The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District requires permits for properties within its boundaries 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