News from 2004
Organization of a New River Group
In January 2004, with guidance from the Rivers
Council of Minnesota, a steering committee began to
actively plan the organization of a new river group,
the Friends of the Sauk. A small but strong core of
individuals worked together to lay the groundwork
for the group.
In March 2004, after several planning meetings, 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.
The hard work of the group paid early dividends. In
August 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. Mitch Bender and Kurt Franke represented
the group at the ceremony and accepted the award
from Senator Norm Coleman. The award also included
$1000, which was a much needed fiscal boost for the
group.
By 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. The group was among one of the very few
river groups ever to participate in the program.
Participation in the program also allowed the group
to access up to $7,400 in grants through the
Initiative Foundation.
