DATE: May 7, 2015 TO: CRWD Board of Managers FROM: Bob Fossum, Water Resource Program Manager SUBJECT: 2010 Watershed Management Plan Mid-Term Review Background On September 1, 2010, the Board of Managers adopted the District’s Watershed Management Plan (WMP). The plan covers the term from 2010—2020. As the District is approaching the half-way point in the term of the WMP, it is a good time to evaluate implementation of the plan and consider adjustments (if any) to the WMP. At the February 18, 2015 Board meeting the Managers approved 2010 WMP Mid-Term Review Project. The project includes three phases: Data Gathering, Evaluation of WMP Progress, and Final Report. Issues Staff have worked with EOR, Inc. to complete a preliminary assessment of implementation progress. Three documents are included in the in the packet that look at progress at implementing the 2010 WMP in three separate ways: Progress on Addressing Issues, Assessment of Goals, and Assessment of Expenditures. Staff will review each of these documents with the Board as they each offer a different and important way of assessing progress at implementation of the 2010 WMP. For background/contextual information we have also enclosed the Issues and Goals Section of the 2010 WMP (pages 15-34). Requested Action Provide review and assessment relative to progress towards addressing the Issues identified in the 2010 WMP. enc: Summary of Progress toward Addressing Issues (Draft) Assessment of Goals (Draft) Financial Summary--WMP Planned Expenditures vs. Actual Expenditures Issues and Goals Section (pgs. 15-34) 2010 WMP (for reference only) W:\06 Projects\WMP 2010\Mid-Term Review\Brd Memo WMP Mid-term Review, 5-7-2015.docx May 12, 2015 Board Workshop Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District
Transcript
DATE: May 7, 2015 TO: CRWD Board of Managers FROM: Bob Fossum, Water Resource Program Manager SUBJECT: 2010 Watershed Management Plan Mid-Term Review Background On September 1, 2010, the Board of Managers adopted the District’s Watershed Management Plan (WMP). The plan covers the term from 2010—2020. As the District is approaching the half-way point in the term of the WMP, it is a good time to evaluate implementation of the plan and consider adjustments (if any) to the WMP. At the February 18, 2015 Board meeting the Managers approved 2010 WMP Mid-Term Review Project. The project includes three phases: Data Gathering, Evaluation of WMP Progress, and Final Report. Issues Staff have worked with EOR, Inc. to complete a preliminary assessment of implementation progress. Three documents are included in the in the packet that look at progress at implementing the 2010 WMP in three separate ways: Progress on Addressing Issues, Assessment of Goals, and Assessment of Expenditures. Staff will review each of these documents with the Board as they each offer a different and important way of assessing progress at implementation of the 2010 WMP. For background/contextual information we have also enclosed the Issues and Goals Section of the 2010 WMP (pages 15-34). Requested Action Provide review and assessment relative to progress towards addressing the Issues identified in the 2010 WMP. enc: Summary of Progress toward Addressing Issues (Draft) Assessment of Goals (Draft) Financial Summary--WMP Planned Expenditures vs. Actual Expenditures Issues and Goals Section (pgs. 15-34) 2010 WMP (for reference only) W:\06 Projects\WMP 2010\Mid-Term Review\Brd Memo WMP Mid-term Review, 5-7-2015.docx
May 12, 2015 Board Workshop
Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District
EOR is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer
Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. 651 Hale Ave N. Oakdale, MN 55128 T/ 651.770.8448 F/ 651.770.2552 www.eorinc.com
memo Project Name | CRWD Watershed Management Plan Mid Term Review Date | May 7, 2015
To / Contact info | Bob Fossum
From / Contact info | Pat Conrad
Regarding | Summary of Progress Toward Addressing Issues (Draft)
ThefollowingisasummaryoftheCRWDstaffandCACimpressionsoftheprogressthathasbeenmade in addressing the20 issues thatwere identified in the2010WatershedManagementPlan.Includedforeachissuestatementisabriefsummaryofthegoalsandobjectivesthatweredevelopedforaddressingtheissue.FollowingthatislistingoftheInitiativescompletedthathaveaddressestheIssue.ThenarrativedescribingtheprogressthathasbeenmadewasdevelopedthroughaworkingsessionwithDistrictStaffandCAC.ThisisintendedtoserveasastartingpointfordiscussionswiththeBoardofManagers.
InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue1:Education/Outreach Events Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality. Workshop on landscaping for clean water Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program. Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Updated District Education Plan Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Stewardship and Partner Grant Program
ProgressmadetowardsaddressingIssueandmeetinggoals
EducationoutreachisoneofthecoreprogramsoftheDistrict.TheDistricthasconductedsurveys(baselinesurveyin2009,ComoLakesurveyin2011andinformalperceptionstudies)inanattempttomeasure changes in awareness. It should be noted thatmeasuring changes in awareness andactionstakenisdifficulttask. TheDistrictdoeskeeptrackofthecontactsthataremadewiththe
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public and themessages that are delivered. Signage is used at District projects in an attempt toeducatethepublic.OnespecificareatheCRWDstaffidentifiedaslackingisintheDistricteducatingthepublicongroundwaterissues.
Issue 2 TheDistrict’sdiverse community hasawiderangeofcultural,socialandpoliticalrelationshipswithwater, communityinterests,priorities,andopinionsoftheDistrict’swaterresources
InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue2:Education Outreach Events Supported Children’s Water Fest Supported a water themed dance event at the first Open Streets celebration in Saint Paul Interpretive signage Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Educational signage and construction of rain gardens at Beacon Bluff Stewardship and Partner Grant Program
WhiletheDistrictdoesaverygoodjobofmaintainingitsownBMPstheycoulddoabetterjobofsupportingtheirpartnersandensuringthatallBMPsinstalledintheDistrictarewellmaintained.BMPsthatareinstalledeitherthroughapermittedactivityorbyapartnerontheirownprojectshavenot had the level of maintenance that is being done on District projects. The District has builttechnology infrastructure, including the BMP database that will help in achieving the goal ofcoordinatingwithotherjurisdictionbutworkremainstobedone.
Center St/Rice St Subwatershed Analysis Crosby Lake Management Plan Curtiss Pond Improvement Project Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Villa Park Wetland Restoration Project William Street Pond TBI Farrington Feasibility Study Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Water quality education field trips Co‐sponsored storm drain stenciling and trash cleanup Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality.
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Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Supported Children’s Water Fest Led a stormwater BMP tour along the Green Line Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program. Education displays targeted at adults Neighborhood water festival Presented to attendees of the Minnesota Green Roof Symposium Led a tour of Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Education displays at community events Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Hosted the 2013 Clean Water Summit conference Updated District Education Plan Interpretive signage Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Rain barrel construction workshop grants Raingarden Stewardship Grant Green Roof Stewardship Grant Pervious Paver Stewardship Grant Erosion Control Stewardship Grant Rain Barrel Stewardship Grant Watershed Artist in Residence Stewardship Grant Community Clean up Como Lake Stewardship Grant Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Support for Friends of Mississippi River volunteers Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Rain barrel construction workshop grants Storm drain stenciling Stewardship Grant Native Plant Education Expo and Market Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Support of a street sweeping study Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Educational signage and construction of rain gardens at Beacon Bluff Stewardship and Partner Grant Program BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Stormwater Quality Monitoring Permitting Program Review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program Watershed Rule Adoption
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ProgressmadetowardsaddressingIssueandmeetinggoals
This is the fundamental issue facing the District. The District has worked extensively towardsaddressingthisissuebutitisanon‐goingeffort.Manyofthespecificgoals(relatedtoaparticularresource)havebeenmet(McCarronsandLoebLakewaterquality)whileothersarebeingactivelyworked on (ComoLakewater quality. In addition to reorganizing the goals for this issue, staffrecommendedre‐visitingsomeofthespecificobjectiveswithinthisissueareaspecifically; AchievingtheTPloadingrequirementoftheLakePepinTMDL(aTPreductiontargetwasnot
towardsreducingtrashloading,thebenefitofdevelopingatargetisunclear)The primary focus of theDistrict has been the conventionalwatershed pollutants, TP, sediment,nitrogen.Additionaleffortcouldbeplacedonadditionalcontaminantssuchaspesticides,chlorides,etc.
