Becky Houdek - Assistant Planner Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

1. Minnehaha Creek Reach 14 Feasibility Study Insert photo • Becky Houdek - Assistant Planner • Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

2. Outline Background on MCWD Study area and goals Concept plans Next steps Questions and discussion Insert photo

3. Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD)

4. Background on 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

5. Study Area and Goals

6. 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

7. Comparison of Turf Grass and Native Plant Roots Natural Resources Conservation Service

8. 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)

9. Concept Plan – Existing Conditions

10. Concept Plan – Proposed Conditions

17. 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

18. Questions and Discussion