Board of managers packet june 3, 2015

Regular Meeting of Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) Board Of Managers, for Wednesday, June 3, 2015 6:00 p.m. at the office of CRWD, 1410 Energy Park Drive, Suite 4, St. Paul, Minnesota.

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

Materials Enclosed

I.

Call to Order of Regular Meeting (President Joe Collins) A) Attendance B) Review, Amendments and Approval of the Agenda

II.

Public Comment – For Items not on the Agenda (Please observe a limit of three minutes per person.)

III.

Permit Applications and Program Updates (Permit Process: 1) Staff Review/Recommendation, 2) Applicant Response, 3) Public Comment, and 4) Board Discussion and Action.)

A) Permit # 14-041 Higher Ground (Kelley) B) Permit # 15-026 Victoria Park Apartments (Kelley) IV.

Special Reports– 2014 Lakes Report, Britta Suppes

V.

Action Items A) AR: Approve Minutes of the May 20th Regular Meeting (Sylvander) B) AR: Approve Consultant Selection and Contract Willow Reserve Restoration Plan (Eleria) C) AR: Approve Consultant Agreement with Houston Engineering for the Como Regional Park Stormwater Management Plan – Phase 1 Stormwater Inventory (Zwonitzer)

VI.

Unfinished Business A) 2010 Watershed Management Plan Mid-Term Review (Fossum) B) Ford Site Update (Fossum)

VII.

General Information A) Administrator’s Report

VIII. Next Meetings A) Wednesday, June 10, 2015 CAC Meeting B) Wednesday, June 17, 2015 Board Meeting IX.

Adjournment

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Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

Capitol Region Watershed District Applicant:

Richard Johnson Catholic Charities 1200 2nd Street South Minneapolis, MN 55446

Permit 14-041 Higher Ground Consultant: Tim Setala Pierce Pini and Associates 9298 Central Avenue NE, Blaine, MN 55434

Description: Building demolition and construction of new Dorothy Day Center Stormwater Management: Applicant proposes two underground filtration systems District Rule: —C D F Disturbed Area: 1.82 Acres Impervious Area: 1.16 Acres STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve with 5 Conditions: 1. Provide documentation of recorded maintenance agreement with Ramsey County.

2. Provide a copy of the NPDES permit.

3. Revise HydroCAD model to more accurately reflect the sand filtration layer. Either remove the layer from the model (increase the bottom elevation to the bottom of the rock), or justify a separate void ratio (likely 20-25%) just for the sand layer.

4. Provide plans for the green roof to match the HydroCAD model. The provided plans do not include information on the number of roof drains, diameters and elevations. Therefore, rate control predicted by the HydroCAD model cannot be verified.

5. Provide pretreatment of runoff for “Storage System A”.

First Street Second Ave

Permit Location Permit Report 14-041

Aerial Photo Board Meeting Date: 06/03/2015

Capitol Region Watershed District Permit Report CRWD Permit #:

14-041

Review date:

May 24, 2015

Project Name:

Higher Ground

Applicant:

Richard Johnson Dorothy Day LLC 1200 2nd St. S. Minneapolis, MN 55446 612.204.8376 Richard.johnson@cctwincities.org

Purpose:

Redevelopment of the Dorothy Day facility including demolishing the existing building and construction of a new building and parking lot.

Location:

411 Main St., St. Paul, MN

Applicable Rules:

C, D, and F

Recommendation:

Approve with 5 Conditions

EXHIBITS: 1. Stormwater Report, by Pierce Pini and Associates, dated 5/19/15, recd. 5/19/15.

2. Plan Set, by Pierce Pini and Associates, dated 3/10/15, recd. 4/3/15.

3. Revised project plans (sheets C300, C301, C701, A2.11), by Pierce Pini and Associates, dated 3/10/15, recd. 5/19/15.

HISTORY & CONSIDERATIONS: None.

RULE C: STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Standards ďƒ˜ Proposed discharge rates for the 2-, 10-, and 100-year events shall not exceed existing rates. ďƒ˜ Developments and redevelopments must reduce runoff volumes in the amount equivalent to an inch of runoff from the impervious areas of the site.

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ďƒ˜ Stormwater must be pretreated before discharging to infiltration areas to maintain the long-term viability of the infiltration area. ďƒ˜ Developments and redevelopments must incorporate effective non-point source pollution reduction BMPs to achieve 90% total suspended solid removal.

Findings 1. A hydrograph method based on sound hydrologic theory is used to analyze runoff for the design or analysis of flows and water levels.

2. Runoff rates for the proposed activity do not exceed existing runoff rates for the 2-, 10-, and 100-year critical storm events, however, the green roof storage remains to be confirmed. Stormwater leaving the project area is discharged into a well-defined receiving channel or pipe and routed to a public drainage system.

3. Stormwater runoff volume retention is not achieved onsite in the amount equivalent to the runoff generated from one inch of rainfall over the impervious surfaces of the development. a. The amount of proposed impervious onsite is 50,316 square feet. b. Volume retention: Volume Volume 1 inch 2 inch Retention Retention BMP Runoff Runoff Required Provided below (cu. ft.) (cu. ft.) (cu. ft.) outlet (cu. ft.)

3,774 None, filtration is proposed. c. Filtration is proposed due to high bedrock: Filtration Filtration 1 inch Volume Volume Runoff BMP Required Provided below (cu. ft.) (cu. ft.) outlet (cu. ft.)

Underground A (S) 2,507 4,307 Underground B (N) 1,809 872 4,906 Total 6,050 cf

2 inch Runoff (cu. ft.)

5,014 1,745

d. Banking of excess volume retention is not proposed. e. Filtration volume and facility sizes have been calculated using the appropriate hydrological soil group classification and design infiltration rate. f. The filtration areas are capable of filtering the required volume within 48 hours. g. Stormwater runoff is not pretreated to remove solids before discharging to Underground System A. 4. Alternative compliance sequencing has not been requested.

5. Best management practices achieve 90% total suspended solids removal on an annual basis.

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6. A recordable executed maintenance agreement has not been submitted.

Adequate maintenance access is provided for underground systems.

RULE D: FLOOD CONTROL Standards  Compensatory storage shall be provided for fill placed within the 100-year floodplain.  All habitable buildings, roads, and parking structures on or adjacent to a project site shall comply with District freeboard requirements.

Findings 1. There is no floodplain on the property according to FEMA. 2. All habitable buildings, roads, and parking structures on or adjacent to the project site comply with CRWD freeboard requirements.

RULE E: WETLAND MANAGEMENT Standard  Wetlands shall not be drained, filled (wholly or in part), excavated, or have sustaining hydrology impacted such that there will be a decrease in the inherent (existing) functions and values of the wetland.  A minimum buffer of 25 feet of permanent nonimpacted vegetative ground cover abutting and surrounding a wetland is required.

Findings 1. There are no known wetlands located on the property.

RULE F: EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL Standards  A plan shall demonstrate that appropriate erosion and sediment control measures protect downstream water bodies from the effects of a landdisturbing activity.  Erosion Control Plans must adhere to the MPCA Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas Manual.

Findings 1. Erosion and sediment control measures are consistent with best management practices, as demonstrated in the MPCA manual Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas.

2. Adjacent properties are protected from sediment transport/deposition.

3. Wetlands, waterbodies and water conveyance systems are protected from erosion/sediment transport/deposition.

4. Project site is greater than 1 acre; an NPDES permit is required. A SWPPP has been submitted and satisfies NPDES requirements.

RULE G: ILLICIT DISCHARGE AND CONNECTION

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Standard  Stormwater management and utility plans shall indicate all existing and proposed connections from developed and undeveloped lands for all water that drains to the District MS4.

Findings 1. New direct connections or replacement of existing connections are not proposed.

2. Prohibited discharges are not proposed.

RECOMMENDATION: Approve with 5 Conditions Conditions: 1. Provide documentation of recorded maintenance agreement with Ramsey County 2. Provide a copy of the NPDES permit.

3. Revise HydroCAD model to more accurately reflect the sand filtration layer.

Either remove the layer from the model (increase the bottom elevation to the bottom of the rock), or justify a separate void ratio (likely 20-25%) just for the sand layer.

4. Provide plans for the green roof to match the HydroCAD model. The provided plans do not include information on the number of roof drains, diameters and elevations. Therefore, rate control predicted by the HydroCAD model cannot be verified.

5. Provide pretreatment of runoff for “Storage System A”.

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275 East Fourth Street, Suite 800, St Paul MN 55101 p 651 225 8623 f 651 225 8720 www.cermakrhoades.com

CERMAK RHOADES ARCHITECTS

I hereby certify that this plan, specification, or report was prepared by me or under my direct supervision and that I am a duly registered Professional Engineer under the laws of the State of Minnesota

Signed:

Date:

03/10/2015

CATHOLIC CHARITIES 411 MAIN STREET ST. PAUL, MN

41333

HIGHER GROUND ST. PAUL

UTILITY PLAN

Reg. No:

Revisions:

BID ADDENDUM #3 BID ADDENDUM #2

03/27/2015 03/24/2015

COORDINATION SET Date issued:

03/10/2015

Job No:

14-044

C500

Capitol Region Watershed District Applicant:

Joe McElwain Chase Real Estate, Inc. 2140 County Road 42 Burnsville, MN 55337

Permit 15-026 Victoria Park Apartments Phase II Consultant: Joel Cooper James R. Hill, Inc. 2500 W. County Road 42 Burnsville, MN 55337

Description: Construction of new apartment complex, parking lot, and associated amenities Stormwater Management: Applicant proposes three filtration rain gardens and one underground filtration trench District Rule: —C D F Disturbed Area: 3.89 Acres Impervious Area: 2.61 Acres STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve with 4 Conditions: 1. Provide documentation of recorded maintenance agreement with Ramsey County.

2. Revise plans to include the following: a. Provide signage that deters snow management from using the filtration ponds for snow storage. b. Provide detail that shows a 1 inch drop from pavement to filtration basins to ensure water entering is not obstructed. c. Revise filtration soil mix to be 80% sand and 20% compost.

3. Revise HydroCAD model to route the exfiltration device for Pond 2P to the culvert rather than the horizontal orifice.

4. Revise plans or HydroCAD to be consistent: a. Plans indicate the orifice inside CBMH has a 6” diameter. The HydroCAD model indicates 4” diameter. b. Plans indicate the outlet for the infiltration trench is a 4” perforated drain tile at elevation 778.0. The HydroCAD model does not list this outlet.

Otto Avenue

Permit Location Permit Report 15-026

Aerial Photo Board Meeting Date: 06/03/15

Capitol Region Watershed District Permit Report CRWD Permit #:

15-026

Review date:

May 22, 2015

Project Name:

Victoria Street Park Apartments Phase II

Applicant:

Joe McElwain Chase Real Estate 2140 Co. Rd. 42 West Burnsville, MN 55337 952-898-5600 joe@chasere.com

Purpose:

Construction of an apartment building, parking lot, three filtration ponds, and a filtration trench.

Location:

Southwest of the intersection of Otto Avenue and Shepard Road.

Applicable Rules:

C, D, and F

Recommendation:

Approve with 4 Conditions

EXHIBITS: 1. Drainage Memo, not dated, recd. 5/21/15.

2. Construction Plans, by James R. Hill, Inc., dated 5/20/15, recd. 5/21/15.

3. Declaration for Maintenance of Stormwater Facilities, dated 5/21/15, recd.

5/21/15.

4. Geotechnical Exploration Report, by Haugo Geotechnical Services, dated 5/18/12.

5. HydroCAD Report, dated 5/19/15, recd. 5/21/15.

6. Stormwater Operations and Maintenance Manual, by James R Hill, Inc., dated 5/20/15, recd. 5/21/15.

7. Coverage Card for NPDES Permit, by MPCA, dated 5/5/15, recd. 5/21/15.

HISTORY & CONSIDERATIONS: This is second phase of redevelopment in the area. The project is located north of a City of St. Paul park constructed under permits 11-023, 14-022, and 15-025.

RULE C: STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

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Standards  Proposed discharge rates for the 2-, 10-, and 100-year events shall not exceed existing rates.  Developments and redevelopments must reduce runoff volumes in the amount equivalent to an inch of runoff from the impervious areas of the site.  Stormwater must be pretreated before discharging to infiltration areas to maintain the long-term viability of the infiltration area.  Developments and redevelopments must incorporate effective non-point source pollution reduction BMPs to achieve 90% total suspended solid removal.

Findings 1. A hydrograph method based on sound hydrologic theory is used to analyze runoff for the design or analysis of flows and water levels.

2. Runoff rates for the proposed activity do not exceed existing runoff rates for the 2-, 10-, and 100-year critical storm events. Updates to the HydroCAD model may affect estimated rates. Stormwater leaving the project area is discharged into a well-defined receiving channel or pipe and routed to a public drainage system.

3. Stormwater runoff volume retention is achieved onsite in the amount equivalent to the runoff generated from one inch of rainfall over the impervious surfaces of the development. a. The amount of proposed impervious onsite is 113,517 square feet. b. Volume retention: Volume Volume 1 inch 2 inch Retention Retention BMP Runoff Runoff Required Provided below (cu. ft.) (cu. ft.) (cu. ft.) outlet (cu. ft.)

Infiltration Trench 1,924 3,849 1,170 8,514 Total 1,170 cf c. Filtration is proposed due to shallow bedrock conditions: Filtration Filtration 1 inch Volume Volume BMP Runoff Required Provided below (cu. ft.) (cu. ft.) outlet (cu. ft.)

Filtration Pond - West 4,637 1,427 Filtration Pond - Middle 1,388 2,085 9,547 Filtration Pond - East 3,717 5,620 Total 10,559 cf d. Banking of excess volume retention is not proposed.

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2 inch Runoff (cu. ft.)

2,854 2,776 7,435

e. Infiltration/Filtration volumes and facility sizes have been calculated using the appropriate hydrological soil group classification and design infiltration rate. f. The infiltration/filtration areas are capable of infiltrating/filtering the required volume within 48 hours. g. Stormwater runoff is pretreated to remove solids before discharging to the infiltration/filtration areas.

4. Alternative compliance sequencing has not been requested.

5. Best management practices achieve 90% total suspended solids removal from the runoff generated on an annual basis.

6. A recordable executed maintenance agreement has been submitted. Adequate maintenance access is provided for surface and underground systems. The submittal includes a site specific maintenance plan, schedule, and narrative for maintenance of the proposed stormwater management practices.

RULE D: FLOOD CONTROL Standards  Compensatory storage shall be provided for fill placed within the 100-year floodplain.  All habitable buildings, roads, and parking structures on or adjacent to a project site shall comply with District freeboard requirements.

Findings 1. There is no floodplain on the property according to FEMA. 2. All habitable buildings, roads, and parking structures on or adjacent to the project site comply with CRWD freeboard requirements.

RULE E: WETLAND MANAGEMENT Standard  Wetlands shall not be drained, filled (wholly or in part), excavated, or have sustaining hydrology impacted such that there will be a decrease in the inherent (existing) functions and values of the wetland.  A minimum buffer of 25 feet of permanent nonimpacted vegetative ground cover abutting and surrounding a wetland is required.

Findings 1. There are no known wetlands located on the property.

RULE F: EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL Standards  A plan shall demonstrate that appropriate erosion and sediment control measures protect downstream water bodies from the effects of a landdisturbing activity.  Erosion Control Plans must adhere to the MPCA Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas Manual.

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Findings 1. Erosion and sediment control measures are consistent with best management practices, as demonstrated in the MPCA manual Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas.

2. Adjacent properties are protected from sediment transport/deposition.

3. Wetlands, waterbodies and water conveyance systems are not protected from erosion/sediment transport/deposition.

4. Project site is greater than 1 acre; an NPDES permit is required. A SWPPP has been submitted and satisfies NPDES requirements.

RULE G: ILLICIT DISCHARGE AND CONNECTION Standard  Stormwater management and utility plans shall indicate all existing and proposed connections from developed and undeveloped lands for all water that drains to the District MS4.

Findings 1. New direct connections or replacement of existing connections are not proposed.

2. Prohibited discharges are not proposed.

Recommendation: Approve with 4 Conditions Conditions: 1. Provide documentation of recorded maintenance agreement with Ramsey County.

2. Revise plans to include the following: a. Provide signage that deters snow management from using the filtration ponds for snow storage. b. Provide detail that shows a 1 inch drop from pavement to filtration basins to ensure water entering is not obstructed. c. Revise filtration soil mix to be 80% sand and 20% compost.

3. Revise HydroCAD model to route the exfiltration device for Pond 2P to the culvert rather than the horizontal orifice.

4. Revise plans or HydroCAD to be consistent: a. Plans indicate the orifice inside CBMH has a 6” diameter. The HydroCAD model indicates 4” diameter. b. Plans indicate the outlet for the infiltration trench is a 4” perforated drain tile at elevation 778.0. The HydroCAD model does not list this outlet.

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June 3, 2013 Board Meeting IV. Special Report—2014 Lakes Monitoring Report (Suppes)

DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

May 28, 2015 CRWD Board of Managers Britta Suppes, Monitoring Coordinator Accept 2014 Lakes Monitoring Report

Background There are five lakes within the boundaries of CRWD: Como Lake, Crosby Lake, Little Crosby Lake, and Loeb Lake in St. Paul, and Lake McCarrons in Roseville. Each lake is collaboratively monitored by Ramsey County Public Works (RCPW), Ramsey Conservation District (RCD), the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and CRWD to assess overall health, compliance with water quality standards, and to determine if each lake supports its designated uses for swimming, fishing, and/or aesthetics. Data has been collected annually on each lake for varying periods of record, with the Como Lake dataset being the longest in dating back to 1984.

In 2014, the Managers reviewed the Enhanced Lake Biological Monitoring Work Plan, which included initiating annual fisheries surveys on each CRWD lake, increasing the frequency of macrophyte data collection during the growing season, performing additional spring and fall water quality sampling, and continuously monitoring water level from April-November. The data collected through these expanded efforts are included in the 2014 Lakes Monitoring Report.

Issues Staff have analyzed the 2014 lakes monitoring data and have completed a draft lakes report. Staff will review and request acceptance of the 2014 Lakes Monitoring Report at this Board meeting. The report will be reviewed with the Managers highlighting key findings from the monitoring efforts. The report is lengthy and staff would suggest Managers focus their review on sections 1 (Executive Summary), 2 (Introduction), 4 (Climatological Summary), 5 (CRWD Lakes Results Summary), and 11 (Conclusions & Recommendations). The full report will be transmitted electronically with the board packet. Sections 1,2,4,5 and 11 will be printed for you and be available at the Board Meeting. If you would like a full paper copy of the draft report please contact Michelle at the office. The additional report sections (3, 6-10) not printed for this board packet include methods on data collection and analysis as well as individual lake summaries.

Requested Action Accept 2014 Lakes Monitoring Report. enc:

Draft 2014 Lakes Monitoring Report

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Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

2014 Lakes Monitoring Report MAY 28, 2015

Prepared By: CAPITOL REGION WATERSHED DISTRICT

TABLE OF CONTENTS Acronyms ........................................................................................................................................ i Definitions ..................................................................................................................................... iii List of Figures ................................................................................................................................ v List of Tables ................................................................................................................................ ix 1. Executive Summary ........................................................................................................... 1 2. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 5 3. Methods............................................................................................................................. 11 4. Climatological Summary .................................................................................................. 19 5. CRWD Lakes Results Summary....................................................................................... 29 6. Como Lake Results ........................................................................................................... 35 7. Crosby Lake Results ......................................................................................................... 55 8. Little Crosby Lake Results................................................................................................ 73 9. Loeb Lake Results............................................................................................................. 85 10. Lake McCarrons Results ................................................................................................ 103 11. Conclusions & Recommendations .................................................................................. 123 12. References ....................................................................................................................... 129 Appendix A: 2014 Fish Surveys: Como and Little Crosby Lakes.............................................. 133

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ac BMP cBOD cf cfs Chl-a Cl CRWD CS DNR DO E. coli EPA ft GPS ha IBI in kg L lb m MCES MCWG mg mL MnDOT MPCA MS4 MSP NA NCHF NH3 NO2 NO3 NOAA NWS OHWL

Acre Best Management Practice 5-day Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand Cubic feet Cubic feet per second Chlorophyll-a Chloride Capitol Region Watershed District Chronic Standard Department of Natural Resources Dissolved Oxygen Escherichia coli Environmental Protection Agency Foot/Feet Global Positioning System Hectare Index of Biological Integrity Inch Kilogram Liter Pound Meter Metropolitan Council Environmental Services Minnesota Climatological Working Group Milligram Milliliter Minnesota Department of Transportation Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Not Available North Central Hardwood Forest Ammonia Nitrite Nitrate National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service Ordinary High Water Level 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

i

Ortho-P RCD RCLML RCPW sec SRP TB TBI TKN TN TMDL TP TSS UMN WD WMO

Ortho-phosphate Ramsey Conservation District Ramsey County Lake Management Laboratory Ramsey County Public Works Second Soluble Reactive Phosphorus Trout Brook Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen Total Nitrogen Total Maximum Daily Load Total Phosphorus Total Suspended Solids University of Minnesota-St. Paul Campus Watershed District Watershed Management Organization

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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DEFINITIONS Anthropogenic – resulting from the influence of human beings on nature.