Issue 5 Thequantityofrunoff from ahighlyurbanizedareaincreasestherisk offloodingandputsaddedstrainontheinfrastructure withintheDistrict
Center St/Rice St Subwatershed Analysis Como 7 Subwatershed ‐ Curtis Field Crosby Lake Management Plan Curtiss Pond Improvement Project Gottfried's Pit Improvements Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Highland Ravine Stabilization Project Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor Inspection Villa Park Subwatershed Plan and BMP Design Villa Park Wetland Restoration Project William Street Pond Sunny Slope Stabilization Feasibility Study TBI Farrington Feasibility Study Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program
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Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Water quality education field trips Co‐sponsored storm drain stenciling and trash cleanup Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality. Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Supported Children’s Water Fest Led a stormwater BMP tour along the Green Line Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program. Education displays targeted at adults Neighborhood water festival Presented to attendees of the Minnesota Green Roof Symposium Led a tour of Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Education displays at community events Hosted the 2013 Clean Water Summit conference Updated District Education Plan Interpretive signage Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Rain barrel construction workshop grants Rain garden Stewardship Grant Green Roof Stewardship Grant Pervious Paver Stewardship Grant Erosion Control Stewardship Grant Rain Barrel Stewardship Grant Watershed Artist in Residence Stewardship Grant Community Clean up Como Lake Stewardship Grant Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Support for Friends of Mississippi River volunteers Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Rain barrel construction workshop grants Storm drain stenciling Stewardship Grant Native Plant Education Expo and Market Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Support of a street sweeping study Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Educational signage and construction of rain gardens at Beacon Bluff Stewardship and Partner Grant Program
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BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Stormwater Quality Monitoring Permitting Program Review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program Watershed Rule Adoption
ProgressmadetowardsaddressingIssueandmeetinggoals
The issue has been primarily addressed through the 2010H&H Study aswell as subwatershed‐specific studies, numerous capital improvement projects, the District Rules and through themanagementoftheTroutBrooksystem.Littleefforthasbeenplacedinidentifyingopportunitiestore‐establishfloodplainareasasthishasbeendeterminedtobealowpriorityactivityfortheDistrict.
Issue 6 Withinanurbanized area,runoff from impervioussurfacesisdirectedtostormsewersanddischargedtosurface watersratherthaninfiltratingintothegroundresultinginreducedgroundwaterrechargeandimpactstoreceivingwaters
InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue6:Center St/Rice St Subwatershed Analysis Como 7 Subwatershed ‐ Curtis Field Crosby Lake Management Plan Curtiss Pond Improvement Project Gottfried's Pit Improvements Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Villa Park Subwatershed Plan and BMP Design Villa Park Wetland Restoration Project William Street Pond Sunny Slope Stabilization Feasibility Study TBI Farrington Feasibility Study Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Water quality education field trips Co‐sponsored storm drain stenciling and trash cleanup Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality. Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects
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Supported Children’s Water Fest Led a stormwater BMP tour along the Green Line Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program. Education displays targeted at adults Neighborhood water festival Presented to attendees of the Minnesota Green Roof Symposium Led a tour of Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Education displays at community events Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Hosted the 2013 Clean Water Summit conference Updated District Eduction Plan Interpretive signage Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Rain barrel construction workshop grants Raingarden Stewardship Grant Green Roof Stewardship Grant Pervious Paver Stewardship Grant Erosion Control Stewardship Grant Rain Barrel Stewardship Grant Watershed Artist in Residence Stewardship Grant Community Clean up Como Lake Stewardship Grant Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Support for Friends of Mississippi River volunteers Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program
Rain barrel construction workshop grants Storm drain stenciling Stewardship Grant Native Plant Education Expo and Market Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Support of a street sweeping study Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Educational signage and construction of rain gardens at Beacon Bluff Stewardship and Partner Grant Program BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Stormwater Quality Monitoring Permitting Program Review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program Watershed Rule Adoption
ProgressmadetowardsaddressingIssueandmeetinggoals
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The District has completed significantwork to encourage infiltration through Rules and variousGrantprograms.TheDistricthasidentifiedareaswhereinfiltratingstormwaterisnotrecommendedbuthasNOTdevelopedawatershed‐wideevaluationofareasthataremostconducivetoinfiltration.This type of evaluation has been done on a site specific and subwatershed basis. The Districtsapproachforprotecting/managinggroundwateratthetimetheplanwaswrittenwastocollaboratewithRamseyCountyontheirCountyGroundwaterPlanwhich,ultimately,wasnotdeveloped.WhiletheDistrict’sgoalsrelativetostormwaterandwaterqualityarewelldefined,theroletheDistrictshouldplayingroundwatermanagementisnotexplicitlydefined. ThisisacommonsituationformanywatersheddistrictsandassuchtherehavebeendiscussionsattheStatelevelaboutmakingrecommendationsforhowwatersheddistrictaddressgroundwaterissues.
Monitoring Program Review Gross Solids Study East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Held a summer macroinvertebrate study 2013 International Low Impact Development Symposium Presentations WEFTEC 2013 Staff Presentations WEFTEC 2014 Staff Presentations District BMP Database BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Stormwater Quality Monitoring Lake and Wetland Monitoring
ProgressmadetowardsaddressingIssueandmeetinggoals
MonitoringisoneofthecoreprogramsoftheDistrictandagreatdealofdataisbeingcollectedontheDistrictsresourcesaswellasontheperformanceofDistrictinstalledpractices.Additional,morefrequent evaluation of the Districts work based on the findings of the monitoring data isrecommended.
Goals: Makemonitoring data available and easy to understand for a broad audience, serve as aclearinghouse,andestablishpartnerships.
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InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue8: Internal Mapping System District BMP Database BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Stormwater Quality Monitoring
Monitoring Database
ProgressmadetowardsaddressingIssueandmeetinggoals
TheDistricthasexpendedsomeeffortinmakingmonitoringandresearchdatamoreaccessibletothe public but additional work remains to be done in this area. In 2014, the District beganimplementationofanewmonitoringdatabasetomoreeffectivelyandefficientlymanage,analyze,andreportdata.Theframeworkisinplacetomoreeffectivelydeliverthistypeofinformationtothepublicsostaffisconfidentthatthesegoalwillbeachievedinthenext5years.
Goals: Develop better understanding of climate change impacts, conduct research on stormwatermanagement technologies,andpromoteuseof emerging technologiesand innovativemanagementtechniques.InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue9:
Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Real‐Time Automated BMP Controls Stormwater Reuse Projects Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Presented to attendees of the Minnesota Green Roof Symposium Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Hosted the 2013 Clean Water Summit conference 2013 International Low Impact Development Symposium Presentations WEFTEC 2013 Staff Presentations WEFTEC 2014 Staff Presentations Stewardship and Partner Grant Program Data Acquisition GIS Program Development Impervious Surfaces Data Set Internal Mapping System District BMP Database BMP Maintenance and Monitoring
ProgressmadetowardsaddressingIssueandmeetinggoals
TheDistricthasbecomealeaderinconductingresearchonstormwatermanagementtechnologies(ArlingtonPascal)andhasbeenactive inpromotingemerging technologies through its rulesand
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involvementwiththeGreenLine.Moreattentioncouldbepaidontheimpactclimatechangewillhaveonwatershedmanagement.TheDistrictneedstodeterminewherethebalanceliesbetweenanincentive‐based vs regulatory approach to ‘promoting’ innovative watershed managementtechniques.TheDistricthasreceivedseveralawardsandhadseveralpresentationsselectedtobepresented at national conferences which demonstrate innovative work and leadership in thewatershed/waterqualityfield.
InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue10: Center St/Rice St Subwatershed Analysis Como 7 Subwatershed ‐ Curtis Field Curtiss Pond Improvement Project Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Well Sealing Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park TBI Farrington Feasibility Study Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study District 6 Natural Resource Inventory East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Lake Study Event Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Water quality education field trips Co‐sponsored storm drain stenciling and trash cleanup Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality. Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Supported Children’s Water Fest Led a stormwater BMP tour along the Green Line Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program. Coordinated publicity for the Blue Thumb native plant sale Education displays targeted at adults Held a summer macroinvertebrate study Conducted fishing lessons, Neighborhood water festival Led a tour of Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary
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Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Education displays at community events Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Hosted the 2013 Clean Water Summit conference Updated District Education Plan Interpretive signage Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Sponsor a natural resource intern Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Rain barrel construction workshop grants Rain garden Stewardship Grant Green Roof Stewardship Grant Pervious Paver Stewardship Grant Erosion Control Stewardship Grant Rain Barrel Stewardship Grant Watershed Artist in Residence Stewardship Grant Community Clean up Como Lake Stewardship Grant Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Support for Friends of Mississippi River volunteers Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Rain barrel construction workshop grants Storm drain stenciling Stewardship Grant Native Plant Education Expo and Market Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Support of a street sweeping study Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Support of Friends of the Mississippi River’s river stewardship and habitat restoration programs Stewardship and Partner Grant Program
Issue 11 TheDistrict isuniquelypositionedtobe able toidentify andsupport collaborationsbetweenvariouspartners/stakeholderswithcompatible projectsandprograms
Goal: Coordinate efforts with partners to ensure cost effective use of funds for water resourcemanagement.InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue11:
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Center St/Rice St Subwatershed Analysis Como 7 Subwatershed ‐ Curtis Field Crosby Lake Management Plan Curtiss Pond Improvement Project Gottfried's Pit Improvements Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park Sunny Slope Stabilization Feasibility Study TBI Farrington Feasibility Study Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study District 6 Natural Resource Inventory East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Lake Study Event Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps Member Participation in Blue Thumb Water quality education field trips Co‐sponsored storm drain stenciling and trash cleanup Supported Children’s Water Fest Chloride education workshops Workshop about maintaining turf in a way that causes minimal impact to water quality. Workshop on landscaping for clean water Tour of green roof projects Supported Children’s Water Fest Led a stormwater BMP tour along the Green Line Sponsored Blooming Saint Paul Award program. Coordinated publicity for the Blue Thumb native plant sale Education displays targeted at adults Held a summer macroinvertebrate study Conducted fishing lessons, Neighborhood water festival Led a tour of Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Clean water interpretive signage at the new Lowertown baseball park, CHS Field Education displays at community events Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Updated District Eduction Plan Interpretive signage Hamline Midway boulevard rain garden planting event Sponsor a natural resource intern Membership in Watershed Partners (WSP) Rain barrel construction workshop grants Raingarden Stewardship Grant Green Roof Stewardship Grant Pervious Paver Stewardship Grant
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Erosion Control Stewardship Grant Rain Barrel Stewardship Grant Watershed Artist in Residence Stewardship Grant Community Clean up Como Lake Stewardship Grant Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Study Water Quality Event designed for Latino Youth East Side youth environment education internship Support for Friends of Mississippi River volunteers Stop the Rain Drain (SRD) gutter downspout redirection program Rain barrel construction workshop grants Storm drain stenciling Stewardship Grant Native Plant Education Expo and Market Community organizing project focused on supporting water quality projects of faith communities Support of a street sweeping study Water quality education event for Latino youth Stipends for environmental education internships for East Side youth Support of Friends of the Mississippi River’s river stewardship and habitat restoration programs Stewardship and Partner Grant Program
Green Infrastructure on the Green Line Inspiring Communities Program Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor Villa Park Subwatershed Plan and BMP Design Villa Park Wetland Restoration Project William Street Pond East Kittsondale Subwatershed Analysis
ProgressmadetowardsaddressingIssueandmeetinggoals
TheDistricthasbeenvery successfulpursuingandobtaininggrantmoney fromsources that aretypically available for watershed management activities. Additional effort could be spentinvestigatingadditional,non‐traditionalsources.
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Issue 13 TheDistrict must prioritize programsandprojectstoensurethatgoalsaremetinthemost efficient,andcost effectivemanner
Goals: (fromthe2008StrategicPlan)Strengthen the District’s capacity to accomplish itsmission,Strive for excellence,with competent, knowledgeable, committed, and innovative Boardmembers,advisorycommittees,andstaff,Provideresearch‐based,informed,mission‐drivendecisionmaking,Beanopen,approachable,facilitatorofpartnershipstoenhancetheDistrict’scapacitytoprotect,maintainandimprovewaterresources
InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue14:
Data Acquisition GIS Program Development Impervious Surfaces Data Set Internal Mapping System District BMP Database BMP Maintenance and Monitoring CSE Equipment Safety Program Updates/Audits Stormwater Quality Monitoring
Goals: Work with partners to improve rules and ordinances, collaborate to ensure proper BMPconstructionanderosionand sedimentcontrol techniquesare implemented,workwithneighboringWMOsandstateagenciesonconsistency,complywithapplicablelocal,state,federalregulations.
InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue16:
Illicit discharge and winter maintenance trainings Chloride education workshops Sponsored Winter Maintenance training Interpretive signage Permitting Program Review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program Watershed Rule Adoption
ProgressmadetowardsaddressingIssueandmeetinggoals
TheDistricts rules andpermittingprogramhas evolved significantly from the time thePlanwaswritten.Mostofthegoalsfortheissuewereaddressedintheruledevelopmentprocessandnowarelargelyaccomplished.InthecontextofoverallPlanthegoalsunderthisissuemayappeartobeoverlyemphasizedbasedonhowtheDistrictrelationshipshaveevolvedsincethewritingoftheplan.Someoutstanding issuesexist suchasmaintaining consistencywithneighboringentitiesandachievingvolumereductiononsiteslessthan1acre.
InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue17: Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park District 6 Natural Resource Inventory Lake Study Event Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Held a summer macroinvertebrate study Sponsor a natural resource intern Support of Friends of the Mississippi River’s river stewardship and habitat restoration programs St. Paul Parks and Recreation: Swede‐Hollow Stream Analysis Restoration Feasibility Study
Goals: Support increasing open space, mitigate loss of pervious areas by incorporating greeninfrastructure.InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue18:
Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Green Line BMPs Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park District 6 Natural Resource Inventory Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Sponsor a natural resource intern Support of Friends of the Mississippi River’s river stewardship and habitat restoration programs St. Paul Parks and Recreation: Swede‐Hollow Stream Analysis Restoration Feasibility Study
Design
ProgressmadetowardsaddressingIssueandmeetinggoals
TheDistricthasaddressedthisissuethroughitsrules,managementoftheTroutBrooksystemandthrough collaborationswith partners, for example the installation of green infrastructure on theGreenLine.
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Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Lake McCarrons Lakeshore Restoration Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park District 6 Natural Resource Inventory Sponsored Education Outreach Intern Conducted fishing lessons, Sponsor a natural resource intern Support of Friends of the Mississippi River’s river stewardship and habitat restoration programs St. Paul Parks and Recreation: Swede‐Hollow Stream Analysis Restoration Feasibility Study
Design
ProgressmadetowardsaddressingIssueandmeetinggoals
TheDistricts goals and objectives for this issueweredeliberatelywritten tobe ‘collaborative’ innature.TheDistricthasbeensupportiveofthetypeofactivitiesthatwouldincreaseconnectionstotheDistrictsnatureareas.
Goals: Identify opportunities to restore historic stream and wetland resources and increase theawarenessofcurrentandhistoricwaterresources.InitiativesthathelpedaddressIssue20:
Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Wetland Reestablishment Feasibility Study — Victoria Park District 6 Natural Resource Inventory St. Paul Parks and Recreation: Swede‐Hollow Stream Analysis Restoration Feasibility Study
Design
ProgressmadetowardsaddressingIssueandmeetinggoals
TheDistricthasrestoredahistoricportionofTroutBrookbuthasnotrestoredanyhistoricwetlands,althoughtheupcomingWillowReserverestorationprojectwillaccomplishthisgoal inpart. TheDistrict has increased awareness of existingwater resources but little effort has been placed inraisingtheawarenessofhistoricresources.ThisDistrictiscurrentlybeginningaproactiveplanningefforttoreestablishaheadwatersportionofHiddenFallsCreekontheredevelopingFordSite.
CRWD Watershed Management Plan Midterm Review Assessment of Goals (Draft) May 5, 2014
Issue 1
Goal 1.1 Increase the awareness of water →
1.1.a Determine the baseline knowledge level regarding basic watershed and stormwater concepts →
1.1.bIncrease the understanding of basic watershed, stormwater, groundwater and water pollution concepts through watershed education and
outreach↑
1.1.c Measure the change in knowledge and behavior as a result of the education and outreach efforts →
Goal 1.2 Increase public knowledge and appreciation for local water resources in the District →
1.2.a Utilize District infrastructure to increase awareness and appreciation of water resources and watershed management →
Goal 1.3 Raise an awareness of the District and increase the interest and public participation in its activities ↑
Issue 2
Goal 2.1 Increase communication and encourage long term involvement with groups not previously involved in District programs →
Issue 3
Goal 3.1 Work to improve the short‐ and long‐term maintenance of stormwater BMPs →
3.1.aCoordinate the development and implementation of a multi‐jurisdictional BMP management plan that includes identifying responsible parties,
define roles and determining maintenance schedules for all stormwater BMPs located in the District →
Issue 4
Goal 4.1 Reduce the chemical pollutant load to District lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi River ↑
4.1.a Achieve a Phosphorous Trophic State Index (TSI‐P) of 60 for Como Lake by reducing the average annual total phosphorus load to Como Lake by
60%→
4.1.b Achieve the summer average lake concentration of total phosphorus at 33 parts per billion (ppb) or less for Lake McCarrons ↑
4.1.c Maintain water quality of Loeb Lake at current conditions (nondegradation) ↑
4.1.d Achieve the District’s total phosphorus loading requirements for the Lake Pepin TMDL in the Mississippi River na
4.1.eDevelop a target reduction for metals, pesticides, nutrients, chloride, organic contaminants, etc, discharged to District lakes, wetlands and the
Mississippi River and work towards reaching that target →
4.1.f Identify and manage the internal phosphorus load in District lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi River →
4.1.g Identify and eliminate illicit discharges into District lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi River →
Goal 4.2 Reduce physical pollutant load to District lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi River ↑
4.2.aDevelop a target reduction for the amount of trash entering District lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi River and work towards reaching that
target→
4.2.b Develop a target reduction for sediment entering District lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi River and work towards reaching that target →
4.2.c Achieve District load requirement established in the turbidity component of the future Lake Pepin TMDL na
4.2.d Identify and eliminate illicit discharges into District lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi River →
Goal 4.3 Reduce bacteria pollutant load to District lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi River →
4.3.aDevelop a target reduction for the amount of waterfowl and pet waste entering District lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi River and work
towards reaching that target→
4.3.b Identify and eliminate illicit discharges into District lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi River →
4.3.c Meet the District’s bacteria load requirement established in the future Upper Mississippi River bacteria TMDL na
Issue 5
Goal 5.1 Minimize existing and potential flooding problems ↑
5.1.a Work to identify existing and potential infrastructure capacity issues and flooding problems ↑
5.1.b Utilize structural and nonstructural flood control techniques to improve infrastructure capacity and reduce flooding problems ↑
5.1.c Evaluate the impact of climate change on infrastructure capacity in the future and identify potential flooding issues →
5.1.d Preserve existing floodplain storage capacity and prohibit floodplain filling unless compensatory storage is provided →Not really applicable or an
issue.
