5.0 Implementation Program

The goals set forth in Section 4.0, Resource Management Goals and Strategies will require an integrated set of programs and projects oriented toward the conservation and improvement of water resources within the watershed and identifies parties responsible for each activity. The following sections describe generally the activities that will be undertaken by various parties. Table 27 in Section 5.9 provides a cost estimate and schedule for the District’s responsibilities for new activities in the implementation program.

5.1 Regulatory Program

As discussed in Section 3.6 above, future development is not expected to contribute significant additional stormwater volume or phosphorus loads to Minnehaha Creek. However, an overall reduction in phosphorus loading from the subwatershed is desirable and additional reductions from regulation of pollutant loading and volume should be considered. Additional infiltration and minimization of new impervious surface should be encouraged to reduce pollutant loading from runoff, help restore base flow in the creek and reduce peak runoff rates. To decrease pollutant loading, control new volumes, encourage increased infiltration and provide for additional wetland management, additional regulation may be necessary. A decision on rulemaking needs/standards can only be made after the formal rulemaking process. In addition, further amendments to the Rules should not be precluded by the content of the plan.

Additional regulatory controls on permitted development and redevelopment will be considered for this subwatershed to increase phosphorus load reduction requirements, add volume management and infiltration requirements, implement wetland management in accordance with management classification, and increase scrutiny of development that may impact groundwater or key conservation resources. Regulations providing an incentive such as a volume reduction credit to developers to maintain undisturbed areas, reforest, or plant native vegetation may be considered.

The following are revised or additional regulatory controls in this subwatershed that would be necessary to assist the District in meeting the goals of this Plan:

Amend existing or establish new District rules requiring abstraction of the first one inch of rainfall on new permitted development and redevelopment.
Amend existing or establish new District rules requiring greater than 50 percent phosphorus removal on new permitted developments within the subwatershed
Amend District rules to incorporate a requirement for stormwater management plan approval prior to submittal of a preliminary plat.
Amend existing or establish new District rules requiring submittal of a functions and values assessment for all proposed wetland impacts requiring a permit; mitigation of all fill in Preserve category wetlands; and specifying by management classification stormwater discharge pretreatment, buffer, hydroperiod, and other wetland standards.
Establish new District rule requiring an additional level of analysis and review of permitted development and redevelopment where there is a potential to adversely impact groundwater connected to a surface water feature.
Require pretreatment of stormwater discharged to wetlands or infiltration areas in the areas of high aquifer sensitivity.

5.2 Land Conservation Program

The opportunity exists to create connections between ecosystems within the Lake Minnetonka subwatersheds and the Mississippi River to improve water quality, preserve natural conveyances, and facilitate the movement and proliferation of native species as well as enhance recreational opportunities. The District will prioritize Land Conservation Program activities in the Minnehaha Creek Subwatershed based on meeting one of the following criteria:

§ Connecting or expanding existing public lands;
§ As part of a restoration project; or
§ Leveraging redevelopment opportunities.

Figure 19 identifies priority areas in the watershed, the conservation of which will improve the characteristics of the aquatic ecosystem and the water quality within the subwatershed as well as areas downstream.

The District operates a Land Conservation Program that undertakes conservation activities ranging from assisting property owners in enrolling property in conservation programs to acquiring easements or fee title over high value resources. Some of the key conservation areas identified on Figure 19 are located within a current Land Conservation Program target area or have been proposed for addition to the target area. The District will continue to proactively investigate opportunities to conserve key resources within the Minnehaha Creek subwatershed, and will work cooperatively with other agencies and groups to accomplish this subwatershed’s conservation goals. The District will provide technical assistance to the LGUs to identify and implement strategies for local conservation efforts in support of program goals.

5.3 Education Program

The District operates a watershed-wide Strategic Education and Communications program that provides general information of wider interest as well as targeted information. The targeted education and public involvement activities identified in this plan will be implemented to assist in the reduction of existing pollutant loading to Minnehaha Creek, the lakes, and other water resources in the subwatershed as well as increasing infiltration within the subwatershed.

5.4 Monitoring and Data Collection

Hydrologic Data Program

To monitor progress toward meeting water quality and quantity goals, routine monitoring of Minnehaha Creek will continue to be a part of the District’s annual Hydrologic Data program. Macroinvertebrate monitoring will be completed on Minnehaha Creek every five years. The District will continue to partner with the Minneapolis Park Board as it monitors water quality in the city lakes.

Aquatic Vegetation

Comprehensive aquatic vegetation data is available for many but not all the lakes within the subwatershed. The District will work in partnership with the Minneapolis Park Board and other local governments to obtain aquatic vegetation data and to develop vegetation management plans for those lakes.

Wetland Monitoring

Wetlands with exceptional value vegetation are present in the subwatershed. Because of the importance to overall subwatershed ecological integrity of preserving these values, these wetlands will be regularly monitored for invasive species by staff or trained volunteers or in cooperation with the Minneapolis Park Board.

5.5 Operations and Maintenance

Activities detailed in this implementation plan will require new operations and maintenance activities in this subwatershed. These include:

Table 14. Ongoing District operations and maintenance tasks in the Minnehaha Creek subwatershed.

Task	Spring	Summer	Fall
Task	Spring	Summer	Fall	Inspect Erosion-Prone Reaches of Creek	Early Spring and After Storm	After Storm	Late Fall and After Storm
Inspect High Vegetative Diversity Wetlands	Regularly	Regularly	Regularly
Inspect channel dredging project area for sediment accumulation: West 44^th Street to TH 100		Annually
Remove debris in Minnehaha Creek and other streams that poses an obstruction to flow or causes flooding	As needed	As needed	As needed
Inspect channel improvement project area for proper operation: 300 feet upstream of TH 100		Annually

Table 15. Ongoing District operations and maintenance tasks for the Minnehaha Creek subwatershed canoe facilities.

Task	Responsible Parties	Spring	Summer	Fall
Routine Inspection	MCWD	After Snowmelt	June	September
Debris and Trash Removal	MCWD	As needed	As needed	As needed
Minor Erosion Repair	MCWD	As needed	As needed	As needed
Temporary and Permanent Sign Maintenance	MCWD	As needed	As needed	As needed
Fence and Barrier Maintenance	MCWD	As needed	As needed	As needed
Portage and Landing Maintenance	MCWD	As needed	As needed	As needed

Table 16. Ongoing District operations and maintenance tasks for previously completed Minnehaha Creek subwatershed improvement projects.

Task	Water Quality Monitoring	Structural Repair	Major Erosion Repair	Sediment removal
Twin Lakes Park Pond	As Needed	As Needed	As Needed	As Needed
Cedar Meadows Pond	As Needed	As Needed	As Needed	As Needed
Lake Calhoun Ponds	As Needed	As Needed	As Needed	As Needed
Lake Nokomis Ponds	As Needed	As Needed	As Needed	As Needed
Pamela Park Ponds				As Needed

Table 17. Potential ongoing operations and maintenance tasks for proposed Minnehaha Creek subwatershed improvement projects.

Task	Treat-ment Ponds	Wetland Restorations	Stream Restorations	Spring	Summer	Fall
Routine Inspection	a	a	a	Early and After Storm	After Storm	Late and After Storm
Vegetation Management		a	a	As needed	As needed	As needed
General Upkeep	a	a		Regularly	Regularly	Regularly
Debris and Trash Removal	a			As needed	As needed	As needed
Inlet/Outlet Cleaning	a	a		As needed	As needed	As needed
Minor Erosion Repair	a	a	a	As needed	As needed	As needed

Note: Responsible parties would be determined by negotiation at the time of project proposal

5.6 LGU Requirements

5.6.1 Local Government Unit Subwatershed Phosphorus Load Reductions

The HHPLS and the Lake Hiawatha TMDL have identified a need to reduce phosphorus loading to Minnehaha Creek to achieve a goal of an in-creek total phosphorus concentration of 80 ug/L. An approximate 8 percent load reduction was identified to be achieved through small-scale infiltration BMPs. The distribution of that load reduction is shown in Table 18 below. An additional 8 percent load reduction is identified to be achieved through near- and in-creek improvements. At this time, insufficient information is available regarding in-stream processes that might also be contributing to phosphorus concentrations, including streambank erosion, internal loading in the impoundment areas, and contributions from riparian wetlands. This plan recommends completion of a Minnehaha Creek Diagnostic Study to identify those internal sources and potential reductions from internal and streambank improvements prior to allocating that additional 8 percent load reduction to potentially collaborative construction projects as well as an additional allocation of phosphorus load reduction to upstream cities.

This plan promotes the general application of BMPs such as increased street sweeping, local water quality ponds, rain gardens and infiltration swales. The LGUs must annually report to the District their progress toward accomplishing this requirement.

Table 18. Allocation of Minnehaha Creek subwatershed general small-scale infiltration practices load from lakes TMDL as LGU Phosphorus Load Reductions (lbs/yr).

LGU	Lake Hiawatha	Lake Nokomis	Diamond Lake
Wayzata	3
Minnetonka	121
Plymouth	10
Hopkins	34
St. Louis Park	172
Edina	67
Golden Valley	2
Minneapolis	217*	24	62
Richfield	0	36
Ft. Snelling	0	6
TOTAL	626	66	62

*Includes 28 pound reduction in Lake Harriet lakeshed (see Table 19) and 22 pound reduction in Diamond Lake lakeshed, see Table 22.

5.6.2 Land Conservation

A key element in achieving overall ecological integrity goals in the Minnehaha Creek subwatershed is the conservation of key ecological areas, including high-value wetlands and connecting uplands, within the Minnehaha Creek corridor. LGUs must identify in their local water management plans the areas shown on Figure 19. The local plan must also identify strategies the LGU will undertake to protect the ecological values of those areas. These may include such strategies as land use regulation; acquisition and management; conservation easements; ecological restoration; and property owner education regarding land management strategies to maintain ecological integrity.

5.6.3 Other Issues

Landlocked Basins

There are existing land-locked subwatershed units and basins within this subwatershed that the cities have been considering for outlet drainage projects. To protect the quality of downstream resources, local plans must either no longer consider this an option, or demonstrate how this could be achieved without impact to downstream water quantity or quality impacts. Outletting will generally be discouraged unless there is a demonstrated threat to property structures or public safety.

