Introduction

Big Island is a large isolated island on the Lower Lake portion of Lake Minnetonka.  The Lake is partially developed with a number of single family home lots and preserved in large part by parks and open space owned by the City of Orono, Three Rivers Park District and MCWD.  From 2004-2006, MCWD participated in the acquisition of a 56-acre portion of Big Island in conjunction with efforts undertaken by the City of Orono and the Minnesota State Legislature.  MCWD currently maintains easement rights over important natural areas on the island and is currently in discussions with the City of Orono regarding a natural resource management plan for the parcel.  The parcel contains upland habitat identified as maple-basswood forest and two wetlands that are highlighted in the MCWD Functional Assessment of Wetlands as holding high value for multiple categories (see figure below).  

 

The purpose of the Big Island Wetland Restoration Project is to enhance and improve natural features on the site within the parameters of the management plan developed by the City of Orono.  The MCWD project would focus on improvements related to water resources, but would be developed to meet the park needs of the City and habitat desires for the site.

Development of the Big Island Wetland Restoration Project requires investigation of the following issues:

Wetland Siting

Identification of geographic areas on the site where hydrology provides for adequate surface and/or groundwater flows to maintain wetland conditions in existing or altered topography.  Adequate technical analysis of runoff rate, path, timing of inflow/outflow, duration and frequency of ponding and saturation of existing and proposed conditions is required.  Wetland sites could either build/expand upon existing wetlands or be created in locations on site where conditions permit. Proximity to important natural resources on site must be considered and high quality upland natural areas must not be negatively affected as a result of restoration of wetland features.  

Wetland Type

Wetland Type and Classification must be integrated into the other important natural resources planning throughout the site.  Considerations of vegetation species and wetland function must be evaluated in order to optimize the value of existing wetlands on site as well as the restored features.  Proposed restored wetlands on site should be representative of natural or historic wetland features within the area and should complement the vegetation types of high quality upland features on the site. Wetland vegetation must be selected relative to the hydrologic considerations cited above in analysis of wetland siting.

Upland Resources

Wetland buffers adjacent to restoration areas should be free and clear of exotic and invasive species and generally consistent with other natural features on the site.  Evaluation of existing and proposed site conditions must take into account the establishment and maintenance of buffer areas as well as restoration areas.

Feasibility Study Report

Further questions and concerns can be addressed by contacting MCWD Planner Michael Wyatt at (952)471-0590 ext. 204 or mwyatt@minnehahacreek.org.