Two Rivers’ Environmental Advisory Board focused on hands-on spring cleanup planning and how to get more residents to actually show up for EAB events. Parks & Rec also previewed a stormwater grant application and a longer-term shift toward lower-maintenance, more sustainable cemetery landscaping.
No public comments or communications recorded for this meeting.
The board planned a community shoreline cleanup for April 25 (rain date May 2) and lined up People, Earth, Water (PEW) to help from the water using kayaks and canoes. They also assigned team leads for three locations: Veterans Boat Launch (Kyle Kordell), Paddlers Park (Laura Prellwitz), and Washington Park (DeeAnna Laine). This is straightforward, resident-facing work—success depends on turnout and follow-through more than talk.
The board reviewed the 2025–26 winter education series and said it will start planning the 2026–27 series in May. Members noted the EAB webpage still lists the 2024–25 schedule, which undercuts public trust and participation—if residents can’t find accurate info, they won’t show up. They also discussed posting the schedule on the Explore Two Rivers calendar to widen reach.
Members discussed using Cool City Connect to promote EAB events and improve community awareness. This is a process item, but it matters because the board is clearly trying to solve a recurring problem: low visibility for its work. Better communication is the cheapest lever the city has—if they actually keep it updated.
The board brainstormed outreach ideas, including short “Did you know…” blurbs for city communications, contacting high school science teachers to involve students, and showing up at community events like National Night Out. They also discussed using the “I Love TR” Facebook page for promotion. The theme here is consistent: the board is trying to build an audience, not just hold meetings.
Parks & Rec reported ongoing forestry work, including removing 45 dead/dying/storm-damaged trees in 2026 and continuing the city practice of paying for sidewalks lifted by terrace trees. They also noted stump grinding will mainly happen in the fall and identified priority removal areas (including the cemeteries and major parks). This is routine operations, but the sidewalk commitment is a real cost-and-service promise residents should know the city is making.
Parks & Rec described a DNR Non-Point Source & Storm Water grant application tied to stormwater solutions along Mariners Trail. The presentation said the resolution to apply does not commit the city to accepting the grant, but the project concept includes a 50% local match and a possible total cost of $150,000—so the financial pressure could show up later in the 2027 budget conversation. Residents should watch for how the city plans to cover the match (other grants/donations vs. borrowing).
Parks & Rec shared information about Bird City USA and the claimed economic benefits of birding tourism, especially in shoulder seasons. This was presented as an informational update rather than a specific action plan. It’s worth tracking only if it turns into concrete steps (habitat projects, signage, programming, or budget requests).