5.7 Phosphorus Load Reduction

One of the water quality goals for this subwatershed is the reduction of phosphorus loading into the Creek and lakes that exceed their total phosphorus goal or that are subject to a TMDL load reduction requirement.

Tables 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 break down modeled phosphorus loading to each lake by source: atmospheric deposition, external sources, and internal sources. Atmospheric deposition is a regional issue and is not dealt with here. The primary means of addressing external loading are through the regulation of new loads generated by development and the reduction of existing loads from the subwatershed.

In some cases the phosphorus load contributed from the subwatershed is not sufficient to explain the current in-lake phosphorus concentration. The most likely sources for this discrepancy are internal loading from lake sediments or aquatic vegetation. Internal load management such as alum treatment to control sediment sources coupled with control of aquatic vegetation often helps to alleviate some internal loading. Rough fish management may also be required. A feasibility study would determine the most appropriate internal load reduction options.

Minnehaha Creek

The HHPLS identified a need to reduce phosphorus loading to Minnehaha Creek to achieve a goal of an in-creek total phosphorus concentration of 80 ug/L. See Section 5.6.1 for a discussion of load reduction strategies.

Brownie Lake

Brownie Lake is at or very near its phosphorus, chlorophyll, Secchi transparency, and TSI goals, and is not expected to change significantly due to development. The emphasis in the future will be on the prevention of degradation of water quality.

Cedar Lake

Cedar Lake is better than its phosphorus, chlorophyll, Secchi transparency, and TSI goals, and is not expected to change significantly due to development. The emphasis in the future will be on the prevention of degradation of water quality.

Lake of the Isles

Lake of the Isles meets or is better than its phosphorus, chlorophyll, Secchi transparency, and TSI goals, and is not expected to change significantly due to development. The emphasis in the future will be on the prevention of degradation of water quality.

Lake Calhoun

Lake Calhoun is better than its phosphorus, chlorophyll, Secchi transparency, and TSI goals, and is not expected to change significantly due to development. The emphasis in the future will be on the prevention of degradation of water quality.

Lake Harriet

Lake Harriet water quality has been improving. Although the long-term average of 23 μg/L is still slightly higher than its total phosphorus goal of 20 μg/L, water quality is very good. Table 19 sets forth a summary plan for how load reductions could be accomplished.

Table 19. Phosphorus load reduction plan for Lake Harriet (Goal = 20 μg/L).

Source	Reduction	Ultimate Phosphorus Load [lb/yr]		Planned Reductions [lb/yr]	Final Loading [lb/yr]
Atmospheric
Atmospheric deposition	NA	85		NA	85
External Loads
External load determined from modeling land use		543
	Existing Regulations			21
	LGU load allocation (Table 18)			28
Total After Reductions					494
Internal / "Unknown" Loads
Internal/“unknown" loads determined from modeling land use		37
	Internal load management			26
Total After Reductions					11
Total Load
TOTAL			665		590
LOAD GOAL					562
DIFFERENCE					28	Adaptive management

Lake Nokomis

A TMDL study including a phosphorus reduction plan is currently being developed for Lake Nokomis. Proposed reductions include: reductions due to the new prohibition on the use of fertilizer with phosphorus; proper operation of the Lake Nokomis weir; application of neighborhood-level BMPs to increase infiltration and treat stormwater; and internal load management. A diagnostic and feasibility study would be required to evaluate internal load management in more detail. Table 20 sets forth a summary plan for how load reductions could be accomplished, in accordance with the TMDL.

Table 20. Phosphorus load reduction plan for Lake Nokomis (Goal = 50 μg/L).

Source	Reduction	Ultimate Phosphorus Load [lb/yr]	Planned Reductions [lb/yr]	Final Loading [lb/yr]
Atmospheric
Atmospheric deposition	NA	49	NA	49
External Loads
External load determined from modeling land use		453
Reductions	Phosphorus free fertilizer		31
proposed in the	Operate weir		104
draft TMDL	General BMP load reductions: sweeping, neighborhood BMPs, infiltration		66


Regulation	Existing regulations		13
Total After Reductions				239
Internal / "Unknown" Loads
Internal/“unknown" loads determined from modeling land use		406
	Internal load management		90
Total After Reductions				316
Total Load
TOTAL		908		604
LOAD GOAL				599
DIFFERENCE				5

Lake Hiawatha

A TMDL study including a phosphorus reduction plan is currently being developed for Lake Hiawatha. Lake Hiawatha receives direct inflow from Minnehaha Creek, and is greatly influenced by the creek’s water quality and the amount of flow, making developing specific load reductions difficult. Proposed reductions from the TMDL include: reductions due to the new prohibition on the use of fertilizer with phosphorus; construction of the proposed Hiawatha Golf Course ponds and other BMPs; application of neighborhood-level BMPs to increase infiltration and treat stormwater; reduction of phosphorus loading in Minnehaha Creek through streambank stabilization and buffer restoration; and other BMPs throughout the watershed such as increased street sweeping, retrofits of infrastructure, etc. Table 21 sets forth a summary plan for how the reductions could be accomplished, in accordance with the TMDL.

Table 21. Phosphorus load reduction plan for Lake Hiawatha (Interim Goal = 61 μg/L).

Source	Reduction	Ultimate Phosphorus Load [lb/yr]		Planned Reductions [lb/yr]	Final Loading [lb/yr]
Atmospheric
Atmospheric deposition	NA	15		NA	15
External Loads
External load determined from modeling land use		10,917
Reductions	Phosphorus free fertilizer			355
proposed in the	Golf course, other ponds			46		Local projects
draft TMDL	Increase infiltration			626
	Creek improvements			626
	Other specific BMPs			53		Local prpojects
Regulation	Existing Regulations			302
Total After Reductions					8,909
Internal / "Unknown" Loads
Internal/“unknown" loads determined from modeling land use		194
	Internal load management			----
Total After Reductions					194
Total Load
TOTAL			11,126		9,118
LOAD GOAL					10,038
DIFFERENCE					(-920)

Diamond Lake

A TMDL study including a phosphorus reduction plan is currently being developed for Diamond Lake. Proposed reductions from the TMDL to reach the lake’s interim goal of 90 ug/L include: reductions due to the new prohibition on the use of fertilizer with phosphorus; increased street sweeping; application of neighborhood-level BMPs to increase infiltration and treat stormwater; treatment of runoff from an industrial area in subwatershed MC-142; and lake biomanipulation to reduce internal loading. A diagnostic and feasibility study would be required to evaluate internal load management in more detail. Table 22 sets forth a summary plan for how load reductions could be accomplished in accordance with the TMDL.

Table 22. Phosphorus load reduction plan for Diamond Lake (Interim Goal = 90 μg/L).

Source	Reduction	Ultimate Phosphorus Load [lb/yr]		Planned Reductions [lb/yr]	Final Loading [lb/yr]
Atmospheric
Atmospheric deposition	NA	15		NA	15
External Loads
External load determined from modeling land use		260
Reductions proposed in the draft TMDL	Phosphorus free fertilizer			26
	General BMP load reductions: sweeping, neighborhood BMPs, infiltration			84		Local projects
	MC-142 runoff improvement			18		Local project
Regulation	Existing regulations			15
Total After Reductions					121
Internal / "Unknown" Loads
Internal/“unknown" loads determined from modeling land use		211
	Internal load management			95
Total After Reductions					116
Total Load
TOTAL			486		252
LOAD GOAL					265
DIFFERENCE					(-13)

Powderhorn Lake

A TMDL study including a phosphorus reduction plan is currently being developed for Powderhorn Lake. Proposed reductions from the TMDL to reach the lake’s interim goal of 90 ug/L include: reductions due to the new prohibition on the use of fertilizer with phosphorus; addition of a filtration system on the CDSs on the outfalls; increased street sweeping; application of neighborhood-level BMPs to increase infiltration and treat stormwater; and lake biomanipulation to reduce internal loading. A diagnostic and feasibility study would be required to evaluate internal load management in more detail. Table 23 sets forth a summary plan for how load reductions could be accomplished in accordance with the TMDL.

Table 23. Phosphorus load reduction plan for Powderhorn Lake(Interim Goal = 90 μg/L).

Source	Reduction	Ultimate Phosphorus Load [lb/yr]		Planned Reductions [lb/yr]	Final Loading [lb/yr]
Atmospheric
Atmospheric Deposition	NA	2		NA	2
External Loads
External Load Determined from Modeling Land Use		126
Reductions	Phosphorus free fertilizer			15
proposed in the	Increased street sweeping			24
draft TMDL	Increase infiltration			2
	Filtration on CDSs			31
Regulation	Existing Regulations			-
Total After Reductions					54
Internal / "Unknown" Loads
Internal/“Unknown" Loads Determined from Modeling Land Use		139
	Internal load management			104
Total After Reductions					35
Total Load
TOTAL			267		91
LOAD GOAL					90
DIFFERENCE					(-1)

5.8 Capital Improvement Program

Capital projects in the Minnehaha Creek subwatershed include stream restoration projects to repair erosion and improve habitat as noted in the Minnehaha Creek Steam Assessment; and projects to maintain existing infrastructure and improvements.

These projects and others identified below will progress the District toward achieving its various goals for the subwatershed. This program is not a comprehensive list of all capital needs or potential projects within the subwatershed, and is limited by available financial resources and staff capacity to manage projects. These priority projects are intended to:

Progress improvements to water quality as identified in the TMDLs for the lake in the subwatershed.• Stabilize, restore and improve biotic integrity reaches of Minnehaha Creek as identified in the Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment.
Mitigate the impacts of development on downstream resources.

These proposed projects emphasize the achievement of multiple objectives. For example, stream restoration would not only stabilize streambanks and prevent further erosion, it would provide an opportunity to improve in-stream and buffer habitat, conserve existing high-value resources, and reduce sediment and nutrient transport downstream.

