Weather - Extreme Trends
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Project Type:
Weather – Extreme Trends: The Minnehaha Creek Watershed Stormwater Adaptation Study
Climate research, current weather patterns and projected trends show a significant increase in both the frequency and severity of rain events across Minnesota. Existing stormwater management systems designed to control runoff and protect property when it rains may no longer function as intended. The infrastructure in these systems may prove inadequate, resulting in increased flooding, damage to property, public safety concerns, and impacts to the quality of our lakes, streams and wetlands. Planning for change is a proactive way for our communities to address both the environmental and financial risks we may face. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed Stormwater Adaptation Study will provide information on stormwater adaptation planning by:
- Examining rainfall and land use trends within the watershed.
- Using that information to evaluate existing stormwater management systems
- Identifying ways to adapt our systems – including costs – to changing precipitation patterns
- Facilitating a community-led planning process to provide a framework for developing local stormwater adaptation plans
Resources
- Factsheet on Study
- Work Group Information and Input Summaries
- First Forum Summary and Presentations
- Spring 2012 Newsletter
- Summer 2012 Newsletter
- Fall 2012 Newsletter
- NOAA Climate page
Get involved in the study. Planning for change will protect public property, public safety and a community’s financial and environmental resources. Here are some reasons to be involved:
- Provide input on what is important to you and your community related to stormwater management systems and protecting our water resources in the face of changing weather.
- Learn about risks posed by changing weather patterns, and ways to adapt stormwater management systems based on the most current climate data.
- Gain access to a cost analysis of various stormwater adaptation approaches, which will help guide a community's decision-making process.
- Ensure your community is ready for more frequent extreme weather events.
The study will include a public participation process, giving you a chance to hear about the latest technical data generated through this study, as well as provide input on community stormwater adaptation planning.
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Timeline: |
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Spring 2012 |
- Develop future precipitation and land use models |
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- Host First Forum: Stakeholder Input and Adaptation Assessment -Identify work groups to participate in various aspects of stormwater adaptation planning The forum was held on May 15, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:30 at the St. Louis Park Recreation Center Click here to learn about the First Forum, including access to presentations, and other forum documents. |
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Fall 2012 |
- Complete analysis of stormwater management systems - Develop cost-analysis for stormwater management system adaptation |
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Winter 2013 |
- Host stakeholder work group meetings derived from the First Forum Session 1 meetings were held on September 19 & 26. Click here to learn about the Session 1 results, including access to the presentation, and other work group documents. Session 2 meeting was held on January 22. Stormwater Adaptation Study Work Group Session and Adaptation Bake Off: “How to Proceed”. |
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Spring 2013 |
- Host community workshops to share findings and strategies |
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Summer 2013 |
- Host Third Forum: Regional Stormwater Adaptation Symposium |
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- Share research findings, adaptation strategies, resources, and next steps |
For more information please contact our Education Manager.
Project partners include Syntectic International LLC, Antioch University New England, the University of Minnesota, and Stratus Consulting. Funding for this two-year study is provided through a grant from the Climate Program Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
