Community invited to Rosenmeier Forum featuring MPCA deputy commissioner

The next Rosenmeier Forum, titled The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: Getting it Right for Minnesota, will be held next Monday at 7 p.m. in the Chalberg Theatre at Central Lakes College’s Brainerd campus.

Peter Tester, MPCA deputy commissioner, will be the speaker. As always, the forum is free and open to the public. Deputy commissioner Tester advises the Commissioner of the MPCA on key policy and legislative initiatives and develops strategic, science-based environmental priorities for the state. Tester is involved in the development of legislative policies, budgets and bonding proposals.

He negotiates, monitors and implements major environmental programs in Minnesota in addition to other duties. He serves as liaison to EPA Region 5, which is responsible for the Great Lakes states, on all federal environmental matters and enforcement cases. Laura Raedeke, chair of the forum, said that the MPCA walks a fine line between business and recreation needs.

Minnesota fishing alone produces $4.2 billion and 27,000 jobs. Yearly, 150,000 people canoe, fish and travel in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area providing a recreation economy valued at $45 million.