5.1.e Identify opportunities to reestablish lost floodplain areas →
Goal 5.2 Manage the volume of water in the Trout Brook storm sewer Interceptor to protect the integrity of District infrastructure.
Issue 6
Goal 6.1 Promote groundwater recharge through increased use of infiltration techniques to manage stormwater →
6.1.a Develop incentives/regulations to promote the use of stormwater infiltration techniques ↑
6.1.b Identify those portions of the District most conducive to stormwater infiltration →
Goal 6.2 Protect the groundwater resource →
Need to define CRWD's and
WD's role in GW
Management
6.2.a Support and collaborate with Ramsey County, state and regional agencies to better understand and monitor District groundwater resources →
6.2.b Support and collaborate with Ramsey County, state and regional agencies on groundwater quantity and quality protection →
6.2.c Avoid infiltrating stormwater in areas of contaminated soils ↑
Education Outreach Issues and Goals
Urban Stormwater Management Issues and Goals
Within an urbanized area, runoff from impervious surfaces is directed to storm sewers and discharged to surface waters rather than infiltrating
into the ground resulting in reduced groundwater recharge and impacts to receiving waters
The quantity of runoff from a highly urbanized area increases the risk of flooding and puts added strain on the infrastructure within the District
The pollutant load of stormwater has impacted the quality of water in the District’s lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi River
Regular maintenance is critical to the success of stormwater BMPs and is not consistently performed to achieve desired performance
Issue 2: The District’s diverse community has a wide range of cultural, social and political relationships with water, community interests, priorities,
and opinions of the District’s water resources
Many District residents, businesses and institutions do not feel a personal connection with water and natural resources and therefore do not have
a sense of responsibility or ownership which negatively impacts their ability to change behaviors and increase stewardship
↑ Goal Has Been Acheived → Goal Has Been Par ally Achieved of Will be Soon → Goal Has Not Been Achieved
CRWD Watershed Management Plan Midterm Review Assessment of Goals (Draft) May 5, 2014
Issue 7
Goal 7.1 Collect monitoring data and perform research to gather valuable information about the District ↑
7.1.a Collect data on selected BMPs installed in the District and evaluate performance, maintenance, and longevity ↑
7.1.b Monitor the condition of District surface waters and major subwatersheds to establish baseline conditions and determine trends ↑
7.1.c Identify and support a program to collect soil and geologic data in order to assess the infiltration potential within the District →
Goal 7.2As part of the annual budgeting process, review and refine the monitoring and data assessment program to improve efficiency and utilize the
best technology↑
Goal 7.3 Utilize data as part of a regular evaluation of current water issues, performance of District programs and District rules →
Issue 8
Goal 8.1 Make monitoring and research data available and understandable to a broader audience →
Goal 8.2 Serve as a clearinghouse for water resource management information to assist District stakeholders and partners →
Goal 8.3 Establish partnerships to improve the District’s ability to increase access and understanding of monitoring and research data →
Issue 9
Goal 9.1Develop a better understanding of climate change, its impacts to District natural and water resources and adaptive management strategies to
address this emerging issue→
9.1.a Participate in climate change working groups/forums →
9.1.b Determine the District’s strategies in addressing climate change impacts on watershed management →
Goal 9.2 Be a leader in conducting original research and reviewing existing research on new stormwater management technologies to facilitate decision
making by the District and its partners↑
9.2.a The District will evaluate innovative stormwater management techniques, information management techniques, and monitoring and modeling
techniques used locally, nationally, and internationally↑
9.2.b The District will conduct research on stormwater management BMP performance, applicability in different settings, and long‐term maintenance
needs. ↑
Goal 9.3 Promote the use of emerging technologies and innovative watershed management techniques ↑
9.3.a Promote Green Infrastructure initiatives. ↑
9.3.b Determine optimal balance of incentive‐based strategies and regulatory‐based watershed management strategies →Not sure if this is possible,
little direct work done it.
Issue 10
Goal 10.1 Encourage District partners and residents to implement local water resource improvement projects ↑
10.1.a Provide financial and technical assistance for resource protection projects and efforts by District residents and partners ↑
Issue 11
Goal 11.1 Coordinate efforts with partners to ensure the most cost effective uses of funds for water resource management ↑
11.1.a Coordinate the water resource management efforts that the District and its partners are currently undertaking ↑
11.1.bIdentify opportunities to incorporate water resource management efforts into capital improvement projects and large scale redevelopment
projects of District partners ↑
11.1.c Provide support to District partners for activities with a connection to water resources ↑
11.1.d Maintain active membership in the Ramsey County Groundwater Partnership NA
Issue 12
Goal 12.1 Increase the funds available to the District to meet its goals and objectives ↑
12.1.a Identify new and supplemental funding sources →
12.1.b Evaluate the optimal balance of financing options or revenue sources → ??
