MEDIA ALERT - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Julie Westerlund, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Communications Manager, 952-471-0590 x 209, jwesterlund@minnehahacreek.org
James Wisker, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Regulatory Program Manager, 952-471-0590 x 206, jwisker@minnehahacreek.org

Public Hearing on draft rules scheduled for May 14

MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT REVISES WATER MANAGEMENT RULES

DEEPHAVEN, MN –April 8, 2009 – The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is seeking public comment on the first in a series of revisions to its water management rules. 

The rule amendments follow updates to the District’s Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan, adopted in July 2007.  Since the adoption of its Plan, the District has engaged a citizen-based rule making task force and technical advisory committee in a lengthy process of rule review and stakeholder involvement.  The task force and committee are made up of representatives from cities, the development community and other businesses, environmental groups, and citizen advisors.  According to James Wisker, MCWD Regulatory Program manager, the process has been extremely thorough and comprehensive. “It’s taking a long time,” said Wisker, “but we are providing a lot of information to the stakeholders and getting good feedback from them.”

The purpose of the rule update is to provide enhanced protection to water resources, streamline and clarify the administrative aspects of the permitting process, and implement the policies and goals from the 2007 plan update.

MCWD’s regulatory program has been in place since 1972.  The program regulates construction and other activities that impact water resources.  Watershed Districts, which are independent local units of government, have rule making and enforcement authority through State Statute.

Currently under review are MCWD Rules B (Erosion Control), C (Floodplain Alteration), and E (Dredging).  Still under development are rules D (Wetland Protection), F (Shoreline Alteration), and N (Stormwater Management). 

According to Wisker, the rules still under development could arouse controversy among some stakeholders because they will increase the requirements for water protection.

“We anticipate a lot of interest in our upcoming rule revisions – we are taking a leadership role in protecting and improving water resources, and we need the public’s support as we move forward,” said Wisker.

Copies of the proposed rules amendments can be obtained by calling 952-471-0590 or from the MCWD web site: www.minnehahacreek.org.  Written comments may be submitted on or before May 4, 2009, to James Wisker, MCWD, 18202 Minnetonka Boulevard, Deephaven, Minnesota, 55391, or at jwisker@minnehahacreek.org .

About the MCWD

Since its formation in 1967, the MCWD, formed by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, has led the region in cutting edge research and technical expertise in the areas of water quality monitoring and management. The district protects, improves and manages water resources, runoff and related natural resources for 129 lakes, 8 major creeks and thousands of wetlands located within the 181 square mile watershed of Minnehaha Creek and Lake Minnetonka, in partnership with 29 communities, other agencies and concerned citizens.

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