2009 annual report - lawn chair gardener · i-694 stormwater treatment ponds, oakcrest ave....

RCWD 2009 Annual Report p. 1

RCWD Mission: Conserve and restore District water resources for the beneficial use of current and future generations.

2009AnnualReport

Contact us:763-398-3070

[email protected]

Photo by Cathi Lyman-Onkka

Rice Creek Watershed District


Rice Creek Watershed District 2oo9 Annual Report

2009 Advisory Committee Members

Gary [email protected]

Richard [email protected]

Douglas [email protected]

Emil [email protected]

Wayne [email protected]

Nick [email protected]

Douglas [email protected]

Jeff [email protected]

Mary Jo Truchon763-757-3084

2009 Rice Creek Watershed District Board of Managers

Patricia L. Preiner, PresidentCounty: Anoka

Barbara A. Haake, First Vice-PresidentCounty: Ramsey

John J. Waller, Second Vice-PresidentCounty: Washington

Harley M. Ogata, SecretaryCounty: Ramsey

Rick A. Mastell, TreasurerCounty: Anoka

2010 Rice Creek Watershed District Board of Managers

Patricia L. Preiner, Presidentemail: [email protected]

County: AnokaTerm Expires: January 2011

Barbara A. Haake, First Vice-Presidentemail: [email protected]

County: RamseyTerm Expires: January 17, 2011

John J. Waller, Second Vice Presidentemail: [email protected]

County: WashingtonTerm Expires: January 17, 2013

Harley M. Ogata, Secretaryemail: [email protected]

County: RamseyTerm Expires: January 17, 2012

Rick A. Mastell, Treasureremail: [email protected]

County: AnokaTerm Expires: January 17, 2013



Rice Creek Watershed District 2009 Annual Report Contents

i. Board of Mangers and Advisory Committee..................................................................................p. 2

I. Introduction and Maps of the RCWD................................................................................................p. 4-6

II. 2009 At a Glance................................................................................................................................................p. 7-8

III. Financial Report................................................................................................................................................p. 9-10

IV. 2009 Activity Report......................................................................................................................................p. 11-25A. Land and Water Conservation ............................................................................................................p. 11-14 i. Land Conservation Program...............................................................................................................p. 11 ii. Resource Management Plans (RMPs)............................................................................................p. 11-12 iii. Cost-share Programs a. Urban Stormwater Remediation Program................................................................p. 13-14 b. Water Quality Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program................p. 14B. Natural Resource Inventory....................................................................................................................p. 14-15C. Lake Management.......................................................................................................................................p. 15-16 i. Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)...................................................................................... .....p. 15-16 ii. Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP).........................................................................p. 16 iii. Southwest Urban Lake Management Planning........................................................................p. 16D. Stream Management.................................................................................................................................p. 16-18 i. Stream Monitoring / Stream Morphology and Biology.......................................................p. 17 ii. Hardwood Creek TMDL Implementation....................................................................................p. 17

iii. Stream Health Evaluation Project (SHEP)....................................................................................p. 17-18F. Groundwater Management....................................................................................................................p. 18-19G. Regulatory Program....................................................................................................................................p. 19-21 i. Permit Review..............................................................................................................................................p. 19 ii. Inspection......................................................................................................................................................p. 20-21 iii. BMP Monitoring and Assessment..................................................................................................p. 20H. Wetland Management..............................................................................................................................p. 21I. Drainage System and Creek Maintenance.....................................................................................p. 22J. Information Management......................................................................................................................p. 22-23K. Research............................................................................................................................................................p. 23L. Environmental Education and Outreach.........................................................................................p. 24-25 i. General Outreach - Blue Thumb-Planting for Clean Water Program...........................p. 24 ii. Outreach to Schools (Resource Teachers Program) ..............................................................p.25 iii. Outreach to Cities.....................................................................................................................................p. 25 iii. Volunteer Programs.................................................................................................................................p. 25

V. Work Plan and Budget for 2010................................................................................................................p. 26-30

VI. 2009 RCWD Staff and Consultants......................................................................................................p. 31



I. Introduction

A watershed is an area of land that drains into a body of water. The maps on the following pages depict the bound-aries of the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD). The headwaters of the District are Clear Lake, Hardwood Creek and Clearwater Creek. Water goes through the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes and empties into the Mississippi River.

Watershed districts are special purpose units of govern-ment with boundaries delineated by geography. The RCWD is about 187 square miles and includes parts of 28 municipalities in four counties: Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington Counties. Portions of the district can be found in the following municipalities: Arden Hills, Birch-wood Village, Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbia Heights, Columbus, Dellwood, Falcon Heights, Forest Lake, Fridley, Grant, Hugo, Lauderdale, Lexington, Lino Lakes, Mahtomedi, May Township, Mounds View, New Brighton, Roseville, Saint Anthony, Scandia, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township and Willernie.

The RCWD was established at the request of the citizens, county boards and cities by the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources on January 18, 1972. The purpose of the RCWD is to conserve and restore the water resources of the District for the beneficial use of current and

future generations. The RCWD is governed by a Board of Managers appointed by the county commissioners of Anoka, Ramsey and Washington. Public board meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the Shoreview City Hall.

Approximately 10% of the District is covered by lakes. There are 14 lakes over 300 acres in size, 25 lakes over 100 acres and 60 lakes ranging from 5-100 acres. There are 185 miles of stream/ditch within the district and 27,500 acres of wetlands.

The RCWD...• Manages lakes, streams, groundwater and wetlands• Monitors water quality• Promotes practices to improve water quality• Maintains public drainage systems• Inventories natural resources• Issues permits / inspects construction sites• Administers the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA)• Educates about the environment• Helps municipalities fulfill EPA mandates

The Rice Creek Watershed District has a long history of leading the way for water resource management in Anoka, Ramsey and Washington and Hennepin counties. Over the years, RCWD has successfully adapted to the changing landscape and needs of its constituents.

RCWD has identified five areas in which it seeks to excel:1) The RCWD strives to be world-class problem-

solvers through demonstrated success;2) The RCWD strives to have healthy water resources

for the Rice Creek Watershed;3) The RCWD will enlist the public as partners in our

conservation efforts;4) The RCWD will be fiscally efficient and accountable;5) Decisions will always take into consideration the

entire area of the Rice Creek Watershed.



II. 2009 At A Glance

Summary of Capital Projects and Programs

Urban Stormwater Remediation Program: This program provides cost-share funds on a

competitive basis to cities and other public and private entities within the District to incorporate water quality and quantity treatment measures above and beyond basic permit requirements for urban re-development and road re-construction projects. Cost-share funding was approved for the Cities of Birchwood Village, Hugo, Saint Anthony, Shoreview and White Bear Lake as well as the Ramsey County Roseville Library

District Wide Hydrology Model Update: 2009 was the first full year of a three-year effort to

update old and fragmented hydrology and hydraulic models of the District. The effort will enhance the District’s ability to implement its responsibilities for floodplain management, public drainage systems and water quality protection.

Lower Hardwood Creek Restoration: This project continues past efforts to restore

portions of Hardwood Creek. This effort is designed to address the biotic and water quality impairment in the western (lower) reaches of the creek.

