has helped

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They’re leaving behind the digital equivalent of a muddy boot or finger print. us reduce the costs for new equipment and training.

The Electronic Crime Task Force, set up inside the Dakota County Law Enforcement Center in Hastings, has six full-time, highly trained employees that use the latest cyber forensic tools and techniques to crack passwords and find hidden or deleted data that criminals leave behind. This means open cases are closed faster; our community is kept safer, and we stay a step ahead of criminals — reducing the time and cost associated with prosecution.

11 MAKING YOUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE 14 LANDING YOUR DREAM JOB

Community It pays to volunteer THE BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING

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hat if you could make new friends, improve your résumé, be healthier and change the world all at the same time? What if we told you that you can have all of these benefits, and it would take only a few hours out of your month? We know. Sounds way too good to be true. But it is true, and the opportunity is right here in Dakota County.

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Community | Making your community a better place

We’re not selling anything; we’re just looking for people who want more out of life. If you’re brimming with excitement about this thought then maybe volunteering is something you should look into. (And if the wind just got taken out of your sails because you heard the word “volunteer,” keep reading. We might just change your mind.)

W

hen people hear about volunteers, many imagine extremely generous folks who take a lot of time out of their busy schedules to work a job that they won’t get paid for — you know, building houses for those in need, serving meals to the hungry, traveling to another country to help with disaster relief — some pretty selfless stuff. These are noble things to do, and yes, volunteering involves the desire to help others.

But what you may not know is the positive impact that volunteering can have on your own life, and we’re not talking about feeling all warm and fuzzy because you did something nice for somebody else. Volunteering can impact your social life, career and health in a variety of positive ways. And with opportunities that fit every interest and lifestyle — becoming a volunteer has never been easier.

Interestingly, in a world obsessively connected by Facebook, LinkedIn and other social media, one in three adults age 45 or older identify themselves as being lonely according to a 2010 AARP study. No matter how technologically or digitally advanced we are, nothing can replace being in the physical presence of people. Volunteering offers this.

And there’s more. If you want to teach your kids about the values you hold dear, get out and “do” something about your beliefs. Your children are more likely to follow in your footsteps if you “practice what you preach.”

Even though volunteers work for free, there’s a good chance they will end up making more money in the long run.

Research shows that volunteering has a real return on investment.

One of the benefits of volunteering is that it brings together people with different backgrounds and professions.

This diverse environment provides opportunities to make connections outside of your normal social network, which, in

But what you may not know is the positive impact that volunteering can have on your own life, and we’re not talking about feeling all warm and fuzzy because you did something nice for somebody else. turn, may lead to career prospects that normally wouldn’t be available. Richard N. Bolles, author of What Color is Your Parachute?, and many other leading experts in job development agree that networking is one of the most important things to master if you’re looking for a new job or career. A study by the Corporation for National and Community Service tracked more than 70,000

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jobless people between 2002 and 2012 and documented that those who volunteered had a 27-percent better chance at finding work than those who didn’t.

Volunteering can benefit your health, too. Instead of wasting time or money on the latest health fad, go out and volunteer. Studies show that older people who volunteer tend to be happier and healthier than their non-volunteering counterparts. They remain physically functional longer, have more robust psychological well-being and even live longer. But don’t wait to start volunteering until you’re older. Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose at any age. That feeling has been linked to reduced stress — which greatly affects your health — increased happiness and prolonged life expectancy.

Now let’s not forget the selfless side of volunteering. You can change the life of someone who took a wrong turn in life, protect natural habitats for future generations, help keep our drinking water clean, and foster opportunities for families to create lasting memories. The ultimate pay-off for volunteering is a chance to be a part of something bigger than you.

So now you know that volunteers can help make the world a better place and possibly make themselves healthier, wealthier and wiser at the same time. So what’s holding you back? We challenge you to take a look at what we have to offer. Find an event that interests you and take the plunge. You’ll be glad you did.

Get started today We're here to help.

Log on To dakotacounty.us and look for the Jobs & Volunteering tab on the left side of the home screen.

Click on

Volunteer Impact Cleaner, healthier communities for less In most years, Dakota County volunteers save taxpayers more than half a million dollars, and they help keep parks cleaner, ecosystems healthier and people happier. Tax dollar savings is an important value in measuring volunteer impact, but our volunteers do so much more. Here’s a glance at what we hope to accomplish this year:

MONITOR THE HEALTH OF 33 WETLANDS

The Volunteer and Internship Opportunities tab on the bottom left.

Sign up By department or search for volunteer opportunities throughout the county.

CLEAN UP AND MAINTAIN 76 MILES OF PARK TRAILS

Complete & submit Your volunteer application.

Start making a difference in your community and improving your life!

ASSIST SKIERS AND SNOWSHOERS ON 49 MILES OF WINTER TRAILS

www.dakotacounty.us, search volunteers

SUPPORT BIKERS ON 11 MILES OF MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS Have questions or suggestions?

