Here are some notable events in the history of our group:

In January 2004, with guidance from the Rivers Council of Minnesota, we established a steering committee. This committee began actively planning great things for the organization and the Sauk.

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.

Left to right: Kurt Franke, Norm Wenck (award sponsor)
and Mitch Bender. Photo credit: Rivers Council
of Minnesota (2004).

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.

On April 19, 2005, Sarah Sewell, a St. Cloud State University student and a member of the Friends of the Sauk River won the Denise M. McGuire Student Research Award for her water quality research on the Sauk River.

Left to right: Dean David DeGroote from the
College of Science and Engineering
and Ms. Sarah Sewell (2005).

In November 2005, the Friends of the Sauk River became incorporated and held elections for officers for the Board of Directors.

January 2006 marked the second anniversary of the Friends of the Sauk River.

On April 18, 2006, Jake Galzki, a St. Cloud State University student and a member of the Friends of the Sauk River won the Denise M. McGuire Student Research Award for his water quality research on the Sauk River.

Mr. Jake Galzki (2006).

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.

On September 28, 2006, Friends of the Sauk River members, Jan and Bob Bjork, Brian Sanoski and Mitch Bender volunteered at the first Lower Sauk River Water Festival. Nearly 400 area fourth graders learned about the value of our water resources and how to protect it.

 

Jan and Bob Bjork demonstrate surface tension with bubble making.	Brian Sanoski talks about lake pollution.	Mitch Bender greets students, teachers and parents.