Watershed District Launches Study on Ways to Improve Six Mile Creek

The (MCWD) is exploring ways to improve water quality throughout Six Mile Creek subwatershed. The area is comprised of a series of interconnected lakes and streams on the southwest side of Lake Minnetonka that eventually drain into Halsted Bay, which is considered impaired for its high nutrient content.  

The Six Mile Creek subwatershed is the most rural region in the MCWD, and its land is primarily used for agriculture. Six Mile Creek is mainly comprised of ditches running through marsh areas and flows 12 miles between Pierson Lake and Halsted Bay.  

In addition to Pierson, the subwatershed contains several major lakes, including: Wasserman, East and West Auburn, Steiger, Zumbra-Sunny, Stone, Turbid, Lunsten and Parley.

The (MCWD) is launching a comprehensive study of the issues and opportunities presented within the area. The Six Mile Creek Diagnostic Study will determine the current health of lakes and streams in the subwatershed. The work will include:

• Taking soil core samples of the lake beds to determine each lake’s nutrient content

• Examining the lakes’ fish and plant communities

As the MCWD drafts its next 10-year comprehensive plan, this information will be used to set goals for the subwatershed and determine projects and programs to meet them. Among the objectives are reducing nutrients in lakes and streams, improving aquatic vegetation, restoring fisheries and managing carp.

The study is expected to be completed in late fall and the findings presented to the MCWD Board by November. The MCWD is seeking input from residents on priorities for the comprehensive plan. What are the most important water issues in your neck of the watershed?

Let us know at http://minnehahacreek.org/SixMileCreek.

Information provided by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.