5.8.1 Minnehaha Creek Diagnostic Study/TMDL

Project	Minnehaha Creek Diagnostic Study and Biotic Integrity TMDL
Description	A study to identify in-stream processes that might be contributing to phosphorus concentrations in the creek and in Lake Hiawatha as well as stressors that might be contributing to impaired biological integrity in Minnehaha Creek.
Need	This study is part of the effort to prepare and/or implement two Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies for water resources in the Minnehaha Creek subwatershed. Lake Hiawatha, which is in-line to Minnehaha Creek, has been designated by the MPCA and EPA as an Impaired Water for excess nutrient concentrations that lead to excessive algae blooms and poor water clarity. Phosphorus transported by Minnehaha Creek is the primary source of those excess nutrients. To help achieve Lake Hiawatha water quality goals, the Hiawatha TMDL study estimated that the total phosphorus load from nonpoint sources in the watershed must be reduced by at least eight percent and the load contributed from near- and in-stream processes to be reduced by an additional eight percent. This Diagnostic Study would identify in-stream processes that might be contributing to phosphorus concentrations in the creek and in Lake Hiawatha, including streambank erosion, internal loading in the impoundment areas, and contributions from riparian wetlands. This study would also identify potential reductions from internal and streambank improvements as a means of determining what part of the eight percent load reduction allocated to near- and in-stream improvements can actually be achieved, and whether additional watershed load reductions would be necessary to meet overall phosphorus reduction goals. Minnehaha Creek itself has been designated an Impaired Water because of its impaired biologic community. Many of the processes that the Diagnostic Study will evaluate are also likely stressors to the biotic community. Combining the Diagnostic Study and Biotic Integrity TMDL would be efficient and would provide for the coordination of implementation efforts. For example, streambank erosion is often a contributor of sediment and phosphorus loading downstream. Biostabilization with native vegetation reduces that pollutant source while improving fish and macroinvertebrate habitat.
Outcome	An implementation plan identifying the most effective suite of projects to reduce phosphorus and sediment loading and to restore ecological integrity
Estimated Cost and Funding	Diagnostic and TMDL study. The District has received a grant from the MPCA to complete this study in 2006-2007.	$150,000
Schedule	2006

5.8.2 Minnehaha Creek Stream Restoration

The Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment identified numerous areas of erosion along the length of the creek, as well as a general lack of steam complexity and lack of habitat for macroinvertebrates and fish. Minnehaha Creek has been designated by the State as an Impaired Water as a result of its lack of biotic integrity. The Minnehaha Creek Visioning Partnership identified the erosion control, the improvement of conditions for aquatic life, and the improvement of aesthetic appearance as high priorities for future creek corridor management.

Over the coming ten years the District will partner with riparian cities, property owners, other agencies, and infrastructure owners to accomplish stream restoration projects that will meet multiple objectives for water quality and biotic improvement. Stream restoration projects would manage riparian trees, revegetate the streambanks with native plants, add fish and macroinvertebrate habitat, and improve streambank stability.

The CIP includes proposed improvements to several high-priority reaches as identified in the Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment. Priority reaches are those where stream restoration could improve streambank stability to “Good” as measured by Pfankuch stability rating relative to Rosgen stream type, or those where the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP) mean score could be improved to 5.0 or better, or by one full point. Specific improvements would be guided and refined by the results of the proposed Minnehaha Creek Diagnostic Study, the Minnehaha Creek Biotic Integrity TMDL, the Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment, the findings of the Minnehaha Creek Visioning Partnership, and individual reach needs and opportunities. Figure 20 illustrates the location of these priority reaches. Not all these reaches were prioritized in the 2007-2017 CIP. Those that were not included are Reach 2, Reach 11, Reach 18, and Reach 29.

Project	Reach 4 Restoration
Description	Streambank restoration, buffer reestablishment, enhancement of in-stream habitat features
Need	This reach extends from 34th Avenue South to the Lake Hiawatha outlet weir. It contains a number of storm sewer outfalls that require repair or improvement. The riparian corridor is mostly turf grass maintained to an eroding creek edge. The reach scored a 4.1 on the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol index evaluated as part of the Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment, mainly due to poor condition riparian zone resulting in streambank undercutting and instability. The reach includes spawning habitat, but lacks complexity of habitat features necessary to maintain a fish community. The project would focus on improving the streambank stability and quality of the riparian area through bioengineering and native vegetation plantings as well as installation of in-stream habitat features.
Outcome	Stabilized streambanks with both hard armoring and bioengineering to reduce erosion; improved riparian zone with native vegetation; improved fish and macroinvertebrate habitat; improvement in SVAP index to a score greater than 5.0.
Estimated Cost and Funding	Design, construction, project management, vegetation management contract. Funding source for this project is the District capital levy.	$944,100
Schedule	2013 Design, cooperative agreement 2014 Construction

Project	Reach 6 Restoration
Description	Streambank restoration, buffer reestablishment, enhancement of in-stream habitat features
Need	This reach extends from the Hiawatha Golf Course bridge to the Lake Nokomis outlet, and flows through the Hiawatha Golf Course. The riparian corridor is turf grass maintained to an eroding creek edge, with some riprap and a planted bank in one location. The reach scored an extremely poor 2.9 on the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol index evaluated as part of the Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment, due to a poor condition riparian zone and lack of fish and invertebrate habitat. The project would focus on improving the streambank stability and quality of the riparian area through bioengineering and native vegetation plantings that would not adversely impact play on the golf course.
Outcome	Stabilized streambanks with bioengineering to reduce erosion; improved riparian zone with native vegetation; improved fish and macroinvertebrate habitat; improvement in SVAP index to a score greater than 5.0 or at least one full point better than existing.
Estimated Cost and Funding	Design, construction, project management, vegetation management contract. Funding source for this project is the District capital levy.	$451,000
Schedule	2014 Design, cooperative agreement 2015 Construction

Project	Reach 7 Restoration
Description	Streambank restoration, buffer reestablishment, enhancement of in-stream habitat features
Need	This reach extends from Lake Nokomis to Bloomington Avenue South. It is channelized and stabilized with hard armoring. A portion of this reach has been reconstructed with restored meanders and bioengineered banks. The reach contains some erosion sites that require repair or improvement, including an exposed gas pipeline and a large box culvert whose discharge is creating erosion on the opposite bank. The riparian habitat is poor, with some tree and shrub canopy and a narrow buffer of unmowed grass. The reach scored a 4.8 on the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol index evaluated as part of the Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment, mainly due to poor condition riparian zone and the altered channel. The reach includes some fish habitat, but weirs and riprapped channels likely serve as passage barriers. The project would focus on improving the streambank stability and quality of the riparian area through bioengineering and native vegetation plantings as well as installation of in-stream habitat features. The project would also evaluate the replacement of existing grade controls with a meandered, stepped pool design to improve habitat and eliminate barriers to fish movement.
Outcome	Stabilized streambanks with both hard armoring and bioengineering to reduce erosion; improved riparian zone with native vegetation; improved fish and macroinvertebrate habitat; improvement in SVAP index to a score greater than 5.0, or an improvement of one full point.
Estimated Cost and Funding	Design, construction, project management, vegetation management contract. Funding source for this project is the District capital levy.	$654,800
Schedule	2011 Design, cooperative agreement 2012 Construction

Project	Reach 8 Restoration
Description	Streambank restoration, buffer reestablishment, enhancement of in-stream habitat features
Need	This reach extends from Bloomington Avenue to Portland Avenue S. It is an unstable channel with active cutting and deposition. It contains a number of erosion sites that require repair or improvement, including an exposed gas pipeline. The riparian corridor is mostly turf grass maintained to an eroding creek edge, although there are areas of the reach with good riparian woody vegetation. Some streambank has been stabilized with hard armoring. The reach scored a 5.8 on the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol index evaluated as part of the Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment, mainly due to poor condition riparian zone resulting in streambank undercutting and instability. The reach has few fish habitat features. The project would focus on improving the streambank stability and quality of the riparian area through bioengineering and native vegetation plantings as well as installation of in-stream habitat features.
Outcome	Stabilized streambanks with bioengineering to reduce erosion; improved riparian zone with native vegetation; improved fish and macroinvertebrate habitat; improvement in SVAP index to a score greater than 6.0.
Estimated Cost and Funding	Design, construction, project management, vegetation management contract. Funding source for this project is the District capital levy.	$967,600
Schedule	2007 Design, cooperative agreement 2007 Construction

Project	Reach 9 Restoration
Description	Streambank restoration, buffer reestablishment, enhancement of in-stream habitat features
Need	This reach extends from Portland Avenue to Nicollet Avenue S. The riparian corridor is mostly turf grass maintained to an eroding creek edge in some portions of the reach and a healthy riparian forest in others. The reach includes fish spawning habitat. The reach scored a 5.6 on the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol index evaluated as part of the Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment, mainly due to the areas of poor condition riparian zone resulting in streambank undercutting and instability. There are several locations where falling brick walls, riprap, culvert inlets, and improperly placed riprap are causing streambank erosion issues. The project would focus on improving the streambank stability and quality of the riparian area through bioengineering and native vegetation plantings.
Outcome	Stabilized streambanks with both hard armoring and bioengineering to reduce erosion; improved riparian zone with native vegetation; improvement in SVAP index to a score greater than 6.0.
Estimated Cost and Funding	Design, construction, project management, vegetation management contract. Funding source for this project is the District capital levy.	$877,700
Schedule	2014 Design, cooperative agreement 2015 Construction

Project	Reach 12 Restoration
Description	Streambank restoration, buffer reestablishment, enhancement of in-stream habitat features
Need	This reach extends from Logan Avenue S to 54th Street. It contains a number of storm sewer outfalls that require repair or improvement. The riparian corridor is mainly turf grass maintained to an eroding creek edge and with some areas of stable banks with riparian tree and shrub growth. The reach scored a 3.8 on the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol index evaluated as part of the Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment, mainly due to the poor riparian conditions and resulting unstable banks. The reach includes areas with moderate in-stream fish habitat. During the stream assessment, fish spawning was observed throughout the reach. The project would focus on improving the streambank stability and quality of the riparian area through bioengineering and native vegetation plantings.
Outcome	Stabilized streambanks with both hard armoring and bioengineering to reduce erosion; improved riparian zone with native vegetation; improved fish and macroinvertebrate habitat; improvement in SVAP index to a score greater than 5.0, or an increase of one full point.
Estimated Cost and Funding	Design, construction, project management, vegetation management contract. Funding source for this project is the District capital levy.	$1,380,100
Schedule	2015 Design, cooperative agreement 2016 Construction

