Zebra mussels were discovered by a local resident on July 27, 2010,  and confirmed by DNR biologists on July 28, 2010. DNR, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District field staff and Lake association staff conducted an extensive shoreline survey on Lake Minnetonka in the week following the discovery, and confirmed the presence of young (less than one year old) zebra mussels at 10 of 48 sites checked on the lake (See map).

Plan:

MCWD initiated a 3-year study to monitor the distribution and population density of zebra mussels in Lake Minnetonka. The information collected on the zebra mussel population will hopefully lead to better management techniques to reduce the spread of this invasive species. Left unmanaged, zebra mussels will continue to spread, littering beaches with their sharp shells, damaging boats and equipment, and altering the health of local lakes, streams and rivers.

Design:

MCWD staff selected 32 sites on Lake Minnetonka where zebra mussel samplers will be located. The sampler design is modeled off the Hester-Dendy plate sampler. The sampler is constructed of 4 pvc plates ranging in size: 6 x 6", 8 x 8", 10 x 10" and 12 x 12" plates. The plates are separated by pvc spacers to allow for the attachment and growth of zebra mussels. The plates and spacers are connected by an eyebolt, washer, and wingnut.

There are 2 samplers at each of the 32 sites on Lake Minnetonka. One sampler will be checked once a month, while the other sampler will be checked at the end of the summer (seasonal samplers).  The sampler that is checked on a monthly basis will be brought aboard the monitoring boat and disassembled. All zebra mussels found on the plates and spacers will be counted. The plates and spacers are cleaned off before the sampler is reassembled and placed back in the water. A similar procedure will be applied at the end of the summer for the seasonal samplers. All samplers will be put in storage for the winter.

The following is a list of MCWD lakes. The lakes that have been or are currently being monitored have recieved a lake water quality grade. The lake water quality grades have been posted for the past ten years.

For more information on the lake water quality grades go to Understanding Lake Water Quality Grades.

NEWS RELEASE

February 10, 2011

Contact: 

Telly Mamayek, Communications Manager 
952-641-4508; tmamayek@minnehahacreek.org

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Takes First Steps to Prepare  Property Owners, Communities for Potential Spring Flooding
Water monitoring and collaboration with west metro cities are underway

Deephaven, Minn. – The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District is working closely with cities in the District to monitor the Minnehaha Creek and other local waterways and provide property owners with information to help them prepare for potential spring flooding.

“The National Weather Service is indicating that a wet fall combined with record snowfalls will likely mean widespread flooding across our part of the state,” said Eric Evenson, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Administrator. “We want to be sure property owners are prepared, so the District is working closely with local cities in our area to monitor local waters and provide the public with forecasts for flood-prone areas.”

Several factors will affect water volumes of lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands this spring, including how quickly temperatures warm and the snow melts and how much precipitation falls in February and the early spring months. The District is studying the impacts of various potential scenarios and collaborating with cities in the District.

Updated high water predictions and information about potential flooding will be available on the District’s web site (www.minnehahacreek.org), along with tips for home and business owners for protecting their property from potential damage. Property owners are encouraged to check the site periodically for updates.

Altogether, eight major creeks, 129 lakes and thousands of wetlands are located in the District and many of these waterways reside in urban, developed or residential areas. As a result, the District is encouraging property owners to learn about the risks in their area and be prepared for rising water levels.

“Residents who live on or near the west metro’s lakes and streams have been great partners with the District to help ensure that we can all protect and enjoy these valuable resources,” Evenson said. “As warmer temperatures approach, we encourage all property owners to do their part to learn more about flooding in their area and be prepared to manage the risks that come along with spring in Minnesota.”

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District covers approximately 181 square miles, including Minnehaha Creek, Lake Minnetonka, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Falls. The District is charged by state law to protect, improve and manage water resources. It does so through scientific research and monitoring, public education, cost-share grant programs, permitting and collaborative efforts with the 27 cities, two townships and two counties (Hennepin and Carver) that are in the District. For more information, visit www.minnehahacreek.org.

NEWS RELEASE

March 1, 2011