2024 Shoreland and Floodplain Education and Training

MRCCA Basics

December 12, 2023, 10 a.m. - noon

This training will cover the basics of administering the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) ordinance. During this session we will review the key requirements and performance standards, identifying bluffs, and how to evaluate impacts to primary conservation areas and public river corridor views for variances and conditional use permits. We will also cover special standards for nonconformities, subdivisions and relationship to the MRCCA plan. Recommended for anyone administering MRCCA standards for the 25 cities and townships within the MRCAA (7-county metro area). Presenters: Dan Petrik and Matt Bauman

Floodplain Basics

January 8, 1 - 2 p.m.  

A discussion of roles and responsibilities at the community level for floodplain management. Highlights include common terms, definitions, where regulations apply, finding FEMA map, regulations and providing clarity on mandatory insurance requirements. Presenter: Ceil Strauss

FEMA Map Basics

January 10, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

A discussion of mapping zones, finding and printing FEMA maps, types of FEMA maps in the state, and what map updates are in progress statewide. Also covers highlights of map appeals and amendments (LOMAs and LOMR-Fs). Presenters: Ceil Strauss and Mary Presnail

Shoreland Management Basics

January 22, 1 - 2 p.m.

This course covers how shoreland standards protect water quality, habitat and shoreland/rural character. Topics include fundamentals of the shoreland program including lake and river classifications, covered waterbodies, and key regulations as well as tips and tricks for program administration. Special topics, including PUDs, identifying bluffs, Environmental Review, and other topics are available depending on time and participant interest.

Recommended for anyone new to shoreland regulations or those wanting a refresher.

Presenters: Dan Petrik and Matt Bauman.

Floodplain Grading, Non-Structural Development, and Accessory Structures

January 24, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

This training will cover the basics of floodwater storage and conveyance, the impact non-structural development has on floodplain functions, and permit requirements. Also covers requirements for small buildings and accessory structures. Presenters: Ceil Strauss and Garry Bennett

Better Culverts and Crossings

January 29, 1 - 2 p.m.

This training will examine the link between river channels and floodplains, and share design approaches that enable the designer to establish better channel stability, fish passage, and floodplain connectivity (through the roadway), while improving structure longevity by properly sizing and placing floodplain culverts and bridges. Presenter: Salam Murtada

FEMA Flood Insurance Basics

January 31, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Highlights of the new Risk Rating 2.0 changes. This hour session will also review current flood insurance basics on mandatory purchase, rates, coverage, premium rating factors and what is changing. Presenters: Ceil Strauss and James Sink, FEMA Region 5 Flood Insurance Liaison.

Dealing with Zone As

March 6, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Discover how to regulate those notorious A Zones, find base flood elevations and regulatory flood protection elevations, and share options to determine floodway versus flood-fringe. Presenters: Ceil Strauss and Jeff Weiss.

Floodplain Higher Standards

March 11, 1 - 2 p.m.

Learn about innovative standards to improve flood protection and the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains. Discover what exciting examples (both within and outside of FEMA-mapped areas) are out there and why they are important to your community. Presenter: Ceil Strauss.

Shoreland Higher Standards

March 13, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Learn how other cities and counties are taking shoreland protection to the next level. This course will explore regulatory and administrative innovations in using shoreland classifications, land uses and performance standards to protect both shoreland and aquatic resources. Course will include a variety of considerations in determining where, how, and which higher standards might be most successful. Recommended for staff interested in higher standards ideas and how to promote them. Presenters: Dan Petrik and Matt Bauman.

Floodplain Violations and Enforcement

March 18, 1 - 2 p.m.

This training will cover the common types of violations, explain the community responsibilities to enforce and remedy violations of floodplain management requirements, and discuss the tools available to help resolve non-compliance. Presenters: Ceil Strauss and Garry Bennett

SSTS Floodplain Regulations

March 25, 1 - 2 p.m.

This training covers the basics of related floodplain regulations and how to find and use floodplain maps and data for onsite septic systems. Topics include state and federal floodplain regulations involving Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (44 CFR 60.3(a) and Minnesota Rules 6120 and 7080), how to find FEMA floodplain maps and floodplain zones, and finding the 10% (10-year) flood elevation. Presenter: Ceil Strauss.

Substantial Damage and Post Flood Responsibilities

March 27, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

This course covers the role of local floodplain administrators post disaster. We’ll focus on the steps involved in doing Substantial Damage determinations, a key requirement for meeting your local floodplain management ordinance. Presenters: Ceil Strauss and Garry Bennett

Post-Disaster Recovery: Process and Resources

April 8, 1 - 2 p.m.

This training is intended as a high-level review of post-disaster recovery to make stakeholders aware of the process, terminology, and resources available for getting assistance after a disaster. Topics include state and federal declaration process, operation coordination between state and FEMA, FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA), FEMA section 404 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), FEMA section 406 Public Assistance Mitigation, and flood insurance & Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC). Presenters: Ceil Strauss and Brian Killen, FEMA Region 5 Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) Coordinator.

Floodplain In-Person Training (Rochester)

May 7, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; (8:30 a.m. registration)
Fire Station 2, 2185 Wheelock Drive NE, Rochester

This training covers both floodplain management basics and FEMA map basics, and includes a map reading and interpretation exercise. Other topics include: floodplain administration 101, utilizing web-based flood maps and tools, dealing with nonconformities, making SI/SD determinations, and community post-disaster responsibilities. Presenters: Ceil Strauss and Jeff Weiss.

Floodplain In-Person Training (Brainerd)

CANCELED

May 16, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; (8:30 a.m. registration)
Crow Wing County Government Center (Land Services Building), 322 Laurel Street, Brainerd

This training covers both floodplain management basics and FEMA map basics, and includes a map reading and interpretation exercise. Other topics include: floodplain administration 101, utilizing web-based flood maps and tools, dealing with nonconformities, making SI/SD determinations, and community post-disaster responsibilities. Presenters: Ceil Strauss and Jeff Weiss.

Floodplain In-Person Training (Blaine)

June 13, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; (8:30 a.m. registration)
Blaine City Hall (Cloverleaf Room), 10801 Town Square Drive NE, Blaine

This training covers both floodplain management basics and FEMA map basics, and includes a map reading and interpretation exercise. Other topics include: floodplain administration 101, utilizing web-based flood maps and tools, dealing with nonconformities, making SI/SD determinations, and community post-disaster responsibilities. Presenters: Ceil Strauss and Jeff Weiss.

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