Bathymetric – the measurement of water depth in a body of water.

Benthic – the ecological region at the bottom of a body of water.

Biomanipulation – the deliberate alteration of an ecosystem by adding or removing species.

Class 2 Waters – waters of the State that are designated for aquatic life and recreational use.

Chlorophyll-a – a type of chlorophyll pigment found in plants used in oxygenic photosynthesis; used as a measure of phytoplankton production in lakes and streams.

Conductivity – the measure of the ability of water to pass an electrical current; affected by the presence of inorganic dissolved solids and temperature.

Designated Use – the water quality standards regulation requires that States and authorized Indian Tribes specify appropriate water uses to be achieved and protected. Appropriate uses are identified by taking into consideration the use and value of the water body for public water supply, for protection of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and for recreational, agricultural, industrial, and navigational purposes.

Epilimnion – the top layer of water in a lake, characterized in the summer by warm, circulating water. MPCA lake standards are based on water sampled from this layer.

Eutrophic – a water body with high nutrient concentrations and primary biological productivity.

These waters are murky and an extensive macrophyte population. Algal blooms are common.

Fingerling – fish harvested from rearing ponds after one summer of growth.

Fry – newly hatched fish ready to be stocked.

Hardness – the concentration of calcium and magnesium salts (e.g. calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate) in a water sample.

Hypereutrophic – a water body with excessive nutrient concentrations and primary biological productivity. These waters are characterized by very murky water, frequent algal blooms and fish kills, foul odor, and rough (or less desirable) fish.

Hypolimnion – the part of a lake below the thermocline made up of water that is stagnant and of essentially uniform temperature except during the period of overturn.

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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Impaired Waters – waters that are not meeting their designated uses because of excess pollutants violating water quality standards.

Littoral Area/Zone – area of a lake that is less than 15 feet in depth where the majority of plants are found.

Mesotrophic – a water body that has intermediate nutrient concentrations and primary biological productivity. These waters are moderately clear and are characterized by late-summer algal blooms, moderate macrophyte populations, and occasional fish kills.

Morphometric – describing parameters relating to external form.

Oligotrophic – a water body that has low nutrient concentrations and primary biological productivity, and is characterized by clear water, few macrophytes, and salmonid fish.

Phytoplankton – the autotrophic plant members of the plankton (drifting organisms) community.

Secchi depth – a measure of the transparency of lake water using a Secchi disk.

Stormwater – water that becomes runoff on a landscape during a precipitation event.

Stormwater Best Management Practices – activities, practices, and structures designed to reduce stormwater pollution and runoff volume and increase groundwater recharge.

Subwatershed – a delineated area of land within a larger watershed where surface waters and runoff drain to a single point before ultimately discharging from the encompassing watershed.

Thermal stratification – refers to the changes in temperature at different depths in a lake as a result of the different densities of water at different temperatures.

Thermocline – the region in a thermally stratified body of water which separates warmer surface water from cold deep water and in which temperature decreases rapidly with depth.

Total Maximum Daily Load – the maximum amount of a substance that can be received by a water body while still meeting water quality standards. This may also refer to the allocation of acceptable portions of this load to different sources.

Turbidity – a measure of the relative clarity of a liquid. Turbidity measurements can provide a simple indicator of potential pollution in a sample. Turbid water will appear cloudy or hazy.

Watershed – a delineated area of land where surface waters and runoff drain to a single point at a lower elevation.

Zooplankton – the heterotrophic animal members of the plankton (drifting organisms) community.

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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LIST OF FIGURES 2 INTRODUCTION Figure 2-1: CRWD lake and rain gauge monitoring locations in Ramsey County, Minnesota........................................................................................................... 9 4 CLIMATOLOGICAL SUMMARY Figure 4-1: 30-year normal and 2014 monthly precipitation totals for CRWD. ....................... 22 Figure 4-2: Daily precipitation totals and cumulative precipitation for January to December 2014. ............................................................................................................................. 23 Figure 4-3: Annual precipitation totals (2005-2014) observed in CRWD by MCWG............... 24 Figure 4-4: Daily temperature highs and snowpack depths from January to April 2014 as observed at MSP (NWS, 2015)...................................................................................... 27 5 CRWD LAKES RESULTS SUMMARY Figure 5-1: CRWD 2014 vs. historical average TP concentrations and lake standard comparisons. .................................................................................................................32 Figure 5-2: CRWD 2014 vs. historical average Chl-a concentrations and lake standard comparisons. .................................................................................................................33 Figure 5-3: CRWD 2014 vs. historical average Secchi depths and lake standard comparisons. ......................................................................................................................................34 6 COMO LAKE RESULTS Figure 6-1: View of the northwest shoreline of Como Lake....................................................35 Figure 6-2: Como Lake bathymetric map...............................................................................36 Figure 6-3: Como Lake and subwatershed boundary. ...........................................................38 Figure 6-4: Como Lake historical lake elevations and the OHWL (DNR, 2015i).....................39 Figure 6-5: Como Lake 2014 lake elevations, OHWL, and daily precipitation events (DNR, 2015i; MCWG, 2015b). ..................................................................................................40 Figure 6-6: Como Lake 2014 Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison ...................................................42 Figure 6-7: Como Lake historical annual average Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison. ...................43 Figure 6-8: Como Lake 2014 total phytoplankton concentration and TP concentration..........47 Figure 6-9: Como Lake 2014 total zooplankton density and Chl-a concentration...................47 Figure 6-10: Como Lake 2014 phytoplankton relative abundance. ........................................48 Figure 6-11: Como Lake 2014 zooplankton relative abundance ............................................48 Figure 6-12: Como Lake 2014 seasonal vegetation changes (6/13/14, 7/23/14, 8/28/14)......50 Figure 6-13: Como Lake 2014 percent occurrence of vegetation present. .............................51 Figure 6-14: Como Lake 2014 average abundance ranking of vegetation present. ...............52 7 CROSBY LAKE RESULTS Figure 7-1: View of the southwest shoreline of Crosby Lake. ................................................55 Figure 7-2: Crosby Lake bathymetric map. ............................................................................56 Figure 7-3: Crosby and Little Crosby Lakes and subwatershed boundary. ............................59 Figure 7-4: Crosby Lake 2014 lake elevations and daily precipitation events (MCWG, 2015b). ......................................................................................................................................60 Figure 7-5: Mississippi River 2014 non-innundation, innundation, and flooding threshold flow to Crosby Lake (USGS, 2015) . .....................................................................................61 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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Figure 7-6: Crosby Lake 2014 Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison. ................................................63 Figure 7-7: Crosby Lake historical annual average Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison. .................64 Figure 7-8: Crosby Lake 2014 total phytoplankton concentration and TP concentration. .......67 Figure 7-9: Crosby Lake 2014 total zooplankton density and Chl-a concentration. ................67 Figure 7-10: Crosby Lake 2014 phytoplankton relative abundance. ......................................68 Figure 7-11: Crosby Lake 2014 zooplankton relative abundance. .........................................68 Figure 7-12: Crosby Lake 2014 seasonal vegetation changes (7/24/14 and 9/16/14). ...........69 Figure 7-13: Crosby Lake 2014 percent occurrence of vegetation present. ...........................70 Figure 7-14: Crosby Lake 2014 average abundance ranking of vegetation present ..............71 8 LITTLE CROSBY LAKE RESULTS Figure 8-1: View of the south shoreline of Little Crosby Lake. ...............................................73 Figure 8-2: Little Crosby Lake 2014 Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison. ........................................75 Figure 8-3: Little Crosby Lake historical annual average Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison..........76 Figure 8-4: Little Crosby Lake 2014 total phytoplankton concentration and TP concentration. ......................................................................................................................................78 Figure 8-5: Little Crosby Lake 2014 total zooplankton density and Chl-a concentration. .......78 Figure 8-6: Little Crosby Lake 2014 phytoplankton relative abundance. ................................79 Figure 8-7: Little Crosby Lake 2014 zooplankton relative abundance. ...................................79 Figure 8-8: Little Crosby Lake 2014 seasonal vegetation changes (7/29/14 and 9/16/14). ....80 Figure 8-9: Little Crosby Lake 2014 percent occurrence of vegetation present. ....................81 Figure 8-10: Little Crosby Lake 2014 average abundance ranking of vegetation present. .....82 9 LOEB LAKE RESULTS Figure 9-1: View of the northwest shoreline of Loeb Lake. ....................................................85 Figure 9-2: Loeb Lake and subwatershed boundary. .............................................................87 Figure 9-3: Loeb Lake historical lake elevations (DNR, 2015i). .............................................88 Figure 9-4: Loeb Lake 2014 lake elevations and daily precipitation events (DNR, 2015i; MCWG, 2015b). ............................................................................................................89 Figure 9-5: Loeb Lake 2014 Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison.....................................................91 Figure 9-6: Loeb Lake historical annual average Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison. ....................92 Figure 9-7: Loeb Lake 2014 total phytoplankton concentration and TP concentration. ..........95 Figure 9-8: Loeb Lake 2014 total zooplankton density and Chl-a concentration. ...................95 Figure 9-9: Loeb Lake 2014 phytoplankton relative abundance.............................................96 Figure 9-10: Loeb Lake 2014 zooplankton relative abundance..............................................96 Figure 9-11: Loeb Lake 2014 seasonal vegetation changes (6/18/14, 7/23/14. 9/9/14). ........98 Figure 9-12: Loeb Lake 2014 percent occurrence of vegetation present. ..............................99 Figure 9-13: Loeb Lake 2014 average abundance ranking of vegetation present. ...............100 10 LAKE MCCARRONS RESULTS Figure 10-1: View of the fishing pier on the southwest shoreline of Lake McCarrons. .........103 Figure 10-2: Lake McCarrons bathymetric map. ..................................................................104 Figure 10-3: Lake McCarrons and subwatershed boundary. ...............................................106 Figure 10-4: Lake McCarrons historical lake elevations and the OHWL (DNR, 2015i). ........107 Figure 10-5: Lake McCarrons 2014 lake elevations, OHWL, and daily precipitation events (DNR, 2015i; MCWG, 2015b). .....................................................................................108 Figure 10-6: Lake McCarrons 2014 Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison. ......................................110 Figure 10-7: Lake McCarrons historical annual average Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison. .......111 Figure 10-8: Lake McCarrons 2014 total phytoplankton concentration and TP concentration. ....................................................................................................................................115 Figure 10-9: Lake McCarrons 2014 total zooplankton density and Chl-a concentration. ......115 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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Figure 10-10: Lake McCarrons 2014 phytoplankton relative abundance. ............................116 Figure 10-11: Lake McCarrons 2014 zooplankton relative abundance. ...............................116 Figure 10-12: Lake McCarrons 2014 seasonal vegetation changes (5/30/14, 7/18/14, 9/9/14). ....................................................................................................................................118 Figure 10-13: Lake McCarrons 2014 percent occurrence of vegetation present. .................120 Figure 10-14: Lake McCarrons 2014 average abundance ranking of vegetation present. ...121

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LIST OF TABLES 3 METHODS Table 3-1: Average abundance rating and description for aquatic vegetation (RCPW, 2009). ......................................................................................................................................13 Table 3-2: Minnesota DNR fish stocking size definitions (DNR, 2015f)..................................13 Table 3-3: Deep and shallow lake state water quality standards (MPCA, 2014). ...................14 Table 3-4: Water quality parameter lake grade ranges, percentile ranges, and description of lake grade user quality (MC, 2015b; Osgood, 1989). .....................................................15 Table 3-5: CRWD overall lake grade ranges. ........................................................................16 Table 3-6: Phytoplankton types, taxonomic classification, description, and water quality significance....................................................................................................................16 Table 3-7: Zooplankton types, taxonomic classification, description, and water quality significance....................................................................................................................17 4 CLIMATOLOGICAL SUMMARY Table 4-1: CRWD annual precipitation totals and departure from the NWS 30-year normal. .20 Table 4-2: Daily and monthly precipitation totals for 2014 compared to the NWS 30-year normal. ..........................................................................................................................21 Table 4-3: Rainfall intensity statistics for 2014 from MCWG rain gauge data.........................25 Table 4-4: Summary of 2014 climatological events. ..............................................................26 Table 4-5: Summary of ice out dates for Twin Cities lakes nearby CRWD (DNR, 2015j; DNR, 2015m). .........................................................................................................................26 5 CRWD LAKES RESULTS SUMMARY Table 5-1: CRWD 2014 average, historical average, and lake standards for TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth. ............................................................................................................................29 Table 5-2: CRWD 2014 and historical lake grades and averages for TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth. ......................................................................................................................................30 6 COMO LAKE RESULTS Table 6-1: Como Lake morphometric data. ...........................................................................36 Table 6-2: Como Lake historical yearly TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth averages compared to shallow lake state standards. .....................................................................................................44 Table 6-3: Como Lake historical lake grades.........................................................................45 Table 6-4: Como Lake historical record of fish stocking.........................................................53 Table 6-5: Como Lake 2014 fish populations. .......................................................................53 7 CROSBY LAKE RESULTS Table 7-1: Crosby Lake morphometric data...........................................................................56 Table 7-2: Historical record of Mississippi River interaction with Crosby Lake. ......................57 Table 7-3: Crosby Lake historical yearly TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth averages compared to shallow lake state standards..........................................................................................65 Table 7-4: Crosby Lake historical lake grades. ......................................................................66 Table 7-5: Crosby Lake 2014 fish populations. ......................................................................72

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8 LITTLE CROSBY LAKE RESULTS Table 8-1: Little Crosby Lake morphometric data. .................................................................73 Table 8-2: Little Crosby Lake historical yearly TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth averages compared to shallow lake state standards..........................................................................................77 Table 8-3: Little Crosby Lake historical lake grades ..............................................................77 Table 8-4: Little Crosby Lake 2014 fish populations ..............................................................83 9 LOEB LAKE RESULTS Table 9-1: Loeb Lake morphometric data. .............................................................................86 Table 9-2: Loeb Lake and subwatershed boundary. ..............................................................90 Table 9-3: Loeb Lake historical yearly TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth averages compared to shallow lake state standards. .....................................................................................................93 Table 9-4: Loeb Lake historical lake grades. .........................................................................93 Table 9-5: Loeb Lake historical record of fish stocking. .......................................................101 Table 9-6: Loeb Lake 2014 fish populations. .......................................................................101 10 LAKE MCCARRONS RESULTS Table 10-1: Lake McCarrons morphometric data.................................................................104 Table 10-2: Lake McCarrons historical yearly TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth averages compared to deep lake state standards............................................................................................112 Table 10-3: Lake McCarrons historical lake grades. ............................................................113 Table 10-4: Lake McCarrons historical record of fish stocking. ............................................122 Table 10-5: Lake McCarrons 2014 fish populations.............................................................122

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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1

CAPITOL REGION WATERSHED DISTRICT

Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) in Ramsey County, Minnesota is a special purpose unit of government that manages, protects, and improves water resources within its watershed boundaries. CRWD is a 41 square mile subwatershed nested in the Upper Mississippi River basin that contains portions of five cities, including: Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Maplewood, Roseville, and Saint Paul. CRWD is highly urbanized with a population of 245,000 and 42% impervious surface coverage. All runoff from CRWD eventually discharges to the Mississippi River from 42 outfall locations within the District.

One goal of CRWD is to understand and address the presence of pollutants and their impacts on water quality within the District in order to better protect, restore, and manage local water resources. To address this goal, CRWD established a monitoring program in 2004 to begin assessing water quality and quantity of various District subwatersheds and stormwater best management practices (BMPs) over time. CRWD collects water quality and continuous flow data from major subwatersheds, lakes, ponds, and stormwater BMPs.

1.2

PURPOSE OF REPORT

This annual report focuses on the water quality of the five District lakes (Como, Crosby, Little Crosby, Loeb, and McCarrons) during the 2014 monitoring season (May through October).

Specific water quality data (total phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, and Secchi disk depth) for each lake from 2014 were compared to previous monitoring years. Additional biological and physical parameter results (i.e. phyto- and zooplankton, macrophytes, fisheries, lake morphometry, water levels) are also included in this report.

The purpose of this report is to characterize overall lake health and water quality in 2014 and examine trends over time, which in turn will inform lake management decisions for continued protection and improvement of District lakes. Previous annual monitoring reports (2005-2013) are available on the CRWD website at www.capitolregionwd.org.

1.3

LAKE MONITORING METHODS

Within CRWD, the five lakes are located in four of the sixteen major subwatersheds (Como, Crosby, McCarrons, and Trout Brook). CRWD organized the collection of water quality data for all of these lakes including information on chemical parameters (nutrients, pH, and conductivity), physical parameters (water clarity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature), and biological parameters (chlorophyll-a, aquatic vegetation type and abundance, and phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fisheries populations).

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Lake data is collected by Ramsey County Public Works, Ramsey Conservation District, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Also, rainfall data was collected by CRWD from six precipitation gauges across the watershed.

1.4

2014 MONITORING RESULTS

The total amount of precipitation for the 2014 calendar year was 35.66 inches which was 5.05 inches greater than the NWS 30-year normal of 30.61 inches. June 2014 was the wettest June and wettest month overall in CRWD’s modern record with 9.1 inches occurring, which was 4.85 inches above the 30-year normal. Along with a wet June, April and May 2014 were also particularly wet with both months being well-above the monthly normals. Cumulatively, the wet spring months of April, May, and June represented 57% of the total annual precipitation that occurred in 2014. In contrast, July and August were dry with both months recording below normal precipitation. Fall 2014 was also dry, with September and October 2014 being significantly below the 30-year normal.

In 2014, the water quality of the five District lakes (Como, Crosby, Little Crosby, Loeb, and McCarrons) varied by water body and by time of year. Based on the MPCA eutrophication numeric water quality standards, Loeb Lake and Lake McCarrons met the MPCA eutrophication water quality standards (for shallow/deep lakes) for all parameters during the 2014 growing season (May to September) (Table 1-1). Little Crosby met both the chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration and Secchi disk depth standards, but failed to meet the standard for total phosphorus (TP) (Table 1-1). Como Lake and Crosby Lake did not meet the MPCA shallow lake standards for TP and Chl-a concentrations, but met the standards for Secchi disk depth during the entire 2014 growing season (Table 1-1). Como Lake was the only District lake designated as impaired on the MPCA’s 2014 303(d) proposed impaired waters list, and has been listed on the MPCA 303(d) list since 2002.

Table 1-1: CRWD 2014 average, historical average, and lake standards for TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth 2014 Averages

Historical Averages

State Lake Standards

Lake

TP (µg/L)

Chl-a (µg/L)

Secchi (m)

TP (µg/L)

Chl-a (µg/L)

Secchi (m)

TP (µg/L)

Chl-a (µg/L)

Secchi (m)

Como

160

32.3

1.2

175

33.9

1.5

<60

<20

≥1.0

Crosby

211

21.0

1.6

71

10.2

2.4

<60

<20

≥1.0

Little Crosby

129

19.4

1.9

79

7.1

2.7

<60

<20

≥1.0

Loeb

29

6.0

2.7

29

5.9

3.3

<60

<20

≥1.0

McCarrons

33

8.9

2.7

34

9.8

2.9

<40

<14

≥1.4

Value does not meet the state standard Value meets the state standard

Lake grades were calculated for each lake based on the 2014 water chemistry data to provide a more understandable depiction of lake health and to better track lake water quality changes over 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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time. The seasonal means of TP, Chl-a, and Secchi depth were examined for 2014 and previous years and grades were based on scoring ranges for each parameter (Table 1-2). Based on the lake grading system, Lake McCarrons and Loeb Lake received good to excellent lake grades (respectively), where Loeb received the highest grade of ‘B+’ and Lake McCarrons received a grade of ‘B’. Little Crosby Lake received a grade of ‘C’, and both Crosby Lake and Como Lake received the lowest grades of ‘D+’.

Table 1-2: CRWD 2014 lake grades and historical lake grades for TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth.

Lake Como Crosby Little Crosby Loeb McCarrons

1.5

TP F F D B C

2014 Lake Grade Chl-a Secchi C C C C B C A B A B

2014 Average D+ D+ C B+ B

Historical Lake Grade TP Chl-a Secchi F C C D B B D A B B A A C A B

Historical Average D+ C+ B A B

2015 RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the results and findings of the 2014 Lakes Monitoring Report, CRWD has several goals and recommendations for 2015 to continue improving the monitoring program and the water quantity and quality dataset. Specifically, CRWD aims to complete the following in 2015: 1. Analyze additional chemical and physical parameters: CRWD intends to expand the analysis of chemical and physical data previously collected but not fully analyzed in prior reports. Analysis of other water chemistry and physical attributes will allow a better understanding of overall lake health.

2. Conduct sediment analyses of all District lakes: CRWD will conduct sediment analyses on all lakes during the winter of 2015-2016 to establish current understanding of internal sediment loading.

3. Complete a comparative analysis of all parameters measured: CRWD will complete a comparative analysis of chemical, physical, and biological parameters and how they interact to effect overall lake health.

4. 2015 Fisheries Surveys: CRWD plans to survey fish populations at Como, Crosby, and Little Crosby Lakes annually during years the DNR is not scheduled to survey those lakes. Also, CRWD will survey McCarrons and Loeb Lakes bi-annually (except years the DNR is scheduled to survey) since these lakes exhibit stable fish populations. In 2015, CRWD will survey Como, Crosby, and Little Crosby Lakes.

