Kendra Sommerfeld

12/10/2025

And I was recently elected to be President of the Wild Ones chapter, Big River Big Woods 🤭

Thank you to the chapter for voting for me and trusting me to be your President. So excited to be involved with this organization!

At our November Chapter Meeting, we elected new officers and directors to our Board. One big change was voting in a new President. Welcome Kendra Sommerfeld!

Kendra brings an extensive background in native plants, ecological restoration, and water and land management. She’s excited to help expand and increase the chapter’s community activities, outreach, and membership engagement.

Other elected positions:
Secretary: Robin Manthei
Treasurer: Steve Fester
Director: Cyndi Vehe
Director: Erica Tenbroek
Director: John Kramer
Director: Liz Wendland
Director: Troy Thielen
Director: Joe Crowe

12/08/2025

NEWS RELEASE: Assistant Director for Regional Operations Justin Hanson presented Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) Outreach and Communications Manager Kendra Sommerfeld with the 2025 Outstanding Watershed Organization Employee award yesterday during the Minnesota Watersheds annual conference in Nisswa.

Sommerfeld leads outreach and communication efforts for the RCWD, which serves nearly 30 cities and townships across four metro-area counties. Since joining the district three years ago, Sommerfeld has transformed RCWD’s outreach efforts by building meaningful partnerships with community organizations. Her accomplishments include leading RCWD’s website redesign in 2023, creating the district’s first ArcGIS story maps, and integrating strategic communications planning into district programs and initiatives.

“Sommerfeld helps ensure that RCWD’s work is visible, understood and celebrated by the public,” said RCWD Administrator Nick Tomczik. “By cultivating strong partnerships, she expands RCWD’s capacity by multiplying the district’s impact through collaboration. Public engagement, website traffic, workshop attendance, social media interactions and grant applications have all increased dramatically under her leadership.”

Congratulations, Kendra!

More info: https://buff.ly/gFONHyc

10/18/2025

I went out on a boat this week documenting an invasive carp survey for work. These fish are incredibly destructive to our lakes, they uproot plants, stir up sediment, and release nutrients that feed algae blooms.

Over time, they cloud the water, destroy habitat for native species, and throw the whole lake ecosystem off balance.

By figuring out more about them, such as how many there are and the ages, we can make better management strategies.

06/04/2025

I filed to run for Dakota County Soil and Water Supervisor one year ago today!

Unfortunately I didn’t win that election, INSTEAD I’m on South St. Paul’s Park Commission helping guide their new master park plan. Advocating for specifics things like our natural spaces, native plant additions, and more.

I was also appointed as one of their Lower Mississippi River Management Organization Board Representatives. I’m helping guide watershed management work in the watershed and making sure South St. Paul is a good partner in properly managing our stormwater and water resources.

Stay tuned for more! 😁

11/07/2024

Thank you all for your support and votes! I lost by only 5,000 some votes against someone who’s been in this position for a while and well known in the area. I didn’t expect to win BUT would have loved to.

These local nonpartisan races are so difficult because they are not well known and difficult to campaign.

I won’t stop getting involved and will continue to pursue political positions. I encourage anyone in our younger generations to get out there and get your voices heard, there are so many opportunities, even volunteer or advisory committees in your city 😁

Until next time!

11/05/2024

Today’s the day! Get out and vote 😁👏 Remember to vote “yes” for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Renewal AND vote “Sommerfeld” for Dakota County Soil and Water Supervisor

Today is election day for the Statewide General Election. Get out and make your vote count now!
Find your polling place: MNvotes.gov

11/04/2024

Double check your ballot and make sure you are aware of the Soil and Water Conservation District candidates. Many go unopposed because of the lack of awareness.

The races for county soil and water supervisors are sandwiched into the November ballot. And in most places, these contests are so low-profile people hardly campaign.

10/31/2024

“What are the most important issues facing the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District? What are the best ways to address these issues?”

The most important issues include balancing development with natural resource protection, improving stormwater management, and addressing the impacts of climate change. To address these issues, we have to implement sustainable land and water use practices whenever possible, such as green infrastructure, and promote conservation programs and grants for both urban and agricultural landscapes. Increasing funding for Soil and Water Conservation Districts is also important to make sure we have the resources needed to protect and improve Dakota County's environment.

10/31/2024

Since Dakota County newspaper isn’t running their candidate questionnaire anymore, I’ll post some of my answers here.

Why should people vote for you?

“I have real professional (and volunteer) experience in conservation across all of Minnesota and an extensive educational background in natural resource management. Having worked for a Soil and Water Conservation District and multiple Boards, I understand the support staff need and how Boards should operate to be effective. I’m committed to sustainable land and water management, protecting both urban and rural areas. I know how to get projects on the ground, how to engage our communities, and will make sure Dakota County’s natural resources are protected now and for future generations.”

10/29/2024

One more week! Remember to check voter guides for your area.

One of the biggest reasons I’m running for Dakota County Soil and Water Board Supervisor is because I believe we need knowledgeable, experienced, and well rounded board members and leaders for these local agencies. These positions are not well known but that doesn’t make them any less important.

The communities of Dakota County need qualified leaders who can help solve our very complex natural resources issues.

The election is one week from today. You can vote next Tuesday or vote early at the Northern Dakota County Service Center. Here's our voter's guide with candidate Q&As, forums, printable guide, and more:
https://weststpaulreader.com/2024/05/23/2024-election-west-st-paul-voters-guide/

10/25/2024

It’s been a busy summer/fall for me at work. Celebrating 4 lake delistings, meaning we improved these lakes to where the state deems it “healthy”. Such a fun process to be apart of!

If elected to Dakota County SWCD Board I’ll help us improve and protect our water just like these lakes. By working with our local and state partners, the local communities and landowners, and our policy creators we can get more water bodies removed from the “MN Impaired Waters List”. 😁

This means that a lake was removed from the Minnesota impaired waters list, indicating that it no longer meets the criteria for impaired water quality set by the state. This suggests that the lake has improved in terms of pollutants, nutrient levels, or other factors that previously led to its class...

10/23/2024

Two weeks away from voting! Here’s a local guide from West St. Paul Reader

“Two weeks until the election. Here's our local voter guide, covering WSP mayor & city council, soil & water supervisor, and Minnesota House (53A & 65B), plus links for U.S. House & Senate, judicial races, and MN Constitutional Amendment:
https://weststpaulreader.com/2024/05/23/2024-election-west-st-paul-voters-guide/“

Two weeks until the election. Here's our local voter guide, covering WSP mayor & city council, soil & water supervisor, and Minnesota House (53A & 65B), plus links for U.S. House & Senate, judicial races, and MN Constitutional Amendment:
https://weststpaulreader.com/2024/05/23/2024-election-west-st-paul-voters-guide/