REDUCE INVASIVE SPECIES IN 6 COUNTY PARKS

Contact Garrett Zaffke 651-438-4635 garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us

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13

Community | Landing your dream job

Beyond Books The Library is more than borrowing books and providing programs for kids www.dakotacounty.us/library

I

t’s a great place to find and land the job you’ve always wanted. No, seriously. From starting your job search to accepting an offer, the Library offers dozens of print and online resources and courses and workshops to bring you success — start to finish.

books

What Color Is Your Parachute?

2015 by Richard N. Bolles Up-to-date research and tips for writing impressive résumés and cover letters, doing effective networking and interviewing, and negotiating the best salary.

What to Say in Every Job Interview by Carole Martin During a job interview, there are no right or wrong answers — just better and worse answers. Learn how to focus on the factors of the job rather than answering questions "correctly."

Knock 'em Dead Social Networking by Martin Yates Proven social networking strategies to build your brand and market your skills across a growing network.

online resources Make your job search more fruitful by knowing what you want to be when you grow up. Discover your career interests and develop the skills you need to get you where you want to go with free online resources.

JobNow. Take a free self-assessment to discover the types of occupations you like and get career advice using JobNow online. Find free résumé templates and let a professional review your résumé. Comb through local and national job search resources and postings. Get sample interview questions and responses, interview do’s and don’ts and know what to do before and after the interview to help you land the job.

Lynda.com. Watch and listen. Practice and learn. Build or update technical skills, creative techniques and business strategies with more than 3,400 video courses taught by top field experts on Lynda.com. Learn on-the-go anytime using your computer, tablet or mobile device.

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free library programs Let us help you get to where you want to be.

Experts from the Dakota County WorkForce Center and the Science Museum of Minnesota Computer Education Center will show you how and where to network, how to write attention-grabbing cover letters and résumés, and how to deliver an interview to make you stand out in a crowd.

Learn new or refresh your word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and publishing skills to give you an edge in landing the job you want.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

www.dakotacounty.us/parks

YourParks FALL WINTER

2015

WILD

RETREATS

GET INTRODUCED TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS

SNOWSHOE HIKES

FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAYS

SCOUTS

• TRAILS BY CANDLELIGHT • BIRDING BASICS • TREE ID

EVENTS

O T N I P E CAMPS E D LOOK CREATE D N A , E NATUR AN L L I W U O Y THEN OUTDOOR

D N A T S R E UND EVERY THING

BET T ER .

- Albert Einstein

We can’t know for sure what Einstein meant when he wrote this to a friend. But here’s what we do know: Whether you’re looking for a place to spend time with extended family, exploring new directions for your work team or getting kids plugged back into nature, the retreat centers in Dakota County Parks are a great fit. Best of all, they’re right in your backyard.

WILDERNESS WORKS WONDERS Sharing a meal with family to the sound of whispering pines can bring you closer together; the sweet tur-a-lee song of the eastern bluebird can make teams' creativity soar, and chasing butterflies through a field of colorful wildflowers can instill a love of nature and discovery in children.

OASIS

The wildly beautiful Camp Sacajawea and Camp Spring Lake retreat centers in Dakota County Parks are surrounded by thousands of acres of woods and prairies.

Peaceful. Remote.

Enchanting. Perfect for families, work teams and kids to get acquainted or reacquainted with nature.

Each with their own unique setting and personality, these exquisite — and undiscovered — retreat centers boast a charm all their own.

CAMP SACAJAWEA

CAMP SPRING LAKE PARK

BOTH RETREAT CENTERS

Camp Sacajawea, a delightful haven tucked in the 2,000 acres of Lebanon Hills, is set in the heart of Apple Valley and Eagan. Its stunning lodge with knotty pine walls, quaint fireplace and large windows that overlook the dense woods renders the feel of a north woods cabin. A short jaunt on the wooded path leads to a cozy outdoor classroom complete with a campfire ring big enough for a troop of kids. And that’s not all. An onsite ropes and challenge course — with high and low ropes, zip line and professional facilitators — can be booked to add a whole new dimension to discovering nature and fostering teamwork.

The picturesque Camp Spring Lake is nestled deep in the heart of the 1,160-acre Spring Lake Park Reserve along the shores of the mighty Mississippi between Rosemount and Hastings. A striking fieldstone fireplace, vaulted ceilings and sizeable windows that overlook the woods and restored prairies give this lodge the feel of a charming bungalow. Just steps away into the trees are a delightful outdoor classroom and a group picnic area. An adjacent sand volleyball court and nearby archery trail adds space for fun outdoor group activities.

Each four-season lodge includes a modern kitchen and a central great room with space enough for groups of up to 50 to gather for meetings, to share a meal or to sack out for the night. Tables and chairs included — bring your own sleeping bag.

Near each lodge, in the midst of the peace and quiet, clusters of private group campsites are connected by woodland footpaths — providing families and youth groups an opportunity to camp together under the stars and experience the peacefulness the wilderness offers in every season.

The lodges and campsites at each location can be rented individually or in combination with each other.

