Our History
2004
In January 2004, with guidance from the Rivers Council of
Minnesota, we established a steering committee. This
committee began actively planning the organization of
the Friends of the Sauk River.
On March 9, 2004, the Friends of the Sauk River adopt a
Mission Statement - "We are a citizen voice for the Sauk
River. Our mission is to improve, protect and enjoy the
natural resources of the Sauk River Watershed."
On August 10, 2004, the Friends of the Sauk River were awarded
the Wenck River Friendly Community Award by Wenck
Associates, Inc. and the Rivers Council of Minnesota.
The award was presented to the Friends by Senator Norm
Coleman.
In November 2004, the Friends of the Sauk River were selected
to participate in the 2005 Healthy Lakes and Rivers
Program sponsored by the Initiative Foundation.
2005
January 2005 marked the first anniversary of the Friends of
the Sauk River.
In March 2005, the Friends of the Sauk River completed a
two session leadership training workshop sponsored by
the Initiative Foundation. The Friends began actively
planning a visioning session for the community.
In August 2005, the Friends of the Sauk River drafted
Articles of Incorporation and By-laws.
In November 2005, the Friends of the Sauk River became
incorporated and held elections for officers for the
Board of Directors.
Friends of the Sauk River President (2005-2006): Coralee
Fox
2006
January 2006 marked the second anniversary of the Friends of
the Sauk River.
On April 28, 2006, the Friends of the Sauk River held a
community visioning session. Twenty-five members of the
community came to share their thoughts on how the group
could better serve the Sauk River. Special speakers were
John Peck, Julie Klocker and Kurt Franke.
In June 2006, Governor Pawlenty signed into law MN
Statute 85.32, which designated the Sauk River as one of
Minnesota's State Canoe Routes. The Friends of the Sauk
River were instrumental in lobbying for this action. A
special thanks goes to 2005-2006 Board members, Kurt
Franke and Gene Waldorf, for their persistent lobbying.
On September 23, 2006, the Friends of the Sauk River
held its first annual membership meeting. The meeting
was held at John and Linda Peck's residence in
Rockville. Approximately 20 members attended. A new
Board of Directors was established, as well as officers
of the Board. During the meeting the Peck's also
presented information regarding their recent land
donation to Stearns County and the establishment of a
356 acre park complex along the Sauk River.
Friends of the Sauk River President (2006-2007): Mitch
Bender
2007
January 2007 marked the third anniversary of the Friends of
the Sauk River.
On May 24, 2007, a monitoring project near Mill Creek began.
The project was funded by the Friends of the Sauk River
through their Healthy Lakes and Rivers Program grant.
On September 15, 2007, the Friends of the Sauk River
held its second annual membership meeting. The meeting
was held at Sauk River Park in Melrose, MN.
Approximately 25 members attended. Guest presenters were
Tryg
Hanson from the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources and Adam Hjlem from the Sauk River Watershed
District. A new Board of Directors was established.
Friends of the Sauk River President (2007-2008): Andrew Dotseth
2008
January 2008 marked the fourth anniversary of the Friends of
the Sauk River.
In March 2008, the Friends of the Sauk River became
established as a 501c3 organization. Great thanks to Joe
Storlien and Gene Waldorf for their efforts.
In April 2008, The Friends of the
Sauk River adopted a portion of the Sauk River in the
St. Cloud area. Our stretch of the river runs between
Highway 75 in Waite Park and the 8th Street bridge. This
area of the river will the target area for upcoming
river clean ups.
On May 3, 2008, the Friends of the Sauk River held its first
river clean up. Over
50 volunteers helped to clean nearly 3 miles of the
beautiful Sauk River near Wait Park and St. Cloud.
On September 13, 2008, the Friends of the Sauk River
held its third annual membership meeting. The meeting
was held at the City Center Administration Building in
Melrose, MN. Approximately 20 members attended.
Guest presenters were Marian Bender from the Minnesota Waters
and Adam Hjlem from the Sauk River Watershed District. A
new Board of Directors was established.
Friends of the Sauk River President (2008-2009): Michael
Hayman II
2009
January 2009 marked the fifth anniversary of the Friends of
the Sauk River.
On April 13, 2009, the Sauk Ness Monster was born!
On May 2, 2009, the Friends of the Sauk River sponsored
its 2nd annual river clean up. Over 80 volunteers helped
to make a 3 mile stretch of the river more beautiful! It
was also the first year the Sauk Ness Monster was
spotted. Five lucky volunteers spotted the monster and
each won a prize.
On September 12, 2009, the Friends of the Sauk River
held its forth annual membership meeting. The meeting
was held at the City Center Administration Building in
Melrose, MN. Approximately 10 members attended. Guest
presenter was Tara Borgerding from the Sauk River
Watershed District and graduate student at St. Cloud
State University. A new Board of Directors was
established. After the meeting there was a cookout at
Sauk River Park.
Friends of the Sauk River President (2009-2010): Michael
Hayman II