5. Lake McCarrons Alum Treatment Efficacy Evaluation: Lake McCarrons received an alum treatment in 2004 in order to reduce phosphorus and improve lake water quality.

The expected efficacy of an alum treatment is 8-20 years. Since it has been 10 years since 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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the treatment, a deterioration in its effectiveness is expected. In 2015-2016, CRWD intends to investigate the condition of the alum treatment to determine current and projected effectiveness.

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2 INTRODUCTION 2.1

CRWD BACKGROUND

Located in Ramsey County, Minnesota the Capitol Region watershed is a small urban subwatershed nested in the Upper Mississippi River basin with all runoff eventually discharging to the Mississippi River. Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) is a special purpose unit of government formed in 1998 to manage and protect all water resources within the Capitol Region watershed boundaries. CRWD contains portions of five cities, including: Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Maplewood, Roseville, and Saint Paul (Figure 2-1).

CRWD is highly urbanized with a population of 245,000 and 42% impervious surface coverage. Land use in the watershed is primarily residential with dense areas of commercial, industrial, and institutional uses.

2.2

CRWD WATER QUALITY ISSUES

Urban development in the watershed over time has significantly impacted the health and sustainability of the Mississippi River as well as CRWD lakes, wetlands, and streams.

Impervious surfaces generate polluted stormwater runoff which causes poor water quality, increased peak storm flows, decreased groundwater recharge, increased flooding, and loss of biological habitat. Subsequently, stormwater runoff is one of the most significant sources of pollution to CRWD water resources. It delivers fertilizers, pesticides, pet and wildlife waste, nutrients, sediment, heavy metals, and other anthropogenic pollutants to local lakes and multiple ponds and wetlands located in the District. As stormwater runs off the urban landscape, it is collected and conveyed through an extensive network of underground storm sewer pipes that eventually drain to the Mississippi River.

Both historical and current water quality data of CRWD lakes, ponds, and the Mississippi River indicate that these water bodies are impaired for various pollutants (including nutrients, bacteria, and turbidity) and are not meeting their designated uses for fishing, aquatic habitat, and recreation. The Mississippi River and Como Lake are listed on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) 2014 303(d) proposed impaired waters list (MPCA, 2015b).

Impaired waters require a total maximum daily load (TMDL) study for pollutants of concern including nutrients, turbidity, metals, bacteria, and chloride.

The nutrient of primary concern in CRWD lakes is phosphorus. Phosphorus is a biological nutrient which limits the growth of algae in most lakes and streams and is often found in high concentrations in stormwater. Phosphorus occurs naturally in the environment, but in excess can cause the overgrowth of algae and aquatic plants in lakes and rivers which reduces dissolved oxygen levels and increases turbidity of the water column. Common sources of phosphorous include fertilizers from lawns and gardens, leaves and grass clippings, pet and wildlife waste, and automobile emissions.

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CRWD is within the Northern Central Hardwood Forest (NCHF) ecoregion. It is one of seven ecoregions in Minnesota and is characterized as an area with fertile soils with agriculture as the dominant land use in rural areas. In most lakes in the NCHF ecoregion, phosphorous is the least available nutrient; therefore, the concentration of phosphorous controls the extent of algal growth. Algal growth in turn affects the clarity and recreational potential of lakes.

Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) is a pigment present in algae. Measuring Chl-a concentration is a proxy for measuring algal population. Algal blooms can make recreation unpleasant and prevent it entirely, and certain species of algae are toxic to humans and other animals. In addition, as algae die and decompose, oxygen is consumed from the water column and made unavailable for fish and other aquatic animals. Chronic low dissolved oxygen concentrations (<5 mg/L) may result in fish kills and low diversity of aquatic species (Kalff, 2002).

Water transparency, or water clarity, (determined using a Secchi disk) is another concern in area lakes. Lakes with high water clarity are generally considered healthier, and are characterized by more submerged aquatic plant growth, as clear water allows light to permeate to lower depth levels (Kalff, 2002). Increased plant growth also provides better habitat for aquatic organisms, including fish. Poor water clarity is a result of increased turbidity caused by suspended sediments, organic matter, and/or phytoplankton (algae).

Chloride in water bodies is a contaminant of concern for CRWD. High concentrations of chloride can harm fish and plant life by creating a saline environment (Siegel, 2007). Also, once in dissolved form, chloride cannot be removed from a water body. Chloride is primarily sourced from road salt application for de-icing in the winter months.

2.3

CRWD LAKE MONITORING PROGRAM GOALS

CRWD was formed to understand and address these water quality impacts and to better protect and manage local water resources. In 2004, CRWD established a monitoring program to assess water quality and quantity of various District subwatersheds and stormwater best management practices (BMPs). Prior to the CRWD monitoring program, limited data was available on stormwater quantity and quality in the watershed. The objectives of the program are to identify water quality problem areas, quantify subwatershed runoff pollutant loadings, evaluate the effectiveness of BMPs, provide data for the calibration of hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality models, and promote understanding of District water resources and water quality.

The CRWD 2014 Lakes Monitoring Report presents information on annual CRWD lake water quality monitoring, including data collection methods and results for water chemistry, physical parameters, and biological parameters. A climatological summary is also included to summarize the precipitation, snowpack, and notable climatic events from 2014. Previous annual monitoring reports (2005-2013) are available on the CRWD website at www.capitolregionwd.org. Results and analysis of CRWD stormwater monitoring and

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stormwater BMPs are discussed in separate reports (CRWD, 2015; CRWD, 2012b), which are also available on the CRWD website.

2.4

OVERVIEW OF CRWD LAKES

There are five lakes within the boundaries of CRWD: Como Lake, Crosby Lake, Little Crosby Lake, and Loeb Lake in St. Paul, and Lake McCarrons in Roseville (Figure 2-1). The lakes are monitored by Ramsey County Public Works (RCPW) and CRWD to assess overall health and to determine if each lake supports their designated uses for swimming, fishing, and/or aesthetics. All of the lakes receive stormwater runoff (directly and/or indirectly) and are nested within the Mississippi River Basin.

Como Lake, Crosby Lake, Little Crosby Lake, and Loeb Lake are classified as shallow lakes and Lake McCarrons is classified as a deep lake. Shallow lakes have a maximum depth less than 15 ft, or more than 80% of the lake within the littoral zone (MPCA, 2014). The littoral zone is the near-shore area of the lake in which plants grow (Kalff, 2002). Deep lakes have a maximum depth greater than 15 ft, or less than 80% of the lake within the littoral zone (MPCA, 2014).

2.4.1 COMO LAKE

Como Lake (Chapter 6) is a 70.5 acre lake with a maximum depth of 15.5 ft and is located in the City of Saint Paul. The 1,856 acre Como Lake watershed land uses are primarily residential and parkland. Como Lake is classified as a shallow lake because nearly 100% of the lake is considered the littoral zone. The lake has been monitored since 1984, and although water quality has improved slightly over time, there has been an observed cyclical variation in water quality (Noonan, 1998). In an effort to improve water quality in the lake, the Como Lake Strategic Management Plan (CRWD, 2002) was developed in 2002 and can be found on the District website (www.capitolregionwd.org). Como Lake is listed on the MPCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2014 303(d) proposed impaired waters list for chloride impairment (MPCA, 2015b), and was also listed for nutrients (2002) and mercury (1998).

2.4.2 CROSBY LAKE & LITTLE CROSBY LAKE

Crosby Lake (45 acres) and Little Crosby Lake (8 acres) (Chapters 7 and 8) are shallow lakes situated in the Mississippi River floodplain in Saint Paul and part of the Crosby Farm Regional Park and the Mississippi River National River and Recreation Area. The lakes are located within the 1,522 acres of Crosby Lake subwatershed; 197 acres of the subwatershed drain to Crosby Lake while 37 acres drain to Little Crosby Lake. The lakes are divided into two separate water bodies by a marsh/bog area 825 ft long. Crosby Lake is classified as a shallow lake because it has a maximum depth of 17 ft and the littoral zone covers 100% of the lake area. Little Crosby Lake is also considered a shallow lake even though it has a maximum depth of 34 ft, because it has a littoral area of 90% (<15 ft in depth). The watershed land uses for both water bodies are primarily parkland, single family residential, and industrial. A management plan for Crosby Lake (which included information regarding Little Crosby Lake) was created in 2012 (CRWD, 2012a), and can be found on the District 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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website (www.capitolregionwd.org). Crosby Lake has been monitored since 2005; Little Crosby Lake has been monitored since 2011. Crosby Lake did not meet the MPCA shallow lake standards in 2014. Little Crosby has met the standards since it has been monitored in 2011. Water quality of both lakes, however, is greatly affected by the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, since it is located in the floodplain of their confluence.

2.4.3 LOEB LAKE

Loeb Lake (Chapter 9) is a 9.7 acre shallow lake with a maximum depth of 28 ft and has a littoral area of 81%. Located in Marydale Park in the City of Saint Paul, the predominant land uses in the surrounding drainage area (44 acres) are mixed residential and parkland. The lake has a small drainage area, with no outlets. Loeb Lake has been monitored since 2003 (with the exception of 2004). A management plan for the lake was created in 2009 (CRWD, 2009), and can be found on the District website (www.capitolregionwd.org). Loeb Lake is an unimpaired water body and is not currently on the MPCA 303(d) list.

2.4.4 LAKE MCCARRONS

Located in the City of Roseville, Lake McCarrons (Chapter 10) is a 74.7 acre lake with a maximum depth of 57 ft. It is considered a deep lake with less than a 34% littoral zone.

Lake McCarrons has a watershed area of 1,070 acres, with land use of mainly mixed residential and open space, including the entire Villa Park wetland system, which outlets to the lake. Lake McCarrons has been monitored since 1988, and is the only District lake that allows swimming and has development (residential) directly on its shoreline. Lake McCarrons received an alum treatment in 2004 and water quality of the lake has shown improvement since this occurred. A management plan for the lake was created in 2003 (CRWD, 2003), and can be found on the District website (www.capitolregionwd.org). The lake is considered unimpaired and is not currently listed on the MPCA 303(d) list of impaired waters.

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Figure 2-1: CRWD 2014 lake and rain gauge monitoring locations in Ramsey County, Minnesota.

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3 METHODS 3.1

MONITORING METHODS

3.1.1 LAKE LEVEL

Lake elevation monitoring is organized by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Lake Level Minnesota Program (DNR, 2015k). This program coordinates the monitoring by organizations and volunteers to gather weekly data of elevations on lakes throughout the state.

Lake levels are measured using staff gages that are placed near the lakeshore in a stable and accessible location. Data on lake levels is collected by Ramsey County staff and provided to the DNR for inclusion in the LakeFinder database that can be accessed online to view historical lake levels for a particular lake (DNR, 2015i). Lake elevation monitoring by the DNR within CRWD occurs on Como Lake, Loeb Lake, and Lake McCarrons. CRWD collected lake level data from June through October on Crosby Lake and Lake McCarrons.

As this data continues to be compiled, a lake elevation graph is updated in order to view historical fluctuations in lake levels. The ordinary high water level (OHWL) is one other parameter that is shown on these graphs (where applicable). The OHWL is defined as the “highest water level that has been maintained for a sufficient period of time to leave evidence upon the landscape, commonly the point where the natural vegetation changes from predominantly aquatic to predominantly terrestrial” (Scherek, 1993). The OHWL is used to determine regulatory controls, with the Minnesota DNR regulating activity below the OHWL and local units of government regulating activity above the OHWL. By including this as a part of the lake elevation graph, observations can be made as to how current and past years compare to the “normal” lake level. This does not always mean that the lake level ever reaches or surpasses the OHWL, as this level is based on landscape evidence indicating the historical water level and is not an average of past monitored water levels.

3.1.2 CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL DATA COLLECTION

Lake water quality data for 2014 and the preceding years was collected by RCPW throughout the growing season (May through September), resulting in an average of eight samples for each year (RCPW, 2009). In 2014, lakes were monitored beginning in early May and ending in late October, resulting in a total of nine samples for Como Lake, Loeb Lake, and Lake McCarrons.

Crosby and Little Crosby Lakes were only sampled seven times as a result of late spring/early summer flooding from the Mississippi River. At each lake, RCPW staff anchored a watercraft over the deepest part of the lake, and monitored for various water quality parameters. The physical and chemical parameters of depth, temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and pH were measured at one-meter sampling intervals for the full depth profile of the lake using a multi-probe. From these recordings, the depths of the epilimnion, thermocline, and hypolimnion were recorded.

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Additionally, at the lake sampling location, water chemistry samples were collected at multiple depths along the profile of the lake. At all lakes, two samples were obtained within the epilimnion, or mixed water layer. If RCPW staff was able to identify thermal stratification (where depths for the divisions between the epilimnion, thermocline, and hypolimnion can be identified), additional water samples from other depths were collected. One additional water sample was collected from within the thermocline and two were collected from within the hypolimnion. Any water samples collected were then stored and transported back to the RCPW lab and analyzed for the following parameters: Chl-a, TP, soluble reactive phosphorous (SRP) (i.e.; ortho phosphorus), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), nitrate (NO3), ammonia (NH3), and chloride ion concentrations (Cl). Water transparency, or water clarity, was determined with the use of a Secchi disk. A Secchi disk is a black and white patterned disk that is connected to a line or pole. To take a measurement, the Secchi disk is lowered slowly into the water column until the pattern is no longer visible. The depth at which the disk is no longer visible is then recorded.

3.1.3 PHYTOPLANKTON AND ZOOPLANKTON COLLECTION

Phytoplankton and zooplankton data collection occurred at the same time as water quality data collection by RCPW for 2014 and previous monitoring years. For phytoplankton analysis, a composite sample was collected using a plastic tube that was inserted vertically 2 m into the upper layer of the water column. This sample was emptied into a bucket, thoroughly mixed, and a sub-sample was collected and preserved. This water sample was placed in an enclosed cooler and taken back to the lab for analysis (RCPW, 2012).

To collect a zooplankton sample, a net tow was lowered down to the observed thermocline (in order to collect samples from the oxygenated layer of the lake), allowed to settle, and then pulled back up to the water surface at a rate of 1 m/sec. The net and capture bucket were drained by swirling the capture bucket which allowed the water to drain out of the net and screen. Once the volume was reduced to 100 mL, the contents of the capture bucket were poured into another container and preserved in a 5% formaldehyde solution, then taken back to the RCPW lab for analysis (RCPW, 2012).

3.1.4 AQUATIC VEGETATION SURVEYS Point-Intercept Survey Method

In 2014, all lakes were surveyed by the Ramsey Conservation District (RCD) for aquatic vegetation presence and abundance using the point-intercept method. This method consisted of using a GPS to pre-select specific monitoring points throughout the full area of the lake. At each evenly spaced (70 m distance) point, a double-tined metal rake was thrown out 1 m from the boat, dragged a distance of 1 m and brought back into the boat. Plant species were identified and given an abundance ranking based on the amount collected on the rake (Table 3-1). Any plants floating on the water surface were also identified. RCD surveyed Como, Loeb, and McCarrons three times throughout the course of the year: spring, summer, and early fall. Crosby and Little Crosby Lakes were surveyed in summer and early fall. These two lakes were flooded by the Mississippi River in late spring/early summer, so a survey during spring was not completed.

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Table 3-1: Average abundance rating and description for aquatic vegetation (RCPW, 2009).

Percent Cover of Tines 81-100 61-80 41-60 21-40 1-20

Abundance Ranking 5 4 3 2 1

Biovolume Survey Method

To collect data on submerged aquatic vegetation as well as data about the lake bottom, RCD used a Lowrance HDS-5 GPS enabled depth finder to assess evenly spaced transects at a minimum distance of 40 meters. The sonar log data that was collected was then analyzed by CI BioBase software to determine the depth of the lake and the amount of aquatic vegetation (biomass) along each transect. These surveys also produced information estimating lake area and lake water volume.

3.1.5 FISH STOCKING AND SURVEYS

Fish stocking occurs annually through the Minnesota DNR in an effort to improve fishing conditions on selected Minnesota lakes. Roughly 25% of Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5,400 fishing lakes have a set stocking schedule (DNR, 2015f). Fish are stocked at different life stages depending on the desired effect in the lake. Table 3-2 describes the different types of fish used for stocking.

Table 3-2: Minnesota DNR fish stocking size definitions (DNR, 2015f).

Fry

Fish stocked in lakes shortly after hatching from eggs.

Fingerling

Fish harvested from rearing ponds after one summer of growth.

Yearling

Fish that are a year old at the time of stocking.

Adult

Fish more than 1 year old, usually transferred from other waters.

Fish surveys are conducted every 5-10 years by the DNR on the majority of Minnesota lakes.

Surveys occur more frequently, however, on lakes of higher fishing importance. Through fish surveys, the DNR gains information on the species of fish in a lake in order to make management decisions and understand changes in lake water quality. Fish are collected using various field techniques based on the type and size of fish to be collected. These survey techniques include: gill netting (to capture larger, predator fish), trap netting (to capture smaller panfish), trawl and shoreline seines (to capture young fish), and electrofishing (to survey for bass, crappies and young walleyes). Once captured, information is recorded on the species, count, weight, and length, as well as how these measures compare to the normal expected range for the species (DNR, 2015f). In 2014, the DNR surveyed Crosby Lake, Loeb Lake, and Lake McCarrons.

CRWD contracted with Wenck Associates, Inc. to conduct surveys on Como Lake and Little 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

13

Crosby Lake. These additional surveys on Como and Little Crosby were conducted in 2014 in order to obtain more information about fish populations on all CRWD lakes. Wenck Associates staff followed DNR procedures for sampling of fish in these lakes.

3.2

DATA ANALYSIS METHODS

3.2.1 MORPHOMETRIC DATA

Morphometric data was compiled for each lake. This included information regarding lake surface area, mean and maximum depth, littoral area percentage, lake water volume, watershed area, and watershed-to-lake area ratio. The watershed-to-lake area ratio represents how large the watershed is compared to the size of the lake. A high ratio indicates a large portion of land for potential runoff to the lake, while a low ratio indicates a smaller area conducting runoff. In general, having a lower ratio in urban areas decreases external nutrient loading to lakes, which in turn can result in improved water quality.

3.2.2 WATER QUALITY STANDARDS COMPARISON

A lake is considered eutrophic if it has high nutrient levels, low dissolved oxygen concentrations, and frequent algal blooms. Although some lakes are naturally eutrophic, many have become eutrophic as a result of anthropogenic activities. In order to identify eutrophic water bodies in Minnesota, the MPCA establishes eutrophication numeric water quality standards in lakes for TP, Chl-a, and Secchi depth, which were updated in 2014 (Table 3-3) (MPCA, 2014). In the NCHF ecoregion, a different standard exists for shallow and deep lakes. Seasonal means were determined for each of these parameters based on the monitoring events that occurred between May and September of 2014. A lake is considered impaired under MPCA standards if it exceeds the standard for TP concentration and either the Secchi disk depth or Chl-a concentration. Lakes that do not meet the standards may be placed on the MPCA 303(d) list of impaired waters. To account for differences in natural trophic state, the standards vary by ecoregion and lake type.

Table 3-3: Deep and shallow lake state water quality standards (MPCA, 2014).

Deep Lake Standarda,b

Shallow Lake Standarda,c

Units

Source

TP*

<40

<60

µg/L

Minn. Stat. § 7050.0222

Chlorophyll-a

<14

<20

µg/L

Minn. Stat. § 7050.0222

Secchi depth

≥1.4

≥1.0

m

Minn. Stat. § 7050.0222

Parameter

a

Standards apply to Class 2B w aters in the North Central Hardw ood Forest ecoregion. Class 2B w aters are designated for aquatic life and recreational use. All standard concentrations apply to chronic exposure. b A deep lake is defined as a lake w ith a maximum depth > 15 feet or one in w hich < 80% of the lake is in the littoral zone . c

A shallow lake is defined as a lake w ith a maximum depth < 15 feet or one in w hich > 80% of the lake is in the littoral zone. *MPCA standard for TP is listed in mg/L, but has been converted to µg/L.

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In 2014, CRWD staff changed the calculation of summer averages for TP and Chl-a in comparison to previously reported data to meet MPCA protocols specified in the Guidance Manual for Assessing the Quality of Minnesota Surface Waters (MPCA, 2014). As described in the chemical monitoring methods above, water quality samples are collected at discrete depths in the water column. Previously, only the surface water quality sample was used for the calculation of the summer average. If two samples were collected within the epilimnion, however, the average of these values should be used to find the daily average TP and Chl-a values, which can then be used to calculate the seasonal mean.

For the 2014 data and all historical TP and Chl-a data for all lakes, staff recalculated all annual averages to meet MPCA protocols. Where two samples were collected in the upper 2m of the water column and both of these samples were considered to be in the epilimnion (i.e. the stratification depth on the day the samples were collected was deeper than 2m), so the average of these values was calculated. To determine the seasonal mean, the average of the daily means from May – September (the growing season for CRWD lakes) was calculated. If the lake stratified higher than 2m and only one sample was collected from the epilimnion, this value was taken as the respective TP or Chl-a value for that day. While these revised calculations slightly changed the seasonal average values for various years, no historical trends were altered significantly.