NATURE HAS SOMETHING FOR YOU FAMILY

YOUTH

BUSINESS

Camp Sacajawea and Camp Spring Lake are great places for families to find quality time in a world where time is more precious than ever. These beautiful backyard gems have space enough for extended families to get together for a holiday dinner, to celebrate grandma’s birthday, to reunite for a weekend campout in the woods or to invite friends for a nature-inspired day of painting, quilting or scrapbooking.

At Camp Sacajawea and Camp Spring Lake, organized youth groups can transform an ordinary overnight campout into a full-blown wilderness experience with unlimited opportunities for learning and making memories.

Unplug. Head out into nature.

Camp under the stars. Hang out with chipmunks and woodpeckers. Discover real adventure in learning.

Hard-working teams will be inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of the birds and squirrels outside the window. Simply meeting in the peace and quiet of the woods — outside the constraints of the conference room — can introduce teams to the individual strengths of its members, refresh and recharge them, and cultivate valuable new ideas to achieve the highest goals.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

www.dakotacounty.us/parks

click Programs & Events

River to River Greenway Thompson County Park LILYDALE

BigRivers RiversRegional RegionalTrail Trail Big

MENDOTA

WEST ST PAUL

35E

156 SOUTH ST PAUL

MENDOTA SUNFISH HEIGHTS LAKE

494

Lebanon Hills Regional Park 13

35E

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

43

32

55

71

38 ROSEMOUNT

APPLE VALLEY

BURNSVILLE

Spring Lake Park Reserve

56

31

35W

52

3

EAGAN

77

Mississippi River Regional Trail

494

33

52

42

42

42

COATES

46

HASTINGS

85

31

54

47

Dakota Woods Dog Park

9

MARSHAN 316 RAVENNA TWP TWP

62

EMPIRE TWP

23 FARMINGTON

35

55

NININGER TWP

VERMILLION

66 LAKEVILLE

61

VERMILLION TWP

91

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

50 HAMPTON

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

EUREKA TWP

3

NEW TRIER

HAMPTON TWP

DOUGLAS TWP

50

61

MIESVILLE

20

80

52

56

85

CASTLE ROCK TWP

86

GREENVALE TWP

19

WATERFORD TWP

NORTHFIELD

Archery Biking Boating Camper cabin Camping Canoeing/Kayaking Cross-country skiing

RANDOLPH TWP RANDOLPH

88

47 SCIOTA TWP

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

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Dog on-leash Dogsledding Fishing Gardening Geocaching Hiking Horseback riding

Horseshoes Ice skating Kicksledding Mountain biking Nature play area Picnicking Play area

Recreational bonfire Rollerblading Ski skating Sledding Snowshoeing Swimming

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

PROGRAMS FOR 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; adults free.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Worms and Dirt Delve into the world of worms.

Learn how they move, what they eat and more. Dig for worms and create your own worm art to take home.

Thu, Oct. 8; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001 Sat, Oct. 17; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001 A Gobbler Get-Together Create turkey tracks, look for signs of turkeys and use your senses to learn about these large birds.

Thu, Nov. 12; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001 Sat, Nov. 21; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001 Winter Hibernators Discover why some animals hibernate and why some migrate or adapt. Find out how and where hibernating animals spend the winter.

Thu, Dec. 10; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001 Sat, Dec. 19; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001 Winter Birds Learn how the beaks of Minnesota’s winter birds help them eat, take a hike to look for birds and make your own "binoculars" to take home.

Thu, Jan. 14; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001 Sat, Jan. 23; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001 Plenty of 'Possums Examine the life of opossums.

Learn why they love to hang from their tails, how they’re similar to kangaroos and other fun facts about these small animals.

Thu, Feb. 11; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001 Sat, Feb. 20; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001

Signs of Spring Discover what happens to animals and plants in spring. Learn how to grow a tree, explore the park on a scavenger hunt and plant your very own flower.

Thu, March 10; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001 Sat, March 19; 10–11:30 am Activity Number: 212001 HOMESCHOOL LAB Use the park as your lab for hands-on study and scientific experimentation.

Ages: 6–12.

Fee: $8/youth.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Science of Spiders Delve into the world of spiders and their relatives, and discover the important role spiders play in our ecosystems.

Wed, Oct. 7; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 211501 Field Observations Increase your awareness of nature and make scientific observations about nature through field exercises and journaling.

Wed, Nov. 4; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 211501 Science of Glaciers Discover how glaciers impacted the landscape of the park thousands of years ago, and conduct your own glacier experiments.

Wed, Dec. 2; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 211501 HOMESCHOOL RECREATION Learn and practice new recreation skills.

Ages: 6–12.

Fee: $8/youth.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Winter Survival Discover how organisms survive the winter months and learn the skills humans need to survive winter cold in the wild.

Wed, Jan. 6; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 211502 Cross-Country Skiing Learn the basics of classic-style cross-country skiing and get out on the trails to practice your new skills.

Wed, Feb. 3; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 211502

Making Tracks Make tracks on snowshoes and learn the art and science of tracking animals.

