Baker Park Reserve Campground Ravine Stabilization, Lake Independence, Hennepin County

Lake Independence (MnDNR #27-0176) is a highly valued resource located in western Hennepin County within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Pioneer-Sarah Creek Watershed Management Commission (PSCWMC). The lake is 851 acres with a maximum depth of 58 feet, and has a watershed drainage area of 7,631 acres. Baker Park Reserve, owned and operated by Three Rivers Park District (TRPD), provides over 4,500 feet of publically accessible shoreline on Lake Independence, which includes two swimming beaches, a public watercraft access, an ADA-accessible fishing pier, numerous picnic areas, and a campground. The lake was listed as impaired for excessive nutrients by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) in 2002. The Lake Independence Total Maximum Daily Load study (TMDL) approved in 2007 identified phosphorus loads from the watershed as the main cause of the impairment. A total phosphorus load reduction of 1,081 lbs./yr. was identified in the TMDL in which 872 lbs./yr. (80%) of load reduction was to come from the watershed. Recent studies identified 2,200 feet of eroding channel within Baker Park Reserve that contributes in an average year 300 tons of sediment and 277 lbs. of phosphorus to Lake Independence. The most cost-effective approach to address the major source of pollutant loading from the ravine is to install a series of rock grade control structures throughout the main and two tributary channels to control the elevation grade as well as armoring the channel with rounded field stone/angular rip-rap to the expected 10-year flood elevation. Average annual phosphorus loads to Lake Independence would be reduced by an estimated 134 lbs. at a cost of $130/lb. of phosphorus load reduction based on a project life of 30 years. This reduction in annual phosphorus load would accomplish 15% of the total watershed phosphorus load reduction called for in the TMDL.