Becky Houdek - Assistant Planner

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

Minnehaha Creek Reach 14 Feasibility Study

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• Background on MCWD

• Study area and goals

• Concept plans

• Next steps

• Questions and discussion

Outline

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Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD)

• Established in 1967 to manage and protect water resources

• Seven-member Board of Managers

• Departments• Water Quality

• Education and Communications

• Regulatory and Cost-Share Programs

• Land Conservation and Restoration

• Planning

• Project Management

Background on MCWD

Study Area and Goals

• Goals:• Stabilize banks to reduce

erosion• Improve riparian vegetation• Improve fish and

macroinvertebrate habitat

• Riparian vegetation:• Stabilizes banks (deep roots)• Filters runoff from land• Provides shading• Shelter• Deters geese• Aesthetic value

Study Area and Goals

Comparison of Turf Grass and Native Plant Roots

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Concepts

• Voluntary project

• Balance homeowners’ desire for manicured and attractive yard with natural resource benefits

• Low shear stress, shallow slopes – little rock needed

• 1-2 ft stone toe, bioengineered bank, and 10-20 ft riparian zone that transitions to turf

• Primarily native grasses with some flowers and low-lying shrubs

• May include some in-stream habitat improvements (pools and riffles)

Concept Plan – Existing Conditions

Concept Plan – Proposed Conditions

• Gauge resident interest

• Finalize Study :

• Incorporate feedback from residents

• Determine project costs/level of MCWD funding

• Public hearing and review final feasibility study – August 25th

• Project ordering – potentially August 25th

• Continue to work with residents and city on design and agreements - 2012

• Construction – fall 2012 or spring 2013

Next Steps

Questions and Discussion