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Projects: RCWD received approval of the Hardwood Creek

TMDL in 2009, continued work on the Peltier-Centerville, Golden Lake, Anoka County Chain of Lakes and Silver Lake TMDL studies and initiated a TMDL study for Bald Eagle Lake.

Water Quality Best Management Practices (BMPs Cost- Grant Share Program: This project provides funding to provide technical

and financial assistance to private landowners to implement water quality restoration and/or protection BMPs. Twenty-six projects were approved in 2009, primarily consisting of raingardens and shoreline restorations.

District Facilities: RCWD completed rehabilitation of the E2 Wetland

Treatment project and the repair of the Lake Johanna outlet control structure. RCWD conducted feasibility reports for Oasis Pond/RCD4 rehabilitation, I-35 and I-694 stormwater treatment ponds, Oakcrest Ave. enhancements, and Moore Lake/City of Fridley Park.

Program Priorities

Watershed Management Plan Update: A priority in 2009 was to update and revise the district

Watershed Management Plan including getting the involvement of citizens, cities, counties and state agencies in that process.

Ditch and Stream Maintenance: This fulfils the District’s responsibility for the

inspection and maintenance of the public drainage system, consisting of over 120 miles of open ditch and drainage tile, as well as stream maintenance of the main corridor of Rice Creek. RCWD completed the ACD15/JD4 Repair Report and minor maintenance projects on JD4, ACD 53-62, ACD 10-22-32, WJD 7,

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WJD 5, and ARJD 1.

Resource Management Plan Implementation: Provides technical assistance to communities to

implement Resource Management Plans. RCWD provided assistance to the implementing cities of Blaine RMP-1, Forest Lake and Columbus RMP-2, and Lino Lakes RMP-4.

Volunteer Stream, Lake & Wetland Monitoring Programs: Involve citizens in monitoring to both educate and

gather important data. RCWD works with the Friends of the Mississippi, the Metropolitan Council Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program and the Anoka and Washington Conservation Districts to accomplish this program.

Water Education & Outreach Program: Continued support for the “Blue Thumb - Planting

for Clean Water” program which is a web-based outreach effort to provide information, resources and tools for homeowners to become more pro-active in implementing projects on their own land to protect water quality.

Working with Schools & Teachers: Continue the “Resource Teachers - Teaching kids

about natural resources” program to supply guest teachers with environmental education lessons for a variety of grade levels.

Lake & Stream Monitoring: Continue efforts to monitor long-term trends in

water quality, support project implementation, prioritization of District resources, and measure effectiveness of District efforts over time. In 2009, the RCWD monitored water quality in seven lakes, and water quality and quantity at fifteen stream or ditch sites. These data will be submitted to appropriate state water quality databases.

Capital Improvement Early Coordination: Program to work with cities and counties upfront on

how to address District water quality and quantity rules in upcoming road and re-development projects.

Cooperative Efforts

• Participate in Washington County Water Consor-tium meetings and activities

• Participate in educational display at Washington County Fair

• Coordinate education activities with Washington County water resources educator

• Work with local communities on MS4 Manage-ment Plans

• Cooperate with Anoka, Ramsey and Washington Conservation Districts to monitor lake levels, reference wetlands, and carryout a water quality BMP cost-share program

• Participate in Ramsey County Groundwater Pro-tection Plan Update

• Participate with Anoka County on the develop-ment of their county ground and surface water assessment

• The Blue Thumb - Planting for Clean Water pro-gram collaborates with scores of partners in the private and public sectors

• Participate with Washington County on their Land and Water Legacy Program

• Cooperate with the Minnesota Water Science Center (U.S. Geological Survey) to collect con-tinuous water flow and sediment data

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General Administration $327,678 $418,276 $346,125 $352,820 $330,310

Programs

Environmental Education $172,003 $142,530 $159,921 $140,244 $149,324

Information Mgmt./Technology $89,954 $71,079 $52,863 $64,718 $56,448

Research $80,000 $63,681 $30,000 $19,104 --

Water Resource Restoration $1,496,534 $1,013,364 $758,477 $974,360 $681,218

Regulatory $673,128 $899,172 $699,763 $927,131 $693,826

Ditch & Creek Maintenance $263,804 $316,777 $438,265 $345,592 $430,994

Lake & Stream Mgmt./Monitoring $1,109,795 $737,572 $1,111,065 $532,488 $960,639

District Facilities 0 0 0 $255,000 $117,019 $240,000

Total Program Expenses $3,975,643 $3,662,451 $3,851,479 $3,473,476 $3,542,758

III. Financial Report

2008 2008 2009 Expenditures/Programs Budget Expenditures Budget

2009 2010 Expenditures Budget

General property taxes $311,126 $3,150,268 $3,461,394

Intergovernmental: Market value homestead credit $11,000 $111,399 $122,399

Grants and reimbursements $0 $66,427 $66,427

Other reimbursements $392 $3,974 $4,366

Permits $0 $51,459 $51,459

Investment Income $1,005 $3,354 $4,359

Miscellaneous $1,633 $11,362 $12,995

Total Revenues $325,156 $3,398,243 $3,723,399

2009 Revenue General Fund 509 Planning Special Total Governmental Revenue Fund Funds 2009



0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Information Management

Research

Environmental EducationDitch & Creek Maintenance

General Administration

Regulatory

Lake & StreamRestoration

2007 budget

2007 expenditures

Legal, Professional and Technical Consulting ServicesIn 2009, the District solicited proposals for legal and technical professional services. The District selected Smith Part-ners as the District’s legal counsel and Houston Engineering as its District Engineer. These agreements will continue through December 31, 2010. In addition, the District certified five other engineering firms to be part of an engineering pool for the same period of time.

2009 Expenditures

GeneralAdministrationEnvironmentalEducationInformationManagementResearch

Water ResourceRestorationRegulatory

Ditch & CreekMaintenanceLake & Stream

District Facilities

2009 Budget

GeneralAdministrationEnvironmentalEducationInformationManagementResearch

Water ResourceRestorationRegulatory

Ditch & CreekMaintenanceLake & Stream

District Facilities



IV. 2009 Activity Report

Land and Water Conservation

Goal: Develop and maintain land and water conservation initiatives that use conservation easements, cost-share agreements and management agreements as the primary tools for ensuring lasting conservation of the District’s most important natural resource areas.

Actions:Land Conservation ProgramThis program is designed to implement greenway restoration corridors that serve to enhance water quality within the watershed. The RCWD has been part of Greenway Collaborative since 2002 in assisting with the design and implementation of greenways throughout the Metro and has worked with property owners of three conservation easements to develop new management plans.

Resource Management Plans (RMPs)The RCWD has developed an innovative and unprecedented method for dealing with the seemingly incompatible objectives of protecting wetlands and

improving water quality while providing viable options for land development.

Termed Resource Management Plans (RMPs), the RCWD is using provisions within a variety of state and federal environmental laws to develop area wide management plans that take into account not only the conditions of today, but the effects of land development into the future. The RMPs rely upon sophisticated computer models to predict the quantity and quality of water pre- and post-development as well as the impact that development will have on wetland habitats. These models are then further refined through on-the-ground-observations to ensure their accuracy.

