Governor Town Hall Water Summit

Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith today announced the Administration will host a Town Hall Water Summit on Friday, January 27, 2017. The Summit will focus on the water challenges and solutions in Greater Minnesota and will be held on the campus of the University of Minnesota, Morris. The day-long event aims to bring together local government leaders, farmers, students, environmentalists and businesses. The Town Hall Water Summit is the second large public forum during Governor Dayton’s Year of Water Action.

“Communities in Greater Minnesota face special challenges to ensure that their citizens have access to clean water for drinking, washing, agriculture, business, and recreation,” said Governor Dayton. “These challenges are everyone’s responsibility, and everyone’s opportunity. I invite all Minnesotans to join us in seeking solutions, at the Town Hall Water Summit in Morris.”

Despite the state’s abundance of lakes, rivers, groundwater and streams, more than 40 percent of Minnesota’s waters are currently listed as impaired or polluted. Damaging aquatic invasive species have infested more than 550 lakes statewide. The water treatment plants and clean drinking water systems that make Minnesotans’ water safe to drink, cook with, and bathe in, are also in serious disrepair. Some communities still rely on wooden pipes, installed more than 100 years ago, for their drinking water. In fact, Minnesota is $11 billion behind in just maintaining our aging water treatment and delivery systems over the next 20 years. And initial testing indicates that 60 percent of the wells in Central Minnesota may not provide safe drinking water. Governor Dayton has declared a “Year of Water Action” urging all Minnesotans to rethink water usage in daily life, make informed consumer choices, and talk to others about clean water protection and preservation.

“Clean water is good for our environment, families, and businesses. Without clean water, you can’t grow the crops that feed our growing population, take in a great fishing opener, or expand your business across our state,” said Lt. Governor Smith. “I look forward to hearing from Minnesotans about how we can rise to this challenge, and ensure clean water for years to come.”

“I am pleased that Governor Dayton has selected the University of Minnesota, Morris as the location for this year's water summit,” said Chancellor Jacqueline R. Johnson. “Powered by the wind and sun and fueled by local biomass, the campus is nationally recognized as a leader in environmental innovation. Summit participants will not only contribute to a vitally important conversation, they will also have the opportunity to experience a campus that is a model for sustainable living.”

Town Hall Water Summit Program

Each interview, speaker and panel will include inclusive Q&A sessions and public conversation.

9:45 a.m. Registration Opens and Social Hour

10:30 a.m. Welcome – UMN Morris Chancellor Jacqueline Johnson

10:35 a.m. Gary Eichten Interviews Governor Mark Dayton

Governor Dayton will be interviewed by former MPR host Gary Eichten

10:50 a.m. Keynote Address – Greg Page, former CEO of Cargill

11:45 a.m. Networking Lunch

12:45 p.m. Panel 1: The Food and Water Nexus

Water is essential to food production, but what is the impact of agricultural activities on water quality and public health? Are farmers taking on risk by making continuous improvements that minimize impacts on water? What is the role and responsibility of private sector industry? What kinds of support do farmers need to make changes?

• Lauren Biegler, corn and soy farmer
• Larry and Nancy Greden, dairy and crop farmers
• Becky Kenow, Director, Sustainability at Land O’Lakes
• Holly Kovarik, Pope Soil & Water Conservation District; member, Clean Water Council
• Pete Moulton, Water Superintendent, City of Saint Peter

1:45 p.m. Break

1:50 p.m. Panel 2: The Economic Importance and Burden of Water for Communities

What are the challenges facing local communities and watershed management plans? What innovative solutions and best practices to improve water quality are being cultivated in Greater Minnesota?

• Blaine Hill, City Manager, Morris
• Larry Krohn, Otter Tail County Coordinator/Administrator
• Anne Marcotte, Aitkin County Commissioner
• Dan Schutte, District Manager, Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Vernell Roberts, Utilities General Manager, Detroit Lakes

2:50 p.m. Closing Remarks & Looking Ahead – Lt. Governor Tina Smith

3:00 p.m. Social Hour featuring the Water Bar

4:00 p.m. Town Hall Water Summit Concludes

Satellite Locations Will Connect Minnesotans Across The State To Summit In Morris

Minnesotans across the state will be able to participate in the Town Hall Water Summit in multiple ways. The Governor’s Office and the University of Minnesota, Morris will host a live YouTube stream of the Summit. A link to that stream will be made available on the day of the event.

Join Us on Twitter

Whether on campus at Morris or streaming around the state, Minnesotans are encouraged to engage in the Town Hall Water Summit through Twitter using #MNWaterSummit. Question and answer sessions will draw on questions and comments shared throughout the day on Twitter.

Register for the Town Hall Water Summit

Registration for the Town Hall Water Summit is free and open to the public. Registration for the Town Hall Water Summit in Morris includes a box lunch.