PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For information, contactJulie Westerlund, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District at 952-471-0590 or jwesterlund@minnehahacreek.org
WATERSHED BOARD TO CONSIDER A CONNECTION BETWEEN LAKE MINNETONKA AND LAKE VIRGINIA
DEEPHAVEN, MN – April 4, 2006 –the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) Board of Managers will hold its April 20 meeting at Victoria City Hall to hear comment and rule on three alternatives to replace a culvert between Lake Virginia and Lake Minnetonka. The Board will also determine whether three proposals under consideration by the City of Victoria for the project comply with District rules designed to protect the lakes.
Under consideration are options that 1) replace the existing culvert with a new culvert large enough to allow navigation by boats, 2) increase the size of the replacement to allow navigation by small watercraft and canoes, or 3) replace the existing culvert with equivalent sized culverts.
“This is a controversial issue because it could open a navigable connection between Lake Virginia and Lake Minnetonka,” said Eric Evenson, District Administrator. While the MCWD does not regulate boat traffic, its decision could influence which of the options the City of Victoria pursues.
Themeeting will be held at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 20 at 7951 Rose Street, Victoria. Interested parties who are unable to attend the meeting may submit written comments to Renae Clark, Projects Coordinator at Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, 18202 Minnetonka Boulevard, Deephaven, MN 55391, rclark@minnehahacreek.org . Comments must be received at the District by 5 p.m. Thursday, April 13, 2006.
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.