Transcript Slide 1

Minnehaha Creek Reach 14
Feasibility Study
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Becky Houdek - Assistant Planner
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
Outline
• Background on MCWD
• Study area and goals
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• Concept plans
• Next steps
• Questions and discussion
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD)
Background on MCWD
• Established in 1967 to manage and protect water resources
• Seven-member Board of Managers
• Departments
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Water Quality
Education and Communications
Regulatory and Cost-Share Programs
Land Conservation and Restoration
Planning
Project Management
Study Area and Goals
Study Area and Goals
• Goals:
• Stabilize banks to reduce
erosion
• Improve riparian vegetation
• Improve fish and
macroinvertebrate habitat
• Riparian vegetation:
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Stabilizes banks (deep roots)
Filters runoff from land
Provides shading
Shelter
Deters geese
Aesthetic value
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
Next Steps
• 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
Questions and Discussion