Project	Reach 14 Restoration
Description	Streambank restoration, buffer reestablishment, enhancement of in-stream habitat features
Need	This reach extends from France Avenue S to 54th Street West. Much of the riparian corridor is turf grass maintained to an eroding or riprapped creek edge, but the upper 900 feet is wooded. The reach scored a 5.8 on the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol index evaluated as part of the Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment, mainly due to areas with poor-quality riparian vegetation. The project would evaluate construction of in-steam habitat features and options for improving the riparian zone with native vegetation buffers.
Outcome	Stabilized streambanks with both hard armoring and bioengineering to reduce erosion; improved riparian zone with native vegetation; improved fish and macroinvertebrate habitat; improvement in SVAP index to a score greater than 6.0.
Estimated Cost and Funding	Design, construction, project management, vegetation management contract. Funding source for this project is the District capital levy.	$896,000
Schedule	2011 Design, cooperative agreement 2012 Construction

Project	Reach 19-21 Restoration
Description	Streambank restoration, buffer reestablishment, enhancement of in-stream habitat features
Need	This reach extends from Meadowbrook Lake to Lake Street NE. The reach has been channelized and straightened. Where the Creek flows through Meadowbrook Golf Course, turf grass is maintained to steam edge. The riparian corridor is a mix of turf grass and stable banks with riparian tree and shrub growth. The reach scored a 7.0 on the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol index evaluated as part of the Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment, mainly due to fish barriers and lack of fish habitat, although spawning was observed during the assessment. The project would evaluate the replacement of existing grade controls with a meandered, stepped pool design to improve habitat and eliminate barriers to fish movement. Improvement of the riparian zone could include reforestation and establishment of native vegetation buffers.
Outcome	Stabilized streambanks with both hard armoring and bioengineering to reduce erosion; improved riparian zone with native vegetation; improved fish and macroinvertebrate habitat; improvement in SVAP index to a score greater than 7.0.
Estimated Cost and Funding	Design, construction, project management, vegetation management contract. Funding source for this project is the District capital levy.	$1,203,400
Schedule	2009 Design, cooperative agreement 2010 Construction

5.8.3 Minnehaha Falls/ Glen Restoration

Project	Minnehaha Falls/Glen Restoration
Description	Streambank restoration, repair or replacement of retaining walls, bufferreestablishment, enhancement of in-stream habitat features
Need	A number of the retaining walls constructed by the Works ProgressAdministration and the Civilian Conservation Corps have deteriorated and are in need of restoration or replacement. Other needs for improvement in the area include trail and bridge abutments and correction of an ongoingdrainage issue that is causing deterioration of the public safety access road to the Creek mouth. The District will work collaboratively with theMinneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the National Park Service to identify and construct improvements. The specific share of construction cost as well as ongoing maintenance costs associated with these improvements would be determined by cooperative agreement prior to implementation of this project.
Outcome	Protection of public health and safety; stabilized streambanks with bothhard armoring and bioengineering to reduce erosion; improved riparian zone with native vegetation; improved fish and macroinvertebrate habitat.
Estimated Cost and Funding	Phase I: Feasibility study Phase II: Construct cooperative improvements. Funding source for this project is the Districtcapital levy. The specific share of construction costas well as ongoing maintenance costs associatedwith these improvements would be determined by cooperative agreement prior to implementation of this project.	$104,000 Ph I $3,183,232 Ph II $3,287,232 Total
Schedule	2007 Design, cooperative agreement 2008 Construction

5.8.4 Lake Nokomis Internal Load Management

Project	Lake Nokomis Internal Load Management
Description	Design and implementation of strategies to reduce internal phosphorusloading, including: feasibility study; aquatic vegetation survey update andmanagement plan; fishery survey update and management plan; biomanipulation strategies that may include aquatic vegetationmanagement, zooplankton community and fishery manipulation, andchemical treatment.
Need	A TMDL study including a phosphorus reduction plan is currently being developed for Lake Nokomis. Proposed reductions include control of external sources of phosphorus through various efforts in the watershed and internal load management. Strategies may include aquatic vegetation management, biomanipulation and fishery management, or chemical treatment. The specific share of construction cost as well as ongoing costs associated with this project would be determined by cooperative agreement prior to implementation of this project.
Outcome	Reduction in phosphorus load from internal sources estimated at 90 pounds annually; improved water clarity; more diverse aquatic vegetation community; improved aesthetics.
Estimated Cost	Investigation, permitting, implementation, and project management. The District’s final cost share and any ongoing maintenance responsibilities would be determined by the negotiation of a cooperative agreement with the city of Minneapolis andMinneapolis Park and Recreation Board.	$30,600 Feasibility $311,500 Implement $342,100 Total
Schedule	2007 Fish, vegetation, and zooplankton surveys, development of management plans, cooperative agreement 2007 Implementation of strategies

5.8.5 Regional Volume and Load Reducation

Project	Minnehaha Creek Regional Volume and Load Reduction
Description	Implementation of opportunities to reduce stormwater volumes and nutrient loading, including but not limited to construction of infiltration basins and devices, wetland restoration, reforestation, revegetation, and stormwater detention or redirection
Need	Projects will be considered throughout the subwatershed to reduce nutrient loading to Minnehaha Creek and thus to Lake Hiawatha; decrease peak discharge rates in Minnehaha Creek to reduce streambank erosion; and increase baseflow in the Creek to improve its biotic integrity. These projects are intended to reduce annual volume and peak flows discharged to the Creek; increase infiltration to surficial groundwater; and reduce nutrient export to the Creek. The LGUs in the subwatershed are also under various obligations to reduce annual stormwater volumes and pollutant loadings, and to manage stormwater in ways that may be compatible with these objectives or which may be in conflict with them. Prior to undertaking any projects, the District will work in partnership with the LGUs in the subwatershed to complete a more detailed study of the hydrologic and hydraulic conditions in the subwatershed to determine how District and LGU objectives can best be reconciled and addressed through possible partnership projects. The following are some of the competing objectives that would be assessed in detail in the volume and load reduction study. This study would identify and evaluate specific improvement projects in the subwatershed and assess how those projects progress the District to the achievement of Plan goals. Phosphorus load reduction: The Lake Hiawatha TMDL identified the phosphorus load conveyed by Minnehaha Creek into the lake as a primary source of the lake’s nutrient impairment. The TMDL preliminary implementation plan proposes to reduce pollutant loading from the subwatershed to Minnehaha Creek by eight percent through implementation of infiltration and other abstraction practices throughout the subwatershed. Reducing annual runoff volume from the subwatershed upstream of Lake Hiawatha by 1,298 acre-feet per year, through infiltration or some other method of abstraction, is estimated to reduce phosphorus loading by about 626 pounds per year over 2000 values. It is estimated that providing approximately 65.5 acre-feet of infiltration capacity throughout the subwatershed would infiltrate the required 1,298 acre-feet annually. Annual stormwater volume: The City of Minneapolis is obligated by the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services to reduce stormwater that enters the sanitary sewer system. Actions the city is undertaking include ordering the disconnection of rooftop rain leaders from the sanitary system and completing the separation of combined sewers. These actions may increase the volume of annual stormwater runoff in the subwatershed, or may create or exacerbate local flooding issues. Other LGUs in the subwatershed are required, under the Nondegradation requirement of their NPDES Phase II permits, to reduce annual stormwater volumes to at least 1988 volumes. Streamflow: The Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment identified two major issues impacting water quality and biotic integrity in the Creek: flashy storm event flows that often result in streambank erosion; and low base flows, which reduce habitat and limit biotic integrity. The high percent of impervious surface in this urbanized subwatershed has reduced the amount of stormwater that naturally infiltrates to surficial groundwater and which helps sustain base flow. This stormwater is efficiently conveyed to the creek through stormsewers, which results in the flashy flows. The Stream Assessment analyzed options for reducing peak discharges in Minnehaha Creek, and identified 11 key subwatersheds where reduction of peak discharge from the subwatersheds would collectively result in the greatest reduction in peak discharge in the Creek. In these 11 subwatersheds, hypothetical ponds reducing peak discharge by 75 percent would result in a 27 percent reduction in Creek discharge at Cedar Avenue. Regional infiltration or other abstraction or detention focused on those subwatershed units would have the most impact on reducing peak flows in Minnehaha Creek. Development and redevelopment: The proposed rule requiring new development and redevelopment to infiltrate one inch of rainfall would capture approximately 70 percent of new runoff volume from the watershed. The remaining 30 percent would continue to convey pollutants to the lakes and streams in the subwatershed. This subwatershed volume and load reduction study would focus on reconciling the District’s desire to accomplish the objectives of a 626 pound annual phosphorus load reduction, reduction in peak discharge rates in the Creek, and increase in Creek baseflow with the LGU’s obligations to reduce stormwater volume and sanitary sewer excess flows. Where addressing these obligations can also help the District make progress toward its objectives, the District will consider partnering with the LGU on projects. This Capital Improvement Program (CIP) assumes that projects would focus on (however, not be limited to) the key subwatersheds identified in the Stream Assessment, and includes generic projects that would be fleshed out in the volume and load reduction study. Costs were estimated and proportioned based on the projected 2020 annual volume of runoff discharged from the subwatershed units. It is likely that the study results will require the program of generic projects set forth below to be refined or amended. The City of Minneapolis has identified three specific priority projects for review in this study and consideration for partnership with the District. The cost share between project partners would be determined during the development of feasibility studies for each project. These are: Flood area 29-30, located in subwatershed unit MC-129. This area drains to Lake Harriet, but has been considered in the past for redirection of some flow to the Creek. If the volume and load reduction study identifies this as a feasible option, it may be possible to coordinate improvements to manage stormwater in that area with the stream restoration project already identified for Reach 12. The estimated total cost of this project is $7.4 million. Flood area 26 “C”, located in subwatershed unit MC-147. Stormwater ponding and storm sewer upgrades are being considered for this third phase of projects in this flood area. The estimated total cost of this project is $1.8 million. Flood area 21-22, located in subwatershed unit MC-170. This area is in the direct drainage area of Lake Hiawatha, and includes stormwater upgrades and combined sewer separation projects. The estimated total cost of this project is $7.8 million.
Outcome	Minimized new pollutant loads conveyed by runoff; minimized new volumes generated by new development; protection of stream base flows and wetland and surficial groundwater hydrology; wetland restorations; conservation of high-value native vegetation and habitat
Estimated Cost	Minnehaha Creek Subwatershed Volume and Load Reduction Study Project 1: Improvements in MC-129. Funding source is City of Minneapolis and District capital levy. Project 2: Improvements in MC-147. Funding source is City of Minneapolis and District capital levy. Project 3: Improvements in MC-170. Funding source is City of Minneapolis and District capital levy. Project 4: Improvements in MC-58. Funding source is District capital levy. Project 5: Improvements in MC-70-75. Funding source is District capital levy. Project 6: Improvements in MC-95. Funding source is District capital levy. Project 7: Improvements in MC-97. Funding source is District capital levy. Project 8: Improvements in MC-134. Funding source is District capital levy. Project 9: Improvements in MC-135. Funding source is District capital levy. Project 10: Improvements in MC-139. Funding source is District capital levy. Project 11: Improvements in MC-140. Funding source is District capital levy. Project 12: Improvements in MC-146. Funding source is District capital levy. Project 13: Improvements in MC-150. Funding source is District capital levy. Project 14: Improvements in MC-151. Funding source is District capital levy. Project 15: Improvements in MC-152. Funding source is District capital levy.	$200,000 $2,299,800 $3,533,000 $2,440,600 $435,200 $487,600 $2,221,500 $1,504,500 $485,400 $1,340,200 $511,000 $1,493,400 $564,300 $362,100 $524,700 $678,500
Schedule	2008: Complete volume and load reduction study 2008: Identify and construct improvements in MC-129 2009: Identify and construct improvements in MC-147 2011: Identify and construct improvements in MC-170 2012: Identify and construct improvements in MC-134 2013: Identify and construct improvements in MC-95 2014: Identify and construct improvements in MC-97 2015: Identify and construct improvements in MC-146 2015: Identify and construct improvements in MC-70-75 2016: Identify and construct improvements in MC-58 Unscheduled: Identify and construct improvements in MC-152, MC-139, MC-150, MC-135, MC-140, MC-151