3.2.3 LAKE GRADING SYSTEM

CRWD uses a lake grading system in order to give a qualitative measure to the water quality data and compare between years monitored (Table 3-4). This is based on the Metropolitan Council’s lake grading system that is used to compare lakes across the metro region and to offer a nontechnical value of lake water quality that is more understandable to a wide variety of audiences (Osgood, 1989). The seasonal means of TP, Chl-a, and Secchi depth were examined for 2014 and previous years and grades were based on ranges for each parameter. The range is weighted such that a certain percentage of Minnesota lakes fall into each grade. Each grade corresponds not only to ranges in the three lake eutrophication parameters (TP, Chl-a, and Secchi depth), but also to a recreational value for the lake that provides a description of user quality (MC, 2015b).

CRWD assigned each letter grade a numerical value (A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, F = 1), and the average of these three values provided an overall lake grade (Table 3-5). The ranges in Table 35 are based off methods used by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District in their monitoring reports (MCWD, 2015).

Table 3-4: Water quality parameter lake grade ranges, percentile ranges, and description of lake grade user quality (MC, 2015b; Osgood, 1989).

Grade A B C D F

Percentile <10 10-30 30-70 70-90 >90

TP (μg/l) <23 23-32 32-68 68-152 >152

Chl-a (μg/l) Secchi (m) <10 >3.0 10-20 2.2-3.0 20-48 1.2-2.2 48-77 0.7-1.2 >77 <0.7

Description of User Quality Full recreational use capability Very good water quality but some recreational use impairment Average water quality but are recreationally impaired Severly impaired recreational use Extremely poor water quality; little to no recreational use

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Table 3-5: CRWD overall lake grade ranges.

Grade A AB+ B+ BC+ C CD+ D DF

Range 4.67 - 5.00 4.34 - 4.66 4.01 - 4.33 3.67 - 4.00 3.34 - 3.66 3.01 - 3.33 2.67 - 3.00 2.34 - 2.66 2.01 - 2.33 1.67 - 2.00 1.34 - 1.66 < 1.33

3.2.4 PHYTOPLANKTON AND ZOOPLANKTON LAB ANALYSIS

All methods for lab analysis of phytoplankton and zooplankton were obtained from Ramsey County Lake Management Laboratory (RCLML), a part of RCPW (RCPW, 2012). In the lab, the preserved phytoplankton sample was analyzed and identity/counts were recorded. The classes/phylums that were identified are listed and described in Table 3-6 (Kalff, 2002; UCMP, 2015).

Table 3-6: Phytoplankton types, taxonomic classification, description, and water quality significance.

Phytoplankton

Classification

Bacillariophyta

Class

Chlorophyta

Phylum

Chrysophyta

Class

Cryptophyta

Phylum

Cyanophyta

Phylum

Euglenophyta

Phylum

Pyrrophyta

Phylum

Description

Water Quality Significance Large populations suggest higher levels of dissolved silica needed to Diatoms build external skeletons Greatly contribute to freshwater lake species richness; contribute most Green algae significantly to biomass of eutrophic systems Golden-brown Not overly abundant in eutrophic lakes; more plentiful in oligotrophic, algae clear-water lakes Most prevelant in oligotrophic and mesotrophic lakes; division does Cryptomonads not contain an abundance of species types Blue-green Indicative of highly nutrient-rich (eutrophic and hypereutrophic) lakes; algae large blooms are aesthetically displeasing and some can be toxic Generally small contribution to overall biomass except in small, highly Euglenoids eutrophic bodies of water Typically contribute small portion of total biomass or species richness Dinoflagellates in temperate lakes

To analyze zooplankton, the preserved sample from the field was measured and a subvolume was analyzed for identity/counts. The zooplankton that were identified in this process are shown and described in Table 3-7 (Kalff, 2002). The Cladocerans identified during analysis consisted

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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of Daphnia, Bosminae, Chydorus, Ceridaphnia, Diaphnosoma, and Leptodora. These genuslevel organisms were combined and grouped under the heading â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cladoceraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for analysis.

Table 3-7: Zooplankton types, taxonomic classification, description, and water quality significance.

Zooplankton

Classification

Cyclopoida

Order

Calanoida

Order

Nauplii

Genus

Rotifera

Phylum

Cladocera

Suborder

Description Carniverous copepods Omnivorous copepods Juvenile copepods Soft-bodied, multicellular invertebrates Type of crustacean

Water Quality Significance Primarily carniverous crustaceans; feed on other zooplankton and fish larvae but also eat algae, bacteria, and detritus Crustaceans that feed on ciliates as well as algae; change diet based on multiple variables including season and food availability Classified as nauplii during the first 5 or 6 molts (motling occurs 11 times before adulthood) during the life span of a copepod Name originates from rotating wheel of cilia by mouth; important among invertebrates as many species can produce multi-generations per year Mainly important filter-feeders covered by a hard cover; specific species Daphnia are main food source for planktivorous fish

Techniques for creation of phytoplankton and zooplankton figures in the ensuing individual lake results sections were based off methods used in the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board 2012 Water Resources Report (MPRB, 2015). There are two figures for both phytoplankton and zooplankton. The first figure for phytoplankton compares total phytoplankton concentration and TP concentration from May to September. The first figure for zooplankton compares total zooplankton density and Chl-a concentration from May to September. The second figures depict the relative abundance of each type of phytoplankton and zooplankton in order to examine changes in their populations throughout the months monitored.

3.2.5 AQUATIC VEGETATION ANALYSIS Biovolume Analysis

Sonar data was entered into CI BioBase software that generates aquatic vegetation and bathymetric maps (CIBB, 2015). The biovolume heat maps were coded by different color zones to highlight differences in cover of aquatic vegetation. Red indicates that 100% of the water column is being taken up by biovolume, or vegetation is growing to the water surface, and blue indicates 0%, or bare lake bottom. Statistics calculated along with the maps included plant biovolume (the percentage of the water column that is vegetation) and percent area covered (the amount of the lake area where vegetation exists) (CIBB, 2015).

Point-Intercept Analysis

Aquatic vegetation has been monitored infrequently in past years on CRWD lakes. Establishing a baseline of vegetation data for all lakes will be a key factor in making future monitoring decisions. Aquatic vegetation within a lake is dependent on many different factors, including: water clarity, water chemistry, and physical lake parameters (including depth, sediment substrate type, lake size/shape, and shoreline vegetation). Not only does aquatic vegetation stabilize bottom sediment, plants also provide habitat for aquatic animals and are usually the main 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

17

primary producers in shallow lakes (Kalff, 2002). Collecting data on aquatic vegetation provides baseline information on what vegetation is in the lake, where it exists on the lake, and how much is present. Measuring annual changes in these factors can help identify trends in aquatic vegetation and water quality.

Collecting data on aquatic vegetation using the point-intercept method allowed for two primary analyses to occur: computation of percent occurrence and average abundance. Percent occurrence represents the number of times a plant species was observed divided by the number of total sample sites where vegetation was observed. This information gives a good picture of the most common species of aquatic vegetation found on the lake. Average abundance is calculated as the average of the abundance rankings (measured at each location found) for a species. This shows how much vegetation of each species is occurring at the locations where vegetation is noted. A high average abundance ranking indicates thick cover of a species where it is observed. Conversely, a low average abundance ranking indicates minimal growth of a species.

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4 CLIMATOLOGICAL SUMMARY 4.1

PRECIPITATION DATA COLLECTION METHODS

CRWD utilizes climatological data collected by the Minnesota Climatology Working Group (MCWG) at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul and National Weather Service (NWS) at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to assist in calculating annual precipitation, runoff, and loading.

MCWG records precipitation every fifteen minutes from an automatic rain gauge located approximately two miles west of the CRWD office. The data is reported on a public website (http://climate.umn.edu/). Rainfall totals (15-minute and daily) were recorded by CRWD from the MCWG website. Snow and ice totals were not accurately reported by MCWG due to equipment limitations, so NWS snow and ice totals were used instead. The MCWG rain gauge was used as CRWDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary precipitation monitoring station for rainfall because of the gaugeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s close proximity to the District.

The NWS weather station at MSP, located approximately ten miles south of the CRWD office, records many climate variables for each day, including: maximum, minimum, and average temperature; rainfall; snowfall and snow water equivalent; and depth of snowpack. Data is reported on a public website (www.crh.noaa.gov/mpx/Climate/MSPClimate.php). If a snow or ice event occurred, the NWS daily precipitation totals were utilized by CRWD since their measurement equipment more accurately measures snow-water and ice-water equivalents than the MCWG gauge.

4.2

2014 PRECIPITATION RESULTS

Table 4-1 lists 2014 daily precipitation totals, 2014 monthly precipitation totals, the 30-year monthly normal (1981-2010) (NOAA, 2015), and the 2014 departure from historical monthly normals. Monthly totals are compared to the 30-year monthly normals at MSP (Table 4-1 and 42; Figure 4-1).

In 2014, almost all precipitation data from January to April and November was provided by NWS because the events during this time period were either snow or ice (Table 4-2). The May through October precipitation data, as well as the majority of the December data, was provided

by MCWG since it was primarily rainfall that occurred.

The 2005-2014 CRWD annual precipitation data was compared to the NWS 30-year normal for the Minneapolis-St. Paul region (Table 4-1; Figure 4-3). The NWS 30-year normal is recalculated every 10 years. In 2010, the NWS 30-year normal was recalculated for 1981-2010 to be 30.61 inches (formerly 29.41 inches (1971-2000)).

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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The total amount of precipitation recorded in CRWD in 2014 was 35.66 inches, which was 5.05 inches above NWS the 30-year normal (Table 4-1 and 4-2; Figure 4-3). This was also the fourth wettest year since monitoring began in CRWD in 2005. Figure 4-2 is a cumulative precipitation plot for 2014 which shows the total accumulated amount of precipitation throughout the entire year as well as fluctuations in precipitation trends and significant precipitation events. In general, precipitation throughout 2014 was inconsistent with extremely wet months followed by very dry months.

Table 4-1: CRWD annual precipitation totals and departure from the NWS 30-year normal.

Year

Precipitation (inches)a

Departure from NWS Normal

2005

35.98

(+) 5.37"

2006

31.69

(+) 1.08"

2007

29.72

(-) 0.89"

2008

21.67

(-) 8.94"

2009

23.34

(-) 7.27"

2010

36.32

(+) 5.71"

2011

33.62

(+) 3.01"

2012

30.26

(-) 0.35"

2013

36.36

(+) 5.75"

2014 NWS 30-Year Normal

35.66

(+) 5.05"

30.61

--

a

Annual precipitation reported by the Minnesota Climatology Working Group (MCWG) and National Weather Service (NWS)

From January to March 2014, snowfall was a major source of precipitation which contributed to a significant amount of spring recharge and runoff. In total, 76.2 inches of snow fell during the winter of 2014, which was 21.8 inches greater than the 30-year normal (Table 4-4; Figure 4-4).

June 2014 was the wettest June and wettest month overall in Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern record (DNR, 2015n) with 9.1 inches occurring, which was 4.85 inches above the 30-year normal (Table 4-2; Figure 4-1 and 4-2). Along with a wet June, April and May 2014 were also particularly wet with both months being well-above the monthly normals (Figure 4-1). Cumulatively, the wet spring months of April, May, and June represented 57% of the total annual precipitation that occurred in 2014.

In contrast, July and August were dry with both months recording below normal precipitation (Figure 4-1 and 4-2). Fall 2014 was also dry, with September and October 2014 being significantly below the 30-year normal.

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Table 4-2: Daily and monthly precipitation totals for 2014 compared to the NWS 30-year normal.

Day

JAN

FEB

MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT

NOV

DEC

1

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.02

0.07

0.76

0.00

0.08

0.08

0.63

0.00

0.00

2

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.04

0.00

0.01

0.00

0.57

0.00

0.00

3

0.12

0.00

0.02

0.68

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.27

0.14

0.00

0.00

4

0.02

0.00

0.00

0.11

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.01

0.04

0.00

0.00

5

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.07

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.10

0.00

6

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.11

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.01

0.00

7

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.11

1.07

0.48

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.03

0.01

8

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.59

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

9

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.01

0.00

0.00

0.71

0.00

0.00

0.00

10

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.06

0.00

0.00

0.31

0.10

0.00

0.28

0.00

11

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.55

0.21

0.92

0.13

0.00

0.00

0.04

0.00

12

0.00

0.03

0.00

0.11

0.26

0.00

0.65

0.01

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

13

0.01

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.01

14

0.26

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

1.33

0.17

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.03

15

0.03

0.12

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.57

0.00

0.00

0.08

0.00

0.16

0.19

16

0.05

0.00

0.00

0.68

0.00

0.45

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.01

0.04

17

0.00

0.32

0.06

0.00

0.00

0.07

0.00

0.28

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

18

0.17

0.00

0.15

0.00

0.00

0.26

0.00

0.01

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.02

19

0.00

0.00

0.06

0.16

1.81

3.16

0.00

0.07

0.00

0.00

0.02

0.00

20

0.01

0.83

0.00

0.06

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.01

0.23

0.00

0.00

0.00

21

0.02

0.06

0.00

0.07

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.50

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.19

22

0.01

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.12

0.00

0.00

0.01

0.00

0.00

0.08

23

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.26

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.08

0.03

0.00

24

0.08

0.01

0.08

0.68

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.11

0.08

0.00

0.01

0.00

25

0.11

0.00

0.00

0.01

0.03

0.00

0.41

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

26

0.09

0.00

0.00

0.12

0.21

0.00

0.00

0.01

0.00

0.00

0.17

0.05

27

0.00

0.00

0.44

2.29

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.01

0.00

0.00

0.02

0.22

28

0.00

0.04

0.00

1.03

0.00

0.95

0.00

0.03

0.00

0.00

0.08

0.00

29

0.00

0.00

0.60

0.00

0.03

0.00

1.21

0.10

0.00

0.00

0.00

30

0.44

0.00

0.07

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.36

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

31

0.00

0.03

0.00

0.71

Monthly Total 1.42 Monthly Normal Departure from Normal

0.73

0.00

0.00

Total

1.41

0.84

6.95

4.42

9.1

2.74

3.85

1.67

1.46

0.96

0.84

35.66

0.9

0.77

1.89

2.66

3.36

4.25

4.04

4.3

3.08

2.43

1.77

1.16

30.61

0.52

0.64

-1.05

4.29

1.06

4.85

-1.3

-0.45 -1.41 -0.97 -0.81 -0.32

5.05

Data supplied by NWS-MSP Data supplied by UMN Climatological Observatory No Date

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

21

10

9

30-Year Normal Monthly Precipitation Totals CRWD 2014 Monthly Precipitation Totals

8

Precipitation (inches)

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0 JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE JULY Month

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Figure 4-1: 30-year normal and 2014 monthly precipitation totals for CRWD. 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

22

3.5

40

35

3

30

25 2 20 1.5 15

Cumulative Precipitation (inches)

Daily Precipitation (inches)

2.5

1 10

0.5

5

0

0

Figure 4-2: Daily precipitation totals and cumulative precipitation for January to December 2014.

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

40

35

30.61

25

36.36

35.66

2013

2014

30.26

33.62

36.32

10

23.34

21.67

29.72

15

31.69

20

35.98

Precipitation (inches)

30

5

0 2005

2006

2007

2008

Precipitation (inches)

2009

2010

2011

2012

NWS 30-Year Normal (1981 - 2010)

Figure 4-3: Annual precipitation totals (2005-2014) observed in CRWD by MCWG. 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

24

4.3

2014 NOTABLE CLIMATOLOGICAL EVENTS

In 2014, climatic patterns were unique by fluctuating between extreme wet and dry periods with several high intensity, short duration precipitation events. Also, 2014 was unique in that the winter was extraordinarily cold with deep snow and a very late spring start.

Table 4-3 shows the most intense rain events in 15-minute, 1-, 6-, and 24-hour intervals during 2014. The most intense precipitation event occurred on June 19, 2014, which recorded the most intense 15-minute, 1-, 6-, and 24-hour intervals for the entire year (Table 4-3). It was also the highest daily total for June ever recorded at MSP Airport (DNR, 2015m). During this event, 3.16 inches fell in 24 hours, with three 15-minute intervals recording over a quarter-inch of rain.

There were also a few other notable events in 2014, including a 2.4 inch in 24-hour event on April 27, a 1.78 inch in 6-hour event on May 19, and a 0.81 inch in 1-hour event on August 29 (Table 4-3).

Table 4-3: Rainfall intensity statistics for 2014 from MCWG rain gauge data.

Rainfall Intensity Time Period Date & Event End Time Amount (in) 15-minute

1-hour

6-Hour

24-Hour

6/19/14 8:15

0.39

6/19/14 3:15

0.39

6/19/14 3:30

0.38

6/19/14 3:30

1.18

8/29/14 16:45

0.81

6/7/14 7:45

0.78

6/19/14 8:30

2.43

5/19/14 15:00

1.78

6/15/14 1:00

1.33

6/19/14 19:30

3.16

4/27/14 18:15

2.4

6/15/14 8:45

1.88

Snowpack in CRWD was also a significant climatic variable in 2014. The 2014 snowfall total of 76.2 inches measured at MSP was 21.8 inches higher than the 30-year normal of 54.5 inches (Table 4-4). The last date with a 1 inch snowpack measured at MSP was April 5 (NWS, 2015) (Figure 4-4). This was only 5 days later than the normal date of March 31 (DNR, 2015l).

Daily snowpack depths recorded at MSP were plotted against daily high temperature in Figure 4-4 (NWS, 2015). A complete melt was observed from March 27 to March 30 (2 inches to 0 inches). There was a brief two-day period of snowpack recorded again from April 4 to April 6 (resulting from a storm that dropped 5 inches on April 3 and 1.5 inches on April 4), before melting away permanently for the spring. Snowpack reached a maximum depth of 24 inches on February 21, and stayed deeper than 15 inches until March 11 when the temperature began 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

25

warming. Significant snowfall events occurred on February 20 (8.4 inches), January 20 (6.4 inches), and April 3 (5 inches). The February 20 storm event was unique in that a “thundersnow” occurred, in which thunder accompanied the snowfall during this storm event.

Snowmelt is a significant driver of hydrology in late winter and early spring and is dependent upon many factors such as the amount of snowpack and temperature. Snowpack levels stayed consistently high as a result of multiple significant snowfall events early on in the season, as well as record-low temperatures that did not cause significant melt events to occur. Therefore, there was a lot of snow present to impact snowmelt and runoff in the spring.

Table 4-4: Summary of 2014 climatological events.

2014 Climate Summary Variable Total Precipitation (inches) Total Snow (inches) Last Significant Snowfall Last Spring date with greater than 1" snowpack Spring Ice Out Fall Leaf Off

2014

Average

Notes

35.66

30.61

5.05" higher than 30-yr normal

76.2

54.4

21.8" higher than 30-yr normal

4/4 (1.5")

N/A

Variable - No data on averages

4/5 (4")

4/2

3 days later than normal

4/18

4/5

13 days later than normal

10/27

N/A

Later than normal

Another unique climatic pattern in 2014 was extreme cold temperatures that occurred from January to March 2014. The jet stream swung down from the Arctic and positioned itself over Minnesota for much of January, February, and March with periods of daily high temperatures not exceeding 0 degrees (Figure 4-4). This cold phenomenon was referred to as the “Polar Vortex”.

Due to extraordinarily cold winter and spring temperatures, ice out on CRWD lakes occurred generally two weeks later than normal in 2014. Historical median ice out dates have not been established for any of the five CRWD lakes, nor were any observations made by CRWD on the lakes in 2014 (DNR, 2015j; DNR, 2015m). However, the DNR has collected annual and historical median ice out dates for lakes nearby CRWD, including the five observed in Table 4-5.

Table 4-5: Summary of ice out dates for Twin Cities lakes nearby CRWD (DNR, 2015j; DNR, 2015m).

Lake Name Lake Nokomis Powderhorn Lake Lake Josephine

2014 Ice Out Date Historical Median Ice Out Date April 17

April 5

N/A

April 4

N/A

April 7

Lake Owasso

April 18

April 6

Lake Phalen

April 18

April 5

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

26

80

30

70

Snowpack Depth Daily High Temperature

25

60

50 20 40

30

15

20

Snowpack Depth (inches)

Daily High Temperature (Degrees F)

Freezing Point

10 10

0 5 -10

-20

0 1/1

1/8

1/15

1/22

1/29

2/5

2/12

2/19

2/26 3/5 Date

3/12

3/19

3/26

4/2

4/9

4/16

4/23

4/30

Figure 4-4: Daily temperature highs and snowpack depths from January to April 2014 as observed at MSP (NWS, 2015).

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

28

5 CRWD LAKES RESULTS SUMMARY 5.1

OVERALL DISTRICT LAKES RESULTS

Table 5-1 shows the 2014 averages, historical averages, and lake standards for TP and Chl-a concentrations and Secchi depth for each lake. The data is shown graphically in Figures 5-1, 52, and 5-3. As stated in the methods, a lake is considered impaired if it does not meet the MPCA standard for TP and either Chl-a or Secchi disk depth. In 2014, Como Lake and Crosby Lake did not meet the standards. Little Crosby Lake, Loeb Lake, and Lake McCarrons all met the MPCA eutrophication standards. Crosby Lake, Little Crosby Lake, and Lake McCarrons all exhibited a decline in water quality compared to 2013. Como Lake showed slight improvements in water quality over 2013, while Loeb remained consistent with past years of stable water quality.

