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6. CMSCWD 2010-2019 Accomplishments Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District Scandia Plaza II • 21150 Ozark Avenue • P.O. Box 188 • Scandia, MN 55073 • Tel 651.433.2150 Wade Johnson, President ● Kristin Tuenge, Treasurer ● Paul Richert, Secretary Eric Lindberg, Manager ● Andy Weaver, Manager CMSCWD Brief Summary of Accomplishments 2010-2019 Capital Improvement Projects Working closely with local units of government and landowners, the CMSCWD completed 6 large water quality improvement projects and will be completing 2 more by the end of 2021. In total, these projects will reduce phosphorus loading to water resources by 187 lbs. each year for the next 30 years. One pound of phosphorus can grow 500 pounds of algae. Inspections and Maintenance The District partners with the Washington Conservation District (WCD) to inspect and maintain 14 District water quality improvement projects constructed by the District over the last 20 years. Assisting Landowners Working partnership with the WCD, the CMSCWD provided technical assistance to 290 landowners and helped landowners complete 72 voluntary water quality improvement projects on private lands. Permit Program The majority of CMSCWD permits over nine years were for single family residential shoreland properties. Shoreland property owners frequently worked with the CMSCWD to safeguard or improve water quality during redevelopment, new development, or shoreline stabilization projects. In total the CMSCWD assisted landowner in meeting the standards for 176 projects within the watershed and completed 14 after the fact permit actions. Aquatic Invasive Species Aquatic invasive species have a large impact on the health and recreational use of local water resources. Since 2016 the CMSCWD has partnered with Washington County to increase public boat ramp inspections at seven locations within the CMSCWD. In total the District and its partners have increased watercraft inspections by 3,680 hours from 2016-2019. Year Project 2012 Goose Lake Ravine Stabilization Silver Creek Ravine Stabilization 2014 197th St. Ravine Stabilization 2015 Sand Lake Iron Enhanced Sand Filter 2017 Marine on St. Croix Bioretention Basins and Pine-Robert Iron Enhanced Sand Filter 2019 Goose Lake Iron Enhanced Sand Filter 2020- 2021 Marine Ravine Stabilization Marine on St. Croix Town Center Basins Working in partnership with Lake Associations and landowners, the District has supported efforts to control Eurasian Water Milfoil on Long Lake and Big Marine Lake. In total, Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) has been decreased by 48 acres in the two lakes. Monitoring Water quality and level monitoring is conducted by the WCD and guided by the District’s 10-year monitoring plan. Annual monitoring of Silver Creek is supported through a grant with the Metropolitan Council. Monitoring data is critical for effective and efficient management of water quality and predicting flood risks within the watershed. Annual monitoring results are available to the public at http://www.cmscwd.org/programs/water-monitoring Education and Outreach In partnership with the East Metro Water Resource Education Program the CMSCWD supported the publication of education materials and hosting of workshops and events focused on water quality. Over nine years, this partnership has resulted in 468 weekly articles published, information and knowledgeable staff at 153 events, over 90 water focused workshops and over 20 clean up event. Additionally, the District benefits from two Master Water Stewards and six Aquatic Invasive Species Detectors trained though initiatives funded by this partnership. Operations and Maintenance CMSCWD and WCD staff regularly inspected and maintained the Silver Creek and Carnelian Creek drainage ways. Regular clearing of accumulated obstructions and beaver dams prevents localized flooding along these corridors. Planning The District completed five required water management plans that guide the goal of water management and restoration of water resources within the watershed. Federal and State Grants Careful planning, science based decision making, and collaborative partnerships resulted in the District successfully securing 14 state and federal grants totaling $1.1 million over the last 9 years. Year Plan 2011 10 Lakes Total Maximum Daily Load (East Boot, Fish, Goose, Hay, Jellum’s, Long, Loon, Louise, Mud South Twin Lakes) 2013 Sand and Long Lakes Diagnostic Studies 2015 Watershed Management Plan Major Amendment 2016 Watershed Management Plan Amendment and Terrapin, Mays Diagnostic Studies 2017 Square Lake Trout Stocking Study 2018 Streams Bacterial Assessments (Carnelian, Gilberts, Swedish Flag Creeks) 2020 Lower St. Croix One Watershed One Plan Above: Reduction of 13.6 acres of EWM on Long Lake. Below: Reduction of 34.8 acres of EWM on Big Marine Lake.