Issue 13
Goal 13.1 Utilizes long‐term planning and pursue the most cost effective solutions when carrying out resource protection programs and projects ↑
13.1.a Evaluate the results and costs for programs and projects to demonstrate their effectiveness ↑
13.1.b Consider initial and life‐cycle costs associated with programs and projects when evaluating their effectiveness ↑
Issue 14 Goal 14.1 Strengthen the District’s capacity to accomplish its mission ↑
Goal 14.2 Strive for excellence, with competent, knowledgeable, committed, and innovative Board members, advisory committees, and staff ↑
Goal 14.3 Provide research‐based, informed, mission‐driven decision making ↑
Goal 14.4 Be an open, approachable, facilitator of partnerships to enhance the District’s capacity to protect, maintain and improve water resources ↑
Issue 15
Goal 15.1 Ensure that the rules are regularly reviewed, updated and readily understood by the regulated community. ↑
15.1.a Ensure effective Rules in meeting the District’s goals while allowing some flexibility ↑
Issue 16
Goal 16.1 Work with District partners to improve the District Rules and other municipal/agency stormwater ordinances ↑
16.1.a Work with District partners to make ordinances compatible with stormwater management goals and objectives ↑
16.1.b Work with District partners to coordinate permit applications early in the design stage →
16.1.cWork with District partners to achieve volume reduction on small sites (disturbing less than one acre) through District Rules or municipal
ordinances →
Goal 16.2Collaborate with partners to ensure that proper BMP construction, and erosion and sediment control techniques are being implemented
throughout the District ↑
16.2.a Ensure that effective routine inspections are conducted on all construction in the District ↑
16.2.b Ensure that appropriate long‐term maintenance is being performed on stormwater management practices in the District →
Goal 16.3Continue to work with surrounding watershed management organizations and state agencies to develop rule language that maximizes
effectiveness while ensuring their consistency and ease of use throughout the region/metro area. ↑
16.3.a Compare District Rule language with that of surrounding watershed management organizations to identify consistencies and inconsistencies ↑
Many District partners and residents are willing to help the District accomplish its mission if assistance is made available
Coordination with District partners on regulatory issues is needed for more efficient and effective stormwater regulation across all jurisdictions
Regulations and Enforcement Issues and Goals
The District needs to maintain clear and effective Rules utilizing the most current research and science available
An effective watershed organization needs to plan for change, growth, and development
The District must prioritize programs and projects to ensure that goals are met in the most efficient, and cost effective manner
Multiple funding mechanisms and outside funding sources are available for the District to pursue to offset financial needs
The District is uniquely positioned to be able to identify and support collaborations between various partners/stakeholders with compatible
projects and programs
Monitoring and Data Assessment Issues and Goals
Future Trends Issues and Goals
Funding and Organization Issues and Goals
Future watershed management strategies need to be responsive to emerging issues resulting from climate change and technological advances
Monitoring and research data are difficult for the public to access and understand
Monitoring and research data are needed to understand the watershed, identify problems, and determine appropriate watershed management
approaches within the District
↑ Goal Has Been Acheived → Goal Has Been Par ally Achieved of Will be Soon → Goal Has Not Been Achieved
CRWD Watershed Management Plan Midterm Review Assessment of Goals (Draft) May 5, 2014
16.3.bEvaluate the feasibility of addressing inconsistencies in watershed management organization rules in consultation with the Technical Advisory
Committee (TAC)↑
Goal 16.4 Comply with applicable local, state, and federal watershed regulations ↑
16.4.a Comply with the provisions of the District MS4 permit. ↑
16.4.b Collaborate with all permitted MS4s within with District on TMDL load reduction efforts ↑
Issue 17
Goal 17.1 Improve the ecological integrity of District lakes, wetlands, and the Mississippi River →
17.1.a Restore native plant communities and increase wildlife diversity and habitat in and around District lakes, wetlands, and the Mississippi River →Maybe high, didn't make
progress on Loeb
Issue 18
Goal 18.1 Support increasing the amount and quality of open space as a means to restore habitat, and protect surface water and groundwater quality ↑
Goal 18.2 Mitigate the loss of pervious areas by incorporating green infrastructure into the built environment of the District →
Issue 19
Goal 19.1 Coordinate with District partners to improve accessibility to and movement between natural habitat areas within the District ↑
19.1.a Support the creation of travel corridors between natural areas for wildlife ↑
19.1.b Support the creation of access points for people to better connect with the water resource of the District ↑
Issue 20
Goal 20.1 “Bring water back to St. Paul” ↑
20.1.a Increase awareness of current and historical water resources of the District ↑
20.1.b Identify and restore historic wetland resources of the District →
20.1.c Identify opportunities to restore portions of historic streams of the District by providing surface flow where water is currently conveyed through
an underground pipe↑
Ecosystem Health Issues and Goals
The land within the District developed during a time when resource protection was not a priority. As a result, there are a number of opportunities
to restore historic resources
Reduced connectivity of natural habitat areas in the District limit movement between the District’s resources
The loss of natural areas has decreased the ability of the watershed to capture, filter and infiltrate rainwater prior to discharging to District lakes,
wetlands, and the Mississippi River
The ecological integrity of many District lakes, wetlands, and the Mississippi River has degraded to a point where the resources are not providing
their original level of function or value
↑ Goal Has Been Acheived → Goal Has Been Par ally Achieved of Will be Soon → Goal Has Not Been Achieved
Financial Summary‐‐WMP Planned Expenditures vs. Actual Expenditures
2011‐2014 Planned Budget 2011‐2014 Actual Difference Percentage Spent
Themes – Our Approach for Action During the development of the District’s second WatershedManagement Plan, the organization has taken the opportunityto reflect on where it has been and to challenge itself onwhere it is going during the next 10 years and beyond. As partof that process, the District identified key visions and themesto promote positive change in the watershed. The key themesare woven throughout the District’s activities. The iconsshown below appear alongside the initiatives within this Planthat exemplify the respective theme. The icons are used toprovide a visual indicator for themes throughout the Plan.
Bring Water Back to St. PaulFrom the beginning of this planning effort, the theme “Bring Water Back to St. Paul”has been a centerpiece. The concept applies to both the physical restoration ofwater resources within the urban watershed as well as bringing water back into theconsciousness of the community.
Partnership and Community ConnectionsDuring the public input process of the Plan developing and engaging partnershipswas a recurring theme. Partnerships and community connects vital to the successfulimplementation of the Plan due to the diversity within the District.
Innovation and Emerging TrendsAs new technologies develop and the water resources management andengineering fields continue to evolve, the District is responsible for staying aware oftrends in science, design, and climate, and to interpret those trends for practicalapplication. It is a priority of the District that programs and projects in the Plan beinnovative and that the District anticipate emerging technological trends.
Adaptive ManagementAdaptive management refers to the feedback loop of performance evaluation andupdate of management strategies. Adaptive management initiatives are those thatincorporate monitoring, evaluation, and assessment followed by revisions inprocess, design, or management.
New Information TechnologyThe District plans new initiatives notable for their use of technologically advancedinformation management systems. Use of new information technology is necessaryfor the District to maintain a leadership role in urban water resource managementand effectively implement the Plan.
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 16
Issues and Goals Issue Identification The identification of issues forms the basis of the District’swatershed management plan. At the beginning of themanagement plan development process, residents,stakeholders, District staff, board members and otherinterested parties were asked to identify concerns about thewatershed and water quality. The issues identificationprocess documented the concerns of stakeholders and wasused to formulate issue statements, goals, andimplementation activities for the watershed managementplan.
This section of the plan describes the public involvement aspect of the issues identification process,and explains how comments and/or concerns shared with the District translated into the issuestatements and goals contained in the watershed management plan. It should be noted that thecomments and concerns identified in past plans completed by the District and its partners since thelast watershed management plan in 2000 were incorporated into the issues identification process.
Initial Public Involvement Process The public involvement portion of the issues identification process began with a series of meetingsheld with the District’s existing Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), the Technical AdvisoryCommittee (TAC), a Community Advisory Group developed specifically for the watershedmanagement planning process, and individual community members. One of the main objectives ofthe process was to reach as many constituents as possible in an effort to solicit issues, needs andconcerns reflective of one of the most culturally and economically diverse watershed districts in theState of Minnesota. A detailed description of the District’s efforts to reach a diverse audienceduring the watershed management planning process is contained in Appendix B.
Each of the meetings held during the issues identification process began with an educationalpresentation from District staff. During this presentation, participants were introduced to a numberof watershed management topics, the District’s current role in addressing these topics and what theDistrict has done to address these topics to date. The objective of this portion of the meeting wasto provide participants with a base level of understanding in an effort to provide the proper contextto share their experiences and desires for future watershed management activities.
The educational presentation covered the following topics: Urban Stormwater Management Monitoring and Data Assessment Future Trends Education and Outreach
Funding and District Organization Regulations and Enforcement Ecosystem Health
Following the educational presentation, participants were asked to voice concerns, comment onissues, ask questions, and discuss the topics. Meeting minutes were recorded to document thediscussion (see Appendix B).
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 17
Development of Issues and Goals During the public involvement process all comments, concerns, issues, and ideas were documentedin meeting minutes, which were summarized in an issues identification matrix that tracked thesource of all comments and how the comments were utilized throughout the issue identificationprocess (see Appendix C). Issues identified in previous CRWD plans, and the plans of othercommunity groups and partner agencies were also added to the matrix to ensure that all potentialissues related to watershed management were considered during the planning process.
All comments and issues entered into the matrix were categorized into one of the previouslyidentified issue topics, or a new topic. Each comment was classified as an issue, a goal, or a specificimplementation initiative. Issue statements were then crafted to encompass all comments receivedon each particular topic. The issue statements identify what needs to be addressed within thetimeframe of the watershed management plan. Issue statements guide the development of theDistrict’s goals, and implementation activities. The issues matrix was used as an organizational toolthat allowed transparent documentation of what input the District collected and how it responded.
With issue statements defined, the categorized comments were used to write goals, andimplementation initiatives for each issue statement. Goals are statements of what the Districtintends to achieve in order to address each specific issue. There may be several goals needed toaddress a given issue statement. The specific actions taken are classified as implementationinitiatives. As with the issues identification process, the goals identified in previous CRWD plansand plans from the cities within the District and Ramsey County were archived in a matrix andutilized in the development of goals.
A draft of this section of the plan was provided to the District’s CAC, TAC and the Community Groupfor their review and input. Participants from these groups submitted over 100 comments inresponse to their review of the section. Many of the comments provided suggestions on how toimprove the Issues Identification and Goal Setting section, while others provided suggestions onimplementation activities aimed at reaching various goals.
Cooperation – The Guiding Principle During the review process for the Issues and Goals section cooperation with District partners toachieve the District goals was a recurring theme. Cooperation with partners within the District aswell as partners in adjacent jurisdictions will yield benefits to all parties. The need to work with theDistrict partners to identify stormwater management retrofit opportunities was initially identifiedas the first issue, however, the need for cooperation was repeated in virtually all of the subsequentissues. It was determined that this concept should be highlighted as an overriding principle of theplan.