In 2014, CRWD determined lake grades for each of its lakes based on the lake grade system created by the Metropolitan Council (Table 5-2) (Osgood, 1989). Two out of the five CRWD lakes were given good grades, with Loeb Lake receiving the highest grade of ‘B+’ and McCarrons receiving the good grade of ‘B’. An average water quality grade of ‘C’ was given to Little Crosby Lake, whereas both Como and Crosby Lake received the lowest grade of ‘D+’. All five of the lakes were relatively close to their average historical grades in 2014, but there were no improvements for any of the lake grades compared to the historic average (Table 5-2). Crosby and Little Crosby both decreased by a full grade and Loeb decreased by half a grade point in 2014 compared to their historical average grade. Como Lake and Lake McCarrons received the same lake grade for 2014 compared to the historical average.

Table 5-1: CRWD 2014 average, historical average, and lake standards for TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth.

2014 Averages

Historical Averages

State Lake Standards

Lake

TP (µg/L)

Chl-a (µg/L)

Secchi (m)

TP (µg/L)

Chl-a (µg/L)

Secchi (m)

TP (µg/L)

Chl-a (µg/L)

Secchi (m)

Como

160

32.3

1.2

175

33.9

1.5

<60

<20

≥1.0

2.4

<60

<20

≥1.0

Crosby

211

21.0

1.6

71

10.2

Little Crosby

129

19.4

1.9

79

7.1

2.7

<60

<20

≥1.0

Loeb

29

6.0

2.7

29

5.9

3.3

<60

<20

≥1.0

McCarrons

33

8.9

2.7

34

9.8

2.9

<40

<14

≥1.4

Value does not meet the state standard Value meets the state standard

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

29

Table 5-2: CRWD 2014 and historical lake grades and averages for TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth.

Lake Como Crosby Little Crosby Loeb McCarrons

5.2

TP F F D B C

2014 Lake Grade Chl-a Secchi C C C C B C A B A B

2014 Average D+ D+ C B+ B

Historical Lake Grade TP Chl-a Secchi F C C D B B D A B B A A C A B

Historical Average D+ C+ B A B

SUMMARY OF INDIVIDUAL LAKES RESULTS

5.2.1 COMO LAKE

Como Lake has been monitored since 1984, so historical averages represent 30 years of data.

Como Lake degraded in water quality for all three of the eutrophication parameters in 2014 in comparison to the historical average (Figures 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3). Como Lake has historically not met shallow lake state standards for TP and Chl-a concentrations. This was the case in 2014 as well. Como Lake has historically met shallow lake state water quality standards for Secchi depth, and did once again in 2014.

5.2.2 CROSBY LAKE

Crosby Lake has been monitored since 1999, so historical averages represent 15 years of data.

Crosby Lake degraded in water quality for TP concentration and Chl-a concentration in 2014, and did not change for Secchi depth when compared to the historical average (Figures 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3). The 2014 average TP concentration (211 Âľg/L) was 197% higher than the historical average (71 Âľg/L). Crosby Lake has historically been impaired for TP concentration, which was also the case in 2014. Crosby Lake has historically met water quality standards for Chl-a concentration and Secchi depth, which was the case for Secchi depth, but not Chl-a concentrations in 2014. As a result, 2014 was the first year that Crosby Lake did not meet the MPCA state eutrophication standards, as it was the first time in the monitoring record that it did not meet both TP and Chl-a.

5.2.3 LITTLE CROSBY LAKE

Little Crosby Lake has been monitored since 2011, so historical averages represent only three years of data. In 2014, Little Crosby Lake degraded in water quality when compared to the historical averages for all three eutrophication parameters (Figures 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3). Little Crosby Lake has historically not met shallow lake standards for TP, but met standards for Chl-a and Secchi depth. This was the case as well for 2014.

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30

5.2.4 LOEB LAKE

Loeb Lake has been monitored annually since 2003, so historical averages represent 11 years of data. In 2014, Loeb Lake degraded in water quality when compared to the historical averages of all three water quality parameters, but only by slight amounts (Figures 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3). Loeb Lake has historically met all of the shallow lakes standards. Although the lake had poorer water quality in 2014 compared to previous years, the lake still met the eutrophication standards and exhibits the best water quality of any of the District Lakes.

5.2.5 LAKE MCCARRONS

Lake McCarrons has been monitored annually since 1988, so historical averages represent 26 years of data. When compared to the historical average, the lake improved for Chl-a, showed no change for TP, and degraded for Secchi depth for the 2014 monitoring year (Figures 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3). The historical averages, however, are skewed towards worse water quality as a result of including the years of monitoring data prior to the 2004 alum treatment in the average. Since the alum treatment occurred in 2004, 2014 showed the most degraded water quality values for all three parameters. Nevertheless, Lake McCarrons still met the all of the deep lake standards in 2014; the historical averages met all of the deep lake standards as well.

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31

250 Historical Average

2014

CRWD Historical Averages Como (1984 - 2013) McCarrons (1988 - 2013) Crosby (2005 - 2013) Loeb (2003 - 2013) Little Crosby (2011 - 2013)

200

Total Phosphorus Concentration (Âľg/L)

Shallow Lakes Standard Deep Lakes Standard

150

100

50

0 Como

Crosby

Little Crosby

Loeb

McCarrons

Figure 5-1: CRWD 2014 vs. historical average TP concentrations and lake standard comparisons.

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

32

40

Historical Average 35

CRWD Historical Averages Como (1984 - 2013) McCarrons (1988 - 2013) Crosby (2005 - 2013) Loeb (2003 - 2013) Little Crosby (2011 - 2013)

Shallow Lakes Standard Deep Lakes Standard

30 Chlorophyll-a Concentration (Âľg/L)

2014

25

20

15

10

5

0 Como

Crosby

Little Crosby

Loeb

McCarrons

Figure 5-2: CRWD 2014 vs. historical average Chl-a concentrations and lake standard comparisons.

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

33

Como

Crosby

Little Crosby

Loeb

McCarrons

0.0

0.4

0.8

Secchi Depth (m)

1.2

1.6

2.0

2.4

2.8

3.2

Historical Average

2014

CRWD Historical Averages Como (1984 - 2013) McCarrons (1988 - 2013) Crosby (2005 - 2013) Loeb (2003 - 2013) Little Crosby (2011 - 2013)

Shallow Lakes Standard Deep Lakes Standard 3.6

Figure 5-3: CRWD 2014 vs. historical average Secchi depths and lake standard comparisons.

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

34

Como Lake

6 COMO LAKE RESULTS 6.1

COMO LAKE BACKGROUND

Figure 6-1: View of the northwest shoreline of Como Lake.

Como Lake, a 70.5 acre shallow lake located in St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 348 acre Como Regional Park, is one of the most popular lakes in the area. In 2013, Como Regional Park was the second most frequently visited park in the Twin Cities Regional Parks System, with almost 4.5 million visits over the course of the year (MC, 2015a). The lake is frequented by residents and visitors who come for various forms of outdoor recreation, including running/walking and fishing. The lake does not offer swimming opportunities and only allows non-motorized cartop-carried boats and electric trolling motors on the lake for fishing/recreation purposes.

With a volume of 468.8 acre-ft, a littoral area that covers 100% of the lake, and a maximum depth at 15.5 ft, Como is a shallow urban lake (Table 6-1; Figure 6-2). Como Lake receives 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

35

Como Lake

water from the surrounding watershed (1,856 acres), which consists of runoff from primarily residential areas, as well as from Como Golf Course (Figure 6-3). Runoff from the residential areas is directed to the lake through a system of stormwater pipes located under the streets.

Located upstream of Como Lake, Gottfriedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pit receives drainage from Roseville, Falcon Heights, Ramsey County right-of-ways, and the City of St. Paul before being pumped into Como Lake. Water occasionally outflows from the lake at the southeast corner, discharging into the Trout Brook storm sewer system which is routed to the Mississippi River (CRWD, 2002). The shallow depth of the lake, coupled with the large nutrient inputs from upland runoff sources, has had significant negative impacts to the lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall health.

Table 6-1: Como Lake morphometric data.

Surface Area (acres)

Maximum Depth (ft)

Littoral Area

Volume (acre-ft)

Watershed Area (acres)

Watershed: Lake Area (ratio)

70.5

15.5

100%

469

1,856

26.3

Figure 6-2: Como Lake bathymetric map.

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

36

Como Lake

One of the largest problems Como Lake faces is the excessive amount of sediment entering the lake from construction, roads, and general erosion. This has led to the formation of sediment deltas near stormwater inlets to the lake, which reduces overall lake volume, increases water turbidity, and decreases habitat value for the lake’s fish populations. Sediment also provides a means by which other pollutants, including metals and hydrocarbons, can be transported to the lake. To address this problem, in 2001-2002, the lake was dredged to reduce the sediment deltas seen on the southwest side of the lake. This dredging reduced the amount of sediment that had accumulated in the lake and increased lake volume, giving the lake a higher capacity to absorb nutrient inflows.

In addition, low oxygen levels during winter months caused partial fish kills dating back to 1945, leading Ramsey County to install an aerator in 1985 (CRWD, 2002). Renovation and a complete restocking of the fish populations in the lake occurred in 1985 after installation of the aerator in an effort to improve water quality through biomanipulation. The original aerator was replaced in the winter of 2014-2015 by two floating aerators that improved the efficiency and breadth of aeration on the lake. Fish kills are now a rare occurrence in the lake, resulting only if there were to be equipment failure or an especially cold winter.

Various shoreline improvement projects have been completed on the lake since 2003 by the City of St. Paul and Ramsey Conservation District, with help from CRWD and other organizations.

These projects have stabilized the shoreline, reduced erosion, increased habitat for wildlife, replaced non-native invasive plants with native species and improved the aesthetics of the shoreline for visitors. Harvesting of aquatic plants has occurred at various times since the 1980s in order to enhance recreational opportunities.

Numerous BMPs have been installed by CRWD, the City of St. Paul, and others in the Como Lake subwatersheds to reduce pollutant loading to the lake. Starting in 2007, the ArlingtonPascal Stormwater Improvement Project was constructed upland of Como Lake in the Como 7 subwatershed, which consisted of a series of BMPs including raingardens, infiltration trenches, an underground facility, and stormwater ponds. Improvements in water quality have been measured in the lake since the completion of the project. More information about these BMPs may be found in the CRWD Stormwater BMP Performance Assessment and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CRWD, 2012b).

Despite this upland watershed restoration, Como Lake is still a hypereutrophic lake and was listed on the MPCA’s 2012 303(d) list of impaired waters (MPCA, 2012). It is currently listed on the MPCA’s 2014 303(d) proposed impaired waters list for chloride impairment (MPCA, 2015b). Como Lake was first listed in 1998 for mercury in fish tissue (TMDL plan approved in 2008) and in 2002 for nutrient/eutrophication biological indicators (TMDL plan approved in 2010) (MPCA, 2012). Odor problems due to end-of-summer algal blooms also continue to be a problem and have been recorded since 1945. It is hypothesized that the water quality (referring to the TP, Chl-a, and Secchi disk depth) in Como Lake displays a cyclical trend, fluctuating every five to six years between fair and poor water quality (Figure 6-7) (Noonan, 1998). This suggests that the interactions among the biological, chemical, and physical parameters of the lake need to be better understood in order to make informed management decisions to improve the lake’s health.

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

37

Como Lake

Figure 6-3: Como Lake and subwatershed boundary.

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

38

Como Lake

6.2

LAKE LEVEL

The level of Como Lake has fluctuated around the OHWL (881.4 ft) since monitoring of the lake level began in 1978 with a range of 4.3 ft, varying between 879.2 ft to 883.5 ft. The lowest of the range extremes occurred in June 1987, and the highest occurred in October of 2007 (Figure 6-4). The average level for 2014 was 881.35 ft indicating that, on average, normal fluctuations in water level were seen for the lake in 2014. Water level increased from January until the end of April, then fluctuated during the month of May before reaching the maximum level in June as a result of an intense mid-June storm (Figure 6-5). The level then decreased during a dry July, increased throughout August, and reached a fall peak level of 882.6 ft in mid-September following a key late-August storm. Lake levels then steadily decreased through the fall months (Figure 6-5).

884 Lake Elevation OHWL 883

Elevation (ft above mean sea level)

OHWL is 881.4 ft

882

881

880

879 1978

1982

1986

1990

1994

1998

2002

2006

2010

2014

Year

Figure 6-4: Como Lake historical lake elevations and the OHWL (DNR, 2015i).

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

39

Como Lake 884.5

0

884.0

1

Daily Precipitation Total 883.5

2

Lake Elevation

883.0

3

882.5

4 OHWL is 881.4 ft

882.0

5

881.5

6

881.0

7

880.5

Precipitation (inches)

Elevation (ft above mean sea level)

OHWL

8 Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr May May May May May May May May Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec

Jan

Month

Figure 6-5: Como Lake 2014 lake elevations, OHWL, and daily precipitation events (DNR, 2015i; MCWG, 2015b).

6.3

WATER QUALITY RESULTS

During 2014, Como Lake was sampled nine times from May 2 to October 20 (Figure 6-6). As in previous years, Como Lake was generally characterized by high TP and Chl-a concentrations, and low Secchi depths (Figure 6-7). Sampling shows that TP concentrations were lower in the epilimnion of the lake during the beginning of the season (early May to early August) than at the end of the season (late August to late October). The average TP concentration for the last three samples (272 µg/L) was 124% higher than the average of the first six samples (122 µg/L), indicating a strong decrease in water quality between the beginning and the end of the monitoring season.

Epilimnetic Chl-a concentrations and Secchi disk depth exhibited similar trends. For Chl-a, the average concentration of the final three samples (57.9 µg/L) was 190% higher than the average concentration of the first six samples collected (20.0 µg/L).

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

40

Como Lake

For Secchi disk depth, water transparency had severely diminished (reduced by 70%) during the final three visits (average depth of 0.4 m), compared with the first five visits when water transparency met the shallow lake standard (average depth of 1.4 m). During 2014, as in previous years, higher TP concentrations were generally correlated with higher Chl-a concentrations and lower Secchi depths. This suggests that phosphorus was a primary driver for water clarity in Como Lake during 2014.

Figure 6-7 shows average annual historical TP concentrations, Chl-a concentrations, and Secchi disk depths graphically. In general, Como Lake has seen overall improvements in water quality since monitoring began in 1984, though each parameter tends to fluctuate annually. It is hypothesized that the lake is cyclic in water quality and biological response, fluctuating between poor and fair water quality generally every five to six years (Figure 6-7) (Noonan, 1998).

The average annual TP concentration increased from 2009-2012, then decreased in 2013 and again in in 2014 (Figure 6-7). The average annual Chl-a concentration has remained relatively fixed over the last four years, with 2014 exhibiting the lowest annual average since 2009 (Figure 6-7). Average annual Secchi depth was at its deepest in recent years in 2008-2009, but become shallower until 2012 (Figure 6-7). Secchi disk depth appears to be improving in water quality, with the most recent two years exhibiting deeper average annual values with each successive year. Similar to the results from 2014, historical Secchi depth appears to be inversely proportional to TP concentration during the period of record for Como Lake, indicating that phosphorus has consistently been a primary driver for water clarity.

Yearly average historical TP concentrations, Chl-a concentrations, Secchi depths, and their comparisons to lake standards are shown in Table 6-2. Como Lake TP yearly average concentrations have exceeded the MPCA standards for all years of monitoring, including 2014.

Chl-a concentrations have also exceeded the standard for 2014 and the majority of years monitored. Conversely, almost 75% of the historical Secchi depth yearly averages met the standards. In 2014, CRWD issued a ‘D+’ grade for Como Lake based on the average eutrophication parameters, which was only a slight improvement over 2013 (Table 6-3). In other years, the lake mainly received grades of ‘C’ and ‘D’, with only two years in 1998 and 1999 receiving a ‘B’ grade.

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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Como Lake 2-May

19-May

10-Jun

27-Jun

11-Jul

4-Aug

25-Aug

0

15-Sep

20-Oct 400

350

300

Secchi Disk Depth (m)

2 250

3

200

150 4

100

Total Phosphorus and Chlorophyll-a Concentrations (Âľg/L)

1

5 50

6

0 Secchi

TP

Chl-a

Figure 6-6: Como Lake 2014 Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison.

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

42

Secchi Disk Depth (m)

Secchi TP

1 300

2 250

3 200

150

4 100

5 50

6

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

Total Phosphorus and Chlorophyll-a Concentrations (Âľg/L)

0

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

1991

1990

1989

1988

1987

1986

1985

1984

Como Lake

400

350

0

Chl-a

Figure 6-7: Como Lake historical annual average Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison.

43

Como Lake Table 6-2: Como Lake historical yearly TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth averages compared to shallow lake state standards.

Year

TP (µg/L)

Chl-a (µg/L)

Secchi (m)

1984

184

108.7

0.6

1985

243

104.4

0.4

1986

364

39.0

1.2

1987

133

7.8

2.7

1988

131

23.5

2.0

1989

146

22.7

2.0

1990

191

47.9

0.9

1991

236

43.9

0.8

1992

154

26.8

1.2

1993

103

21.2

2.2

1994

115

29.0

1.7

1995

250

50.0

1.4

1996

273

55.1

1.2

1997

139

35.9

1.2

1998

100

9.2

3.2

1999

117

11.0

3.2

2000

129

19.6

2.1

2001

324

36.5

1.2

2002

149

25.8

1.7

2003

171

20.8

1.1

2004

109

13.4

1.8

2005

167

26.7

1.3

2006

154

31.3

1.0

2007

116

25.4

1.1

2008

88

10.0

2.1

2009

95

8.8

2.0

2010

147

36.1

1.2

2011

221

36.2

2012

288

42.2

1.0 0.7

2013

215

49.4

0.8

160

32.3

1.2

2014

Value does not meet state standard* Value meets state standard *MPCA shallow lake standards are not to exceed 60 µg/L for TP and 20.0 µg/L for Chl-a, w ith a Secchi disk depth of at least 1.0 m.

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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Como Lake Table 6-3: Como Lake historical lake grades.

Year

TP Grade

Chl-a Grade

Secchi Grade

Overall Grade

1984

F

F

F

F

1985

F

F

F

F

1986

F

C

C

D+

1987

D

A

B

C+

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

D D F F F D D F F D D D D F D F D F F D D D D F F F F

C C C C C C C D D C A B B C C C B C C C A A C C C D C

C C D D C C C C D D A A C D C D C C D D C C C D D D C

C C D D D+ C C D D D+ B B C D C D C D+ D D+ C+ C+ C D D D D+

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

45

Como Lake

6.4

PHYTOPLANKTON AND ZOOPLANKTON

During 2014, Como Lake was sampled for phytoplankton and zooplankton eight and nine times, respectively, from May 2 to October 20. In 2014, two main species dominated the phytoplankton community: Chlorophyta (green algae) from May to mid-June, replaced by Cyanophyta (blue-green algae) from mid-June through the remainder of the growing season (Figure 6-10). The species dominance of green and blue-green algae was attributed to the steady increase in TP during the same time period (Figure 6-8) (Kalff, 2002). Overall phytoplankton concentrations decreased from June through the beginning of August, and then increased to a final peak in mid-September.

Zooplankton communities in Como Lake were mainly dominated by Rotifers during the month of May, with smaller numbers of Cyclopoids, Nauplii, and Cladocerans observed as well (Figure 6-11). Cladocerans dominated from May through the end of the monitoring season at the end of September. Cladocerans, including the genus Daphnia, are important filter feeders in lake environments. Populations of calanoids were only observed in moderate numbers from modJuly through mid-September. Overall zooplankton density peaked in late June, was at its lowest at the beginning of August, and then increased again in mid-September, reaching its highest for the year at the end of the growing season in late October (Figure 6-9).

Total zooplankton concentration followed a similar overall yearly trend to phytoplankton, with populations increasing and decreasing roughly 1.5 months following any phytoplankton high and low concentrations (Figures 6-8 and 6-9).

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Como Lake 12

300 Total Phytoplankton Concentration

10

250

8

200

6

150

4

100

2

50

0

Total Phosporus Concentration (Âľg/L)

Total Phytoplankton Concentration (1,000/mL)

TP

0 May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 6-8: Como Lake 2014 total phytoplankton concentration and TP concentration.

350

80 Total Zooplankton Density Chl-a 70

300

50 200 40 150 30

Chlorophyll-a Concentration (Âľg/L)

Total Zooplankton Density (1,000/m^3)

60 250

100 20

50

10

0

0 May

Jun

Jul

Aug Month

Sep

Oct

Figure 6-9: Como Lake 2014 total zooplankton density and Chl-a concentration.

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Como Lake 100%

90%

Phytoplankton Relative Abundance

80%

70%

60% Pyrrhophyta Euglenophyta Cyanophyta

50%

Cryptophyta Chrysophyta 40%

Chlorophyta Bacillariophyta

30%

20%

10%

0% May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 6-10: Como Lake 2014 phytoplankton relative abundance.