Wed, March 2; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 211502 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 — Clover Petal Earn your Clover Petal by learning about natural resources, how humans use them and what types of natural resources are in the park.

Ages: 5–6.

Sat, Oct. 10; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 212301 Tiger Cub Scouts — Tigers in the Wild Learn how to prepare for a hike and head out to explore the park on foot. Discover the different types of trees, plants and animals in the park and enjoy a campfire while completing your adventure.

Ages: 6–7.

Sat, Oct. 10; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 212305 Brownie Girl Scouts — Hiker Badge Learn what to bring on a hike, how to read a map and take a hike with a naturalist to earn your Hiker Badge.

Ages: 6–9.

Sat, Oct. 24; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 212302 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.

Sat, Oct. 24; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 212307 Junior Girl Scouts — Animal Habitats Earn your Animal Habitats badge by learning about animals that live in the wild. Explore animal habitats and how important they are and learn what you can do to protect them.

Ages: 8–11.

Sat, Nov. 7; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 212303

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Wolf Cub Scouts — Finding Your Way Complete your adventure by learning how to read and use a compass and map — including symbols and keys —and by going on a scavenger hunt.

Ages: 7–8.

Sat, Nov. 7; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 212306 Webelos — Earth Rocks Learn about geology — the study of earth and rocks and how they change — and complete your Earth Rocks adventure.

Ages: 9–11.

Sat, Nov. 21; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 212308 WINTER DAY CAMP Join us on winter break or school release days for one-day camps.

Ages: 8–12.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Exploring the Urban Forest Explore the urban forest with artist Sarah Nassif, conduct a field survey and use a variety of natural materials from the woods to design a work of art. Create a screen print to take home. A Minnesota Legacy program.

Fee: Free; registration required.

Fri, Dec. 4; 10 am–3 pm Activity Number: 210201 Winter Wilderness Survival Know what it takes to survive outdoors in winter. Learn to build shelters, start a fire and more at this winter break day camp.

Fee: $30/youth.

Mon, Dec. 28; 9 am–3 pm Activity Number: 210406 Snow Science Learn about snow and winter weather through experiments, games and outdoor exploration.

Fee: $30/youth.

Fri, Feb. 12; 9 am–3 pm Activity Number: 210406 YOUTH CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSON Learn the basic skills of classicstyle cross-country skiing in a kid-friendly environment.

Ages: 6–12.

Fee: $15/youth.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Sun, Jan. 3; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210601 Sun, Jan. 10; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 210601 Sat, Jan. 30; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210601 Sun, Feb. 7; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 210601

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES

FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAY Join us for family fun on the first Friday of every month.

Ages: All ages.

Fee: Free; registration requested.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Treasure Hunt Find treasures hidden in the park using GPS units. Bring your own unit or borrow one of ours. Limited number available.

Fri, Oct. 2; 7–8:30 pm Activity Number: 211001 Coyote Stories Join Nimisee the clown from Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater for tales of Coyote — a kindhearted hero from the stories of the Assiniboine of the Great Plains.

A Minnesota Legacy program.

Fri, Nov. 6; 7–8:30 pm Activity Number: 211001 Are You Thirsty?

The Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater returns with a performance that explores one of earth's most precious resources — water.

A Minnesota Legacy program.

Fri, Dec. 4; 7–8:30 pm Activity Number: 211001 Fun on the Ice Enjoy an evening of fun on the ice under the lights. Bring your own ice skates or try a kicksled for free.

Fri, Jan. 1; 7–8:30 pm Activity Number: 211001 Musica, Lengua, y Cultura Join Leo and Kathy Lara as they present Latin American Folk music.

Hear the legend of the armadilloshaped charango, listen as they simulate sounds of the rainforest and more. A Minnesota Legacy program.

Fri, Feb. 5; 7–8:30 pm Activity Number: 211001 Celebration of Spring Celebrate the coming of spring with Bulgarian folk music by Traki.

Fri, March 4; 7–8:30 pm Activity Number: 211001

www.dakotacounty.us/parks GEOCACHING FOR FAMILIES Bring the whole family to learn how to use a GPS unit and find hidden caches in the park.

Ages: 5 and older.

Fee: $8/person.

Amphitheater Whitetail Woods Regional Park Sun, Oct. 11; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 212201 STORYWALK‰ Take a self-guided walk in the park and read from fun picture book pages displayed along the trail. A Minnesota Legacy program.

Ages: All ages.

Fee: Free; registration requested.

Visitor Center Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park Thu–Sun, Oct. 15–18; 8 am–8 pm Activity Number: 211802 CREATURES OF THE NIGHT Explore the park on a guided nighttime hike and discover how darkness can play tricks on your senses.

Ages: 5 and older.

Fee: $8/person.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Fri, Oct. 30; 6–8 pm Activity Number: 211404 WILD BOOKS: WINTER BEES Meet Joyce Sidman, awardwinning author of Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold, a book of poems that reveal how animals adapt to the winter.

Ages: All ages.