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 18
The District recognizes that it does not bear the sole responsibility for stormwater managementwithin the watershed. Also, the District does not possess all the resources financial, regulatoryauthority, or knowledge needed to meet the challenge of managing water resources. Districtpartners can provide access to opportunities to incorporate stormwater management practicesthroughout the watershed. An example of this type of cooperation is the Arlington Pascal Projectwhere the District was able to add a significant amount of stormwater treatment in conjunctionwith a City of St. Paul street improvement project. Another benefit of cooperation is the moreefficient completion of common tasks and meeting common goals. Working together also allowssharing of knowledge and information about new technologies and innovative approaches. TheDistrict has overlapping missions, goals and responsibilities with many of its partners. Coordinationof efforts results in greater efficiency and a reduction in expenditure.
In addition to collaborating with partners, the District recognizes the important role that residentsplay in watershed management. The goal of improved water quality by applying stormwatermanagement practices throughout the District is best accomplished by recruiting residents to applythese practices at the individual home level. When residents manage their own stormwater runoffit minimizes the need for large stormwater management projects. In cases where largerstormwater management practices are needed, or when opportunities arise to bring water featuresback to the landscape of the District, it is critical that there is support from the residents. TheDistrict intends to utilize the energy and skills of its residents to promote local initiatives to bringwater back.
District Partners Municipalities University of Minnesota Minnesota State Fair Board Federal Agencies (EPA, COE) Water Utilities People who live, work, or recreate in the
District
Ramsey County Ramsey Conservation District State Agencies (MnDOT, DNR, PCA, BWSR) Metropolitan Council Local businesses and institutions Other watershed organizations
Organizational Structure of the Issues and Goal Section This section of the plan is organized by issue topic and begins with a narrative of the topic: what isthe status of this topic today, and why does the District need to address this topic during the nextten years. The narrative goes on to explain what issues or concerns were raised during the publicinvolvement process for each particular topic.
Following the narrative is one or more issue statements addressing the topic. These issuestatements include all comments received for a particular topic. (See issues matrix, Appendix C)Below the issue statements are goals that reflect the comments and concerns expressed during thepublic involvement process. In many cases, further detail of the approach for reaching the goal isprovided.
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 19
Education and Outreach, Issues and Goals
Although nonpoint source pollution has become a moreprominent issue in the last several years, there is still a lackof understanding by the general public about the role ofstormwater runoff in water pollution. There is a lack ofawareness that everyone who lives, works, and recreates inthat landscape is part of the solution. This lack of awarenessis particularly pronounced in the District because the level ofdevelopment has limited the connections people have withwater. Because water quality is a function of how people goabout their everyday activities, educating the general publicabout how to modify those activities is an important goal forimproving water quality. A watershed, with its naturalboundaries dictating the flow and fate of water through thelandscape, provides a logical context for educational efforts.
Creating an informed community and thereby empowering those citizens to be stewards of the landand water resources where they live, is the goal of watershed education. Individuals within thecommunity can make a significant difference in protecting our water resources. Effective educationprograms and making information available to the public enhance participation in District activitiesand increase public knowledge relative to water.
The comments received throughout the issues identification emphasized the need for continuededucation throughout the District. Specifically identified was the need to target groups that havenot previously been reached by education and outreach programs. The District is a diversewatershed and in the past not all communities have been involved in District activities. It will beimportant for the District to be aware of varying uses, values, ideas and celebrations of water thatexist in the District. The District will need to continually seek input from the diverse communitieswithin the District to maintain this understanding. Educational approaches will need to bedeveloped to serve the needs of each community in different ways.
An additional issue identified was the overarching problem of residents not feeling a personalconnection with water. Water is taken for granted and not seen as a finite resource. The District’sprograms will not only need to educate the public about the local water resources, water quality,stormwater management, and the role of the District, but will also need to create a sense ofownership for the residents and invoke a change in people’s perceptions of and their behaviorsrelated to water.
The District developed an Education and Outreach Plan which was adopted on May 6, 2009. ThePlan is found in Appendix E.
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 20
Education and Outreach Issues and Goals
Issue 1 Many District residents, businesses and institutions do not feel a personalconnection with water and natural resources and therefore do not have asense of responsibility or ownership which negatively impacts their abilityto change behaviors and increase stewardship
1.1.b Increase the understanding of basic watershed, stormwater,groundwater and water pollution concepts through watershededucation and outreach
1.1.c Measure the change in knowledge and behavior as a result of theeducation and outreach efforts
Goal 1.2 Increase public knowledge and appreciation for local water resources in theDistrict
1.2.a Utilize District infrastructure to increase awareness andappreciation of water resources and watershed management
Goal 1.3 Raise an awareness of the District and increase the interest and publicparticipation in its activities
Issue 2 The District’s diverse community has a wide range of cultural, social andpolitical relationships with water, community interests, priorities, andopinions of the District’s water resources
Goal 2.1 Increase communication and encourage long term involvement withgroups not previously involved in District programs
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 21
Urban Stormwater Management, Issues and Goals
A significant portion of the District is made up of impervioussurfaces. These impervious surfaces increase the volume ofstormwater runoff and the pollutant load being discharged toDistrict wetlands, lakes and the Mississippi River withdetrimental effects on water quality. The increased volumeof runoff also increases the likelihood of flooding, whichthreatens public safety and increases the potential forinfrastructure damage. Both historic and currentdevelopment practices have contributed to compacted soils,the placement of fill material, the underground disposal ofwaste materials, and the presence of contamination. Thesefactors and others make Best Management Practices (BMPs)and other green infrastructure techniques more challengingto implement.
The urban stormwater management category received the most comments during the issueidentification process. The primary focus was water quality protection for District water resources.All groups identified the need for on going management and maintenance of District resources andstormwater management facilities as an important issue for the watershed management plan. Inaddition, all groups strongly expressed that the District should lead the investigation of theeffectiveness of new stormwater management techniques. The promotion of green infrastructureand identification of opportunities to increase the level of stormwater management were alsoidentified as key roles for the District. Existing storm sewer infrastructure capacity andcorresponding flooding problems was also identified as an issue that needs to be addressed in thenext ten years, as was the need to develop a better understanding of the role stormwatermanagement has on groundwater resources.
The District’s lake management plans for Como Lake, Loeb Lake, and Lake McCarrons identifiedgoals for the future condition of these vital resources. Numerical goals were set for loading of totalphosphorus to Como Lake and a target in lake total phosphorus concentration was established forLake McCarrons. These performance standards have been incorporated into Goal 2.1 as originallystated in those plans.
Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act requires that states establish pollutant TotalMaximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for water bodies that do not meet water quality standards. Theloading limits are to be calculated such that, if achieved, the water body would meet the applicablewater quality standard.
Como Lake and the Mississippi River are listed on the 2008 303(d) list of impaired waters.Downstream of the District, there are impairments within the Mississippi River for turbidity, PFOS,PCBs, and mercury. In addition, Spring Lake and Lake Pepin, located downstream of District, areimpaired for excess nutrients and biological indicators.
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 22
In 2010, the District converted the Como Lake Strategic Management Plan into a TMDL for ComoLake. The MPCA is currently working on the Lake Pepin TMDL which includes the turbidityimpairments within the Mississippi River between the confluence with the Minnesota River andLake Pepin and also a Bacteria TMDL for the Mississippi River between the Lower St. Anthony Fallsand Lock and Dam #1 and between the confluence with the Minnesota River to the MetroWastewater Treatment Plant in St. Paul.