100%

90%

80%

Zooplankton Relative Abundance

70%

60% Cladocera

Rotifera

50%

Nauplii Calanoida 40%

Cyclopoida

30%

20%

10%

0% May

Jun

Jul

Aug Month

Sep

Oct

Figure 6-11: Como Lake 2014 zooplankton relative abundance.

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Como Lake

6.5

AQUATIC VEGETATION

6.5.1 BIOVOLUME ANALYSIS

As shown by the biovolume heat maps of seasonal vegetation changes in Como Lake, the majority of the lake vegetation in 2014 was observed along the shoreline (Figure 6-12). Overall, Como Lake exhibited extensive aquatic vegetation growth in June and July, with decreasing plant coverage observed in late August with spots of heavy growth occurring off the shoreline.

Aquatic plants stabilize bottom sediment which prevents re-suspension of sediments that decreases water clarity (DNR, 2015h). Aquatic plants also intake nutrients for growth, making those nutrients unavailable for use by algae, which reduces algal overabundance and improves water quality.

6.5.2 POINT-INTERCEPT SURVEYS

In June of 2014, plant species observed in Como Lake were curly-leaf pondweed, Canada waterweed, sago pondweed, filamentous algae, coontail, and muskgrass (Figure 6-13). The species occurring at the most locations throughout the lake in July was Canada waterweed, with curly-leaf pondweed, filamentous algae, coontail, and flatstem pondweed all occurring at less than 50% of locations surveyed. By the end of August, Canada waterweed increased in abundance to over 90% of survey locations, followed by filamentous algae which occurred at almost 65% of locations. Coontail, lesser duckweed, leafy pondweed, and blue-green algae were also observed in August but to lesser extents. All species throughout the summer received below average abundance rankings, indicating that where species were observed, none were overly abundant (Figure 6-14). The presence of Eurasian watermilfoil has not yet been observed in Como Lake. In general, observing Canada waterweed throughout the course of the growing season at higher percent occurrences is good overall for the health of the lake, as it is a native plant, a good producer of oxygen, and has a good structure for providing habitat to small aquatic organisms (DNR, 2015b).

During the late-August survey, blue-green algae was observed at roughly 6% of surveyed locations with a low abundance ranking (Figures 6-13 and 6-14). While not overly abundant, the observance of this species is still a high concern. While not always toxic, blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can be harmful to humans and animals at high levels during blooms, which can occur during late summer when water temperatures are high and water clarity is very low (MPCA, 2015a). This bloom was also observed during a routine staff visit in mid-September.

Phytoplankton data from 2014 (Figures 6-8 and 6-10) corroborate this observation.

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Como Lake

Figure 6-12: Como Lake 2014 seasonal vegetation changes (6/13/14, 7/23/14, 8/28/14).

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50

Como Lake

100 06/13/2014 07/23/2014 08/28/2014

Percent Occurrence

80

60

40

20

0

Figure 6-13: Como Lake 2014 percent occurrence of vegetation present.

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Como Lake 5

06/13/2014 07/23/2014 08/28/2014

Average Abundance Ranking

4

3

2

1

0

Figure 6-14: Como Lake 2014 average abundance ranking of vegetation present.

6.6

FISH STOCKING AND SURVEYS

While fish stocking in Como Lake has historically focused on bluegill and channel catfish because they are primary management species for the lake, walleye were the main species stocked in 2014 (Table 6-4). Como Lake is part of the Minnesota DNR’s “Fishing in the Neighborhood” program, which increases angling opportunities for residents in urban environments, encourages environmental stewardship, and improves knowledge of natural resources (DNR, 2015g). Therefore, these lakes are generally stocked with fish that are better for general angling activities.

In the 2014 fish survey (conducted by CRWD) of Como Lake, the most prevalent fish found were black crappie, which was similar to the previous survey completed in 2011 (Table 6-5) (Appendix A). Additional information regarding the 2014 survey and comparisons to the 2011 survey can be found in Appendix A: 2014 Fish Surveys – Como and Little Crosby Lakes. In addition to black crappie, a wide variety of panfish were present in the lake, including bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, and yellow perch. Also similar to the 2011 survey, a few kinds of piscivorous fish were identified in the 2014 survey, with small populations of northern pike and 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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Como Lake

walleye observed. The northern pike surveyed in both years were relatively large given the size and type of the lake (Appendix A). Although largemouth bass were stocked in the lake in 2007 and 2014, no fish of this species were found in the current yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s survey. This is not unusual given that they were not stocked in large amounts. The next survey date by the Minnesota DNR for Como Lake is set for 2016, but CRWD plans on resurveying the lake in 2015.

Table 6-4: Como Lake historical record of fish stocking.

Year

Bluegill Adult

Channel catfish

Largemouth bass

Adult

Yearling

Adult

130

8

2014

Yearling

Walleye Fry

Yearling

71,000

2013

Yellow perch Fingerling

Adult

4,108

1211

Yearling

486

2011 24

2010

124

3900

91

3900

3593 4

3457

2009 2008 2007

284

2006

1384

155

4502

150

3864

816 179

1200

414

2005 2004

959

Table 6-5: Como Lake 2014 fish populations.

Species

Number of fish caught in each category (inches)

Total

0-5

6-8

9-11

12-14

15-19

20-24

25-29

30+

Black bullhead

0

0

13

1

0

0

0

0

14

Black crappie

2

119

0

0

0

0

0

0

121

Bluegill

2

4

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

Channel catfish

0

0

1

1

1

0

0

0

3

Golden shiner

1

17

0

0

0

0

0

0

18

Northern pike

0

1

2

0

0

3

7

2

15

Pumpkinseed sunfish

4

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

Walleye

0

0

0

0

5

1

0

0

6

Yellow perch

0

10

3

0

0

0

0

0

13

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Como Lake

6.7

OVERALL LAKE EVALUATION

Como Lake experiences a cyclic variation in water quality and biological response, fluctuating between poor and fair water quality generally every five to six years (Noonan, 1998). The period of record indicates that phosphorus has consistently been a primary driver for water clarity. It has historically received lower lake grades (including in 2014 when the lake received a â&#x20AC;&#x153;D+â&#x20AC;? grade), indicating lower user quality. The lake generally supports a fair variety of fish and contains a moderate amount of aquatic vegetation. In 2014, Como Lake showed improvement in water quality from 2013, exhibiting lower TP and Chl-a annual averages, and a deeper average Secchi disk depth. Even with these improvements, however, neither TP nor Chl-a met the MPCA state eutrophication standards.

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Crosby Lake

7 CROSBY LAKE RESULTS 7.1

CROSBY LAKE BACKGROUND

Figure 7-1: View of the southwest shoreline of Crosby Lake.

Crosby Lake is situated within Crosby Farm Regional Park in Saint Paul and is also a part of the National Park Serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (CRWD, 2012a). The park itself is 736 acres and consists of floodplain and bluff areas. It offers various outdoor activities for fishing, canoeing, walking, hiking and winter cross-country skiing. The park has diverse wetland and forest habitats that support a large variety of plants, trees, and wildlife.

Crosby Lake is 45 acres and has a maximum depth of 17 ft with a 100% littoral area (Table 7-1; Figure 7-2). It is located in the floodplain area of the park between a large bluff and the main channel of the Mississippi River.

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Crosby Lake Table 7-1: Crosby Lake morphometric data.

Surface Area (acres)

Maximum Depth (ft)

Littoral Area

Volume (acre-ft)

Watershed Area (acres)

Watershed: Lake Area (ratio)

45.0

17.0

100%

130

197

4.4

Figure 7-2: Crosby Lake bathymetric map.

Crosby Lake has a relatively small watershed area of only 197 acres (Table 7-1; Figure 7-3).

Water flows into the lake during high water periods from wetlands on the east and north sides via culverts. Seepage from the base of the bluff (consisting of sandstone and limestone) is also an input to Crosby Lake. The major groundwater input to the lake comes from the St. Peter aquifer to the west.

CRWD developed a lake management plan for Crosby Lake that assessed the current condition of the Lake and characteristics of its watershed, identified the issues of greatest concern, and 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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Crosby Lake

established management goals and an implementation plan for addressing identified issues (CRWD, 2012a). A key piece of understanding that came out of the plan was the interaction between Crosby Lake and the Mississippi River. As Crosby Lake sits within the floodplain of the Mississippi River, it is intermittently flooded during periods of high water. The normal water level (or ordinary water level) of the lake is 694 ft. The normal pool elevation of the river is 687 ft (CRWD, 2012a). Therefore, under normal, non-flood conditions, groundwater flows from the lake to the river. The lake does not normally directly output to the river. Under high water conditions, however, the river will overflow to the lake near the northeast corner.

CRWD determined that a 49,000 cfs flow (equivalent of a stage of 697 ft) would cause an exchange between the river and the lake to occur, equating to a 3-year storm event, meaning that this has a 33% chance of occurring each year (CRWD, 2012a). Looking at the historical record since 1982, only 2.5% of recorded river flows have been high enough for an exchange to occur.

Table 7-1 shows the number of days the Mississippi River interacted with Crosby Lake during the historical monitoring period for the lake. During these exchanges, the water bodies interchange not only water, but nutrients, other pollutants, and biological organisms contained within.

Table 7-2: Historical record of Mississippi River interaction with Crosby Lake.

Year

Number of Days Mississippi River Interacts with Crosby Lake

1999

14

2000

0

2001

63

2002

0

2003

0

2004

0

2005

0

2006

19

2007

0

2008

0

2009

15

2010

36

2011

103

2012

10

2013

13

2014

50

Since the start of development of the Crosby Lake Management Plan, a number of water quality improvement projects have been implemented by CRWD, the City of Saint Paul and others to reduce stormwater runoff to Crosby Lake. In 2010, the City of Saint Paul installed filtration swales as part of the reconstruction of the Samuel Morgan pedestrian and bikeway trails along Shepard Road. CRWD provided the City of Saint Paul a grant in 2012 for the installation of a 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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Crosby Lake

rain garden and swale during the reconstruction of the east end parking lot in Crosby Farm Regional Park. In addition, CRWD supports the Friends of Mississippi Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to restore the native prairie areas in Crosby Farm Regional Park. Lastly, as part of the reconstruction of the Madison-Benson Streets area near Crosby Lake in 2013, the City of Saint Paul constructed boulevard tree trench systems and rain gardens to treat street and sidewalk runoff.

Management efforts need to take into account the dynamic relationship between the lake and the river. Although water quality has been good in the past, with TP concentrations below the state standards, recent years have shown increasing TP concentrations that have surpassed the standard (Figure 7-7; Table 7-3). The source of these high nutrient concentrations could be from high flow periods of the Mississippi river where large sediment loads enter the lake. For example, the lake was inundated by the river for 103 days in 2011 (CRWD, 2012a). Water quality data observed in the years following the inundation showed average TP concentrations well above the normal historical values (Figure 7-7; Table 7-3). From a management perspective, this relationship could make it hard to control and improve Crosby Lake water quality in the long-term.

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Crosby Lake

Figure 7-3: Crosby and Little Crosby Lakes and subwatershed boundary.

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Crosby Lake

7.2

LAKE LEVEL

There is no historical lake level data for Crosby Lake from the Minnesota DNR, so CRWD began monitoring Crosby Lake level in 2014. Figure 7-4 shows the fluctuation in Crosby Lake level in 2014, which is greatly influenced by flooding from the Mississippi River. Given that a flow of 49,000 cfs is the threshold at which the river and lake interact, Figure 7-5 shows the river flow for 2014 that caused inundation during the year. In 2014, which had an especially wet spring, the lake was inundated by the river for a total of 50 days from May 1 to May 21, and from June 3 to July 11 (Table 7-2).

1.2

1

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0 Jun-14 Jun-14 Jun-14 Jun-14

Jul-14

Jul-14

Jul-14

Jul-14

Jul-14 Aug-14 Aug-14 Aug-14 Aug-14 Sep-14 Sep-14 Sep-14 Sep-14 Oct-14 Oct-14 Oct-14

Figure 7-4: Crosby Lake 2014 lake elevations and daily precipitation events (MCWG, 2015b).

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Crosby Lake 120,000 Non-Inundation Flow

110,000

Inundation Flow Flooding Threshold Flow

100,000

90,000

River Flow (cfs)

80,000

70,000

60,000

50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

10,000

0

Date

Figure 7-5: Mississippi River 2014 non-inundation, inundation, and flooding threshold flow to Crosby Lake (USGS, 2015).

7.3

WATER QUALITY RESULTS

Crosby Lake was sampled seven times during 2014, from May 13 to October 16 (Figure 7-6).

As in previous years, Crosby Lake was characterized by high TP concentrations, but moderate Chl-a concentrations and Secchi depths (Figure 7-6). Samples show TP concentrations in the lake exceeded state standards throughout the monitoring season but were lowest at the beginning of the season (May 13 and June 5) with an average of 71 Âľg/L. The five samples for the remainder of the season collected July 30 to October 16 averaged 260 Âľg/L; 267% higher than the beginning-of-the-season average.

Epilimnetic Chl-a concentrations varied throughout the year, with a peak in early September; but the levels were above the state standard from August 14 through October 16 (Figure 7-6).

During 2014, fluctuations in Chl-a concentration were not generally associated with fluctuations in TP concentration, indicating that there could be other drivers of algae growth in the lake.

Water transparency peaked on June 5 (exhibiting a Secchi depth of 3.9 m), decreased drastically

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Crosby Lake

by the end of July, and increased gradually until the end of the growing season (with a Secchi depth average of 1.6 m) (Figure 7-6).

Figure 7-7 shows yearly average historical TP concentrations, Chl-a concentrations, and Secchi disk depths graphically. Crosby Lake has been characterized by high epilimnetic TP concentrations over the last five years. The average TP concentration from 1999-2009 was 53.2 µg/L, while the average TP concentration from 2010-2014 was 138.0 µg/L, a 159% increase from the previous time period. This corresponded to longer flooding events from the Mississippi River during each of these years (Table 7-2).

Chlorophyll-a concentrations have exhibited higher trends since 2007, and do not appear to follow historical TP trends (Figure 7-7). However, the data suggests that water clarity is principally affected by Chl-a concentration during the period of record. In the first year Crosby Lake was monitored (1999) the Secchi depth average was the deepest on record at 3.8 m. Since then, Secchi depths have fluctuated annually but have generally decreased as Chl-a concentrations increased. It is noteworthy that despite a record TP concentration average in 2012, the yearly average Chl-a concentration and Secchi depths were similar to historical values (years with lower TP concentrations).

Yearly average historical TP concentrations, Chl-a concentrations, Secchi depths, and their comparisons to lake standards are shown in Table 7-3. Historically, Crosby Lake has met the standards for Chl-a and Secchi depth, with only three years exceeding TP standards from 19992009 (Table 7-3). Since 2010, however, it has consistently exceeded the standards for TP, and in 2014, Chl-a did not meet the standard for the first time in the monitoring record. In 2014, Crosby Lake received a grade of “D+”, the lowest ranking grade on record (Table 7-4). Based on historical lake grades, the water quality in Crosby Lake has been consistently decreasing over the last 16 years. While all water quality parameters have been degrading, the most notable has been the steadily increasing TP concentration.

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Crosby Lake 13-May

5-Jun

30-Jul

14-Aug

9-Sep

25-Sep

16-Oct

0

1

250

Secchi Disk Depth (m)

2

200

3 150

4 100

5

Total Phosphorus and Chlorophyll-a Concentrations (Âľg/L)

300

50

6

0 Secchi

TP

Chl-a

Figure 7-6: Crosby Lake 2014 Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison.

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63

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

Crosby Lake

0

200

150

Secchi Disk Depth (m)

2

3 100

4

50 5

6

Total Phosphorus and Chlorophyll-a Concentrations (Âľg/L)

1

0

Secchi

TP

Chl-a

Figure 7-7: Crosby Lake historical annual average Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison.

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64

Crosby Lake Table 7-3: Crosby Lake historical yearly TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth averages compared to shallow lake state standards.

Year

TP (µg/L)

Chl-a (µg/L)

Secchi (m)

1999

32

3.0

3.8

2000

38

9.6

2.6

2001

78

7.0

2.3

2002

87

2.9

2.6

2003

47

2.2

3.1

2004

51

3.7

3.4

2005

54

3.2

3.2

2006

64

6.5

2.1

2007

44

16.3

2.1

2008

43

17.0

1.9

2009

48

12.0

2.0

2010

97

19.7

1.4

2011

132

17.8

1.3

2012

139

13.5

2.0

2013

111

18.4

1.6

2014

211

21.0

1.6

Value does not meet state standard* Value meets state standard *MPCA shallow lake standards are not to exceed 60 µg/L for TP and 20.0 µg/L for Chl-a, w ith a Secchi disk depth of at least 1.0 m.

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Crosby Lake Table 7-4: Crosby Lake historical lake grades.

Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

7.4

TP Grade B C D D C C C C C C C D D D D F

Chl-a Grade A A A A A A A A B B B B B B B C

Secchi Grade A B B B A A A C C C C C C C C C

Overall Grade A B B B B+ B+ B+ B C+ C+ C+ C C C C D+

PHYTOPLANKTON AND ZOOPLANKTON

Crosby Lake was sampled for phytoplankton and zooplankton seven times during 2014 from May 13 to October 16. There was a diverse phytoplankton community observed throughout the year (Figure 7-10). Generally, populations of Euglenophyta dominated from mid-May to midJune, populations of Chlorophyta dominated from June through mid-August, and populations of Cryptophyta dominated from mid-August through the end of the year, with a small bloom of Chrysophyta in mid-September. Total concentration of phytoplankton peaked at the end of August, which lagged roughly one month behind the peak in zooplankton concentration in midJuly (Figures 7-8 and 7-9). Total phytoplankton concentration generally did not follow the TP concentration pattern during 2014 (Figure 7-8).

Cladoceran (important lake filter-feeders including the order Daphnia) populations were the most prominent zooplankton type during the entire monitoring season (Figure 7-11).

Populations of Cyclopoids and Nauplii were observed throughout the year, with a small bloom of Rotifers at the beginning of August. Overall zooplankton concentration increased steadily to a peak in late July, then steadily decreased throughout the end of the year, and generally did not follow the Chl-a concentration pattern during 2014 (Figure 7-9).

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Crosby Lake 6

350 Total Phytoplankton Concentration TP 300

250

4

200 3 150

2

Total Phosporus Concentration (Âľg/L)

Total Phytoplankton Concentration (1,000/mL)

5

100

1

50

0

0 May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 7-8: Crosby Lake 2014 total phytoplankton concentration and TP concentration.

250

50

Total Zooplankton Density

45

Chl-a

40

35

150

30

25

100

20

Chlorophyll-a Concentration (Âľg/L)

Total Zooplankton Density (1,000/m^3)

200

15

50

10

5

0

0 May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 7-9: Crosby Lake 2014 total zooplankton density and Chl-a concentration.

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67

Crosby Lake 100%

90%

Phytoplankton Relative Abundance

80%

70%

60% Pyrrhophyta Euglenophyta Cyanophyta

50%

Cryptophyta Chrysophyta 40%

Chlorophyta Bacillariophyta

30%

20%

10%

0% May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 7-10: Crosby Lake 2014 phytoplankton relative abundance.

100%

90%

80%

Zooplankton Relative Abundance

70%

60% Cladocera

Rotifera

50%

Nauplii Calanoida 40%

Cyclopoida

30%

20%

10%

0% May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 7-11: Crosby Lake 2014 zooplankton relative abundance.

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Crosby Lake

7.5

AQUATIC VEGETATION

7.5.1 BIOVOLUME ANALYSIS

As viewed in the biovolume heat maps of vegetation for Crosby Lake (Figure 7-9), aquatic vegetation makes up a majority of the lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water column. Higher vegetation areas are denoted with red, where no vegetation is shown as blue) (Figure 7-12). There is a small increase in vegetation coverage from late July to mid-September.

Figure 7-12: Crosby Lake 2014 seasonal vegetation changes (7/24/14 and 9/16/14)

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Crosby Lake

7.5.2 POINT-INTERCEPT SURVEYS

In July, dominant vegetation species on Crosby Lake included white water lily, coontail, lesser duckweed, star duckweed, and filamentous algae, all of which were observed at mid-to-high percent occurrences and receiving average abundance rankings (Figures 7-13 and 7-14). By September, the most abundant species had reduced to white water lily and coontail, at 64% and 82% respectively. These two plant species were observed at high abundance during both surveys, making them the most dominant plant species in the lake. There were 11 different plant species observed in the lake throughout the summer.

The presence of Eurasian watermilfoil has not yet been observed in Crosby Lake. However, curly-leaf pondweed appeared for the first time in the 2013 survey, and was again observed in 2014. While it was not found at many locations in the lake in 2014 (Figure 7-13) and was not overly abundant at the locations in which it was found (Figure 7-14), this is still an undesirable species to see emerge. Curly-leaf pondweed is a non-native invasive species. It causes problems by displacing other native plants and forming thick mats on the surface of a lake that disrupt boating and recreation (DNR, 2005). In addition, when the plants die back in midsummer, the resulting increase in phosphorus from the decomposing plant material causes disruptive algal blooms (DNR, 2005).