5.8.6 Land Conservation

Project	Minnehaha Creek Subwatershed Land Consercation Activities
Description	Implementation of Land Conservation program activities in the Minnehaha Creek subwatershed, including but not limited to acquisition of conservation easements or fee title to land as well as facilitating partnerships, encouraging conservation planning and activities, providing technical assistance, and education and outreach.
Need	The Land Conservation Program is an integral strategy to achieving the goals in this subwatershed plan. Land conservation activities help to maintain and improve ecologic integrity, surface and groundwater quantity and quality, wetlands integrity, and streambank stability. High priority areas are located in this subwatershed, including areas with high ecological values. Conservation of key land cover types may be beneficial to reducing runoff and associated pollutant transport, preserving high-infiltration areas, conserving native vegetation, conserving habitat and natural resource corridors, and improving ecologic integrity.
Outcome	Minimized new pollutant loads conveyed by runoff; protection of wetland and surficial groundwater hydrology; wetland restorations; conservation of high-value native vegetation and habitat.
Estimated Cost and Funding	Estimated cost to achieve conservation goals in the Minnehaha Creek subwatershed 2007-2017	$4,215,000 District capital levy
Schedule	Implement both proactively and as opportunities arise during the period 2007-2017

5.8.7 Browndale Dam Scour Repair

Project	Browndale Dam Scour Repair
Description	Restore eroded base of dam and scour hole to prevent future structural damage
Need	The Browndale Dam is a historic structure that lies at the outlet of the Mill Pond in the City of Edina. During the Plan Review process, the City of Edina solicited the involvement of MCWD in addressing erosion and scour issues occurring at the base of the dam. The City has proposed to design and implement structural improvements to counteract undercutting of the dam sill and stabilize a large scour hole at the downstream base of the structure. The District will work collaboratively with the City of Edina construct improvements. The specific share of construction cost as well as ongoing maintenance costs associated with these improvements would be determined by cooperative agreement prior to implementation of this project.
Outcome	Protection of public health and safety; stabilized streambed to reduce erosion
Estimated Cost and Funding	Funding source for this project is the District capital levy. The specific share of construction cost as well as ongoing maintenance costs associated with these improvements would be determined by cooperative agreement prior to implementation of this project.	$50,500
Schedule	2007 Design, cooperative agreement 2008 Construction

5.8.8 Maintenance Projects

The District is responsible for sediment removal from several ponds in the subwatershed. Sediment has been recently removed from some of these ponds. They should be surveyed in 2008 to determine if maintenance is necessary.

Table 24. Estimated pond maintenance costs in the Minnehaha Creek subwatershed.

Structure	Estimated Cost	Notes
Twin Lakes Park Pond	Dependant on outcome of survey	Survey in 2008
Cedar Meadows Pond		Survey in 2008
Lake Calhoun Ponds		Survey in 2008
Lake Nokomis Ponds		Surveyed in 2005; resurvey in 2008
Pamela Park Ponds		Survey in 2008

5.8.9 Other Projects

This Plan identified the need to consider additional projects not included in the prioritized 2007-2017 CIP. These include regional infiltration opportunities in subwatershed units MC-140, 147, and 151 (see Section 5.8.5 above); four priority reaches of Minnehaha Creek as noted above; and dredging Longfellow Lagoon to remove accumulated fine sediments. The Board may consider such projects during the time frame of this Plan if funds are available.

Project	Longfellow Lagoon Dredging
Description	Dredging fine sediment accumulated in the Longfellow Lagoon impoundment
Need	The Stream Assessment identified a sediment delta in Longfellow Lagoon. Fine sediments drop out and accumulate in this impoundment. To preserve channel conveyance and improve aesthetics, consideration should be given to dredging the lagoon.
Outcome	Improved aesthetics, habitat, and water quality
Estimated Cost and Funding	Design, construction, project management. Funding source for this project is the District capital levy.	$114,100
Schedule	One Year Prior to Construction: Design, cooperative agreementNo Year Assigned: Construction of stream restoration

Project	Reach 2 Restoration
Description	Streambank restoration, buffer reestablishment, enhancement of in-stream habitat features
Need	This reach extends from just above Minnehaha Falls to the Hiawatha Avenue weir. It contains a few streambank erosion sites and locations where retaining walls have failed. Fish spawning habitat is poor as fine sediment is deposited behind the weir in the Longfellow Lagoon. The riparian corridor is poor or nonexistent and in need of improvement. The reach scored a 4.3 on the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol index evaluated as part of the Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment. The project would focus on improving the streambank stability and quality of the riparian area through bioengineering and native vegetation plantings as well as installation of in-stream habitat features.
Outcome	Stabilized streambanks with both hard armoring and bioengineering to reduce erosion; improved riparian zone with native vegetation; improved fish and macroinvertebrate habitat; improvement in SVAP index to a score greater than 5.0.
Estimated Cost and Funding	Design, construction, project management, vegetation management contract. Funding source for this project is the District capital levy.	$190,200
Schedule	One Year Prior to Construction: Design, cooperative agreementNo Year Assigned: Construction of stream restoration

Project	Reach 11 Restoration
Description	Streambank restoration, buffer reestablishment, enhancement of in-stream habitat features
Need	This reach extends from Lyndale Avenue to Logan Avenue S. It contains storm sewer outfalls that require repair or improvement, and unpaved trails on the right bank that may exacerbate erosion. The riparian corridor is a mix of turf grass maintained to an eroding creek edge and stable banks with riparian tree and shrub growth. The reach scored a 5.7 on the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol index evaluated as part of the Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment, mainly due lack of in-stream fish and invertebrate habitat. The project would focus on improving the streambank stability and quality of the riparian area through bioengineering and native vegetation plantings as well as installation of in-stream habitat features.
Outcome	Stabilized streambanks with both hard armoring and bioengineering to reduce erosion; improved riparian zone with native vegetation; improved fish and macroinvertebrate habitat; improvement in SVAP index to a score greater than 6.0.
Estimated Cost and Funding	Design, construction, project management, vegetation management contract. Funding source for this project is the District capital levy.	$1,179,500
Schedule	One Year Prior to Construction: Design, cooperative agreement No Year Assigned: Construction of stream restoration

Project	Reach 18 Restoration
Description	Streambank restoration, buffer reestablishment, enhancement of in-stream habitat features
Need	This reach extends from West 44th Street to Soo Line Railroad Bridge. The riparian corridor is a mix of turf grass maintained to an eroding creek edge and stable banks with riparian tree and shrub growth. Establishing native vegetation on streambanks and in buffers would help stabilize eroding streambanks. The reach scored a 6.2 on the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol index evaluated as part of the Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment, mainly due to lack of in-stream fish and invertebrate habitat and poor riparian conditions. The project would evaluate the replacement of existing 44th Street bridge grade control riffle would restore the stream to a more free-flowing condition.
Outcome	Stabilized streambanks with both hard armoring and bioengineering to reduce erosion; improved riparian zone with native vegetation; improved fish and macroinvertebrate habitat; improvement in SVAP index to a score greater than 7.0.
Estimated Cost and Funding	Design, construction, project management, vegetation management contract. Funding source for this project is the District capital levy.	$443,900
Schedule	One Year Prior to Construction: Design, cooperative agreement No Year Assigned: Construction of stream restoration

Project	Reach 29 Restoration
Description	Streambank restoration, buffer reestablishment, enhancement of in-stream habitat features
Need	This reach extends from Bridge Street to the I-494 west off ramp. The riparian corridor is a mix of turf grass maintained to an eroding creek edge and stable banks with riparian tree and shrub growth. Invasive species dominate the riparian zone. Invasive species should be eradicated and native riparian cover established or enhanced throughout the reach. The reach scored a 4.8 on the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol index evaluated as part of the Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment, mainly due to lack of in-stream fish and invertebrate habitat. Meander reconstruction could improve stream complexity and improve in-stream habitat conditions.
Outcome	Stabilized streambanks with both hard armoring and bioengineering to reduce erosion; improved riparian zone with native vegetation; improved fish and macroinvertebrate habitat; improvement in SVAP index to a score greater than 6.0.
Estimated Cost and Funding	Design, construction, project management, vegetation management contract. Funding source for this project is the District capital levy.	$862,400
Schedule	One Year Prior to Construction: Design, cooperative agreement No Year Assigned: Construction of stream restoration

5.8.10 Taft-Legion Lake Regional Volume and Load Reduction

Project

Taft-Legion Lake Regional Volume and Load Reduction

Description

The City of Richfield proposed the collaborative implementation of an improvement project that, when completed, will provide treatment for urban stormwater runoff discharging into Taft Lake and Legion Lake, subsequently improving the quality of water discharged from the City of Richfield’s boundaries to Lake Nokomis and ultimately Minnehaha Creek.