Fee: Free; registration requested.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Sat, Dec. 5; 10–11 am Activity Number: 211801 SNOWSHOE HIKE FOR FAMILIES Take a guided snowshoe hike through Whitetail Woods and learn how the animals that live there hibernate or adapt to winter and what plants do to survive the cold.

Ages: 5 and older.

Fee: $12/person.

Amphitheater Whitetail Woods Regional Park Sun, Dec. 27; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 211405

PARENT CHILD CROSSCOUNTRY SKI LESSON Learn the basic skills of classicstyle cross-country skiing in a family-friendly environment.

Ages: 5 and older.

Fee: $15/person.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Sun, Jan. 3; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 210602 Sun, Jan. 10; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210602 Sat, Jan. 30; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 210602 Sun, Feb. 7; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210602 OWL OUTING Delve into the world of owls and take a hike for a chance to hear and see these nocturnal hunters at work.

Ages: 5 and older.

Fee: $8/person.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Fri, Jan. 15; 5–7 pm Activity Number: 211702 FULL MOON SNOWSHOE FOR FAMILIES Learn snowshoeing basics and explore the woods on a guided family hike under the full moon.

Ages: 5 and older.

Fee: $12/person.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Sat, Jan. 23; 5–7 pm Activity Number: 211401 ANIMAL TRACKING Bring your family on a guided winter hike and learn to identify tracks and other signs animals leave behind.

Ages: 5 and older.

Fee: $8/person.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Sat, March 5; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 211701 WINTER TREE ID Maple, oak, hackberry or elm.

Learn how to identify a variety of trees when there are no leaves to give it away — a great skill for birding and maple syruping.

Ages: 5 and older.

Fee: $8/person.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Sat, March 5; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 211703

click Programs & Events

ADULT PROGRAMS

FALL COLORS HIKE FOR ADULTS Take a guided hike to experience the beautiful fall colors at Whitetail Woods.

Ages: 16 and older.

Fee: $8/person.

Amphitheater Whitetail Woods Regional Park Sun, Oct. 4; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 211403 YOGA FOR BEGINNERS Join an all-level class that focuses on breathing in each pose and listening to your body.

Ages: 10 and older.

Fee: $48/session. (6 classes per session) Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Wed, Oct. 7–Nov. 11; 6:30–7:30 pm Activity Number: 211201 Wed, Jan. 6–Feb. 10; 6:30–7:30 pm Activity Number: 211201 YOGA FOR INTERMEDIATES Take the next step and focus on correct alignment and strength.

Ages: 10 and older.

Fee: $48/session. (6 classes per session) Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Wed, Nov. 18–Dec. 23; 6:30–7:45 pm Activity Number: 211201 Wed, Feb. 17–March 23; 6:30–7:45 pm Activity Number: 211201 CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS FOR ADULTS Learn about equipment, trails and technique in this introduction to classic-style cross-country skiing.

Ages: 16 and older.

Fee: $30/person.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Sat, Jan. 9; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210603 Sat, Jan. 9; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 210603 Sun, Jan. 24; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210603 Sat, Feb. 6; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210603 Sat, Feb. 6; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 210603 Sun, Feb. 21; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 210603

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

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

Ages: 16 and older.

Fee: $30/person.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Sun, Jan. 24; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 210603 Sun, Feb. 21; 2–4 pm Activity Number: 210603 BACKYARD AGRICULTURE: BEEKEEPING BASICS Discover everything you need to know to start your own apiary with Joanne Sabin of the Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association. Learn honeybee biology and behavior, hive management and swarm prevention, what equipment is needed and where to get it, and how to harvest honey and take care of your bees year-round.

Ages: 16 and older.

Fee: $40/person.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Thu, Jan. 14, 21 and 28; 6–9 pm Activity Number: 211301 FULL MOON SNOWSHOE FOR ADULTS Learn snowshoeing basics and take a guided hike to explore the woods by moonlight.

Ages: 16 and older.

Fee: $18/person.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Fri, Jan. 22; 5–7 pm Activity Number: 211401 SNOWSHOE HIKE FOR ADULTS Take a guided snowshoe hike and discover the beauty of Schaar's Bluff in winter.

Ages: 16 and older.

Fee: $18/person.

Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Sun, Feb. 28; 1–3 pm Activity Number: 211405 BIRDING BASICS: APPS AND OPTICS Delve into the basics of birding.

Learn about optic choices and care, field guides and birding apps before hitting the trail.

Ages: 16 and older.

Fee: $8/person.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Sat, March 12; 10 am–noon Activity Number: 211704

EVENTS

WILD RIDE Ride the best mountain bike trails in the metro at the Wild Ride Mountain Bike Festival.

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. Hot food and beer for purchase, prices vary.

Ages: All ages.

Fee: Free; registration requested.

West Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park Sat, Oct. 3; 10 am–4 pm Activity Number: 210801 NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY Ring in the new year a little early at our family New Year's Eve Party. Enjoy an evening of ice skating, hiking and snowshoeing by candlelight; sliding on our lit sledding hill; and warming up at a roaring bonfire. Head indoors for face painting, storytelling, live animals and more. Join the countdown and ball drop at 7:59 p.m. Bring your own sleds and ice skates. Snowshoe rental available. Hot food provided by food trucks; prices vary.

Ages: All ages.

Fee: $8/person if pre-registered by Dec. 30; $10/person at the door.

Youth ages 5 and under free.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Thu, Dec. 31; 5–8 pm Activity Number: 210802 TRAILS BY CANDLELIGHT Pick your passion for winter fun.

Cross-country ski, hike, ice skate and snowshoe by candlelight.

Slide on the lit sledding hill and warm up by a roaring bonfire. Ski and snowshoe rental available.

Bring your own sleds.

Ages: All ages.

Fee: $8/person if pre-registered by Feb. 12; $10/person at the door.

Youth ages 5 and under free.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Sat, Feb. 13; 6–9 pm Activity Number: 210803

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

INFORMATION

REGISTRATION To register online, search for the program using the activity number or a key word in the program title. Registration not required for free programs unless noted.

Satisfaction is guaranteed.

PAYMENT Payment is due at registration.

All major credit cards are accepted.

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

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

SCHOLARSHIPS Call 952-891-7000.

ACCESSIBILITY Let us know at least three weeks in advance what accommodations can make a program accessible for you or your family and we’ll make every effort to accommodate your need.

EQUIPMENT Provided unless specified.

NEED EQUIPMENT?

Rent kicksleds, snowshoes and ski equipment at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center. www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search equipment rental.

Nature retreats in Dakota County Parks www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search retreat center

11 LAND OF 10,000 PROTECTED ACRES 14 THE MAKING OF RECYCLING EXPERTS

Go Green Ahead of the curve WE LEAD THE WAY IN LAND CONSERVATION

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hat started as a response to resident concerns more than a decade ago has resulted in thousands of acres of permanently protected agricultural and natural lands and miles of shoreland in Dakota County.

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Go Green | Land of 10,000 protected acres

T

he Dakota County Board of wide vegetative buffers were estabCommissioners adopted the lished along all rivers, streams and Farmland and Natural Area lakes to prevent nutrients, chemiProtection Plan in 2002 becals and sediment from entering cause the trend for rapid population the water, as had been included in growth was continuing, and with it existing state laws. came increased conversion of open From the beginning of Daspace to residential development. kota County’s land conservation In 1950, 85 percent of the county program, participating landownwas used for agricultural producers were required to establish a tion. During the 1990s, an average minimum 75-foot-wide vegetative of 1,000 acres was being converted buffer along any river, stream or from agricultural to suburban use lake located on their property. each year. By 2012, agricultural use In 2012, a new County program in the county had been reduced specifically focused on protecting by 100,000 acres these important — more than 30 shoreland areas. percent.

In addition, a Resident surveys Resident three-year effort surveys consisstarting in 2011 consistently showed tently showed led to nearly that more than that more than 100-percent buf90 percent of fer compliance 90 percent of respondents on all other rural respondents wanted wanted to see properties not natural areas, participating in to see natural areas, lakes and farmland conservation lakes & farmland land protected. programs.

Our land Funding from protected. protection the state Outdoor efforts have Heritage Fund been focused on (Clean Water, voluntary programs in which Land and Legacy Constitutional landowners apply to participate.

Amendment) and the EnvironPrimarily, we purchase permament and Natural Resources nent conservation easements Trust Fund, the U.S. Department from landowners. The landownof Agriculture, and other sources ers continue to own their land has greatly assisted us in acquiring and retain the rights to use, rent, these easements from nearly 100 transfer, or sell the land, but the percent of the selected applicants. land can’t be developed. We also Our initial goal when land conwork with other public entities, servation efforts began in 2003 such as the Minnesota Departwas to protect between 5,000 ment of Natural Resources and and 10,000 acres. Along with cities, to acquire land. landowners and partners, we’ve The purpose of land protection achieved that goal and continue to goes beyond preserving habitat look to the future. To date, 10,084 and containing development. It’s acres have been protected, and also key to protecting our water. we’re working on projects that During the 2015 legislative will protect an additional 1,000 session, the governor proposed a acres when completed. “buffer bill” to ensure that 50-foot-

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Counting the acres After Dakota County voters approved a referendum creating the program more than a decade ago, we immediately got to work conserving land throughout Dakota County. It took more than 100 separate projects, but we’ve managed to protect more than 10,000 acres of private and public lands outside of the park system. Here’s how we’ve done from year to year:

Year

Acres

2003

34

2004

9

2005

1,175

2006

761

2007

978

2008

1,173

2009

1,027

2010

633

2011

1,675

2012

654

2013

1,483

2014

431

2015

741*

*Projected by the end of 2015

Go Green | The making of recycling experts

Mastering the art of recycling Dakota County class puts residents on fast track to becoming recycling experts www.dakotacounty.us, search master recycler

F

ifty years ago, you may have seen one recycling bin a day. Today, they’re more common than lost cats. Chances are you pass by at least half a dozen in a 24-hour span because so many workplaces, shopping malls, sporting venues, recreational centers and other public areas have embraced recycling bins, placing them right alongside trash receptacles for us to effortlessly help the environment.