Urban Stormwater Management Issues and Goals Issue 3 Regular maintenance is critical to the success of stormwater BMPs and is
not consistently performed to achieve desired performance
Goal 3.1 Work to improve the short and long term maintenance of stormwaterBMPs
3.1.a Coordinate the development and implementation of a multijurisdictional BMP management plan that includes identifyingresponsible parties, define roles and determining maintenanceschedules for all stormwater BMPs located in the District
Issue 4 The pollutant load of stormwater has impacted the quality of water in theDistrict’s lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi River
Goal 4.1 Reduce the chemical pollutant load to District lakes, wetlands and theMississippi River
4.1.a Achieve a Phosphorous Trophic State Index (TSI P) of 60 for ComoLake by reducing the average annual total phosphorus load toComo Lake by 60%
4.1.b Achieve the summer average lake concentration of totalphosphorus at 33 parts per billion (ppb) or less for Lake McCarrons
4.1.c Maintain water quality of Loeb Lake at current conditions(nondegradation)
4.1.d Achieve the District’s total phosphorus loading requirements forthe Lake Pepin TMDL in the Mississippi River
4.1.e Develop a target reduction for metals, pesticides, nutrients,chloride, organic contaminants, etc, discharged to District lakes,wetlands and the Mississippi River and work towards reaching thattarget
4.1.f Identify and manage the internal phosphorus load in District lakes,wetlands and the Mississippi River
4.1.g Identify and eliminate illicit discharges into District lakes, wetlandsand the Mississippi River
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 23
Goal 4.2 Reduce physical pollutant load to District lakes, wetlands and the MississippiRiver
4.2.a Develop a target reduction for the amount of trash enteringDistrict lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi River and work towardsreaching that target
4.2.b Develop a target reduction for sediment entering District lakes,wetlands and the Mississippi River and work towards reaching thattarget
4.2.c Achieve District load requirement established in the turbiditycomponent of the future Lake Pepin TMDL
4.2.d Identify and eliminate illicit discharges into District lakes, wetlandsand the Mississippi River
Goal 4.3 Reduce bacteria pollutant load to District lakes, wetlands and the MississippiRiver
4.3.a Develop a target reduction for the amount of waterfowl and petwaste entering District lakes, wetlands and the Mississippi Riverand work towards reaching that target
4.3.b Identify and eliminate illicit discharges into District lakes, wetlandsand the Mississippi River
4.3.c Meet the District’s bacteria load requirement established in thefuture Upper Mississippi River bacteria TMDL
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 24
Issue 5 The quantity of runoff from a highly urbanized area increases the risk offlooding and puts added strain on the infrastructure within the District
Goal 5.1 Minimize existing and potential flooding problems
5.1.a Work to identify existing and potential infrastructure capacityissues and flooding problems
5.1.b Utilize structural and nonstructural flood control techniques toimprove infrastructure capacity and reduce flooding problems
5.1.c Evaluate the impact of climate change on infrastructure capacity inthe future and identify potential flooding issues
5.1.d Preserve existing floodplain storage capacity and prohibitfloodplain filling unless compensatory storage is provided
5.1.e Identify opportunities to reestablish lost floodplain areas
Goal 5.2 Manage the volume of water in the Trout Brook storm sewer Interceptor toprotect the integrity of District infrastructure.
Issue 6 Within an urbanized area, runoff from impervious surfaces is directed tostorm sewers and discharged to surface waters rather than infiltrating intothe ground resulting in reduced groundwater recharge and impacts toreceiving waters
Goal 6.1 Promote groundwater recharge through increased use of infiltrationtechniques to manage stormwater
6.1.a Develop incentives/regulations to promote the use of stormwaterinfiltration techniques
6.1.b Identify those portions of the District most conducive tostormwater infiltration
Goal 6.2 Protect the groundwater resource
6.2.a Support and collaborate with Ramsey County, state and regionalagencies to better understand and monitor District groundwaterresources
6.2.b Support and collaborate with Ramsey County, state and regionalagencies on groundwater quantity and quality protection
6.2.c Avoid infiltrating stormwater in areas of contaminated soils
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 25
Monitoring and Data Assessment, Issues and Goals
To evaluate the quality District water resources, a monitoringprogram was initiated in 2004. The monitoring data helpsdetermine the type and quantity of pollutants discharged tosurface waters of the District. This baseline data is theultimate report card for the District. As Best ManagementPractices (BMPs) are implemented, it is important to collectdata and monitor the effectiveness of the BMPs in managingand treating stormwater. The monitoring data will be usedto guide future management decisions and to calibrate theDistrict’s hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality loadingmodels, which are tools used to evaluate current conditionsand predict future conditions.
Monitoring and data assessment are key roles of the District. The information collected is utilizedto make management decisions not only by the District but by the local communities andneighboring watershed management organizations. In addition, the monitoring program data areused to convey information about stormwater management and water quality to the residentsthrough education and outreach programs.
During the issue identification process, comments and concerns related to monitoring and dataassessment focused on two fundamental issues: the need to improve dissemination of collecteddata, and the need to expand the monitoring program to collect additional data.
The District needs to improve the way in which information is delivered to the public by makingmonitoring data available in user friendly formats. Comments were also received about the Districtbecoming a “clearinghouse” of information about current water issues. The District should compilepublished research from local, national and international sources for use by the District and itspartners.
The second issue identified was regarding the need to continue the monitoring program and addadditional monitoring locations. Currently, the District has an extensive monitoring program thatcollects data at four major outfalls to the Mississippi River, specific water resources, and severalBMPs in the District. See Figure 5 for locations of monitoring sites. Expansion of the monitoringand data assessment program would allow the District to gain additional information aboutgroundwater, wetlands, soils, and other types of BMPs.
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 26
Monitoring and Data Assessment Issues and Goals Issue 7 Monitoring and research data are needed to understand the watershed,
identify problems, and determine appropriate watershed managementapproaches within the District
Goal 7.1 Collect monitoring data and perform research to gather valuable informationabout the District
7.1.a Collect data on selected BMPs installed in the District and evaluateperformance, maintenance, and longevity
7.1.b Monitor the condition of District surface waters and majorsubwatersheds to establish baseline conditions and determinetrends
7.1.c Identify and support a program to collect soil and geologic data inorder to assess the infiltration potential within the District
Goal 7.2 As part of the annual budgeting process, review and refine the monitoringand data assessment program to improve efficiency and utilize the besttechnology
Goal 7.3 Utilize data as part of a regular evaluation of current water issues,performance of District programs and District rules
Issue 8 Monitoring and research data are difficult for the public to access andunderstand
Goal 8.1 Make monitoring and research data available and understandable to abroader audience
Goal 8.2 Serve as a clearinghouse for water resource management information toassist District stakeholders and partners
Goal 8.3 Establish partnerships to improve the District’s ability to increase access andunderstanding of monitoring and research data
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 27
Future Trends, Issues and Goals
The District recognizes that in order to stay at the forefrontof the rapidly changing field of watershed management, it isnecessary to be aware of new information, technology andmethods that will inform management decisions.Maintaining a forward thinking approach and anticipatingchanges is critical. By staying proactive on emerging issuesrather than reactive, the District will realize cost savings andmore effective stormwater management.
During the issues identification process, a number of future trends were identified for inclusion inthe plan. All of the groups in the public involvement process identified climate change as an issuethat needs to be addressed in the next ten years. While it is unclear what the District’s role shouldbe in addressing climate change, it is necessary for the organization to evaluate and coordinatemitigation efforts.
The need to be at the forefront of emerging trends in watershed management is accentuated dueto the dense urban development of the District. The highly developed nature of the District resultsin limited opportunities to incorporate traditional stormwater management practices, since thesetypically require large areas for implementation. Because of this limitation, it is vital that the Districtinvestigate new, innovative approaches to stormwater management that utilize techniquesappropriate to highly urbanized areas. An example of this type of alternative practice is the use of‘green infrastructure’ where vegetation is used to compliment traditional approaches tostormwater management. The level of imperviousness of the District also makes it moresusceptible to changes in hydrologic patterns that may arise in the future.
Future Trends Issues and Goals Issue 9 Future watershed management strategies need to be responsive to
emerging issues resulting from climate change and technological advances
Goal 9.1 Develop a better understanding of climate change, its impacts to Districtnatural and water resources and adaptive management strategies to addressthis emerging issue
9.1.a Participate in climate change working groups/forums
9.1.b Determine the District’s strategies in addressing climate changeimpacts on watershed management
Goal 9.2 Be a leader in conducting original research and reviewing existing researchon new stormwater management technologies to facilitate decision makingby the District and its partners
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9.2.a The District will evaluate innovative stormwater managementtechniques, information management techniques, and monitoringand modeling techniques used locally, nationally, andinternationally
9.2.b The District will conduct research on stormwater managementBMP performance, applicability in different settings, and long termmaintenance needs.
Goal 9.3 Promote the use of emerging technologies and innovative watershedmanagement techniques
9.3.a Promote Green Infrastructure initiatives.
9.3.b Determine optimal balance of incentive based strategies andregulatory based watershed management strategies
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 29
Funding and Organization, Issues and Goals
The District takes its financial responsibility seriously, issensitive to the economic status of its residents, and ismindful of the importance of maintaining public support forexpenditures on water quality improvement. The Districtlevies taxes through its authority under MN Stat. 103D and103B to fund programs, projects, and capital improvementprojects identified in its watershed management plan. TheDistrict has also issued bonds and actively pursues outsidefunding sources to augment its tax levy. The District hasbeen successful in obtaining grants from the State andsecuring local cost share funding from its partners.
The District seeks to create funding partnerships with Ramsey County, municipalities, agencies, andother entities within its jurisdiction that have common goals and responsibilities for resourceprotection. These partnerships result in greater cost effectiveness and provide the additionalbenefit of creating ownership of the resources by a broader constituent base.
The District has created several grant programs to make funds available to District partners andresidents. The grant programs promote local projects that benefit water resources and serve asmodels for District residents.
