Minnehaha Creek Stream Meander
The City of St. Louis Park, in partnership with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, is proposing to re-meander a portion of the creek using funding provided through the Clean Water Fund. The affected section of Minnehaha Creek was straightened when development first came to St. Louis Park in the early 1900s. At that time, wetlands were filled and the stream channel was
altered to allow for industrial development around the creek.
Re-meandering the creek through this half-mile section of St. Louis Park will improve the ecology of the area in several ways. By modifying the channel to more closely mimic the original course, the project will increase riparian buffers and stabilize the streambank. It will also allow for vegetative restoration and improved water quality treatment practices.
Through this partnership between the City of St. Louis Park and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, with funding provided through the Board of Water and Soil Resources, the city hopes to reinvigorate interest in the creek and ensure that it serves as a high-functioning part of the city's natural environment for years to come.
Nicole Clapp
(c) $3,000,000 the first year and $3,000,000 the second year are for nonpoint source pollution reduction and restoration grants to watershed districts, watershed management organizations, counties, and soil and water conservation districts for grants in addition to grants available under paragraphs (a) and (b) to keep water on the land and to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams, and to protect groundwater and drinking water. The projects must be of long-lasting public benefit, include a local match, and be consistent with TMDL implementation plans or local water management plans. Up to five percent may be used for administering the grants (2011 - Clean Water Assistance)
4,500 feet of the creek channel was stabilized including the addition of 1,600 feet of new stream restored to its natural course, restoration of over 7 acres of adjacent floodplain wetlands, and 3.75 acres of restored upland buffer. These projects resulted in reduced erosion, a re-connection to the historic floodplain, increased flood storage, and improved aquatic and terrestrial habitat. In addition, 2 stormwater retention ponds treating 80 acres was installed. The projects reduce phosphorus by 81 lbs/year.