Do they get used? Of course. But not as much as they could, and not by everybody.

The problem lies in education.

There have been a lot of advances in the recycling industry in the past few years, allowing us to recycle more than ever before. But it can be hard to know the latest information. That’s why Dakota County created a Master Recycler/Composter class for residents.

The class is offered twice a year.

Participants learn the latest information on recycling and waste reduction methods and go on field trips to a recycling facility and a landfill. They also learn about commonly misunderstood topics, like why some plastic can be recycled and some can’t, or how recycling facilities successfully sort through multiple types of recycling that you put into a single bin.

The class allows the County to reach more people with recycling education, by creating a volunteer pool of knowledgeable residents. Each graduate agrees to commit at least 30 hours of volunteering, so their newfound knowledge is put to good use — at city festivals, during county events and at their workplaces. Last year’s 42 Master Recycler/Composter graduates became advocates for improving recycling habits throughout their communities, volunteering more than 500 hours and helping to motivate more than 10,000 residents to improve recycling.

Strong interest in the Master Recycler/Composter program showed us that our residents are ready to learn more and help increase recycling in our communities, so we plan to continue offering the classes twice a year.

Whether you already have a good grasp on the right methods or need a whole lot of guidance when it comes to going green, we’ve got you covered.

Live and learn

Join in

After taking the Dakota County Master Recycler/Composter class last year, almost half of the 43 participants took time to evaluate what they learned. And the results show they’re ready to pass their newfound knowledge along to their peers.

Dakota County’s fall 2015 Master Recycler/Composter class kicks off Oct. 1. Get educated on waste reduction, recycling, composting and solid waste from 6–9 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 1–Nov. 5 at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan. The class lasts for six weeks and includes expert presentations, hands-on demonstrations and field trips. Seats are limited. To learn more, contact Jenny Kedward at 952-8917043.

Agree

Not sure

Disagree

I understand how to influence the recycling behavior of others

100%

0%

0%

I understand what to do with household hazardous waste

100%

0%

0%

I understand how to instruct others to recycle

90%

10%

0%

I understand how to compost at home

95%

5%

0%

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F E A T U R E

No matter what you do for a living, Dakota County has careers that will let you “be more.�

w

ho doesn’t want to be valued for the work you do? To have a career that’s meaningful and makes life better — not just for yourself, but for those around you? To be of service to the community?

To quite simply “be more”?

Research shows that’s exactly what millennials, the largest generation in this country, surpassing baby boomers in 2015, wants.

Sixty percent of millennials, people ages 18–34 years, say they chose their employer because they appreciate the organization’s “sense of purpose.”

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ENTER PUBLIC SERVICE JOBS IF YOU WANT a chance to really

make a difference in the lives of people in your community, public service is the place to be. And no one has more service opportunities than county government.

Imagine spending your work day helping families with nowhere to go find a place to call home, vaccinating babies to help them get a good start in life, finding justice for crime victims, helping motorists get where they need to go by plowing snow from roads, keeping communities safe, getting veterans the services they deserve, inspiring children to read or helping someone who’s taken a wrong turn in life get back on track.

Just as rewarding is the work behind the scenes securing electronic information, balancing the budget, maintaining traffic signals, safeguarding our drinking water, making sure squad cars are in tip-top running condition or hiring the best people to deliver these essential services.

That’s right. The careers in county government run the gamut — financial aid workers, public health nurses, attorneys, snowplow drivers, deputies, project managers, accountants, information technology specialists, environmentalists, fleet technicians, veterans service officers, grounds keepers, planners, librarians, legal assistants and human resource specialists. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

75% OF MILLENNIALS SAY

BUSINESSES NEED MORE FOCUS ON IMPROVING SOCIETY.

2014

HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW SURVEY— MILLENNIALS WANT MEANING AND SIGNIFICANCE FROM THEIR WORK.

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A WAVE IS COMING

42% OF THE

ACCORDING TO the latest U.S. Census, there are more than 47,000 persons age 65 years and older living in Dakota County.

Over the next 15 years, that number is expected to nearly triple.

What that means is the baby boomer population in Dakota County is fast approaching retirement age.

County government will experience a high number of job openings as baby boomers retire.

The county will need to replace large numbers of highly skilled and experienced employees from appraisers to water resource specialists.

DAKOTA COUNTY WORKFORCE IS OVER 50.

AND THE ODDS ARE GOOD WE’LL BE HIRING MILLENNIALS, PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF ABOUT 18 AND 34 YEARS.

County government will experience a high number of job openings as baby boomers retire.

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE THE WORK OF county govern-

ment can be difficult — delivering a multitude of services that meet the needs of all residents — to an

increasingly diverse population — in the best way possible — at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers.

