The Ramsey County Water Resource Board handles water complaints within the county.
It's a group that is getting an increasing amount of calls as the water continues to rise on Devils Lake.
Those calls are likely to increase in frequency as the weather warms and the snow and ice begin the spring melt.
“We handle problems that arise in the county,” says Duaine Ash, a third-year member of the board.
Ash says the board generally carries a heavy work-load as water problems continue to plague the area.
The number of meetings he attends each year seem to be growing and could reach a new high this spring as the lake approaches record levels.
While the meetings are tedious and time-consuming, Ash says he doesn't mind.
“I've always had an interest in these issues, and I want to help do things right and serve the people,”Ash adds.
“The tough part is some of the decisions we make might hurt some people, but we're always trying to make the right decision.”
The board is a player in the quest for relief on the lake and tries to play a key role with input it gathers that might prove vital.
But Ash is quick to point out they're no more important than the many other groups who are working on solutions.
While some might shun so many meetings, he says he enjoys himself.
“It's an opportunity to learn at every meeting and there are times when I really feel sorry for those affected by the water problems.
“But we try to function as a board and work in a concerted team effort. Sure, it's frustrating. But we just keep plugging away.”
Ash says the biggest problem is the steadily rising water and the inability to secure an outlet in a controlled fashion – preferrably on the east end.
Current members of the Ramsey County Water Resource Board are Brian Aanstad, Hampden; Dan Webster, Penn; Duane Ash, Devils Lake; Jim Berg, Starkweather; Paul Becker, Crary; and Jim Herda, Office Manager, Devils Lake; Sally Burkle, Devils Lake serves as the Secretary and Treasurer for the group.
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The Ramsey County Water Resource Board handles water complaints within the county.
It's a group that is getting an increasing amount of calls as the water continues to rise on Devils Lake.
Those calls are likely to increase in frequency as the weather warms and the snow and ice begin the spring melt.
“We handle problems that arise in the county,” says Duaine Ash, a third-year member of the board.
Ash says the board generally carries a heavy work-load as water problems continue to plague the area.
The number of meetings he attends each year seem to be growing and could reach a new high this spring as the lake approaches record levels.
While the meetings are tedious and time-consuming, Ash says he doesn't mind.
“I've always had an interest in these issues, and I want to help do things right and serve the people,”Ash adds.
“The tough part is some of the decisions we make might hurt some people, but we're always trying to make the right decision.”
The board is a player in the quest for relief on the lake and tries to play a key role with input it gathers that might prove vital.
But Ash is quick to point out they're no more important than the many other groups who are working on solutions.
While some might shun so many meetings, he says he enjoys himself.
“It's an opportunity to learn at every meeting and there are times when I really feel sorry for those affected by the water problems.
“But we try to function as a board and work in a concerted team effort. Sure, it's frustrating. But we just keep plugging away.”
Ash says the biggest problem is the steadily rising water and the inability to secure an outlet in a controlled fashion – preferrably on the east end.
Current members of the Ramsey County Water Resource Board are Brian Aanstad, Hampden; Dan Webster, Penn; Duane Ash, Devils Lake; Jim Berg, Starkweather; Paul Becker, Crary; and Jim Herda, Office Manager, Devils Lake; Sally Burkle, Devils Lake serves as the Secretary and Treasurer for the group.