A key element of each RMP is the development of a Comprehensive Wetland Protection and Management Plan and associated implementing rules done under the authority of the MN Wetland Conservation Act. These plans also try to align with current Army Corp of Engineers wetland regulation to achieve a higher level of regulatory uniformity. In 2009, the RCWD completed and adopted an RMP for the City of Lino Lakes and continued work on an RMP for the City of Columbus. The following is a short summary of the adopted RMPs.

Village Meadows Comprehensive Wetland Management Plan (CWMP)This CWMP encompasses a small portion Anoka County Ditch (ACD) 53-62 south of 109th Avenue in the City of Blaine. The Village Meadows CWMP settled many legal battles related to the ditch profile and created a win-win solution for the landowners and the environment. The Village Meadows CWMP allowed landowners to optimize their buildable areas in exchange for setting aside and restoring contiguous wetlands and open space. This plan was approved by the Board of Water and Soil Resources in 2004. Multiple projects within the area have been implemented under a District rule written specifically to meet the multiple objectives of the plan.

ACD 53-62 RMP/CWPMP In 2009, the RCWD continued coordination with permit applicants and the City of Blaine to implement the



landscape scale concept identified in the RMP and CWMP. Implementation of the area specific RMP-1 Rule is critical to achieving water quality goals of the Golden Lake TMDL and to protect the area from localized flooding. RCWD and the City of Blaine completed efforts to establish a wetland restoration/wetland bank on a portion of Branch 3 of ACD 53/62 with construction to start in 2010.

Anoka-Washington Judicial Ditch 4 (JD4) RMP/CWMPThe JD4/ACD15 RMP includes the entire drainage area of Anoka-Washington Judicial Ditch 4 and Anoka County Ditch 15 encompassing parts of Columbus and Forest Lake. This RMP includes many of the attributes of the 53-62 RMP including a Wetland Preservation Zone, landscape scale wetland functional assessment and TMDL-based development standards. However, this drainage area is challenged with a capacity constrained tile ditch system and very poor soils for infiltration. Since much of the area is planned for intense development, the RMP balances the needs of resource protection along with critical issues such as flooding.

The RMP proposes a stormwater volume bank as described in the Minnesota Stormwater Manual. This bank allows landowners to receive credit for features that store, infiltrate or evapotranspirate volumes of stormwater through innovative stormwater practices, better site design and wetland re-establishment and restoration. Areas challenged with little opportunity for volume control may participate in a free-market exchange of credits to ensure the capacity of the system is kept in check.

Lino Lakes RMP/CWPMPThe Lino Lakes RMP is an innovative collaboration between the Rice Creek Watershed District and the City of Lino Lakes. The process of developing this RMP is fully integrated with Lino Lakes’ Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update and multiple TMDL studies for the lakes within the city. Future land use decisions are being guided by not only the traditional economic/developmental needs of the city but also resource protection and water quality goals. The RMP contains a multifaceted assessment of

public ditches, drainage ways, wetlands and water quality as well as hydrologic and hydraulic modeling. The city used this wealth of information to make land use decisions that are compatible with the needs of the natural resources. The Rice Creek Watershed District adopted a stormwater management rule that was combined with city ordinances to ensure compatibility of the two regulatory controls. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was a partner in this project with the goal of an abbreviated 404 permitting

process.

Urban Stormwater Remediation Program

Goal: As part of our ongoing efforts to protect and enhance water resources, the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) is dedicating monies to help municipalities and other entities incorporate water quality management practices into redevelopment, roadway and storm sewer improvement projects.

Actions:The District’s Urban Stormwater Remediation Cost-Share program was retooled in 2008 to provide a more structured program and additional accountability for the long-term operation and maintenance of projects.



Peltier Lake. A series of underground drains will serve to carry clean groundwater directly to NURP ponds rather than allow it to continually flow over impervious surfaces gathering pollutants.

The City of Saint Anthony is ambitiously continuing its efforts toward improving the water quality of Silver Lake by moving forward on a project to construct a permanent

alum treatment facility on a series of large stormwater ponds south of the lake. These two ponds collect untreated runoff from nearly 150 acres of impervious area and this drainage area currently contributes over 100 pounds of phosphorus to the lake annually according to the draft TMDL. Alum treatment of stormwater runoff is highly effective at binding soluble phosphorus and removing it from the water. Facilities such as the one proposed have been known to remove up to 90% of the total phosphorus from stormwater runoff. Silver Lake is currently listed as impaired for elevated phosphorus levels, but there is evidence that this project alone could serve to de-list the lake In the future.

In an effort to eliminate direct stormwater discharges into Turtle Lake,

the City of Shoreview installed a proprietary stormwater treatment device on a stormwater outlet that discharges directly into Turtle Lake from Carlson Road. The treatment unit will reduce the amount of total suspended solids by over 80% and total phosphorus by over 40% from a 19-acre drainage area. It is estimated that nearly four tons of sediment and nearly nine pounds of phosphorus can be intercepted and removed from the system annually. This project was the last in a series that aimed at providing treatment at previously untreated stormwater discharges to Turtle Lake that were identified in several studies from the 1990’s.

Six projects were awarded funding in 2009 totaling $196,777.50. In order to qualify for the grant, projects must be located in a sub-watershed containing either a RCWD “Tier I” or “Tier II” lake or is tributary to an impaired waterbody that has a completed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study. A “Tier I” lake consistently supports swimming. In the RCWD, this includes Turtle Lake and White Bear Lake. A “Tier II” lake is capable of supporting swimming or has other significant public uses. RCWD Tier 2 lakes include: Bald Eagle Lake, Centerville Lake, Clear Lake, Golden Lake, Island Lake, Lake Johanna, Lake Josephine, Moore Lake, Pine Tree Lake, Silver Lake, Spring Lake and Sunset Lake. Within the RCWD, only Hardwood Creek and Golden Lake have EPA-approved TMDL studies, although several other TMDL studies are currently in the works.

The City of Birchwood Village received funding to assist with the installation of three catch basin sumps within their storm sewer system. These sumps will enhance the system’s ability to intercept sediment and associated pollutants from stormwater runoff before reaching White Bear Lake. This project will remove an estimated 25% of total suspended solids and 10% of total phosphorus from the runoff.

The City of Hugo plans to implement corrective actions within the Victor Gardens development to eliminate the constant flow of groundwater down the streets and into the development’s storm sewer system. Currently, unanticipated high groundwater levels have forced sump pumps to run constantly. This drainage continually flows down driveways and streets, even during dry weather conditions, carrying pollutants constantly downstream to

White Bear Township installs one of two grit chambers along County Road F to improve the treatment of stormwater runoff to White Bear Lake during the summer of 2009. This was project was funded in part by RCWD’s Urban Stormwater Remediation Cost-Share Program.



The City of White Bear Lake obtained commitments from thirteen landowners in the RCWD to install fourteen curb-cut raingardens on their properties south of White Bear Lake. Because the city was already in the area doing street reconstruction work, considerable cost-savings were found in having the city complete the raingarden construction at the same time. The raingardens were beyond the scope of the RCWD permit and provide stormwater runoff volume control and treatment beyond RCWD permit requirements. Nearly 950 cubic feet of additional storage will be provided, reducing annual total suspended solids and total phosphorus loading to White Bear Lake by an estimated 223 pounds and 0.42 pounds, respectively.

