NOTICE: February Community Meeting on Lake Nokomis Weir Renovation
Construction to begin in summer on new lower-maintenance structure  

Minneapolis, Minn. -- The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) are hosting a community meeting to discuss the renovation of the Lake Nokomis weir on Thursday, February 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Nokomis Community Center (2401 E. Minnehaha Parkway) in Minneapolis. The public is welcome and invited to attend.

The MCWD constructed the weir –- a dam-like structure that holds back water –- in 2000 to keep polluted water from Minnehaha Creek out of Lake Nokomis. With components of the structure in need of repair and replacement, the MCWD will be changing the existing inflatable weir to an adjustable fixed weir that will provide the same level of protection, require less maintenance and better match the surrounding area. The structure will remain at the same elevation and will not affect flooding potential.
 
In addition to making the weir easier to operate, the project also will improve its appearance. The structure will be updated with a limestone-like facade to match the character of the nearby bridge.

At the request of the City of Richfield, this amendment proposes to incorporate into MCWD’s Plan, a capital improvement project for water quality improvements to Taft and Legion Lake.

Please find a draft amendment to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District’s (MCWD) Comprehensive Plan/Capital Improvement Plan attached below entitled: Richfield Draft Plan Amendment.

The start of a 60 day comment period began on January 10, 2012 and will end at 4:30PM March 12, 2012.  Please submit comments in writing no later than 4:30PM March 12, 2012, to James Wisker at Jwisker@minnehahacreek.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Dec. 2, 2011

MCWD Planner Wins Statewide Award
James Wisker Named 2011 Outstanding Watershed District Employee

Deephaven, Minn. – Minnehaha Creek Watershed District’s (MCWD) Director of Planning, Projects and Land Conservation James Wisker has been named the 2011 Outstanding Watershed District Employee by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). The award was presented at the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts’ 40^th Annual Meeting and Trade Show in Alexandria, Minn. on Friday, Dec. 2, 2011.

Wisker oversees the planning and implementation of the MCWD’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP).  In 2011, Wisker led MCWD’s efforts to develop and implement a restoration plan for the Minnehaha Creek corridor through the cities of Hopkins and St. Louis Park.  This work will protect open space, improve stormwater management, stabilize the streambank and re-meander Minnehaha Creek to filter runoff, control flooding and improve habitat.  This project involved collaborative planning with staff and elected officials from both cities, the business community and local residents.

Winter is here, which in Minnesota means salt on our roads and sidewalks. 

To better understand salt use practices by homeowners we need your input. The survey is a short and simple 9 questions. It should only take 10 minutes to complete. 

You can help. Take the residential winter salt use survey and let us know about your winter safety tricks! 

Thank you!

After taking the survey visit our Snow Removal and Salt page to learn some of our winter tips. 

Photo by Fortin Consulting.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are a significant threat to our region’s lakes, rivers and Minnehaha Creek. Left unmanaged, they will negatively impact local businesses, communities and the ability to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and the valuable natural resources of this area. While AIS are a growing concern across the state, there is local urgency to find community solutions. Time is running out to prevent their spread to water that is not yet infested.  

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is the local unit of government responsible for managing and protecting the water resources of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed in parts of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and its western suburbs.

The MCWD is responsible for 181 square miles that drain into the Minnehaha Creek and ultimately the Mississippi River. The watershed includes Minnehaha Creek, Lake Minnetonka, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, and Minnehaha Falls. There are eight major creeks, 129 lakes, and thousands of wetlands within the MCWD. The MCWD also includes all or part of 27 cities and two townships in Hennepin and Carver counties.

The MCWD uses scientific research and monitoring, public education, grant programs, permitting, and collaborative initiatives with local governments, agencies, and residents, to protect the region’s lakes, rivers, and streams. Protecting and managing these resources is important for recreation, fish and wildlife, the environment, and property values.

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District requires permits in order to:

• Protect the water resources of the MCWD for all current and future users
• Reduce the severity and frequency of flooding  
• Preserve floodplain and wetland storage capacity
• Improve the chemical and physical quality of surface water
• Reduce sediment build-up to preserve the flow of lakes and streams
• Minimize public expenditures to correct damage in the future
• Preserve natural shoreline and habitat for aquatic life

Watershed areas do not adhere to city and county boundaries, which means that one community's actions can affect water quality and quantity in others. As a result of this, conflict may arise over how to use and manage water.

To address this problem, the State of Minnesota implemented the Minnesota Watershed District Act in 1955. The act provides for the establishment of local units of government to protect and manage water resources based on hydrologic (as opposed to political) boundaries.

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) employs 24 employees, including researchers, planners, monitoring teams, water quality experts, educators, and others who work collaboratively with residents, their communities, and state and local governments to maintain and sustain water quality and management.

Current staff and department contact information for the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District:

To see what Rule your project may trigger, see the Activities that Require Permits page.  Please contact the Regulatory Department with questions on what projects require a permit.

Download and submit all required materials for the following rules. If a project triggers more than one rule, fill out only one Water Resource Permit Application Form.