100 07/24/2014 09/16/2014

Percent Occurrence

80

60

40

20

0

Figure 7-13: Crosby Lake 2014 percent occurrence of vegetation present.

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70

Crosby Lake 5 07/24/2014 09/16/2014

Average Abundance Ranking

4

3

2

1

0

Figure 7-14: Crosby Lake 2014 average abundance ranking of vegetation present.

7.6

FISH STOCKING AND SURVEYS

The last survey of fish populations in Crosby Lake was completed in 2014 by the Minnesota DNR (Table 7-5). The DNR does not stock this lake, so populations observed are naturally present in the lake and are influenced by overflow from the Mississippi River during high water levels. The largest population of fish observed in 2014 were black bullhead and bluegills, followed by hybrid sunfish and white crappie. This indicates that a majority of the fish in Crosby Lake are planktivorous panfish. Northern pike were observed, but not in high abundance. Dogfish, common carp, golden shiner, and white sucker were also found in low abundance in Crosby Lake during the 2014 survey. Crosby Lake is scheduled to be surveyed again in the summer of 2015 by CRWD.

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Crosby Lake

Table 7-5: Crosby Lake 2014 fish populations.

Species

Number of fish caught in each category (inches)

Total

0-5

6-8

9-11

12-14

15-19

20-24

25-29

30+

Black bullhead

11

27

18

1

0

0

0

0

57

Bluegill

45

12

0

0

0

0

0

0

57

Bowfin (Dogfish) Common carp

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

Golden shiner

3

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

Hybrid sunfish Largemouth bass

9

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

11

1

0

0

3

0

0

0

0

4

Northern pike

0

0

2

0

1

0

0

0

3

White crappie

10

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

11

Yellow perch

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

7.7

OVERALL LAKE EVALUATION

In 2014, Crosby Lake showed the highest average annual TP value on record, while exhibiting similar Chl-a concentration and Secchi Disk depth to previous years. This suggests that factors in addition to phosphorus could be contributing to algal growth and changes in water transparency in Crosby Lake. Crosby Lake was inundated by the Mississippi River for 50 days in 2014 during spring flooding. Though it declined in 2014 to a â&#x20AC;&#x153;D+â&#x20AC;?, Crosby Lake has historically received average lake grades, indicating that it generally has average water quality.

The lake contained extensive vegetation during the 2014 surveys and average populations of planktivorous fish.

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8 LITTLE CROSBY LAKE RESULTS 8.1

LITTLE CROSBY LAKE BACKGROUND

Figure 8-1: View of the south shoreline of Little Crosby Lake.

Little Crosby Lake is 8 acres with an average depth of 7 ft and a maximum depth of 34 ft. Little Crosby Lake is a shallow lake with a littoral area of 88% and has a small watershed area of only 37 acres (Table 8-1). Little Crosby Lake is connected to Crosby Lake through a marsh/bog area 825 ft long. For information on Little Crosby Lake Background, see Crosby Lake Background (page 55).

Table 8-1: Little Crosby Lake morphometric data.

Surface Area (acres)

Maximum Depth (ft)

Littoral Area

Volume (acre-ft)

Watershed Area (acres)

Watershed: Lake Area (ratio)

8.0

34.0

88%

59

37

4.6

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Little Crosby Lake has only been monitored since 2011. In the past four years of monitoring for TP, it exceeded the state standards for all four years (Table 8-2). The source of these high nutrient concentrations could be from high flow periods of the river, bringing large sediment loads into the lake. Little Crosby Lake was inundated by spring flooding of the Mississippi River for 50 days during 2014 (Table 7-2; Figure 7-5).

8.2

LAKE LEVEL

There is no historical lake level data for Little Crosby Lake from the Minnesota DNR. CRWD began monitoring Crosby Lake level in 2014. General trends in lake level can be seen by looking at Crosby Lake level (Figure 7-4), as these two bodies of water are hydrologically connected.

8.3

WATER QUALITY RESULTS

Little Crosby Lake was sampled seven times in 2014, from May 13 to October 16 (Figure 8-2).

As in the previous three years, Little Crosby Lake exhibited high TP concentrations in 2014 (the highest observed since monitoring began in 2011), but these TP concentrations are much lower in comparison to Como and Crosby Lakes. In 2014, it had higher Chl-a concentrations and shallower Secchi depths than previous years, but still met state standards. Samples show epilimnetic TP concentrations peaked in late July roughly two weeks after the end of the period of flooding (June 3-July 11), and generally decreased through the end of the monitoring season.

The Chl-a concentration peaked early to mid-September and decreased though the end of the season (Figure 8-2). Water clarity did not show any strong trends, but always met the state standard. During 2014, the August peak in Chl-a lagged the July peak in TP by approximately one month. In addition, higher Chl-a concentrations were generally associated with shallower Secchi depths in 2014.

Figure 8-3 shows yearly average historical TP concentrations, Chl-a concentrations, and Secchi disk depths graphically. Little Crosby Lake had improved with respect to TP and Chl-a concentrations between each year for the first three years of monitoring, but saw higher concentrations for TP and Chl-a and shallower Secchi depths for 2014 than any other year.

Throughout the last four years, high water transparency has been associated with lower TP and Chl-a concentrations.

Yearly average historical TP concentrations, Chl-a concentrations, Secchi depths, and their comparisons to lake standards are shown in Table 8-2. Little Crosby Lake TP concentrations exceeded the MPCA standards from 2011-2014, while Chl-a and Secchi depth both met the lake standards. The overall lake grade was reduced to a ‘C’ after receiving a ‘B+’ grade in both 2012 and 2013. Little Crosby received grades of ‘A’ for both Chl-a and Secchi depth in 2012 and 2013, but as a result of an average TP grade, received an overall grade of ‘B+’ for these years (Table 8-3). Little Crosby Lake exhibited moderate water quality for the years monitored. In the future, a larger data set with more monitoring seasons will provide better information to interpret trends in water quality.

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Little Crosby Lake 13-May

5-Jun

30-Jul

14-Aug

9-Sep

0

25-Sep

16-Oct 200

180

160

140

Secchi Disk Depth (m)

2 120

3

100

80 4 60

40

Total Phosphorus and Chlorophyll-a Concentrations (Âľg/L)

1

5 20

6

0 Secchi

TP

Chl-a

Figure 8-2: Little Crosby Lake 2014 Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison.

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75

0

2014

2013

2012

2011

Little Crosby Lake

140

120

100

Secchi Disk Depth (m)

2

80 3 60

4 40

5 20

6

Total Phosphorus and Chlorophyll-a Concentrations (Âľg/L)

1

0 Secchi

TP

Chl-a

Figure 8-3: Little Crosby Lake historical annual average Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison.

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Little Crosby Lake Table 8-2: Little Crosby Lake historical yearly TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth averages compared to shallow lake state standards.

Year

TP (µg/L)

Chl-a (µg/L)

Secchi (m)

2011

110.1

11.4

2.0

2012

65.1

5.0

3.1

2013

62.6

4.9

3.0

2014

128.6

19.4

1.9

Value does not meet state standard* Value meets state standard *MPCA shallow lake standards are not to exceed 60 µg/L for TP and 20.0 µg/L for Chl-a, w ith a Secchi disk depth of at least 1.0 m.

Table 8-3: Little Crosby Lake historical lake grades.

Year

TP Grade

Chl-a Grade

Secchi Grade

Overall Grade

2011 2012 2013 2014

D C C D

B A A B

C A A C

C B+ B+ C

8.4

PHYTOPLANKTON AND ZOOPLANKTON

Little Crosby Lake was sampled for phytoplankton and zooplankton seven times in 2014, from May 13 to October 16. Chlorophyta were the dominant type of phytoplankton during the months of May and June in Little Crosby Lake, and was a consistent population throughout the year (Figure 8-6). Chlorophyta commonly occurs in smaller ponds, giving the water a grass-green color (Kalff, 2002). From June until the end of the season, however, phytoplankton populations varied between all listed species. There are increases of Bacillariophyta at the beginning of August and Chrysophyta at the end of August. Overall, the levels of Cyanophyta (blue-green algae) are low throughout the year. The increase in phytoplankton concentration observed at the end of September corresponds to a decrease in zooplankton concentration at the same time (Figures 8-4 and 8-5). Total phytoplankton concentrations were high at the beginning and end of the season, but stayed low between June and September. TP concentration throughout the year was generally a poor predictor of the total phytoplankton concentration (Figure 8-4).

Cyclopoids were the dominant species at the beginning of the monitoring season at Little Crosby Lake (Figure 8-7). Cladoceran (important lake filter-feeders including the order Daphnia) populations were the most prominent zooplankton type from the end of May through the rest of the monitoring season. Populations of Nauplii and Rotifers were also more prominent during July, August, and September, while Calanoids were barely observed in June only. Density steadily increased throughout the year and peaked in the middle of September, closely following Chl-a concentration during the year (Figure 8-5).

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Little Crosby Lake 8

250 Total Phytoplankton Concentration TP

7

5 150

4

100 3

Total Phosporus Concentration (Âľg/L)

Total Phytoplankton Concentration (1,000/mL)

200 6

2 50 1

0

0 May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 8-4: Little Crosby Lake 2014 total phytoplankton concentration and TP concentration.

300

40

Total Zooplankton Density Chl-a

35

250

200 25

150

20

15 100

Chlorophyll-a Concentration (Âľg/L)

Total Zooplankton Density (1,000/m^3)

30

10

50 5

0

0 May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 8-5: Little Crosby Lake 2014 total zooplankton density and Chl-a concentration.

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Little Crosby Lake 100%

90%

Phytoplankton Relative Abundance

80%

70%

60%

Pyrrhophyta Euglenophyta Cyanophyta

50%

Cryptophyta Chrysophyta 40%

Chlorophyta Bacillariophyta

30%

20%

10%

0% May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 8-6: Little Crosby Lake 2014 phytoplankton relative abundance.

100%

90%

80%

Zooplankton Relative Abundance

70%

60% Cladocera Rotifera

50%

Nauplii Calanoida 40%

Cyclopoida

30%

20%

10%

0% May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 8-7: Little Crosby Lake 2014 zooplankton relative abundance.

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Little Crosby Lake

8.5

AQUATIC VEGETATION

8.5.1 BIOVOLUME ANALYSIS

As viewed in Figure 8-8, the majority of Little Crosby Lake contains aquatic vegetation, with this vegetation consuming the full water column in almost all locations where vegetation is observed. Throughout the lake, vegetation generally occurs where lake depth is less than 5 ft.

Vegetation stayed consistent between the July and September survey dates.

Figure 8-8: Little Crosby Lake 2014 seasonal vegetation changes (7/29/14 and 9/16/14).

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Little Crosby Lake

8.5.2 POINT-INTERCEPT SURVEYS

In 2014, Little Crosby Lake had an aquatic vegetation community consisting of eight different species of plants observed in late summer, decreasing to five species in mid-September (Figure 8-9 and 8-10). Filamentous algae, slender naiad, and sago pondweed were the highest occurring species on the lake in July (all observed at 67% of locations), transitioning to coontail (observed at 100% of locations) in mid-September. At all locations where vegetation was observed, filamentous algae, slender naiad and coontail were the most abundant in July, with flatstem pondweed, slender naiad and coontail exhibiting the most prominence in September.

Curly-leaf pondweed, a non-native invasive species, was only present in the July survey at 33% of locations where vegetation was found (Figure 8-9) and at a low abundance ranking (Figure 810). It was previously observed in the lake in 2011 and 2013, but was absent in 2012 surveys.

Curly-leaf pondweed causes problems by displacing other native plants and forming thick mats on the surface of a lake that disrupt boating and recreation. In addition, when the plants die back in mid-summer, the resulting increase in phosphorus from the decomposing plant material causes disruptive algal blooms (DNR, 2005).

100 07/29/2014

09/16/2014

Percent Occurrence

80

60

40

20

0

Figure 8-9: Little Crosby Lake 2014 percent occurrence of vegetation present.

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Little Crosby Lake 5 07/29/2014 09/16/2014

Average Abundance Ranking

4

3

2

1

0

Figure 8-10: Little Crosby Lake 2014 average abundance ranking of vegetation present.

8.6

FISH STOCKING AND SURVEYS

There is no history of fish stocking for Little Crosby Lake by the Minnesota DNR. The first survey of fish populations in Little Crosby Lake was completed by CRWD August 2014 (Appendix A). Additional information regarding the 2014 survey can be found in Appendix A: 2014 Fish Surveys â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Como and Little Crosby Lakes. The largest population of fish observed during the 2014 survey were black bullhead (Table 8-4). All of the species observed (except for pumpkinseed sunfish) were also observed in the 2014 Crosby Lake fish survey (Table 7-5), which is expected given that they are hydrologically connected. There were more species of fish, however, observed in the Crosby Lake survey, which could be a result of its larger size and hydrology.

The large number of bullhead that were found in the 2014 Little Crosby survey could also be an indication of poor water quality, as these fish are more tolerant of lower water quality and oxygen levels than some of the other more desirable fish (DNR, 2015a). While Little Crosby Lake has a maximum depth of 34 ft, this only occurs in a small area in the middle of the basin.

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Little Crosby Lake

Dissolved oxygen was also measured during the survey, and was found to be less than 2.0 mg/L at depths lower than 5 ft at this middle-basin deep location (Appendix A). Moderately tolerant species of fish require DO levels of at least 2-5 mg/L at the minimum to sustain a healthy population (Kalff, 2002). This presents an environment unable to support a healthy population of a broader range of fish species. Therefore, it is unsurprising that so many black bullhead were observed, as they are a more tolerant species. The lake also has the potential to contain species found in the Mississippi River due to periods of river inundation. Little Crosby Lake is scheduled to be surveyed again in the summer of 2015 by CRWD. Table 8-4: Little Crosby Lake 2014 fish populations.

Species

Number of fish caught in each category (inches)

Total

0-5

6-8

9-11

12-14

15-19

20-24

25-29

30+

Black bullhead

7

41

4

0

0

0

0

0

52

Bluegill Hybrid sunfish

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

Northern pike

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

Pumpkinseed sunfish

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

Yellow perch

2

3

0

0

0

0

0

0

5

8.7

OVERALL LAKE EVALUATION

Little Crosby Lake has a relatively short monitoring record when compared to the other District lakes. From 2011-2013, it exhibited relative improvements in TP and Chl-a concentrations and deeper Secchi disk depths, but 2014 had the highest TP and Chl-a concentrations and shallowest Secchi Disk depth on record. The lake was affected by flooding from the Mississippi River for a portion of June and July in 2014. Much of the lake area was covered by extensive vegetation in 2014, and contained a moderate diversity of plant species by mid-summer. Fish populations exhibited low diversity, and larger relative numbers of black bullhead, a highly tolerant species that can be indicative of poor water quality.

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Little Crosby Lake

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Loeb Lake

9 LOEB LAKE RESULTS 9.1

LOEB LAKE BACKGROUND

Figure 9-1: View of the northwest shoreline of Loeb Lake.

Loeb Lake, located in Marydale Park in the northwestern portion of the City of St. Paul, is a 9.7 acre lake with a maximum depth of 28 feet and an 81% littoral area (Table 9-1). The area has a walking path, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play area, picnic areas, a fishing pier, and a boat launch. The surrounding area is primarily residential land use.

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Loeb Lake Table 9-1: Loeb Lake morphometric data.

Surface Area (acres)

Maximum Depth (ft)

Littoral Area

Volume (acre-ft)

Watershed Area (acres)

Watershed: Lake Area (ratio)

9.7

28.0

81%

84

44

4.5

The watershed area contributing inflow to the lake is 44 acres (Table 9-1; Figure 9-2). Water enters the lake from the north half of the watershed through sheet flow traveling through Marydale Park, as well as a storm sewer that collects runoff from Mackubin Street between Maryland and Jessamine Avenues (CRWD, 2009). Runoff from the south half of the watershed enters Loeb Lake through two different storm sewers. The storm sewers drain streets on the south and east sides of the lake, discharging to a stormwater pond on the southeast corner. A pipe directly connects this pond to Loeb Lake. There are no direct outlets from Loeb Lake.

Loeb Lake has been monitored since 2003 and has had relatively stable TP, Chl-a, and Secchi disk depth values that have consistently met the state standards. Therefore, lake conditions have appeared to remain stable in the past nine years. Previous winter kills of fish have been observed in Loeb Lake, but have not occurred since 2000, when an aerator was installed in the lake (CRWD, 2009). Future management efforts on Loeb Lake should focus on reduced loading in the surrounding watershed and naturalizing the shoreline (CRWD, 2009). Both of these actions would reduce the subsequent influx of nutrients into the lake. While water quality is currently stable, good management efforts around the lake to prevent further increases in nutrient inputs will be key in preventing lake degradation.

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Loeb Lake

Figure 9-2: Loeb Lake and subwatershed boundary.

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Loeb Lake

9.2

LAKE LEVEL

Loeb Lake level has been monitored since 2003, with the exception of May 2004 through February 2006 when level data was not available (Figure 9-3). Loeb Lake does not have an OHWL to compare the current year to historical â&#x20AC;&#x153;normalâ&#x20AC;? lake levels. The lowest recorded water level of the lake occurred in May 2009 at a level of 848.6 ft. In July 2014, the lake reached the highest level on record at 852.32 ft. This occurred after a record-setting June 19th storm event, in which 3.16 inches of rain fell in a 24 hr period. The previous record high was in August of 2011 at a height of 851.63 ft. In 2014, lake level increased from January until it peaked on July 1 (after one of the wettest June months on record in Minnesota), then steadily decreased until the end of the year (Figure 9-4).

853

Elevation (ft above mean sea level)

852

851

850

849

848 2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Year

Figure 9-3: Loeb Lake historical lake elevations (DNR, 2015i).

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Loeb Lake 856.50

0

855.50 1

Daily Precipitation Total Lake Elevation 854.50

853.50 3 852.50

4

Precipitation (inches)

Elevation (ft above main sea level)

2

851.50

5 850.50

849.50

6

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Mar Mar Apr Apr May May Jun Jun

Jul Jul

Aug Jul

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec

Month

Figure 9-4: Loeb Lake 2014 lake elevations and daily precipitation events (DNR, 2015i; MCWG, 2015b).

9.3

WATER QUALITY RESULTS

Loeb Lake was sampled nine times during 2014 from May 5 to October 20 (Figure 9-5). As in previous years, Loeb Lake was characterized by low TP and Chl-a concentrations, and deep Secchi depths. TP levels were highest (44 µg/L) during the first sampling event on May 5.

Samples show decreasing TP concentrations until early July, increasing until August, then decreasing slightly through the end of the season.

Chlorophyll-a concentrations began with a season high value of 15.2 µg/L on May 5 and decreased by the end of June to a consistent value of 2-4 µg/L through the end of the season.

Secchi depths were generally shallower during the first two samples (average 1.35 m) and deeper during the last 7 samples (average 3.2 m). The data suggests that during 2014, higher water clarity was generally associated with lower TP and Chl-a concentrations.

Figure 9-6 shows yearly average historical TP concentrations, Chl-a concentrations, and Secchi disk depths graphically. Based on the historical data since 2003, water quality has been fairly 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

89

Loeb Lake

steady in Loeb Lake. Total phosphorus concentrations decreased from 2003-2008, but have been increasing since 2009. Overall concentrations, however, are the lowest of any District Lake, and also low compared with other area lakes (Table 5-1) (DNR, 2015i).

Chl-a concentrations have been low and varied only slightly throughout the period of record.

Concentrations for Chl-a were lower from 2005-2012 and 2014, whereas 2003, 2004, and 2013 were characterized by slightly higher Chl-a concentrations (Figure 9-6). Secchi depths were shallowest in 2003 (2.7m), deepest in 2005 and 2006 (3.8 m and 3.7 m) and have been generally getting shallower since. As with 2014, higher water transparency was generally associated with lower Chl-a concentrations throughout the period of record.

Yearly average historical TP concentrations, Chl-a concentrations, Secchi depths, and their comparisons to lake standards are shown in Table 9-3. Loeb Lake has had a stable and consistent water qualtity history. It has not exceeded the average summer TP, Chl-a or Secchi disk depth water quality standards in its monitoring history. The overall lake grade has historically been an ‘A’, with only one ‘B’ grade occurring in 2003 and three ‘B+’ grades in 2004, 2005, and 2014 (Table 9-4). The drop from an ‘A’ grade in 2013 to a ‘B+’ grade in 2014 was the result of the slight decrease in Secchi disk depth observed between the two years. The high water quality lake grades associated with Loeb Lake indicate that it continues to be one of the highest water quality lakes in the District.

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Loeb Lake 5-May

19-May

10-Jun

30-Jun

11-Jul

4-Aug

25-Aug

0

15-Sep

20-Oct 140

120

100

Secchi Disk Depth (m)

2

80 3 60

4 40

Total Phosphorus and Chlorophyll-a Concentrations (Âľg/L)

1

5 20

6

0 Secchi

TP

Chl-a

Figure 9-5: Loeb Lake 2014 Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison.

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91

0

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

Loeb Lake

50

45

40

35

Secchi Disk Depth (m)

2 30

3

25

20 4

15

10

5 5

6

0 Secchi

TP

Chl-a

Figure 9-6: Loeb Lake historical annual average Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison.