The Ramsey County Library, in redeveloping its Roseville library site, was able to make great strides in site design (LEED certified) and stormwater treatment. On-site stormwater treatment will exceed RCWD standards by over 40%, making those portions of the project eligible for Urban Stormwater Remediation Program funding. The RCWD is excited to be a project partner on such a bold public redevelopment project. Additionally, some funding has been allocated to assist in the development of educational signage and on-site educational lessons and tours to enhance the library’s ability to teach children and adults about stormwater. Several different types of stormwater treatment BMPs will function and be on display at the site, which receives over 720,000 visitors each year.

Water Quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) Cost-Share Program Twenty-six projects were approved in 2009 including ten raingardens, fourteen shoreline restorations, and two crit-ical area erosion control projects, totaling over $70,000 in cost-share assistance. The Anoka, Ramsey and Washing-ton Conservation Districts continue to assist the RCWD by providing technical assistance to land-owners who par-ticipate in this cost-share program. A 2009 poll of Wash-ington County participants conducted by the East Metro Water Resource Education Program (EMWREP) showed that the two most important factors in persuading land-

owners to implement water quality BMPs were providing (1) technical assistance and (2) financial incentives.

Natural Resource InventoryGoal: In conjunction with our conservation partners, ensure that we have accurate natural resource information.

Strategies:On-going natural resource inventories include revising the ever-changing land cover within District. As property develops and redevelops, it is important to keep the land cover and land use data current within the District. Efforts such as watershed modeling and TMDLs rely on accurate land cover/land use data in order for the models to reasonably predict critical information such as flood elevations and nutrient loading to the sensitive waterbodies.

The existing Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) inventory has been compiled throughout District and provided to the cities as part of their comprehensive plan updates. The MLCCS was updated for the Washington County portion of the District in 2009 under contract with the Washington County Conservation District.

Photo by Marty Asleson



Lake ManagementGoal:The lakes within the District will serve as a haven for na-tive wildlife, contain water that is healthful, and serve as amenities for residents and visitors.

Strategies and Actions:Work with lake associations toward restoration and con-servation goals. In 2008, the RCWD worked with Bald Ea-gle, Clear Lake, Locke Lake, Long Lake (in New Brighton) and Reshanau Lake associations on a variety of water qual-ity projects including shoreline restoration, aquatic plant surveys, and curlyleaf pondweed control.

Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)Instead of counting calories for lakes’ diets, we measure “Total Maximum Daily Loads,” or TMDLs. A “Total Maximum Daily Load” is the total amount of a pollutant, in pounds per day, that a given water body can assimilate and still meet its designated use. The “designated use” of each water body must first be identified. Is it a source for drinking water? Is it used for recreation, such as swimming? Does it supply agriculture or industry? Does it provide significant habitat for fish and other aquatic life? After a lake’s designated use is identified, the water must be tested for pollutants. If it fails to meet the minimum standards for its designated uses, pollution sources must be identified, and steps must be taken to limit pollutants entering it, so that it becomes suitable for those uses.

TMDLs for the Anoka County Chain of Lakes and Peltier / CentervilleThese TMDLs were partially grant funded (by the MPCA for Peltier and Centerville lakes) with the remainder of the chain lakes funded by the District. These TMDLs were initiated in late 2007 and will be completed by early 2010.

TMDL Bald Eagle LakeFunded entirely by the RCWD, the Bald Eagle Lake TMDL study was started in 2007. This study will be completed in 2010.

TMDL Golden LakeThis TMDL was completed In 2009, and approved by both the MPCA and EPA. Implementation plans are underway in 2010.

TMDL Silver LakeThe Three Rivers Park District has provided a $40,000 match to Rice Creek Watershed District funding to complete a TMDL project for Silver Lake. The project was completed in 2009, and will be finalized in early 2010.

Implementation activities are already underway, with several cities utilizing RCWD cost-share funds to complete water quality improvement projects around the lake and in the watershed.

Bald Eagle Lake, Reshanau Lake, and Spring Lake Curlyleaf Pondweed ControlThe RCWD provided funding and plant surveys to support treatment of curlyleaf pondweed on Bald Eagle, Reshanau,

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and Spring Lakes. Curlyleaf is a non-native, invasive aquat-ic plant which, due to an unusual life-cycle, contributes to internal phosphorus loading In lakes.

Lake MonitoringIn 2009, the District entered into inter-agency agreements with the Washington and Anoka Conservation Districts to conduct lake level and reference wetland monitoring. District staff were responsible for monitoring water quality on seven lakes. This monitoring will enable us to verify our effectiveness with the RMP and rule provisions and, thereby, adapt our rules and tactics accordingly.

The District, working in cooperation with lake associations on Bald Eagle and Clear Lakes, completed aquatic plant surveys on the two lakes. In the case of Clear Lake, the District assisted in developing a Lake Vegetation Management Plan. The District, working independently, also completed aquatic plant surveys on Spring and Rondeau Lakes.

Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP)CAMP continued in 2009 for the sixteenth year with fifteen lakes monitored for water quality by fifteen volunteers. The volunteers collected data about lake nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) as well as chlorophyll-a and transparency.

County monitoring is a large part of our partnership for tracking lake quality. We continue to support and encourage county monitoring programs

Southwest Urban Lake Management PlanningEssentially, this project is an extension of the TMDL concept to improve the water quality of the lakes within fully developed watersheds. This project was conceptually defined in early 2007 and was initiated after receiving numerous complaints and concerns from properties adjacent to the urban lakes. Much of the data assessment, lake sediment data collection and preliminary BMP strategy development were done in 2007, with additional lake water quality data collection, model development and management

approach development completed in 2008. In 2009, the District used the results of the study to initiate several water quality improvement projects. Feasibility reports were completed for projects on Oasis Pond (Roseville), Ramsey County Ditch 4, Moore Lake, and the New Brighton Family Service Center. The District received grant funding from the State to initiate the Oasis Pond project (water quality treatment through wetland enhancement) in 2010. The Ramsey County Ditch 4 project is also expected to be initiated in 2010.

Stream ManagementGoal:The District contains healthy and vibrant streams that support wildlife and function to transport water minimizing flooding.

Strategies: • Establish long-term monitoring sites in strategic

locations throughout District and gather data



from sites in most efficient way possible. This will help curb the destruction of buffer areas adjacent to natural systems, improper use of pesticides, herbicides or fertilizer, ill-managed water flows, increased impervious surfaces, alteration of the natural hydrology and poor erosion control practices

• Establish morphology of all streams in District and use this information to develop restoration plans

• Establish TMDL standards for all streams and evaluate standards annually and amend standards as necessary

Stream MonitoringThe District monitored water quality and quantity (continuous flow monitoring) at fifteen stream sites in 2009. The District also established a new long-term stream monitoring site on lower Rice Creek in cooperation with the United States Geological Service. Continuous flow and turbidity data collected at this site are available in real-time on the USGS website.

Stream Morphology and BiologyThe District completed stream stability assessments (Pfankuch and Bank Erosion Hazard Index) on Rice Creek and Hardwood Creek in 2009. The District also worked

cooperatively with the University of Minnesota on developing a Riparian Vegetation Management Plan for portions of Hardwood Creek.

The District supported stream biological surveys (fish and invertebrates) conducted by the MPCA on Rice Creek and Hardwood Creek.

