Public can comment on St. Croix River aquative invasive species plan

The public is invited to comment on a strategic plan addressing aquatic invasive species throughout the St. Croix River watershed at 4 p.m. July 9 at the Washington County Government Center in Lower Level 14.

The strategic plan outlines steps to prevent and control aquatic invasive species throughout the watershed — from Moose Lake, Minn., to Cable, Wis., and south to Prescott, Wis. Invasive species in this region include zebra mussels, Eurasian water milfoil, purple loosestrife, bighead carp and rusty crayfish.

Priorities outlined in the strategic plan have resulted from discussions involving the St. Croix River Association, National Park Service, Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources, St. Croix Watershed Research Station, representatives from counties and watershed districts, members of lake associations, and residents.

To review the plan, visit www.stcroixriverassociation.org, or contact Angelique Edgerton, invasive species coordinator, at 715-483-3300 or angeliquee@scramail.com.

A public session on the rights of grandparents and others who are raising a relative's child will be held from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, in room LL14 of the Washington County Government Center, 14949 62nd St. N., Stillwater.

Increasingly, more children are being raised by people other than their biological parents, the county said, and recent trends show that aunts and family friends are now increasingly stepping into the caregiver role.

Participants will learn about available social and legal resources, such as medical care and adoption. To reserve a spot or for questions, call 651-430-6330.

Photographers can submit their best Stillwater images by Aug. 31 for the chance to win up to $300 or a Stillwater "getaway package" valued at $700. Winners also will receive recognition on the DiscoverStillwater.com website, showcase in the 2016 Official Stillwater Visitors Guide, and on social media. Images are encouraged from all four seasons and must be taken in the Stillwater area.

Up to five images can be submitted with a preferred minimum resolution of 300 dpi. The Stillwater/Oak Park Heights Convention & Visitors Bureau is sponsoring the contest. Contest rules, past winners, and entry page link are available at www.DiscoverStillwater.com/photo-contest.

Washington County has installed a "Rural Intersection Conflict Warning System" on a county road in Grant where residents had complained of fast driving and poor visibility on a hill.

The installation at County Road 17 and 69th Street North provides drivers with "dynamic warning" of other approaching vehicles, the county said. Traffic activates a yellow beacon on a warning sign to help drivers make safe decisions about when to proceed.

Thirty-two similar systems have been installed in the past five years around Minnesota, although the Grant location, installed in May, is the first in Washington County.

The event is open to people 14 and older, with contests, prizes and a picnic. The River Rally is held in conjunction with the National Park Service. Participants can sign up as an individual, family or team on the Community Thread Connect database. Contact Nicole Stjernsward at 651-439-7434 with questions or to learn more.