TONIGHT: Watershed District Hosts Public Meeting to Discuss Future of Minnetrista Property

In an effort to improve water quality in Six Mile Marsh and Halsted Bay, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) recently purchased a 112-acre farm in Minnetrista and is planning a community meeting to discuss the plans for the property. 

Bob and Jan Halverson had operated the property as a farm and sold the land to the MCWD at a discounted price of $2.25 million.  The land features steep slopes that drain to Six Mile Marsh and Halsted Bay, which has a water quality grade of “D” that’s among the worst in the MCWD. 

“This is an opportunity to clean up the water and provide the community with an amenity that residents can enjoy for years to come,” said Matt Norton of the MCWD Land Conservation and Restoration Program. “We look forward to working with the community on this project.”

The MCWD’s concept for the property includes re-establishing wetlands that had been drain-tiled and filled and restoring the landscape to prairie and oak savanna. The watershed district is also considering installing a spur trail from the Dakota Rail Trail that is adjacent to the northwestern edge of the property. The spur trail would end at an overlook that gives a panoramic view of the Six Mile Marsh. Educational signage would explain the link between land use and clean water and describe the restoration work. 

Consistent with the program’s policy to only keep the land it needs for its water quality goals, the MCWD is evaluating alternatives for residential development on a small portion of the property. 

The community is invited to hear more and share its thoughts on future plans for this property at a community meeting.

When:   6:30 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9  

Where:  Gillespie Center, Long Lake 1 Room 
              2590 Commerce Blvd.
              Mound, MN 55364