Hardwood Creek TMDL ImplementationThe Hardwood Creek TMDL Report and Implementation Plan were finalized and accepted by the MPCA and EPA in 2009. Subsequently, the District applied for, and was awarded a Federal 319 Grant for the Lower Hardwood Creek Restoration Project (a continuation of the Hardwood Creek Basis of Design Study, completed in 2008). The District met with Hardwood Creek landowners in 2009 to present preliminary project plans and garner local support. Restoration activities will include three major components: streambank stabilization and habitat enhancement, stream re-meandering (i.e. stream restoration), and livestock exclusion. Livestock exclusion design and installation is being completed cooperatively with the Washington Conservation District. Activities will begin in 2010 and continue through 2013.

Stream Health Evaluation Project (SHEP)The Rice Creek Watershed District partners with Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR), the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Anoka Conservation District and Minnesota Waters to implement SHEP. The Stream Health Evaluation Project involves 30 volunteers who



monitor area streams collecting macro-invertebrate data that can be used to indicate overall stream health. This project, led by FMR trains volunteers in how to collect and identify benthic macro-invertebrates so volunteers can provide reliable data that can be used by decision makers.

Three sites are chosen for their locations upstream or downstream of significant natural resource impacts, such as ditch maintenance and new suburban development, as well as stream restoration projects. This allows volunteers to identify and track trends in the ecological health of the stream as land uses change and management/restoration projects are implemented in the watershed. Once collected, data is quality assured, a final report is written and a presentation developed that summarizes the monitoring results in order to share the results with the public and cities.

Groundwater ManagementGoal: RCWD will work with the appropriate partners to ensure a stable and safe groundwater resource for the District.

Strategies:• The RCWD is continuing to work with counties

to develop and refine groundwater management plans to ensure groundwater conservation. Work has been focused on being part of Washington County groundwater plan and their protection areas will become part of our permit review process. Our next step is to do a comprehensive review of groundwater plans for Anoka and Ramsey counties. Groundwater plans in those counties have been reviewed on a project-by-project basis.

• As part of an on-going review process with new and/or updated stormwater plans, the RCWD works with counties and cities to ensure that groundwater conservation is a component of their stormwater management plans.

• The RCWD Rules were amended to ensure that District policies and rules incorporate groundwater issues. New rules were adopted in February of 2008 which include restrictions on floodplain alterations in sensitive groundwater areas.

Groundwater Planning & Management ActivitiesThe Ramsey County Groundwater Plan update was initiated in 2008 and completed in 2009. RCWD staff served on the technical panel to ensure consistency with RCWD plans and official controls.

The Washington County Groundwater Advisory Committee formally adopted the Washington County Groundwater Plan 2009 Work Plan on November 12, 2008. The 2009 Work Plan is intended to be a dynamic working

Major Groundwater-shed and Recharge/Discharge Regions of RCWD



Permit ReviewActions: Application review for permit issuance is undertaken by a team of engineers, attorneys and RCWD staff. Houston Engineering was hired as the new RCWD engineering firm in 2008 and the transition period provided an opportunity for consideration of the review process. This resulted in some modifications to the process. One substantial change is an increase in the application review timeframe before RCWD Board consideration. The new timeframe provides the District greater review time and the applicant time to respond to issues identified in the review. Additionally the RCWD Board delegated “minor” permit and procedural decisions to the District Administrator. This will bring greater efficiency to the permitting process. The District and engineers continue to flag areas of regulation in need of clarification, but the current rules are serving the natural resources of the District well.

document that implements the objectives and goals of the 2003 – 2013 Washington County Groundwater Plan. RCWD continues to participate in coordination activities tied to implementing the plan through the Washington County Groundwater Advisory Committee. RCWD staff participated with Anoka County in the updating of its County Surface and Groundwater Assessment, done in-lieu of a 103B Metropolitan County Groundwater Protection Plan.

Regulatory ProgramGoal: RCWD has an effective regulatory function that fosters sound land use and water resource management in the District.

Strategies:• Review District Rules and make appropriate adjust-

ments that align Rules with District’s long-term goals • Ensure that permits are processed in a timely and

professional manner • Work with cities to ensure that our Rules are well un-

derstood by their staff • Ensure that the District’s permit program and re-

sponsibility as the wetland conservation act local governmental unit (LGU) is applied fairly and uni-formly throughout the district.

• Ensure strict requirements for the assumption of permitting authority from RCWD

• Review old files, eliminate duplicative information and develop archival system in an effort to make the files more accessible and take up less office space. District continued to contract for part-time labor to continue the review and digitization of old files.

• Ensure that municipalities are encouraging proper erosion control structures at residential and com-mercial development sites though site inspections



InspectionThe RCWD is involved in two types of regular permit inspections, routine and close-out. The routine inspections are intended to ensure that municipalities are encouraging proper sediment and erosion control BMPs at residential and commercial development sites. Routine inspections also ensure that stormwater management features are built correctly and functioning properly, and that wetland and floodplain impacts do not exceed planned amounts. Close-out inspections are done when the project has been completed, to ensure it has been built according to the approved plan, that final stabilization/vegetation has been established, and that all temporary BMPs have been removed. This inspection is the count-down to permit closure and return of the surety deposit.

BMP Monitoring and AssessmentThis project was initiated in 2007 and continued in 2009 to assess the function of stormwater BMPs that have been constructed within the District, and identify site specific deficiencies and remedies.

2009 Permit ActivityReview Files (WCA-only decisions, complaint files, and other site reviews)

84

General Permits Issued 135

Variances Issued 2

Enforcement Actions Taken 1

2009 Permit ActivityConstruction sites inspected in 2009

334

Notices of violation (including all inspection reports issued containing at least one non-compliant item, including minor compliance issues)

320

Total inspections 943

Erosion Control Violation Rate 33.4%

Sediment Control Violation Rate 49.1%

Temporary BMP Maintenance Violation Rate

52.5%

Permanent Stormwater Management Violation Rate

24.4%

Stop work orders 1

Frequency of inspection for active construction sites

Monthly (on average)

Permits closed 139 (105 sureties returned but some were partials and replacements)

Sites inspected for BMP maintenance

48



each drainage system in the district with a goal of balancing agriculture, future municipal needs, protection of wetland resources and water quality.

• RCWD undertook the first phase of three phase drainage records modernization project, with partial funding through a grant from Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). The goal is to digitize and link all records associated with a particular drainage system within the framework of a geo-referenced database, accessed through GIS. This will allow staff to quickly access historical records when questions about the drainage system arise. Additionally, the records will be kept electronically in a single location so that they can be retrieved as needed.

Wetland ManagementGoal: RCWD will conserve the highest quality wetlands within the District and maintain and enhance the hydrologic and natural resource value of wetlands throughout the District.

Strategies:• Monitoring reference wetlands will help to determine hydrologic regimes under a variety of circumstances and use data to refine wetland management in other areas• Restore degraded wetlands in areas determined as Goal: The drainage systems under the jurisdiction of RCWD will serve current agriculture activities and transistion to stormwater management systems as areas are developed.

