Community Corner

Watershed District Invites Public to Community Meeting on Six Mile Marsh

Restoration project will preserve more than 200 acres of agricultural land and Six Mile Marsh wetland in Minnetrista.

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is hosting a community meeting on the Six Mile Marsh Prairie Restoration on Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 6:30pm at the Gillespie Center (2590 Commerce Boulevard) in Mound. The public is welcome and invited to attend.

The project will restore and preserve more than 200 acres of agricultural land and Six Mile Marsh wetland in Minnetrista. Preliminary design work has been completed and the MCWD is seeking input from community members before finalizing the design. 

The restoration site features steep slopes that allow eroded soil and other pollutants to flow into Six Mile Marsh and Halsted Bay during rain events. Halsted Bay, the westernmost bay in Lake Minnetonka, has a water quality grade of “D” that’s among the worst in the MCWD. 

"This is a great opportunity to restore environmentally sensitive land and reduce the amount of polluted stormwater runoff going into Lake Minnetonka," said Tiffany Forner, MCWD Natural Resource Technician. "This site will also be an educational resource and an amenity for the community." 

Related Posts:

  • Watershed District Launches Study on Ways to Improve Six Mile Creek
  • Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Discusses Future of Minnetrista Property
  • Exploring Ways to Improve Water Quality Throughout Six Mile Creek system

During the first phase of the project, the District plans to restore wetlands that have been drain-tiled and filled and re-vegetate much of the upland landscape to prairie and oak savanna. When complete, the work could prevent an estimated 380 pounds of algae-producing phosphorus per year from flowing into Six Mile Marsh and Halsted Bay. 

During phase two of the project, the District plans to install a spur trail from the Dakota Rail Trail that is adjacent to the northwestern edge of the property. Educational signage is planned along the spur trail to inform visitors about the restoration and the relationship between land use and water quality. 

This is the second public input meeting on the project. The MCWD hosted a discussion in November 2011, before beginning design. 

Restoration work is set to begin in Spring 2013. Learn more by clicking here.

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The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District covers approximately 181 square miles, including Minnehaha Creek, Lake Minnetonka, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Falls.

The District is charged by state law to protect, improve and manage water resources. It does so through scientific research and monitoring, public education, cost-share grant programs, permitting and collaborative efforts with the 27 cities, two townships and two counties (Hennepin and Carver) that are in the District.

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