Met Council and county officials brief Birchwood on Imagine 2050, transit and lake weed control

Metropolitan Council representative Gail Cederberg told the Birchwood Village Council that the Imagine 2050 regional development guide — scheduled for adoption by the full Met Council the next day — emphasizes equitable, resilient growth, regional wastewater and transportation planning, and grant and technical-assistance programs for small cities. She urged municipal staff to contact planner Emma Dvorak for guidance and noted the Met Council will provide a handbook to help communities translate 2040 plans to the 2050 guide.

Washington County Commissioner Stan Karwaski described county programs that support smaller communities, including community services, public health and environmental work, parks and regional land acquisitions (he highlighted a 700-acre addition to Big Marine Park). Karwaski also described a new central service center (opening this fall) and county transit pilot programs and said Washington County is working to ensure smaller communities remain connected to transit and mobility options.

Sharon Henkins, Birchwood’s representative to the White Bear Conservation District, updated the council on efforts to detect and treat invasive Eurasian watermilfoil, reporting contracted treatment of about 3.4 acres this past season and an increased emphasis on boat‑landing checks and enforcement to limit spread. She invited residents to the annual cleanup day in March and said the district will continue outreach in its Laker newsletter.

Council members asked questions about local planning, grant timing and how to improve resident communication; staff and presenters committed to follow-up contacts and resources.