Beyond discussions of the importance of District grant programs, the most prevalent theme heardduring the issues identification process was the need for coordination between the District and itspartners. The District was encouraged to take a leadership role in identifying opportunities tocollaborate on large scale redevelopment projects as well as programmatic approaches to resourceprotection. The district recognizes the impact of large scale redevelopment projects extendsbeyond the boundary of the project and intends to identify and capitalize on opportunities adjacentto these projects. Another common theme of the comments from participants in the issueidentification process was the need to prioritize District activities to maximize resource protectionwhile minimizing the cost to residents. Funding and Organization Issues and Goals
Issue 10 Many District partners and residents are willing to help the Districtaccomplish its mission if assistance is made available
Goal 10.1 Encourage District partners and residents to implement local water resourceimprovement projects
10.1.a Provide financial and technical assistance for resource protectionprojects and efforts by District residents and partners
Issue 11 The District is uniquely positioned to be able to identify and supportcollaborations between various partners/stakeholders with compatibleprojects and programs
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Goal 11.1 Coordinate efforts with partners to ensure the most cost effective uses offunds for water resource management
11.1.a Coordinate the water resource management efforts that theDistrict and its partners are currently undertaking
11.1.b Identify opportunities to incorporate water resource managementefforts into capital improvement projects and large scaleredevelopment projects of District partners
11.1.c Provide support to District partners for activities with a connectionto water resources
11.1.d Maintain active membership in the Ramsey County GroundwaterPartnership
Issue 12 Multiple funding mechanisms and outside funding sources are available forthe District to pursue to offset financial needs
Goal 12.1 Increase the funds available to the District to meet its goals and objectives
12.1.a Identify new and supplemental funding sources
12.1.b Evaluate the optimal balance of financing options or revenuesources
Issue 13 The District must prioritize programs and projects to ensure that goals aremet in the most efficient, and cost effective manner
Goal 13.1 Utilizes long term planning and pursue the most cost effective solutionswhen carrying out resource protection programs and projects
13.1.a Evaluate the results and costs for programs and projects todemonstrate their effectiveness
13.1.b Consider initial and life cycle costs associated with programs andprojects when evaluating their effectiveness
Issue 14 An effective watershed organization needs to plan for change, growth, anddevelopment
Goal 14.1 Strengthen the District’s capacity to accomplish its mission
Goal 14.2 Strive for excellence, with competent, knowledgeable, committed, andinnovative Board members, advisory committees, and staff
Goal 14.3 Provide research based, informed, mission driven decision making
Goal 14.4 Be an open, approachable, facilitator of partnerships to enhance theDistrict’s capacity to protect, maintain and improve water resources
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 31
Regulations and Enforcement, Issues and Goals
The District has the authority to develop and adopt Rules toprotect water resources. The District currently regulatesdevelopment and redevelopment projects. Rules andregulations were established to ensure that water resourcemanagement standards are met and that the waterresources in the District are protected as development andredevelopment occurs. The District currently implementsrules adopted in September 2006 and revised in January2009. In addition to water quality and quantity, the rulesestablish standards for erosion and sediment control,wetland protection, connections to the Trout Brook StormSewer Interceptor, and floodplain management. DistrictRules and permitting currently require proper stormwatermanagement on all development and redevelopmentprojects that disturb one acre or greater of land.
The District reviews it rules and permitting program regularly with the District’s Technical AdvisoryCommittee (TAC). During this process, the District’s Rules are reviewed to assure they are effective,reasonable and implemented as efficiently as possible. The District will demonstrate a willingnessto look at alternatives in order to make the Rules as workable as possible.
The public involvement process identified the need for improved Rule compliance, and inspections.Additionally it was noted that the District needs to maintain clear and efficient rules by utilizing themost current research and science. The need to efficiently coordinate regulatory requirements,specifically those of the NPDES MS4 program, was identified as an area where the District should bethe lead agency.
Regulations and Enforcement Issues and Goals Issue 15 The District needs to maintain clear and effective Rules utilizing the most
current research and science available
Goal 15.1 Ensure that the rules are regularly reviewed, updated and readilyunderstood by the regulated community.
15.1.a Ensure effective Rules in meeting the District’s goals while allowingsome flexibility
Issue 16 Coordination with District partners on regulatory issues is needed for moreefficient and effective stormwater regulation across all jurisdictions
Goal 16.1 Work with District partners to improve the District Rules and othermunicipal/agency stormwater ordinances
16.1.a Work with District partners to make ordinances compatible withstormwater management goals and objectives
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 32
16.1.b Work with District partners to coordinate permit applications earlyin the design stage
16.1.c Work with District partners to achieve volume reduction on smallsites (disturbing less than one acre) through District Rules ormunicipal ordinances
Goal 16.2 Collaborate with partners to ensure that proper BMP construction, anderosion and sediment control techniques are being implemented throughoutthe District
16.2.a Ensure that effective routine inspections are conducted on allconstruction in the District
16.2.b Ensure that appropriate long term maintenance is beingperformed on stormwater management practices in the District
Goal 16.3 Continue to work with surrounding watershed management organizationsand state agencies to develop rule language that maximizes effectivenesswhile ensuring their consistency and ease of use throughout theregion/metro area.
16.3.a Compare District Rule language with that of surroundingwatershed management organizations to identify consistenciesand inconsistencies
16.3.b Evaluate the feasibility of addressing inconsistencies in watershedmanagement organization rules in consultation with the TechnicalAdvisory Committee (TAC)
Goal 16.4 Comply with applicable local, state, and federal watershed regulations
16.4.a Comply with the provisions of the District MS4 permit.
16.4.b Collaborate with all permitted MS4s within with District on TMDLload reduction efforts
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 33
Ecosystem Health, Issues and Goals
It is the primary focus of the District to protect and improvewater quality, but the health of the overall ecosystem hasbeen recognized as a complimentary issue. There are waysof managing stormwater runoff that have secondary benefitsof promoting healthy and viable natural ecosystems.Additional partners and collaborations can be identified andutilized when considering an ecosystem approach to waterresource management. This help to ensure the ecologicalintegrity of District natural resources are protected andimproved in conjunction with water resource improvement.
A consistent message heard throughout the issues identification process was the need forecological restoration within the watershed to correct mistakes from the past. Stakeholders in thishighly urbanized area recognize that the majority of natural areas have been paved or built upon.Streams that once flowed across the watershed down to the Mississippi River have been convertedto large, underground storm pipes. Wetlands and even some smaller lakes in the area were filled infor development.
Many of the remaining natural areas in the District have become significantly degraded over time.The areas consist primarily of non native or invasive species and lack the ecological integrity theyonce displayed. This degradation has reduced the effectiveness of remaining natural areas’ abilityto protect and buffer District water resources.
Comments received from District stakeholders ranged in specificity from identifying the need todevelop regional ecological greenways throughout the metropolitan area, to the restoration ofhistoric resources (Bring Water Back to St. Paul), to encouraging native plantings and restoring plantcommunities at specific locations within the District.
Ecosystem Health Issues and Goals Issue 17 The ecological integrity of many District lakes, wetlands, and the
Mississippi River has degraded to a point where the resources are notproviding their original level of function or value
Goal 17.1 Improve the ecological integrity of District lakes, wetlands, and theMississippi River
17.1.a Restore native plant communities and increase wildlife diversityand habitat in and around District lakes, wetlands, and theMississippi River
CRWD 2010 Watershed Management Plan — 9/1/2010 34
Issue 18 The loss of natural areas has decreased the ability of the watershed tocapture, filter and infiltrate rainwater prior to discharging to District lakes,wetlands, and the Mississippi River
Goal 18.1 Support increasing the amount and quality of open space as a means torestore habitat, and protect surface water and groundwater quality
Goal 18.2 Mitigate the loss of pervious areas by incorporating green infrastructure intothe built environment of the District
Issue 19 Reduced connectivity of natural habitat areas in the District limitmovement between the District’s resources
Goal 19.1 Coordinate with District partners to improve accessibility to and movementbetween natural habitat areas within the District
19.1.a Support the creation of travel corridors between natural areas forwildlife
19.1.b Support the creation of access points for people to better connectwith the water resource of the District
Issue 20 The land within the District developed during a time when resourceprotection was not a priority. As a result, there are a number ofopportunities to restore historic resources
Goal 20.1 “Bring water back to St. Paul”
20.1.a Increase awareness of current and historical water resources of theDistrict
20.1.b Identify and restore historic wetland resources of the District
20.1.c Identify opportunities to restore portions of historic streams of theDistrict by providing surface flow where water is currentlyconveyed through an underground pipe
![WMP [Converted]](https://static.documents.pub/doc/80x56/58a115b21a28ab4b658b66d9/wmp-converted.jpg)