Project plans include several different elements working in combination to achieve water-quality and volume-management improvements. Elements under consideration include:

Irrigation: Stormwater runoff will be withdrawn from stormwater basins and applied via irrigation to adjacent park land at Legion and/or Taft Lakes.

Infiltration: The infiltration system will operate concurrent with the proposed irrigation system. Depending on seasonal rainfall variation, if additional water is available to be withdrawn from the enhanced basins/ponds, water will be directed to underground infiltration systems in park land surrounding Taft Lake and Legion Lake.

Flocculation Enhanced Stormwater Pond: An existing road around the north end of Taft Lake will be removed to facilitate the construction of a stormwater pond with a flocculation system that will remove dissolved pollutants from storm sewer runoff that’s delivered to the system.

Flocculation of Water from Taft Lake: In addition to treating runoff delivered to a constructed stormwater pond on the north side of Taft Lake the flocculation system will have the capacity to treat water withdrawn from adjacent stormwater ponds and/or the hypolimnion of Taft Lake, removing dissolved pollutant loads, before it’s discharged back into Taft Lake.

Natively Planted Lakeshore Buffers: Native lakeshore buffers will be established in select areas surrounding Legion Lake.

Pre-Treatment of Runoff to Legion Lake: A series of sedimentation ponds and/or enhanced grit-removal chambers will be installed to remove sediment and phosphorus loads prior to being discharged into Legion Lake.

Stakeholder engagement and educational efforts: Efforts to develop a comprehensive outreach, education and stakeholder engagement plan will be integrated into the design of each element of the project, and communications tools will be used to support citizens’ understanding of the purpose and function of the project.

Need

Implementation of this project will address several goals of the 2007 MCWD Comprehensive Water Resource Management Plan and enable the City of Richfield to meet its various obligations to reduce annual stormwater volumes and pollutant loads.

MCWD goals addressed include:

MCWD Goal 1: Abstraction/Filtration. Promote abstraction and filtration of surface water where feasible for the purposes of improving water quality and increasing groundwater recharge throughout the watershed.

MCWD Goal 2: Ecological Integrity. Promote activities that maintain, support and enhance floral, faunal quantity and ecological integrity of upland and aquatic resources throughout the watershed.

MCWD Goal 3. Water Quality. Preserve, maintain and improve aesthetic, physical, chemical and biological composition of surface waters and groundwater within the District

MCWD Goal 5. Water Quantity. Maintain or reduce existing flows from drainage within the watershed to decrease the negative effects of stormwater runoff and bounce from existing and proposed development as well as provide low flow augmentation to surface waters.

MCWD Goal 6. Shorelines and Streambanks. Preserve the natural appearance of shoreline areas.

MCWD Goal 9. Education and Communications. Enhance public participation and knowledge regarding District activities and provide informational and educational material to municipalities, community groups, businesses, schools, developers, contractors and individuals.

Implementation of the various project elements also is expected to address the impairment of Lake Nokomis by excessive nutrients, as described in the Total Maximum Daily Load study for the lake. The study determined that annual phosphorus loading to the lake from stormwater runoff generated by the City of Richfield and the Metropolitan Airports Commission must be reduced by 16 pounds.

Outcome

This project is designed and intended to provide both volume and phosphorus load reductions as shown in the table below:

Project Element	Water Volume Reduction (ac-ft/yr)	P Load Reduction (lbs/yr)
Water Reuse Irrigation System (Legion Lake)	10-40	12-50
Stormwater Infiltration (Legion/Taft Lake) and Ponding (Taft)	120-240	125-240
Mechanical Grit Chambers (Legion)	-	0-24
Native Lakeshore Buffer (Legion)	minor	2-8
Flocculation System (Taft)	-	40-160

Estimated

Cost

Project Element	Estimated Capital Cost
Water Reuse Irrigation System (Legion Lake)	$ 300,000
Stormwater Reuse Infiltration (Legion/Taft Lake) and Ponding (Taft)	$ 1,140,000
Proprietary Grit Chambers (Legion)	$ 300,000
Native Lakeshore Buffer (Legion)	$ 60,000
Flocculation System (Taft)	$ 900,000
TOTAL CAPITAL COST	$ 2,700,000
Annual Operation, Maintenance and Monitoring	$ 150,000
TOTAL O&M Cost (20 year life)	$ 3,000,000

To avoid or minimize a levy increase, if the project is ordered, consideration will be given to funding the $2,700,000 necessary for construction through a combination of upfront city financing of capital costs and a reduced, recurring annual District ad valorem levy over 20 years. Other alternative frameworks and sources of funding, such as grants, also will be considered.

$2,700,000

Schedule

Implementation between 2012 - 2013

5.9 Summary

The following tables summarize the proposed implementation action items and their relationship to overall District the problems and issues identified in Section 3.0 above, the metrics by which the District will be evaluating progress toward resolving those issues and problems, the estimated District cost of implementing these actions, and anticipated implementation schedule.

Table 25. Problems and issues identified in the Minnehaha Creek subwatershed and actions proposed to address them.

	Problem or Issue	Actions in Implementation Plan	Degree of Improvement
Water Quality	The water quality in Minnehaha Creek as measured by total phosphorus and TSS concentrations is comparable to the MPCA’s ecoregion guidelines. Phosphorus and sediment loads in Minnehaha Creek increase upstream to downstream, although the impoundments at the major grade controls act as settling basins and trap some of the pollutants and sediment. Average chloride concentrations are generally lower than state standards, and dissolved oxygen concentrations are generally sustained at levels sufficient to maintain aquatic life. Monitoring for e. coli bacteria shows increasing concentrations from upstream to downstream at levels sometimes exceeding state standards.	A series of stream restoration projects to stabilize streambanks to reduce pollutant loading from bank erosion, improve buffers, and increase habitat Actions to increase infiltration in the subwatershed to reduce pollutant loading conveyed from stormwater runoff Continued monitoring of Minnehaha Creek for various parameters including bacteria A diagnostic study of Minnehaha Creek to evaluate potential to improve water quality and ecologic integrity through in-stream and near-stream restorations	Implementation of actions in this Plan would maintain or improve water quality and ecologic integrity in Minnehaha Creek
	Six lakes in the subwatershed have been designated Impaired Waters on the state’s 303(d) list due to an excess of nutrients. The District has petitioned to remove two of those lakes. The District is preparing Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies, including plans to reduce phosphorus loads into the lakes, for Nokomis, Diamond, Hiawatha, and Powderhorn Lakes.	The draft TMDLs identify potential improvement projects that have been incorporated into this Plan. Continue monitoring the lakes to assess progress.	Implementation of all the actions in the phosphorus load reduction plans for the lakes would theoretically reduce in-lake P concentrations, improve water clarity, and meet District goals and state and federal water quality standards.
	The HHPLS established and the Lake Hiawatha TMDL assumes an in-creek total phosphorus concentration goal of 80 ug/L. The HHPLS estimated that achieving this goal would require a 15 percent reduction in phosphorus loading to the creek from the entire subwatershed, excluding the Chain of Lakes and Lake Nokomis lakesheds. However, not enough is known about in-stream processes and sources to partition that load reduction between loading from runoff and loading from in-stream sources such as streambank erosion, internal loading, riparian wetlands, etc.	Rules will be amended to require more stringent pollutant load reduction on new development and redevelopment, including adding an abstraction requirement to reduce pollutant loading from runoff. Cooperatively construct regional infiltration improvements to mitigate impact of new runoff from development and to reduce pollutant loading from existing development. A diagnostic study of Minnehaha Creek to evaluate potential to improve water quality and ecologic integrity through in-stream and near-stream restorations. Implementation of actions in this Plan would maintain or improve water quality and ecologic integrity in Minnehaha Creek and theoretically reduce pollutant loading conveyed to Lake Hiawatha from the creek, improving its water quality. Would depend on ability of developers to incorporate adequate BMPs on their projects and properly maintain them to sustain removal efficiencies. Depends on ability to develop cooperative or collaborative improvements.
	Development in the subwatershed has resulted in increased stormwater volumes conveying nutrients and sediment to the lakes and to Minnehaha Creek. Significant efforts and investments by the District and the local governments have been made to improve water quality in the lakes through improvement projects, restorations, and nonstructural BMPs such as education and street sweeping. As a result Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, and Lake Calhoun meet or exceed their water quality goals.	Rules will be amended to require more stringent pollutant load reduction on new development and redevelopment, including adding an abstraction requirement to reduce pollutant loading from runoff.	Implementation of actions in this Plan would maintain or improve water quality and ecologic integrity in Minnehaha Creek and the lakes that currently meet or exceed their water quality goals. Would depend on ability of developers to incorporate adequate BMPs on their projects and properly maintain them to sustain removal efficiencies. Depends on ability to develop cooperative or collaborative improvements.
	Development, redevelopment, and reconstruction in the subwatershed may provide opportunities to obtain a net decrease in volume of stormwater runoff, nutrient, and TSS loads.	Rules will be amended to require more stringent pollutant load reduction on new development and redevelopment, including adding a volume management requirement. Would depend on ability of developers to incorporate adequate BMPs on their projects and properly maintain them to sustain removal efficiencies. Cooperatively construct regional infiltration improvements to mitigate impact of new runoff from development. Depends on ability to develop cooperative or collaborative improvements.

