Learn the basics of stormwater and advanced methods for dealing with it on March 6, May 1, June 5, July 10. 

Stormwater U provides training to local stormwater professionals on stormwater best management practices (BMPs) through research based, content specific and hands‐on workshops. These opportunities focus on important stormwater issues and requirements facing Minnesota cities and other local governmental units such as watersheds.

Stormwater U workshops are designed to help cities meet their stormwater MS 4 permit, impaired water goals (TMDL) and other requirements. Stormwater U trainings are designed and developed by a collaborative team including faculty and researchers from the University of Minnesota and partners from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Met Council, and other local agencies.

1. An Introduction to Stormwater BMP's (March 6^th)
2. Advanced BMP Function and Design (May 1^st)
3. Advanced Site Assessment and BMP Selection (June 5^th)
4. Advanced BMP Operation and Maintenance (July 10^th)

Registration Now Open!  www.regonline.com/stormwaterseriesminnehaha

Zebra Mussels have been found in our lakes and Minnehaha Creek. Without action, they will cover beaches with sharp shells and jeopardize fishing, boating and barefoot walks on the beach.

Zebra mussels are an invasive species. They are small, fingernail-sized mussels that attach to any solid surfaces in water. Adults are 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches long and have D-shaped shells with alternating yellow and brownish colored stripes. They are now found in parts of Lake Minnetonka. Zebra mussels can reproduce rapidly, limit recreational activities and alter aquatic ecosystems.

It is illegal to transport a watercraft or trailer with zebra mussels or aquatic vegetation attached to it on public roads, launch a watercraft or trailer with zebra mussels or aquatic vegetation attached into un-infested waters in the state, possess live zebra mussels or leave zebra mussel-infested waters without draining water from bilges, live wells and bait buckets.

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District requires permits in order to:

• Protect the water resources of the MCWD for all current and future users
• Reduce the severity and frequency of flooding  
• Preserve floodplain and wetland storage capacity
• Improve the chemical and physical quality of surface water
• Reduce sediment build-up to preserve the flow of lakes and streams
• Minimize public expenditures to correct damage in the future
• Preserve natural shoreline and habitat for aquatic life

SCOPE OF SERVICES

FOR

COMPUTER MANAGED SERVICES 

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, a political subdivision established to Chapter 103D - Minnesota Statutes, is conducting a review of its needs for computer consultant services and is accepting proposals.

Overview:

The intent of this proposal is to establish an Agreement with a qualified Proposer which will provide the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) with a proposal to provide Managed Services surrounding the MCWD’s Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure and Operations.  The MCWD is a successful and growing organization with a strong culture built on empowerment, open communication, ethics and fair play. MCWD Management and the Board of Managers are committed to improving the organization in regards to IT Operations and the components within the organization environment to assure a solid foundation to support the current environment as well as future growth. 

Watershed areas do not adhere to city and county boundaries, which means that one community's actions can affect water quality and quantity in others. As a result of this, conflict may arise over how to use and manage water.

To address this problem, the State of Minnesota implemented the Minnesota Watershed District Act in 1955. The act provides for the establishment of local units of government to protect and manage water resources based on hydrologic (as opposed to political) boundaries.

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) employs 24 employees, including researchers, planners, monitoring teams, water quality experts, educators, and others who work collaboratively with residents, their communities, and state and local governments to maintain and sustain water quality and management.

Current staff and department contact information for the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District:

To see what Rule your project may trigger, see the Activities that Require Permits page.  Please contact the Regulatory Department with questions on what projects require a permit.

Download and submit all required materials for the following rules. If a project triggers more than one rule, fill out only one Water Resource Permit Application Form.

• Friday, May 11 (starting at 6:00 PM)
• Saturday, May 19 (starting at 11:00 AM)

Location: McRae Park, followed by a demonstration on a neighbor’s lawn

RSVP to FRNNG office: 612-721-5424

Event Flyer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2012 

MCWD Hires Aquatic Invasive Species Program Director
Craig Dawson will lead long-term AIS prevention and management efforts

Deephaven, Minn. – The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District has hired Craig Dawson as director of its newly-formed Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program. The hire is in response to community support for the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) to broaden its involvement with the prevention and management of invasive species in the District’s lakes, streams and Minnehaha Creek.

“We are excited to have Craig Dawson leading our efforts as we establish this program and take the bold step toward eradicating our waters of aquatic invasive species,” said Jim Calkins, MCWD Board of Managers president. “Left unchecked, continued infestation of species like zebra mussels, common carp and Eurasian water milfoil will negatively impact recreational experiences, local businesses and communities.”

Dawson has a 32-year career in city management across the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and has worked on issues such as landfill expansion, recycling, groundwater contamination and land conservation.

“Craig brings extensive experience leading major efforts and working with communities in the area. He is also familiar with employing a transparent process and engaging partners and stakeholders, which is fundamental to our effort,” said Eric Evenson, district administrator for the MCWD.