Actions:• Six systems were inspected in 2009 and minor

maintenance was completed on ten segments.• A new drainage system management strategy that

began in 2008 will systematically develop plans for

Photo by RCWD resident Greg Granger



Drainage System and Creek Maintenance

JD-2 Ditch Maintenance This program is in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, renewed at the end of 2009, between the District and the City of Hugo allowing Hugo to assume responsibility for maintenance of JD-2 with costs to be reimbursed by the RCWD up to the $40,000 amount annually.

Actions: • RCWD worked cooperatively with the City of

Columbus on the development of a CWPMP for the municipality.

• The District continued in 2009, under contract with the Anoka Conservation District, to monitor reference wetlands to determine hydrologic

regimes under a variety of circumstances and use data to refine wetland management in other areas.

• The District completed reports for the Village Meadows CWMP and ACD 53-62 CWMP both of which demonstrate progress in the overall plan.

• RCWD also continued to serve as the WCA local governmental unit for all cities in the District with the exception of Hugo. RCWD works annually with Hugo in completion of an audit to ensure consistency in administration.

• In 2009, the majority of District application review was for public projects, typically road or trail projects apparently as a result of stimulus monies.

Information ManagementGoal: RCWD information systems will enable staff and land-owners within the District to access data that will enhance conservation efforts.

Strategies: • Obtain and maintain Geographic Information

System (GIS) data layers from our partners to better serve RCWD and clientele

• Obtain and maintain effective computer network capability

• Develop effective system for recording natural resource data gathered by RCWD in databases accessible to staff and partners

• Develop and maintain an archival system for RCWD files

Actions:Scanning and entry of historical permits files continued in 2009. RCWD initiated a review and assessment of the District’s permit database and workflow process.

Permit Mapper Software/HostingThis activity entails hosting the existing web-based mapping program including upgrades and revisions as

Photo by resident Kurt Walther



requested by staff. The web mapper is a very useful tool that put GIS data specific to the District at the finger tips of all District staff without the need for GIS training or licenses. Upgrades in 2009 included a web-based information access point for anyone interested in the District.

The District Implemented improvements in the District’s “Permit Mapper” system for recording, editing, and managing permit and review file information.

The District also completed work on Phase 1 of a drainage records modernization project, funded in part by a grant from BWSR.

WebsiteThe RCWD website was overhauled and was finished in early 2009. The goal was to develop and maintain a website that can be used to access not only RCWD information, but also answers most frequently asked questions and provide a means for citizens to access other databases. A new feature on the website is a “Am I in the Watershed District?” so residents can easily tell if they live within the boundaries of the District.

ResearchGoal:

RCWD will promote research that refines and economizes the conservation efforts of the District and its partners.

Strategies:• Determine gaps in knowledge of key water resource

systems within the District and determine existing research activities.

• Assist in funding research that is specifically targeted to challenges within the District

• District staff keep themselves current on new and innovative techniques being implemented for water resource management by attending conferences and interacting with peers in the field

• Staff and consultants at RCWD are seen as being among the most knowledgeable in the state on water resource management. The staff is acknowledged by others for their expertise in the water resources filed and represent the District on a number for regional and state committees.



Environmental Educationand OutreachGoal: Current and future decision makers and residents in our community have increased awareness of conservation issues and the knowledge to make informed land use decisions.

Actions: Community Outreach and EducationBlue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water

The Blue Thumb - Planting for Clean Water p r o g r a m (bluethumb.org) makes it easy for r e s i d e n t s interested in

doing their part to protect water quality to plan, purchase and plant native gardens, raingardens and shorelines with native plants.

The Blue Thumb program was started by the Rice Creek Watershed District as an outreach program to meet water quality goals identified in our strategic plan and to help our cities meet their federal Clean Water Act mandates. The Blue Thumb program is the central education tool to convey steps residents can take to combat stormwater run-off. Website, posters, displays, banners, yard signs, brochures, bookmarks, stickers, newsletter articles and press releases are used regularly to educate area residents.

In 2009, the Blue Thumb program had over 50 partners who contributed 3,490 hours of in-kind time on projects around the state such as giving workshops, putting Blue Thumb on Facebook, etc. Partners also contributed

$38,559 for joint media outreach efforts and website develoment. The program website had 8% increase in use with nearly 24,000 website visits and over 120,000 pageviews. Blue Thumb was represented at over 95 events and hundreds of workshops.

Educational CalendarRice Creek Watershed District created and distributed over 6,000 copies of its fifth annual educational calendar. Most of the pictures in the calendar were submitted by area residents.

In 2009, the Blue Thumb program was chosen to exhibit at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s “Waterosity” event running from June until October

“Bee”Photo by Cecelia Cathcart

Rice Creek watershed district’s

Calendar

2O1O



Work with SchoolsResource Teachers Program - Teaching Kids about Natural Resources

The Rice Creek Watershed District “Resource Teachers” program (ResourceTeachers.org), now in its fifth year, is an innovative way for classroom teachers and community leaders from twelve participating schools and organiza-tions within the RCWD to incorporate environmental ed-ucation into their lessons or activities by inviting a guest “resource teacher” to come in and teach. The resource teachers are trained in grades preK-12 in natural resource education curricula spanning various subject areas.

In 2009, the Resource Teachers program nearly doubled its outreach. Resource Teachers were in schools 61 days or 488 contact hours. The program also got a new website to make the online system of reserving a resource teacher run smoother.

Work with CitiesWork with Metro Non-Point Source Pollution Educa-tion for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Three sessions of the Rice Creek Stormwater Forum aimed at municipal planning, public works and parks staff had over 50 attendees. The topics included: RCWD Water-shed Modeling, Stormwater Pond Maintenance, Manag-

ing Stormwater Pond Dredge Material, RCWD Cost-Share Opportunities, P2 Posters as an MS4 Requirement and IDDE Training Intro, Shingle Creek Chloride TMDL & Sta-tus of Metro-wide Chloride Study.

Communications• 38 public notices were put out for ditch abandon-

ments, etc. • Press releases were sent to newspapers about special

projects. Several articles were published in the Star Tribune, St. Paul Pioneer Press and local newspapers.

• Each of the 28 cities within the RCWD is supplied with a newsletters or website article to use each time their newsletter goes out to residents or their website was update.

Volunteer ProgramsStormdrain MarkingThe stormdrain marking program reinforces the simple, yet important concept that “every curb is a shoreline.” The markers say, “Be a Stormdrain Guardian! Clean streets = Cleaner Lakes & Creeks.” The stormdrain marker volunteer program is training volunteers and residents t o be “stormdrain guardians” or to keep stormdrains free

of de-bris and to sweep

their streets. By gluing the markers o n RCWD curbs, residents also see who to contact if they would like to report problems with drainage or ero-sion.



V. 2010 Workplan & Budget

General OperationsManage District organization and operation by providing for skilled staff, modern office facilities, management and support of Board of Managers and advisory committee functions, and necessary operational expenses, including professional services, equipment, board and staff training, planning support, and accounting and audit services.

Environmental Education and InformationThe District seeks to educate the general public, school-aged children, city staff, developers and engineers about concepts and practices that conserve and restore water resources. Methods employed to accomplish these goals include:

Water Education and OutreachThis program includes a variety of activities such as the development of education material, newsletters, annual reports, the annual District wall calendar, coordination of volunteer activities, and public speaking events about District activities. Also included are general media campaigns, involvement in the East Metro Water education partnership and metro Watershed Partners, and municipal training.

