Community Advisory Committee - Brown's Creek Watershed District

In fulfillment of Minnesota Statutes section 103D.331, the BCWD has an advisory committee to advise and assist the Board of Managers on all matters affecting the interests of the watershed and to make recommendations to the managers on all projects, programs, and activities. The BCWD’s CAC meets six times per year (in even months) and helps host events throughout the year. Members support the BCWD by helping with monitoring efforts, assisting with community outreach and networking, and advising the District of noteworthy change in the watershed.

CAC Vision Statement

To assist the watershed district managers with public outreach and education to engage residents with the watershed district and to promote behaviors that protect and improve habitat and our natural resources. To review and provide feedback to the managers on budgets, programs, and projects.

CAC Members and Community

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is made up of a cross-section of residents from throughout the district to help support the mission and goals of the district. The CAC assists in developing programs and activities that help improve and protect the water resources of the district. The CAC also provides input on reports, budgets, activities, programs, and projects from the local perspective of the district’s citizens.

Members

George Vania, Oak Park Heights (Chair)

George Vania has been involved with the BCWD CAC for over 10 years. Prior to this he was a member Stillwater Water Board. His focus is on habitat protection and documenting the wild bird inventory at the Brown’s Creek Conservation Area. George is a retired Professional Environmental Engineer involved for 45 years in the Water and Wastewater Treatment Industry. He lives with his wife Josie at Boutwell's Landing.

Anne Maule Miller, Stillwater

Anne Maule Miller has been involved with BCWD as a board manager and CAC member. Protecting water and the environment for future generations is a core value. Prior to retirement in 2016, she was a technical and quality manager in 3M’s Healthcare Business Group. A Master’s Degree in Theology and Spiritual Direction Certification are used in her role as a Lay Minister for her church and diocese. She is a hobby beekeeper and serves on the local bee club board. Anne and her husband Lee share their lives with a large family. She gardens with Hmong farmers, is an avid reader, kayaker and ‘plays’ Tai Chi.

Hal Udoli, Stillwater

Dory Herman, Stillwater

Jyneen Thatcher, May Township

Jyneen Thatcher worked at the Washington Conservation District until she retired 10 years ago. In addition to overseeing wetland regulation in the county, she helped landowners with assessing and restoring native plant communities on their land. Now she spends her time in volunteering for groups such as Carpenter Nature Center, Washington County Parks, county fair flower judging, and several bicycle and Nordic skiing groups in addition to the BCWD CAC. She continues natural resource studies through LCO University.

Dennis Gervais, Grant

David Wortman, Grant

Join the CAC

If you are interested in watershed issues and want to get involved in the watershed community, share what you have to offer as a Community Advisory Committee member.

Current CAC members run "Open Yard" outreach events May - September, help run a community event in September, monitor restoration progress on a BCWD conservation property, and provide public input to the BCWD board. Join us on these activities or help start up a new mutually beneficial initiative!

Want to learn more?

Review the Position Description and Volunteer Brochure to learn more about CAC duties.
Come join us for a meeting or two to see what we are all about! All CAC meetings are open to the general public.
Learn about watershed management from the Watershed District Management Primer: A Presentation to the BCWD CAC