In Dakota County, that means services to more than 400,000 residents. It sounds daunting. But we do it every day.

To help accomplish that feat, we hire the best and the brightest to help us find ways to cut costs without cutting corners and com-

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promising service. Our employees are resourceful and innovative in how we deliver those services — and it shows. Our bi-annual residential survey consistently shows our residents approve of the services we deliver and how we deliver them; and, best of all, we do it at the lowest county tax rate in the metro area. It’s challenging, but it’s very rewarding.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF WORKERS

OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE

THERE’S BEEN A LOT of media attention to the question of how to attract millennials to the workplace. Interestingly, a Pew study found that millennials are not all that attracted to the idea of good retirement benefits although they do value job security.

This may be because millennials also indicate they intend to be more mobile, not staying in one job long enough to take advantage of those benefits.

Other workplace items on their wish list include flexible work hours and being their own boss.

But one of the key things they’re looking for in a job is the opportunity to invest in a place where they can make a difference — preferably at a place that itself makes a difference. According to a report published on Fortune.com, 64 percent of millennials say it’s a priority for them to make the world a better place. And that’s where county government comes out on top. The diverse services and programs we provide play a fundamental role in keeping our community functioning and making the lives of our residents better — a great fit for the next generation of workers.

UNLIKE MOST private organizations, county government delivers a wide variety of services that touch the lives of their residents every day.

One of the greatest challenges we’ll face in the coming years is attracting qualified candidates for an array of professions that are in high demand, but have current and foreseeable market shortages. Those professions include programmers, network engineers, project managers and system administrators. It also includes commercial appraisers, management analysts, building maintenance experts and public health nurses — to name a few.

MILLENNIALS WILL MAKE UP OF THE WORKFORCE BY 2025.

75%

WHEN MILLENNIALS LOOK FOR A WORKPLACE WHERE THEY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, COUNTY GOVERNMENT COMES OUT ON TOP.

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ATTRACTING THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST EACH AND EVERY JOB at Dakota County helps to make life better for residents. While many people don’t realize it, county jobs touch their lives in many ways every day — using the library, taking their child to a licensed daycare, driving on a county road, visiting a county park, dropping off hazardous waste at the The Recycling Zone, applying for a marriage license or passport, renewing their driver’s license, or obtaining records on property transactions.

We have public health professionals who ward off health threats; social workers who make sure our most vulnerable residents are cared for; financial assistance specialists who help residents get back on their feet; park keepers who protect our natural resources; probation officers who help offenders turn their life around; signal technicians who make sure traffic flows efficiently; and administrative assistants who help process, track and distribute information.

It takes a lot of hard-working and dedicated people to deliver the services that make Dakota County a great place to live — it’s a complicated business that can be challenging and gratifying at the same time.

But as complicated a business as it is, it makes the reason for working for county government simple — when the work you do makes life better for others, then you’re doing something meaningful, and you are more.

Donald Rumsfeld, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, had this to say about public service.

Enjoy your time in public service.

It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life.

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WE’RE PROUD OF WHAT WE DO. YOU CAN BE TOO. To convince good candidates that a career in county government can be the most rewarding choice they can make, Dakota County has gone on the offensive.

To do that, we’ve developed a brand for our workforce and the jobs they do. That brand is “Be more.”

Be the reason their rĂŠsumĂŠs stand out from the rest

Be the reason she loves to read

Be a WorkForce Center advisor

Be a librarian

Be the one to protect our tiniest tots

Be a voice for the victims

Be the light of our lives

Be a Public Health nurse

Be an assistant county attorney

Be a signal technician

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Be more.

Do good.

Volunteer.

Looking to lend a hand?

We’d be happy to have you!

Our volunteer opportunities run the gamut. Enhance the environment, influence struggling youth, encourage lifelong learning and so much more. The time you commit is in your control. Dive into a daylong event, volunteer in a monthslong program or help us out for years to come.

No matter what you choose, you’ll be building a better community. So go ahead, pick your passion and start feeling good about giving back.

Find out more at www.dakotacounty.us search volunteers

Community | 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

Liz Workman District 5

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

Mary Liz Holberg District 6

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

Chris Gerlach

District 7 T: 651-438-4411 Includes the cities of Rosemount Precincts 3 and 5, and Apple Valley.

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.

Nancy Schouweiler

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

LILYDALE MENDOTA MENDOTA HEIGHTS

WEST ST. PAUL SUNFISH LAKE

2

3 EAGAN

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

BURNSVILLE

5

APPLE VALLEY

4

7 ROSEMOUNT

NININGER HASTINGS

COATES

VERMILLION

6

EMPIRE

1

LAKEVILLE FARMINGTON

RAVENNA MARSHAN

VERMILLION TWP

NEW TRIER

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.

SOUTH ST. PAUL

MIESVILLE

HAMPTON EUREKA

CASTLE ROCK

HAMPTON TWP

DOUGLAS

RANDOLPH TWP RANDOLPH SCIOTA

GREENVALE

WATERFORD NORTHFIELD

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