Blue ThumbThe Blue Thumb education program provides resources and knowledge to encourage homeowners to use native plants in landscaping, raingardens, and shoreline stabilization to reduce runoff from their home landscape to improve water quality. Resources include a website with information on native plant selection, raingarden

and shoreline stabilization designs, links to industry professionals and a raingarden installation manual.

Resource Teacher Program - Teaching Kids about Natural ResourcesThis program connects lessons about natural resources and kids in formal and informal learning settings. In 2010, this program is expanding beyond the traditional classroom to scout troops and library programming interested in incorporating or enhancing the environmental education in their activities. Program users simply go to www.resourceteachers.org and reserve a guest “resource teacher” to come and teach about natural resources.

Information Management and TechnologyIncludes activities to manage the Districts’ operations related to data storage, data processing and methods for data distribution to improve staff efficiency and promote data-sharing between cities, developers, and citizen within the District.

Permit Mapper / GIS ViewerThis program includes several related GIS and data-base activities. The GIS Viewer is a web-based interactive map which allows the RCWD to place and edit the physical locations and data of new permits and review files, along with a basic map creation feature. The District website has undergone extensive revision and is being enhanced to make information including meetings, schedules, and operations more accessible to the public and other stakeholders. The District is enhancing old databases and developing new databases to better manage the large amounts of information that has been and is being collected. The information includes streamflow, water quality data, survey results, and information related to development and application of a District-wide hydraulic and hydrologic model. The goal is to ensure that these data bases will encompass long-lasting, accessible data that are and will be important assets as the District continues to grow.



Water Resources RestorationUrban Stormwater Remediation Cost Share ProgramThe Urban Stormwater Remediation Cost Share Program is a grant program which funds capital improvements, constructed by counties, cities, villages, townships, school districts, libraries, and other entities, to enhance water quality or alleviate flooding issues. The program is focused primarily on urbanized areas, where the opportunities to improve water quality or alleviate flooding issues is limited because of a lack of space and a fully urbanized landscape. The intent of the program is to cost share structural solutions that result in the control of stormwater runoff beyond what is required by District rules, especially when opportunities are associated with redevelopment, linear projects like road and street improvements, and storm sewer improvement projects. Grants dollars are available only for Best Management Practices not being implemented to comply with District rules, (i.e. projects that either do not require a permit, or BMPs that are in addition to permit requirements). The grant will cover a maximum of 50% of estimated project or bid cost, whichever is lower, not to exceed $50,000 per project.

Resource Management Planning (RMP) ProgramThe RMP is a planning document developed by the RCWD to guide the management of public drainage systems, wetlands, water quality, and stormwater in the urbanizing areas of the District. The RMP implements the multiple responsibilities of the District as the legal drainage authority, the LGU responsible for administering the WCA, and the policies and goals established by this WMP and the policies and goals established by this WMP related to managing the rate and volume of runoff, improving water quality and providing opportunities for open space. The RMP is comprised of three separate, but related documents, used to guide the management of a public drainage system administered by the RCWD. These documents are a repair report, a CWMP and a rule implementing the CWMP. Each of the documents has a specific purpose. Important results from the three

documents are integrated into the RMP as a single planning document used to guide the management of a legal drainage system.

This program supports implementation activities identified in the following RMP’s: Village Meadows Comprehensive Wetland Management Plan; Anoka County Ditch 53-62 RMP; Anoka County Ditch 15/ Judicial Ditch 4 RMP, Lino Lakes RMP; and Columbus RMP.

District-Wide Modeling ProgramThe District initiated the District-Wide Modeling Program in 2009 as a tool for managing much of its technical resources and to improve its ability to respond to current and emerging resource issues. The program is a three year effort focused upon developing information needed as input to hydrologic, hydraulic and water quality models and model development to address resource issues, design projects, and evaluate landscape scale conditions.

Southwest Urban Lakes ImplementationThe issue addressed by this capital improvement program is the degraded water quality of lakes located within the southwest portion of the District. This program is generally identified within the Lake Management Plans contained within the report titled Southwest Urban Lakes Study dated April 2009. The Southwest Urban Lakes Study assessed the water quality of 24 lakes in the southwest portion of the RCWD, particularly in relation to state water quality standards, and resulted in the development of management action plans for each lake. The intent of each management action plans is to give the District a prioritized list of projects for further investigation. For most projects further feasibility assessments is needed before the District proceeds with a particular project. Over 200 potential retrofit BMPs are identified in the management action plans. This improvement project is intended to implement these BMP retrofits.



Regulatory & PermitsExcess runoff broadly includes managing peak rates of runoff, the volume of runoff, managing the floodplain, managing lake water levels, flooding and the consequences of excess runoff including erosion and sedimentation. The District rules and the permit review program are the primary methods used by the District to manage excess runoff. Managing excess runoff is necessary to prevent areas from flooding, to reduce erosion and address water quality problems. The effective management of excess runoff reduces the need for public expenditures to construct large and more expensive stormwater management facilities. Erosion and sedimentation are addressed at least in part, by the inspection of construction sites as part of the Permit Review Program. Excess runoff is generally managed on a day-to-day basis through the rules promulgated by the District and implemented through the Permit Review Program, the review and approval of Local Water Management Plans developed by the cities within the District, and by providing technical data, support and information.

Permit Review ProgramThe purpose of this program is to implement the rules of the District through the receipt and review of permits, including inspection and enforcement. This program also includes the annual audit of the City of Hugo, whichhas assumed delegation of the rules of the District.

Rule Revision / Permit Guidance ProgramThe purpose of this program is to complete periodic review of the District rules, including regionally focused rules resulting from the Resource Management Plans and propose amendments to those rules to the Board of Managers as needed.

Municipal Capital Improvement – Early Coordination ProgramThe Municipal Capital Improvement – Early Coordination Program has been a successful yearly program which

provides funds to work with cities, and other local and state agencies prior to permitting for municipal projects. This program is focused on working with communities in advance of receiving permit applications

Ditch and Creek MaintenanceThe RCWD has responsibility for managing drainage systems as the drainage authority in accordance with MS103E and also some responsibility for the waterways which are both streams and public drainage systemswithin the District

Public Drainage System Inspection, Maintenance and Repair ProgramThe purpose of this program is to inspect, maintain and repair the public drainage systems within the RCWD. The response to requests and petitions for maintenance are completed through this program, as is the preparation of an annual inspection report. This program includes completing technical analyses and related activities associated with maintenance requests, the completion of repair reports, and repair of the drainage system.

Drainage System Records Modernization ProgramAccessible and accurate records are essential for the efficient management, maintenance, repair and improvement of the more than 100 miles of public drainage systems. The District is the public drainage authority, pursuant to MS 103E, and is therefore responsible for the operation and maintenance of these systems. The purpose of the Drainage System Modernization Program is to develop basic historic information pertaining to the public drainage system, to maintain information about the as-constructed and subsequently improved condition, to identify and retrieve information about the benefited area, and to generally make information about the public drainage system more assessable. The District initiated this program in 2009 and the data development phase is expected to last for three years. After the development phase, the updates and management of the records system



will be an on-going activity/program of the District.

