On September 29, 2011, the MCWD Board of Managers approved the purchase of a 16.9 acre piece of proprety adjacent to Minnehaha Creek in Hopkins. 

The $14.95 million purchase is part of a larger effort by the MCWD to restore Minnehaha Creek, which has been adversely impacted by industrial development over the years. At the Blake Road property, the MCWD plans to restore about 1,000 feet of shoreline in one of the most degraded sections of the creek. The area will become a natural buffer to help clean and slow run-off water before it enters the creek, provide reasonable public access and improve water quality. The rest of the property will be sold for re-development, which is consistent with the city’s comprehensive land use plan.

Summary
Halsted Bay’s water quality grade (D) is among the worst in the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) due in part to excessive nutrients. To help improve water quality in the area, the MCWD recently purchased the 112-acre Halverson Farm in Minnetrista, which drains into Six Mile Marsh and Creek shortly before it enters Halsted Bay.