becky houdek - assistant planner minnehaha creek watershed district minnehaha creek reach 14...
TRANSCRIPT
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