Rebecca Haug, Water Resource Manager
Title
RECOMMENDATION SUPPORTING A PETITION TO COON CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT TO IMPOUND ANOKA COUNTY DITCH 59-8 AND 59-9 IN PIONEER PARK AS PART OF THE PROPOSED WETLAND BANKING PROJECT IN PIONEER PARK
Background
At the August 2, 2018 City Council meeting, staff presented the concept of creating a wetland bank at Pioneer Park in conjunction with a wetland bank planned for the adjacent property to the west owned by Jason Husveth, Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. (CCES). The Council supported the project and completing the first phase of the formal application.
The Council also approved entering into an agreement with the Coon Creek Watershed District to complete hydrologic monitoring. One of the steps to complete the hydrologic monitoring is to petition Coon Creek Watershed District to impound Anoka County Ditch 59-8 and 59-9. The petition would allow for the investigation process to begin by Coon Creek Watershed District to determine the effect of the proposed installation and impoundment and to make a report of the findings to determine if construction of a flow control device in both laterals at an elevation determined by Coon Creek Watershed District will provide the needed hydrology for a successful wetland bank. The installation of a flow control device will not impair the ability of the drainage system or deprive the affected landowners of the drainage benefit. The device will only be installed if the wetland bank project is approved by all regulatory agencies and the city council chooses to move forward with the project.
Recommendation
Staff is requesting the Natural Resource Conservation Board recommend approval to the City Council to approve a petition to Coon Creek Watershed District to impound Anoka County Ditch 59-8 and 59-9 in Pioneer Park as part of the proposed wetland banking project in Pioneer Park