As the weather warms, have you noticed dead fish along the shoreline? Unfortunately, winter fish kills are an annual occurrence, especially when we've had cold winters with abundant snowfall. During the winter, some fish become trapped in shallow pools of water and are unable to move to deeper water or downstream. Underwater vegetation creates oxygen in the water through photosynthesis, however, during the winter, plants are not able to photosynthesize as much due to ice and snow cover. As a result, the shallow water where fish get trapped has low dissolved oxygen, making it difficult for some fish to survive. 

Winter fish kills rarely result in the death of all fish in a lake and may even help naturally kill invasive common carp. Typically, wading birds and birds of prey will use the dead fish as a food source, and as the water levels rise in the spring, the fish will be carried downstream. Dead fish can also be buried or used as fertilizer. In general, fish kills will not have a significant negative impact on water quality. They can be reported to the Minnesota Duty officer at 651-649-5451. 

If you find a fish kill of the same size and species in the spring, the cause is most likely disease related. As fish spawn and compete for food in shallow spring waters, they weaken their bodies and become more stressed, making them more susceptible to disease and infection. If the fish kill includes fish of different sizes and species, you should notify the Minnesota Duty officer at 651-649-5451.

What Is It?

Blue-green algae is "algae" in name only – it is actually a "cyanobacteria" that can produce toxins harmful to people and animals. When water conditions are right, blue-green algae can bloom, covering areas of the water in a thick, dense mat. It is found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams.

The 2018 Earth Day Photo Contest is now closed. Check out the 2018 winners and runners-up.

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos. Check back in the spring of 2019 for information on our 5th annual photo contest!

Our annual Earth Day Photo Contest is back!  From South Minneapolis to Watertown Township, Laketown Township to Medina, we think our watershed is incredibly photogenic. There is endless beauty on and around the 129 lakes, eight major streams and thousands of wetlands within the MCWD, and we want to see how you capture it. We encourage you to submit pictures of you, your family, and your friends enjoying the resources our watershed has to offer.

First place winners in both categories will receive a $200 gift certificate to The Great Frame Up and will be featured in MCWD's annual report. First, second, and third place winners in both categories will be featured in and on MCWD's e-newsletter, website, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Take a look at the 2017 winners.

Details

1. The 2018 contest opens Monday, March 12 and will close Friday, April 13.  Winners will be announced Monday, April 23.


2. Photos must be taken within the MCWD. Three winners will be picked in each of two categories: 
   1. Landscape: showcasing natural beauty of a place in the watershed, including wildlife
   2. Recreation: showcasing people enjoying or recreating on the water resources within the watershed (identifiable people in a photo must fill out a photo release waiver, to be submitted with the photo)
3. Submit your photo through the form below or tag @minnehahacreekwd on Instagram. There is no limit on the number of photos you can submit.


4. Photos will be judged based on originality, technical excellence, composition, artistic merit, and overall impact

Thank you to our sponsor:

Send the MCWD a photo from the district!

Where Can I Find the Lake Level for Lake Minnetonka?

View the lake level for Lake Minnetonka.

Where Can I Find the Lake Levels for My Lake?

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Lake Finder has a wealth of information for lakes throughout the state of Minnesota. Lake levels for many of the lakes is available.

What is the Flow of Minnehaha Creek at Hiawatha Ave (Minneapolis)?

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has a real-time, automated staff gauge that measures the flow (discharge) and precipitation.

Can I Paddle Minnehaha Creek?
See the Paddle Minnehaha Creek web page.