Water Quantity	Drainage is conveyed through the subwatershed through a network of storm sewers, ditches, wetlands and lakes that discharge to Minnehaha Creek. The Minnehaha Creek Stream Assessment identified 35 locations on the creek with significant erosion or bank failure, and numerous locations with less severe erosion. Channel bank stability is stressed by “flashy” storm discharges which produce high velocities and rapid increases and decreases in stage coupled with poor riparian zone management and numerous storm sewer outfalls.	A series of stream restoration projects to stabilize streambanks to reduce pollutant loading from bank erosion, improve buffers, and increase habitat. A program to collaboratively construct spot repairs on reaches where full-scale restoration is not planned at this time.	Completion of projects would repair existing erosion and stabilize the creek where it is most at risk for future erosion.
	Development of the subwatershed has resulted in increased stormwater volumes and flow peaks and reduced infiltration and base flow in Minnehaha Creek. Development, redevelopment, and reconstruction in the subwatershed may provide opportunities to achieve a net decrease in volume of stormwater runoff, nutrient and TSS loads conveyed to those water resources.	Rules will be amended to require more stringent pollutant load reduction on new development and redevelopment, including adding a volume management requirement. Would depend on ability of developers to incorporate adequate BMPs on their projects and properly maintain them to sustain removal efficiencies. Cooperatively construct regional infiltration improvements to mitigate impact of new runoff from development. Depends on ability to develop cooperative or collaborative improvements.

	Limitations on discharges from the Grays Bay dam, reduced infiltration and baseflow, multiple impoundments on the creek, and channel overwidening to accommodate high flows leads to extended periods when the flows and depths in the creek channel are insufficient for recreation and severely stress aquatic life.	A stream diagnostic and biotic integrity TMDL to identify stressors and the most effective ways to reduce and mitigate for them A series of stream restoration projects to stabilize streambanks to reduce pollutant loading from bank erosion, improve buffers, and increase habitat. A program to collaboratively construct spot repairs on reaches where full-scale restoration is not planned at this time.	Completion of projects would repair existing erosion and stabilize the creek where it is most at risk for future erosion, and improve habitat to reduce low-flow stress on aquatic life.
	Several landlocked subwatershed units and individual subbasins are present in the subwatershed, primarily in Minnetonka and St. Louis Park. As identified in the HHPLS, several of these subwatersheds or basins are being considered by the cities for outletting, altering local hydrology and potentially creating downstream volume or water quality impacts. Within these landlocked basins, any future development or redevelopment should minimize creation of new stormwater volumes.	Cities are prohibited from adding outlets to landlocked basins, and must provide for adequate storage and volume control.	Completed as LGUs complete their local plans.
	Impoundments and grade control structures along the creek cause sediment to be deposited and accumulate, limiting habitat values.	A diagnostic study of Minnehaha Creek to evaluate potential to improve water quality and ecologic integrity through in-stream and near-stream restorations.	Implementation of actions in this Plan would maintain or improve water quality and ecologic integrity in Minnehaha Creek
	The HHPLS identified multiple locations within the subwatershed that are predicted to overtop during the 100 year event, including city streets, trails, and driveways.	LGUs directed to evaluate these locations as part of their local water management planning.	Completed as LGUs complete their local plans.
	The HHPLS identified several locations where for both existing and future conditions, higher velocities than desired may result in erosion at outlets or culverts.	LGUs directed to evaluate these locations as part of their local water management planning.	Completed as LGUs complete their local plans.
Wetlands	The subwatershed includes several wetlands with high to exceptional vegetative diversity, fish and wildlife habitat and aesthetic values that need to be protected.	Key Conservation Areas identified that include high-value wetlands. Some of these areas are identified as District priorities for continued implementation of the Land Conservation Program, and thus the District would proactively look for opportunities to conserve these resources. The Capital Improvement Program includes funds for Land Conservation Activities. In all key areas, LGUs are required to include in their local plans strategies for conserving these values. Ongoing effort that is dependant on property owner willingness to pursue conservation, District budget and staff capacity, and LGU plan completion. Rules will be amended to establish management standards based on management classification for impacts to wetlands from development and redevelopment. Implementation of revised rules would help minimize future impacts to the highest-value wetlands while still providing a measure of protection to those that provide mainly downstream resource protection.

	Most of the wetlands in the subwatershed have been impacted by development, as indicated by the lack of wetlands with exceptional to high vegetative diversity given the size of the subwatershed. Degraded wetlands with high to moderate restoration potential should be considered for protection and restoration.	Wetland restorations will be evaluated as part of the creek diagnostic Wetlands identified as being of high to moderate wetland potential would be managed according to a Manage 1 wetland classification if they have been assessed as a Manage 2 or 3. This would minimize further degradation that might make future restoration more difficult or costly.	An initial effort that identifies for restoration those wetlands that would result in improvement to water quality in the lakes. This would begin to mitigate wetland losses from past development and help to increase the quantity and quality of wetlands present.
Ecological Integrity	Most of the subwatershed is fully developed at urban and suburban densities, with opportunities for the conservation of ecological integrity being primarily within the creek corridor or some larger wetland complexes.	Key Conservation Areas identified that include high-value wetlands. Some of these areas are identified as District priorities for continued implementation of the Land Conservation Program, and thus the District would proactively look for opportunities to conserve these resources. The Capital Improvement Program includes funds for Land Conservation Activities. In all key areas, LGUs are required to include in their local plans strategies for conserving these values.	Ongoing effort that is dependant on property owner willingness to pursue conservation, District budget and staff capacity, and LGU plan completion.
	Fish surveys have been completed by the DNR on the major lakes in the subwatershed, and the fisheries are actively managed through stocking.	Continue to work cooperatively with the DNR, MPRB, and Three Rivers on fisheries issues. Support the fisheries through the improvement of water quality.	Depends on response of natural community to habitat improvement.
	A fish survey conducted by the DNR on Minnehaha Creek found mostly lake species with few adults, indicating a lack of suitable habitat and few refuges for overwintering and low flow periods.	Support the DNR in its management efforts. Evaluate milfoil management as part of internal load management diagnostic and feasibility study. A stream diagnostic and biotic integrity TMDL to identify stressors and the most effective ways to reduce and mitigate for them	Depends on the extent of infestation. If control of milfoil and other invasive aquatic vegetation will help achieve internal phosphorus load reduction goals, then a significant improvement can be had through chemical or other control. If control would not benefit lake water quality, then there would be no improvement.
	Macroinvertebrate communities in Minnehaha Creek are limited by frequent wetland and impounded reaches, water quality, and lack of habitat.	A stream diagnostic and biotic integrity TMDL to identify stressors and the most effective ways to reduce and mitigate for them. A series of stream restoration projects to stabilize streambanks to reduce pollutant loading from bank erosion, improve buffers, and increase habitat.	Depends on response of natural community to habitat improvement.
	Eurasian watermilfoil is present in many of the lakes, and the Minneapolis Park Board performs weed cutting on the Chain of Lakes to better support swimming and boating.	Support the DNR and MPRB in their management efforts. Evaluate milfoil management as part of internal load management diagnostic and feasibility study.	Depends on the extent of infestation. If control of milfoil and other invasive aquatic vegetation will help achieve internal phosphorus load reduction goals, then a significant improvement can be had through chemical or other control. If control would not benefit lake water quality, then there would be no improvement.
Groundwater	Development of the subwatershed has resulted in increased stormwater volumes and flow peaks and reduced infiltration and base flow in Minnehaha Creek. Development, redevelopment, and reconstruction in the subwatershed may provide opportunities to decrease stormwater runoff volumes and increase infiltration	Amend rules to require infiltration or abstraction of the first one inch of rainfall on new permitted development and redevelopment. Infiltration on site will assist in preventing further modification of surficial groundwater recharge and help to maintain wetland hydrologic regimes. Identify a network of surficial aquifer monitoring wells across the watershed, monitor groundwater levels and quality. Implementation of monitoring network will fill data gap and allow for identification of trends. Identify baseflow in Minnehaha Creek and monitor for trends. Identification of baseflow will fill data gap, allow for identification of trends, and improve understanding of hydrology and hydraulics of Minnehaha Creek.


	Ongoing flow monitoring in Minnehaha Creek suggests that some reaches of the creek are losing flow to groundwater, possibly contributing to periods of low or intermittent flow.	Amend rules to require infiltration or abstraction of the first one inch of rainfall on new permitted development and redevelopment. A stream diagnostic and biotic integrity TMDL to identify stressors and the most effective ways to reduce and mitigate for them	Depends on outcome of study and recommendations
	Seeps and springs are present in the subwatershed, mainly in the limestone cliffs of the Gorge. The most prominent spring is Camp Coldwater Spring. Hydrologic analysis and monitoring conducted at the time the Minnesota Department of Transportation proposed to construct a new highway interchange nearby indicate this historic spring is sensitive to impacts in its groundwatershed	Amend rules to require pretreatment of stormwater discharged to wetlands or infiltration areas in the areas of high aquifer sensitivity. Establish a new District rule that requires an additional level of analysis and review of permitted development and redevelopment where there is a potential for development to adversely impact groundwater connected to a surface water feature.	Will help minimize future impacts to groundwater and provide for proactive management rather than reactive
	The extensive wetlands in the upper subwatershed were identified in the FAW as either discharge wetlands or combination recharge-discharge wetlands. It will be critical to maintain or increase infiltration rates in the upper subwatershed to help maintain hydrology to these wetlands. Wetlands in the lower subwatershed are mainly recharge or combination wetlands. The hydrology of these wetlands depends on maintaining local flow patterns and rates	Amend rules to require infiltration or abstraction of the first one inch of rainfall on new permitted development and redevelopment. Identify a network of surficial aquifer monitoring wells across the watershed, monitor groundwater levels and quality. Promote Better Site Design (Low Impact Development) principles for new development that mimic predevelopment hydrologic regime.	Infiltration on site will assist in preventing further modification of surficial groundwater recharge and help to maintain wetland hydrologic regimes.
	Much of the subwatershed is very highly or highly sensitive to aquifer impacts, including the Minnehaha Creek corridor	Amend rules to require pretreatment of stormwater discharged to wetlands or infiltration areas in the areas of high aquifer sensitivity. Establish a new District rule that requires an additional level of analysis and review of permitted development and redevelopment where there is a potential for development to adversely impact groundwater connected to a surface water feature.	Will help minimize future impacts to groundwater and provide for proactive management rather than reactive
	Wellhead Protection Areas have been identified for the cities of Edina, Minnetonka and St. Louis Park within this subwatershed. Stormwater management within those areas should be coordinated with wellhead protection plans	Stormwater and groundwater management within those areas will be coordinated with wellhead protection plans. Will help minimize future impacts to drinking water and provide for proactive management rather than reactive

Table 26. Summary of metrics to be used in evaluating progress toward Minnehaha Creek subwatershed goals.