Repair ReportsIn 2010, the District plans on completing repair reports for ACD-31, ACD-46, ACD 10-22-32 and initiating work on ACD 25. These repair reports are the first step towards refurbishing the District’s aging drainage system and preparing it to meet the demands of the twenty-first century.

Lake and Stream Management and MonitoringSurface Water Quality Monitoring ProgramThe Surface Water Quality Monitoring Program is guided through the Monitoring Program Plan and executed by the Lake and Stream Specialist. The District has a stream and lake monitoring network that continues to be refined to make it more pertinent to current water-quality concerns. Other monitoring supported by the District includes the CAMP with 13 lakes enrolled. Counties continue to be an important partner for lake-quality and water-level monitoring with support and coordination from the District. The MnDNR works closely with the District for lake vegetation and fisheries management, and stream-channel restoration. In 2008 the District entered into inter-agency agreements with the Washington and Anoka Conservation Districts to conduct lake level and reference wetland monitoring. The District also entered into an agreement with the United States Geological Survey for the installation of a permanent, year-round streamflow-gaging station on lower Rice Creek.

Lake and Stream Management Program (TMDL Implementation)The Lake and Stream Management Program is focused on using the monitoring information, completed TMDL studies and the SW Urban Lakes Study to select and implement a range of projects, programs and activities to maintain, restore and/or enhance the conditions of lakes and streams within the District. In 2010 the following TMDL studies are expected to be completed: Anoka Chain of Lakes TMDL; Bald Eagle Lake TMDL; Golden lake TMDL;

Peltier-Centerville TMDL; and Silver Lake TMDL.

Best Management Practice Implementation (Water Quality BMP Cost-Share Program)Cost sharing grants are available for a variety of activities related to improving water quality, reducing runoff volume, and enhancing ecological resources. Cost share is available for installing a rain garden and stabilizing lakeshore with native plantings. This program is operated through service agreements with Anoka, Ramsey, and Washington Conservation Districts. The Water Resource Specialist is responsible for administering this aspect of the cost share program.

Bald Eagle lake Water Management District ImplementationThis capital improvement is intended to address the issue of lake water quality for Bald Eagle Lake. The Bald Eagle Lake LMP sets forth numeric goals for water quality. The timeline to meet water quality goals is over a 10-year period. Intermediate goals (on a 5-year timeline) are a 4.5 feet summer average transparency, 70 parts per billion concentration for total phosphorus, and 30 parts per billion concentration for chlorophyll a. One component of the LMP is an “alum treatment” to lower phosphorus concentrations within the lake, thereby reducing the amount of algae and improving water clarity along with continued curlyleaf pondweed control and implementation of shoreline and watershed nutrient reduction projects.

District Facilities Operation and RepairsIn addition to the public drainage systems, other water resource management facilities which are primarily water level control structures, water quality treatment facilities and fish barriers, are owned and operated by the District. The District also holds an easement and is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Walls Wetland Bank. The Public Drainage Inspector / Technician is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair and operation of these facilities.



District Facilities Operations and Maintenance ProgramThe District Facilities Maintenance Program, established in 2008 by the Board of Managers, addresses the need to maintain and repair facilities owned and operated by the District, which are not public drainage systems. Many of these facilities were constructed during the late 1980’s as a part of the Long Lake Chain of Lakes Clean Lakes Project. Important aspects of this program include conducting an inventory of facilities and providing documentation which will become part of a long-term record, assessing work that has been done and what repairs are needed, and developing operating plans and procedures.

Long Lake Sediment BasinOne of the areas of accelerated sedimentation in the District is in and around Long Lake. This activity is designed to accumulate funds so that maintenance of the sediment basin occurs on a regular 5 to 6 year rotation.

2010 Budget

Operations Budget 2010

Administration Budget $330,310

Programs

30 – Environmental Education & Information $66,474

35 – Information Management & Technology $53,648

60 – Water Resource Restoration $91,218

70 – Permit & Regulatory $623,826

80 – Ditch & Creek Maintenance $315,994

90 – Lake & Stream Management and Monitoring

$318,639

Programs Total $1,463,007

Projects

3001 – Resource Teachers - Schools $39,550

3002 – Water Resources Education & Outreach

$ 20,000

3003 – Blue Thumb $23,300

3505 – Permit Mapper / GIS Viewer $2,800

6015 – Urban Stormwater Remediation Cost-Share

$40,000

6017 – Columbus Resource Management Plan Implementation

$50,000

6018 - JD4/ACD15 Resource Management Plan Implementation

$100,000

6019 – District Wide Hydrology and Hydraulic Model Update

$250,000

6021 – ACD 53/62 Resource Management Plan Implementation

$50,000

6022 – Lino Lakes Resource Management Plan Implementation

$50,000

6024 – Southwest Urban Lakes Implementation

$50,000

7001 – District Rule Evaluation Project $25,000

7007 – Municipal CIP Early Coordination $25,000

7008 – Watershed Plan Revision/Update $20,000

8003 – Drainage System Repair Reports $65,000

8004 – Drainage System Records Modernization

$50,000

9001- Water Quality BMP Cost-Share $130,000

9011 – Stream Health Evaluation Program $27,000

9023 - TMDL Implementation $450,000

9024 – Bald Eagle Lake Water Management District Work Program

$35,000

9501 – Long Lake Sediment Basin $60,000

9503 – District Facilities Repair and Maintenance

$150,000

9504 – District Easements Operation and Maintenance

$20,000

9505 – District Facilities Management Plan $10,000

Projects Total $1,910,650

TOTAL OPERATIONS BUDGET $3,702,657



VI. 2009 RCWD Staff4325 Pheasant Ridge Dr. NE #611Blaine, MN 55449763-398-3070

Doug Thomas - District AdministratorTheresa Stasica - Office ManagerMatt Kocian - Lake and Stream SpecialistNick Tomczik - Wetland Specialist & Permit CoordinatorTom Schmidt - District TechnicianDave Bauer - InspectorElizabeth Muller - InspectorDawn Pape - Environmental Education CoordinatorKyle Axtell - Water Resource SpecialistCatherine Bach - Intern

Consultants

Legal Counsel

Smith PartnersLouis N. Smith, Charles B. Holtman400 Second Avenue S., Suite 1200Minneapolis MN 55401Website http://www.smithpartners.com/

Rinke NoonanJohn KolbSuite 300, US Bank PlazaPO Box 1497St. Cloud, MN 56302

Consulting Engineers and Other Services

Emmons & Olivier Resources (EOR) (2008/2009)651 Hale AvenueOakdale MN 55128Website: http://www.eorinc.com/

Houston Engineering (2008/2009)6901 E Fish Lake RdOsseo, MN 55369http://www.houstonengineeringinc.com

HLB Tautges Redpath - Accounting and Auditing4810 White Bear ParkwayWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110http://www.hlbtr.com/

2010 RCWD Staff

Doug Thomas - District AdministratorTheresa Stasica - Office ManagerMatt Kocian - Lake and Stream SpecialistNick Tomczik - Wetland Specialist and Permit CoordinatorTom Schmidt - District Technician Dave Bauer - InspectorElizabeth Muller - InspectorDawn Pape - Environmental Education CoordinatorKyle Axtell - Water Resource Specialist

2009 annual report - lawn chair gardener · i-694 stormwater treatment ponds, oakcrest ave....

Documents