Northwest Regional Planning Commission

Burnett County, in partnership with Washburn County, is pleased to announce that they have received a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Environmental Education program to conduct education (study groups) for its residents, municipal leaders, and institutions, dealing with sustainable development and how we can utilize this idea to minimize the impact of environmental problems in our two-county region.

The framework for this project will be based on The Natural Step process developed by Swedish environmentalists Torbjorn Lahti and Dr. Karl-Henrik Robert, and Sarah James who has an extensive background in sustainable community planning. This is a proven framework that has been used around the country and around the world, which emphasizes that real sustainable changes can be accomplished starting at the local level, with participation from enlightened local municipal officials, business owners and residents.

Study group locations  are at the Siren Village Hall and the Lower level of the Washburn County Law Enforcement Building.  Interested individuals, business owners, and municipal leaders are invited to participate. The study groups will be informal and discussion will be designed around reference to the book The Natural Step for Communities. This book first clarifies concepts of sustainability and sustainable development and offers a clear framework of principles - The Natural Step - used widely to better understand these issues. Guest speakers will also invited to elaborate on sustainability success stories from other areas in the state and region. Participants will be asked to put what they learn into action at the local municipal level, in an effort to promote the consideration of environmental impacts in all governmental actions.

The Natural Step for Communities book will be offered at half price to those participating in the study groups (approx. $8.00). Please call Jen Barton or Rick Schneider (715-635-2197) to be placed on a list to participate in this wonderful opportunity to make a real difference.

*The groups will meet for 8-10 sessions every-other week until June.

Study Groups are as follows:

Washburn County: First session will be on Thursday, Feb. 7th from 7:00 pm - 8: 30 pm in the lower level of the Washburn County Law Enforcement Building in Shell Lake.
Burnett County: First session will be on Thursday, Feb. 14th from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm at the Siren Village Hall.