Objective	Metric	Existing	Desired	Location
Water Quality	Phosphorus Loading (lbs annually)	665 (Ultimate)	562	Lake Harriet
	Phosphorus Loading (lbs annually)	908 (Ultimate)	599	Lake Nokomis
	Phosphorus Loading (lbs annually)	11,126 (Ultimate)	10,038	Lake Hiawatha
	Phosphorus Loading (lbs annually)	486 (Ultimate)	265	Diamond Lake
	Phosphorus Loading (lbs annually)	267 (Ultimate)	90	Powderhorn Lake
Water Quantity	Volume Reduction (Acre-feet)		1,298	Watershed-wide
	1.5 year discharge (cfs)	219.7	219.7	Watershed-wide
	100 year discharge (cfs)	676.2	676.2	Watershed-wide
Ecologic Integrity	Index of Biotic Integrity	3.51 (F-IBI)	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 30
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 29
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 28
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 27
		3.76 (F-IBI)	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 26
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 25
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 24
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 23
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 22
		4.78 (F-IBI)	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 21
		5.39 (F-IBI)	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 20
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 19
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 18
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 17
		4.88 (F-IBI)	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 16
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 15
		5.56 (F-IBI)	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 14
		4.00 (F-IBI)	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 13
		5.31 (F-IBI)	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 12
		5.13 (F-IBI)	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 11
		3.96 (F-IBI)	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 10
		5.08 (F-IBI)	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 9
		4.24 (F-IBI)	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 8
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 7
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 6
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 5
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 4
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 3
		N/A	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 2
		4.26 (F-IBI)	Above MPCA impairment threshold	Minnehaha Creek Reach 1
	Stream Visual Assessment Protocol	6.3	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 30
		4.8	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 29
		7.0	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 28
		7.5	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 27
		6.3	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 26
		6.4	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 25
		2.0	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 24
		4.1	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 23
		6.1	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 22
		7.0	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 21
		2.0	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 20
		6.1	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 19
		6.0	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 18
		2.0	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 17
		5.8	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 16
		5.8	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 15
		5.6	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 14
		7.1	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 13
		3.8	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 12
		5.7	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 11
		6.9	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 10
		5.1	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 9
		5.1	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 8
		4.0	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 7
		2.0	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 6
		3.0	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 5
		4.7	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 4
		2.0	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 3
		4.3	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 2
		7.6	5.0 or 1+ existing	Minnehaha Creek Reach 1
	Key Conservation Areas conserved (acres)		98	Watershed-wide
Wetlands	Wetland Acreage	3,874.0	3,874.0 or greater	Watershed-wide
		1,035.3	1,035.3 or greater	Preserve
		575.6	575.6 or greater	Manage 1
		314.7	314.7 or greater	Manage 2
		735.5	735.5 or greater	Manage 3

Table 27. Summary of Minnehaha Creek subwatershed implementation program.

Item	Description	Estimated Cost	Schedule	Section 3.0
MCWD Capital Projects
1	Stream restorations	$944,100	2014	3.1.1, 3.1.3, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3,3.2.5, 3.3.1, 3.4.3, 3.4.4
		$451,000	2015
		$654,800	2012
		$967,600	2007
		$877,700	2015
		$1,380,100	2016
		$896,000	2012
		$1,203,400	2010
2	Minnehaha Falls Glen Restoration	$1,795,300	2008
3	Lake Nokomis internal load management	$342,100	2007	3.2.5
4	Regional infiltration	$410,100	2013	3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.5, 3.2.2, 3.2.4, 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 3.5.3, 3.5.4
		$485,400	2012
		$3,533,000	2009
		$2,440,600	2011
		$2,299,800	2008
		$2,221,500	2013
		$1,051,900	2015
		$915,400	2012
		$435,200	2016
		$1,504,500	2014
MCWD Data Acquisition/Study
1	Minnehaha Creek Subwatershed Volume and Load Reduction Study	$200,000	2008	3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.4, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.7, 3.3.3, 3.4.3, 3.4.4, 3.5.1
2	Develop infiltration/filtration strategies appropriate to wellhead protection areas and areas of groundwater sensitivity	Part of watershed-wide study	2008	3.1.2, 3.1.4, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.2.6, 3.2.7, 3.3.1, 3.3.3, 3.4.1, 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 3.5.3, 3.5.4
3	Identify key indicator species, evaluate habitat, and develop conservation strategies	Part of watershed-wide study	2010 and ongoing	3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.3.3, 3.4.1, 3.4.3, 3.4.4
MCWD Land Conservation Program
1	Undertake land conservation efforts in accordance with Figure 19	$4,215,000	Part of ongoing watershed-wide program	3.1.2, 3.1.4, 3.2.2, 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.3.3, 3.4.1, 3.4.3, 3.4.4, 3.5.1
MCWD Regulatory Program
1	Amend District Rules to increase stormwater management requirements for new development and redevelopment	Part of watershed-wide effort	2007-2009	3.1.1 - 3.1.4, 3.4.4
2	Amend District Rules to require abstraction of 1” of rainfall on permitted development and redevelopment	Part of watershed-wide effort	2007-2009	3.1.1 - 3.1.4, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.4, 3.2.5, 3.2.6, 3.2.7, 3.5.4,
3	Amend District Rules to adopt wetland management rules based on wetland management classification	Part of watershed-wide effort	2007-2009	3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.3.3, 3.4.1, 3.5.1, 3.5.4
MCWD Hydrodata Program
1	Monitor Minnehaha Creek	Part of watershed-wide hydrologic data program	Part of ongoing watershed-wide program	3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.5.1, 3.5.2
2	Monitor macroinvertebrates in Minnehaha Creek every five years	Part of watershed-wide hydrologic data program	2008, 2012	3.4.1, 3.4.3, 3.4.4
3	Identify base level flow in Minnehaha Creek	Part of watershed-wide study	Part of ongoing watershed-wide program	3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.4.3, 3.4.4, 3.5.1, 3.5.2
4	Identify shallow wells to monitor groundwater levels	Part of watershed-wide study	2008	3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.3.3, 3.3.2, 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 3.5.3, 3.5.4
MCWD Education/Communication Program
1	Provide targeted education materials to key stakeholder groups to meet objectives of plan	Part of watershed-wide education program	Part of ongoing watershed-wide program	All
2	Provide workshops, seminars, and brown bags for LGU staff, developers, and other interested parties	Part of watershed-wide education program	Part of ongoing watershed-wide program	3.1.1- 3.1.4, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.4, 3.2.6, 3.2.7, 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.3.3, 3.4.1, 3.5.1 -3.5.4
3	Develop and distribute model ordinances and design standards that incorporate low impact design principles	Part of watershed-wide education program	Part of ongoing watershed-wide program	3.1.2-3.1.4, 3.2.2, 3.2.4, 3.3.1, 3.4.1, 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 3.5.4
4	Develop a small grant program to provide financial assistance to property owners desiring to implement BMPs on their property	Part of watershed-wide program	2008 and ongoing	3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.4, 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.3.3, 3.4.1, 3.4.3, 3.4.4, 3.5.1, 3.5.4
MCWD Operations and Maintenance
1	Inspect Minnehaha Creek erosion-prone areas at least annually	Part of watershed-wide program	Part of ongoing watershed-wide program	3.1.1, 3.1.4, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.7, 3.4.4
2	Monitor high vegetative-diversity wetlands for exotic species	Part of watershed-wide program	Part of ongoing watershed-wide program	3.3.1
3	Inspect detention ponds to sustain removal efficiency	Incorporate into life-cycle cost of project	Part of ongoing watershed-wide program	3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3
Collaborative Projects
1	Work in partnership with MPRB to develop and implement lake aquatic management plans	Ongoing activity	Part of ongoing watershed-wide program	3.1.2, 3.4.2, 3.4.3, 3.4.5
2	Work in partnership with Creek riparian communities to improve riparian zone vegetation management	Ongoing activity	Part of ongoing watershed-wide program	3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.4, 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.3.3, 3.4.1, 3.4.3, 3.4.4
3	Browndale Dam Scour Repair	$50,500	2008	Same
4	Work in partnership with Creek riparian communities and other agencies and utilities to repair streambank erosion and stabilize outfalls and other infrastructure: establish annual fund	$100,000 annually	2008 and ongoing	Same
5	Work in partnership with MPRB to investigate and implement potential capital improvements identified in the lake TMDLs	To be developed in the Lake TMDL Implementation Plan	As noted in the CIP	3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.2.2, 3.3.3, 3.4.1, 3.4.2, 3.4.5
6	Collaborate with the MPRB to evaluate feasibility of internal load controls on Nokomis, Powderhorn, and Diamond Lakes	To be developed in the Lake TMDL Implementation Plan	Part of ongoing watershed-wide program	3.1.2, 3.4.2, 3.4.5