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Total Phosphorus and Chlorophyll-a Concentrations (Âľg/L)

1

Loeb Lake Table 9-3: Loeb Lake historical yearly TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth averages compared to shallow lake state standards.

Year

TP (µg/L)

Chl-a (µg/L)

Secchi (m)

2003

46

8.1

2.7

2004

41

9.6

3.2

2005

33

4.0

3.8

2006

29

4.8

3.7

2007

19

4.6

3.3

2008

20

5.5

3.2

2009

17

4.7

3.4

2010

24

4.7

3.5

2011

30

6.1

3.0

2012

28

4.4

3.1

2013

30

8.3

3.0

29

6.0

2.7

2014

Value does not meet state standard* Value meets state standard *MPCA shallow lake standards are not to exceed 60 µg/L for TP and 20.0 µg/L for Chl-a, w ith a Secchi disk depth of at least 1.0 m.

Table 9-4: Loeb Lake historical lake grades.

Year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

TP Grade C C C B A A A B B B B B

Chl-a Grade A A A A A A A A A A A A

Secchi Grade B A A A A A A A A A A B

Overall Grade B B+ B+ A A A A A A A A B+

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Loeb Lake

9.4

PHYTOPLANKTON AND ZOOPLANKTON

During 2014, Loeb Lake was sampled for phytoplankton and zooplankton eight and nine times, respectively, from May 5 to October 20. From May to mid-June in Loeb Lake, concentrations of Chlorophyta, Crysophyta, and Cryptophyta were the dominant species (Figure 9-9).

Phytoplankton concentrations were dominated by Cyanophyta from mid-June through midAugust, then varied among Chlorophyta, Cryptophyta, and Cyanophyta from mid-August through the end of the monitoring season. There was a small population increase in Euglenophyta during the month of August, but this population was otherwise not observed during the rest of the year. Pyrrhophyta is observed in low concentrations from May through late August. Total phytoplankton concentration was at its highest at the beginning of May, then steadily decreased throughout the monitoring season, generally following fluctuations in total phosphorus concentration (Figure 9-7).

Dominance of the zooplankton community shifted from Cyclopoids during the month of May to Cladocerans during the month of June. From July through October, both Cyclopoids and Caldocerans still made up a portion of the population, but the other species of Calanoids, Nauplii, and Rotifers increased during this time period (Figure 9-10). Nauplii were also present early in May. Total zooplankton density was high at the beginning of the year and at its lowest in early July, both events corresponding to observed Chl-a concentrations. Zooplankton density does not follow Chl-a fluctuations, however, for the rest of the year after the both reach their lowest levels in July. Total zooplankton population reached a peak for the year in midSeptember before drastically decreasing by the end of October (Figure 9-8).

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Loeb Lake 7

50 Total Phytoplankton Concentration TP

45

6

5

35

30 4 25 3 20

15

2

Total Phosporus Concentration (Âľg/L)

Total Phytoplankton Concentration (1,000/mL)

40

10

1 5

0

0 May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 9-7: Loeb Lake 2014 total phytoplankton concentration and TP concentration.

250

16

Total Zooplankton Density Chl-a

14

200

10 150

8

100 6

Chlorophyll-a Concentration (Âľg/L)

Total Zooplankton Density (1,000/m^3)

12

4 50 2

0

0 May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 9-8: Loeb Lake 2014 total zooplankton density and Chl-a concentration.

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Loeb Lake 100%

90%

Phytoplankton Relative Abundance

80%

70%

60% Pyrrhophyta Euglenophyta Cyanophyta

50%

Cryptophyta Chrysophyta 40%

Chlorophyta Bacillariophyta

30%

20%

10%

0% May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 9-9: Loeb Lake 2014 phytoplankton relative abundance.

100%

90%

80%

Zooplankton Relative Abundance

70%

60% Cladocera Rotifera

50%

Nauplii Calanoida 40%

Cyclopoida

30%

20%

10%

0% May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 9-10: Loeb Lake 2014 zooplankton relative abundance.

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Loeb Lake

9.5

AQUATIC VEGETATION

9.5.1 BIOVOLUME ANALYSIS

Figure 9-11 shows that a large majority of Loeb Lake has extensive vegetation, as indicated by the areas in red where 100% of the water column contains vegetation. The deepest area of the lake does not contain any vegetation. Extensive vegetation is also observed throughout the monitoring season at Loeb Lake, increasing in coverage throughout the year, and is almost 100% covered by September with the exception of the deepest point (Figure 9-11).

9.5.2 POINT-INTERCEPT SURVEYS

As compared to 2013 when there were only three plant species observed in June, there was a much wider variety of plant species at the beginning of the monitoring year in Loeb Lake (Figure 9-12). Of the eight species observed, however, two of the three species (curly-leaf poonweed and Eurasian watermilfoil), were non-native invasive species. Coontail was observed throughout the year at almost all of the locations on the lake where vegetation was observed, and at average abundances (Figure 9-13). As curly-leaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil both experience die-off around mid-summer, they were not spotted when surveyed again at the end of July (curlyleaf pondweed) or were significantly reduced in occurrence and abundance by the September survey date (Eurasian watermilfoil). Instead, additional vegetation such as lesser duckweed, filamentous algae, and slender naiad were observed alongside coontail throughout the rest of the summer. Other plant types identified were less abundant and not observed at a large majority of lake locations.

The presence of both curly-leaf pondweed and Eurasion watermilfoil in Loeb Lake presents potential problems for future management decisions. Curly-leaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil are both non-native invasive species, causing problems by displacing other native plants, and forming thick mats on the surface of a lake that disrupt boating and recreation (DNR, 2015d; DNR, 2005). In addition, when curly-leaf pondweed plants die back in mid-summer, the resulting increase in phosphorus from the decomposing plant material can cause disruptive algal blooms (DNR, 2005). The spreading of Eurasian watermilfoil makes it an especially difficult plant to manage, as a new plant can grow from just a tiny piece of an original plant. This makes it easy to float and grow quickly in other areas of a lake, as well as be transported between lakes on boat trailers and fishing gear (WSDE, 2015). Both species have been observed in Loeb Lake since 2005.

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Loeb Lake

Figure 9-11: Loeb Lake 2014 seasonal vegetation changes (6/18/14, 7/23/14, and 9/9/14) 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

98

Loeb Lake

100 06/18/2014 07/23/2014 09/09/2014

Percent Occurrence

80

60

40

20

0

Figure 9-12: Loeb Lake 2014 percent occurrence of vegetation present.

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99

Loeb Lake 5 06/18/2014 07/23/2014

09/09/2014

Average Abundance Ranking

4

3

2

1

0

Figure 9-13: Loeb Lake 2014 average abundance ranking of vegetation present.

9.6

FISH STOCKING AND SURVEYS

Loeb Lake is part of the Minnesota DNR’s “Fishing in the Neighborhood” program which provides angling opportunities for children and families in urban environments, encourages environmental stewardship, and improves knowledge of natural resources (DNR, 2015g).

Therefore, these lakes are stocked with fish that are better for general angling activities. As seen in Table 9-5, the main fish type stocked in Loeb Lake in recent years are adult bluegill, with black crappie, catfish and walleye (important management species in the past). Bluegill and hybrid sunfish were the most abundant observed fish types in the 2014 Loeb Lake survey conducted by the Minnesota DNR (Table 9-6). Species diversity and relative abundance of fish populations in 2014 closely mirrored the 2008 survey conducted, suggesting that the lake has a relatively stable population of fish (CRWD, 2014a).

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Loeb Lake Table 9-5: Loeb Lake historical record of fish stocking.

Year

Bluegill

Black crappie Adult

Adult

Yearling

Channel catfish

Largemouth bass

Adult

Adult

Yearling

Yearling

Walleye Yearling

Fingerling

2014

289

380

2013

185

610

2012

152

2011

26

144

2010

689

74

50

207

106

47

622

2008

244

380

55

1290

2007

69

1018

38

1040

2005

709

1211

2009

2006

138

630

13,000

524 9

242

2004

Fry

34

10,000

19

10,000

3

149

10,000

627

444

Table 9-6: Loeb Lake 2014 fish populations.

Species

Number of fish caught in each category (inches)

Total

0-5

6-8

9-11

12-14

15-19

20-24

25-29

30+

Black bullhead

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

Black crappie

0

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

2 22

Bluegill

21

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

Green sunfish

4

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

Hybrid sunfish

14

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

14

Largemouth bass

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

Pumpkinseed sunfish

5

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

5

Walleye

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

2

9.7

OVERALL LAKE EVALUATION

Loeb Lake exhibits the best water quality of any District lake, and has historically received an ‘A’ lake grade, indicating high water quality and user quality. In 2014, the lake received a ‘B+’ lake grade as a result of a shallower-than-normal Secchi disk depth. All historical years of monitoring have met the MPCA state standards for TP, Chl-a, and Secchi disk depth. Loeb Lake held an abundant amount of aquatic vegetation in 2014, but most species monitored (aside from coontail) only showed moderate abundance throughout the lake area. The 2014 fish survey found population amounts and diversity of fish species to be very similar to the previous survey conducted in 2006, indicating stable fish populations in Loeb Lake.

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Loeb Lake

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Lake McCarrons

10 LAKE MCCARRONS RESULTS 10.1 LAKE MCCARRONS BACKGROUND

Figure 10-1: View of the fishing pier on the southeast shoreline of Lake McCarrons.

Lake McCarrons is a 74.7 acre, deep lake located in the City of Roseville. With a maximum depth of 57 ft and a 36% lake littoral area, it supports a variety of activities including swimming, boating, and fishing (Table 10-1; Figure 10-2). Lake McCarrons County Park, located on the east shore of the lake, supports visitors to the lake with a beach building, picnic shelter, and boat access with car/trailer parking.

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Lake McCarrons Table 10-1: Lake McCarrons morphometric data.

Surface Area (acres)

Maximum Depth (ft)

Littoral Area

Volume (acre-ft)

Watershed Area (acres)

Watershed: Lake Area (ratio)

74.7

57.0

34%

1,892

1,070

14.3

Figure 10-2: Lake McCarrons bathymetric map.

The 1,070 acre watershed of Lake McCarrons consists of residential properties, commercial and public areas, highway, wetland/grassland/woodland areas, and a park bordering it on the east side (Figure 10-3). The outlet of the Villa Park Wetland Treatment System located on the western edge of the lake is the primary inlet to Lake McCarrons. A secondary inlet enters on the north side of the lake via William Street Pond. It has one main outlet at the east end of the lake. This outlet is the headwaters of the Trout Brook-West Branch Subwatershed, where water enters the Trout Brook Storm Sewer Interceptor (CRWD, 2003).

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Multiple projects to improve water quality have been completed in recent years in the watershed draining to Lake McCarrons. In 1987, the Villa Park Wetland Treatment System became operational, which consisted of a 2.4 acre pond that empties into a series of five wetland cells.

These cells then drain to a final terminal wetland which overflows at high levels to Lake McCarrons. The purpose of this system is to channel stormwater through a series of wetlands that decreases flow velocity. This allows sediments and bound nutrients to settle before entering the lake. This system reduced the amount of TP and dissolved phosphorus entering the lake (CRWD, 2003). In 2004, improvements to the system were made which removed the pipes connecting the wetland treatment cells, improved the berms, and constructed timber weirs at each of the wetland outflows to provide a fixed and stabile overflow. In 2013, CRWD dredged several of the wetland cells in the Villa Park System. A total of more than 17,000 cubic yards of sediment was removed from the system to improve stormwater treatment and residence time before water flows into Lake McCarrons. Because the Villa Park sub-subwatershed is the largest in the McCarrons subwatershed and contains a significant amount of the drainage area of the lake (roughly 70% of the 1,070 watershed area of the lake), it has been a high-priority focus for management efforts (CRWD, 2010).

In October of 2004, CRWD completed an alum treatment on Lake McCarrons, in order to reduce the amount of total phosphorus in the lake. In this type of treatment, aluminum sulfate is applied below the lake surface and binds to free phosphorus particles causing them to drop out of the water column and settle on the bottom of the lake (Kennedy and Cook, 1982). This removes phosphorus from the water column, as well as prevents additional phosphorus release from the bottom sediments (CRWD, 2003). Water quality after this alum treatment showed improvements when compared to pre-alum treatment water quality.

One of the primary water quality concerns continues to be the flow of phosphorus into the lake, as stormwater is still the largest portion of inflow to the lake. Currently, Lake McCarrons is considered unimpaired and is not listed on the MPCA 303(d) list of impaired waters. While Lake McCarrons currently exhibits good water quality and is considered unimpaired, it still has concerns that need to be addressed annually in order to maintain its integrity. For example, intermittent fish kills have occurred in Lake McCarrons in the past. These are caused by incomplete fall lake mixing, and early winter freeze and snow (CRWD, 2003). When this occurs, there is not enough oxygen in the lake to support fish populations, resulting in a full or partial fish kill. Another on-going management issue is the presence of invasive species on the lake including carp, Eurasian watermilfoil, and curly-leaf pondweed, all of which have been observed in recent years. Excessive aquatic vegetation growth on the west end of the lake has become a management concern, and CRWD coordinated plant removal on this area of the lake in June and August of 2014. CRWD will again help lead efforts for plant removal on this part of the lake in 2015.

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Lake McCarrons

Figure 10-3: Lake McCarrons and subwatershed boundary.

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Lake McCarrons

10.2 LAKE LEVEL Lake McCarrons level has been consistently below the OHWL of 842.2 ft throughout the historical lake level record (Figure 10-4). The water level came close to the OHWL in 1984 and 1997. A significantly low water level period occurred from 1932-1939. The water level has consistently stayed within 840-842 ft for the past 35 years. The 2014 lake level reported here was a combination of the weekly staff gauge readings completed by the DNR from January to November, and the 15-min level logger data collected from June to October by CRWD (Figure 10-5). In 2014, lake level rose slightly from the beginning of the year until late-April, decreased during May and June, then increased to a peak level on June 19 after abnormally high precipitation rates for the month of June.

843 OHWL is 842.2 ft

Elevation (ft above mean sea level)

842

841

840 Lake Elevation OHWL 839

838

837 1924

1930

1936

1942

1948

1954

1960

1966

1972 Year

1978

1984

1990

1996

2002

2008

2014

Figure 10-4: Lake McCarrons historical lake elevations and the OHWL (DNR, 2015i).

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Lake McCarrons 844

0

843.5

1

Daily Precipitation Total Lake Elevation

2

OHWL

OHWL is 842.21 ft 842.5

3

842 4

841.5

Precipitation (inches)

Elevation (ft above mean sea level)

843

5

841 6 840.5 7 840

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Month

Figure 10-5: Lake McCarrons 2014 lake elevations, OHWL, and daily precipitation events (DNR, 2015i; MCWG, 2015b).

10.3 WATER QUALITY RESULTS Lake McCarrons was sampled nine times in 2014 from May 5 to October 20 (Figure 10-6).

Sampling shows the highest epilimnetic TP concentration (74 µg/L) during the first sampling event on May 5, which then dropped significantly to 20 µg/L by the June 11 monitoring date.

After May, TP concentration increased through mid-July, then stayed relatively low (below 25 µg/L) for the remainder of the season.

Chl-a concentrations were variable throughout the season, and followed the same trend as TP. Concentrations were highest for the first sampling date (27 µg/L), then dropped to a season low in mid-June (2.7 µg/L) (Figure 10-6).

Water transparency was highest in mid-June (with a Secchi depth of 4.8 m) (Figure 10-6). Water transparency then decreased until the end of June, followed by an increase through the end of the season. High water transparency was generally associated with low TP and Chl-a concentrations

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Lake McCarrons

throughout the season, which indicated TP was a major driver of water transparency during 2014.

Figure 10-7 shows yearly average historical TP concentrations, Chl-a concentrations, and Secchi disk depths graphically. Since the 2004 alum treatment, the lake has experienced a significant improvement in water quality. The average TP concentration from 2005-2014 (18.5 µg/L) is 57% lower than the 1988-2004 average TP concentration (42.9 µg/L). The average Chl-a concentration from 2005-2014 (4.5 µg/L) is 65% lower than the 1988-2004 average Chl-a concentration (12.9 µg/L). The average Secchi depth from 2005-2014 (3.7 m) is 54% deeper than the 1988-2004 average depth (2.4 m). Overall, the alum treatment is still shown to be helpful in maintaining water quality in the lake, and will likely remain helpful for many more years. The efficacy of the treatment (which can vary between 8-20 years) will continue to be monitored in upcoming years.

Recent years (2011-2014) have shown gradually increasing TP and Chl-a concentrations, resulting in shallower Secchi disk depths (Figure 10-7). The period from 2011-2014, as compared to 2005-2010, showed the average Secchi disk depth drop from 4.1 m to 3.0 m, Chl-a increase from 3.3 µg/L to 6.3 µg/L, and the average TP increase from 14.9 µg/L to 23.9 µg/L. Average annual TP and Chl-a concentrations in 2014 were the highest observed since the alum treatment, and Secchi was also at the shallowest observed.

The decrease in water quality in 2014 of the annual averages of these parameters can be partially attributed to an early May sample date that had values of 74 µg/L for TP, 27 µg/L for Chl-a, and 1.9 m for Secchi disk depth. These high May 2014 sample values could be related to climatic variables (such as an early ice-out date on the lake and early spring storm events contributing large amounts of runoff), or a potential reduction in effectiveness of the 2004 alum treatment.

Throughout the period of record (before and after alum treatment), high Chl-a concentrations have generally been associated with high TP concentrations (Figure 10-7). Low Secchi depths have generally been associated with high Chl-a and TP concentrations, indicating that they are primary drivers for water clarity in Lake McCarrons.

Yearly average historical TP concentrations, Chl-a concentrations, Secchi depths, and their comparisons to MPCA lake standards are shown in Table 10-2. Lake McCarrons has exceeded the state standards for TP for one-third of the years monitored and just under one-third of the years monitored for Chl-a, all prior to the alum treatment in 2004. It has always been within the deep lake standard for Secchi disk depth. With the exception of 2014 when the lake received a ‘B’ due to the high May samples for TP and Chl-a, the lake has received an ‘A’ lake grade since 2004, indicating that it has had consistently high water quality since the alum treatment (Table 10-3).

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Lake McCarrons 5-May

20-May

11-Jun

30-Jun

15-Jul

5-Aug

27-Aug

0

16-Sep

20-Oct 140

120

100

Secchi Disk Depth (m)

2

80 3 60

4 40

Total Phosphorus and Chlorophyll-a Concentrations (Âľg/L)

1

5 20

6

0 Secchi

TP

Chl-a

Figure 10-6: Lake McCarrons 2014 Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison.

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110

Secchi Disk Depth (m)

Secchi TP

100

2

80

3 60

4 40

5 20

6

2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

Total Phosphorus and Chlorophyll-a Concentrations (Âľg/L)

0

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

1991

1990

1989

1988

Lake McCarrons

140

1 120

0

Chl-a

Figure 10-7: Lake McCarrons historical annual average Secchi/TP/Chl-a comparison.

111

Lake McCarrons Table 10-2: Lake McCarrons historical yearly TP/Chl-a/Secchi depth averages compared to deep lake state standards.

Year

TP (µg/L)

Chl-a (µg/L)

Secchi (m)

1988

81

16.4

1.1

1989

34

11.7

1.8

1990

46

14.8

2.7

1991

48

14.5

1.9

1992

25

7.2

2.7

1993

46

8.7

2.8

1994

37

9.7

3.1

1995

52

22.6

2.3

1996

37

10.6

2.7

1997

49

12.8

2.3

1998

29

16.3

2.1

1999

39

11.0

2.5

2000

40

17.3

2.2

2001

32

6.6

3.3

2002

46

16.3

2.1

2003

41

12.7

2.1

2004

47

10.4

2.9

2005

18

4.1

4.0

2006

15

3.6

4.0

2007

14

3.9

3.9

2008

12

2.4

4.7

2009

12

2.9

4.1

2010

19

3.0

4.0

2011

22

8.1

2.9

2012

19

3.6

3.2

2013

22

4.6

3.3

33

8.9

2.7

2014

Value does not meet state standard* Value meets state standard *MPCA deep lake standards are not to exceed 40 µg/L for TP and 14.0 µg/L for Chl-a, w ith a Secchi disk depth of at least 1.4 m.

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Lake McCarrons Table 10-3: Lake McCarrons historical lake grades.

Year 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

TP Grade D C C C B C C C C C B C C B C C C A A A A A A A A A C

Chl-a Grade B B B B A A A C B B B A B A B B B A A A A A A A A A A

Secchi Grade D C B C B B A B B B C B B A C C B A A A A A A B A A B

Overall Grade C C+ B C+ B+ B B+ C+ B B B B B A C+ C+ B A A A A A A A A A B

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Lake McCarrons

10.4 PHYTOPLANKTON AND ZOOPLANKTON Lake McCarrons was sampled eight and nine times, respectively, for phytoplankton and zooplankton in 2014 from May 5 to October 20. In the spring, phytoplankton populations are dominated by Chlorophyta, Cryptophyta, and Cyanophyta (Figure 10-10). Cyanophyta are the main species observed throughout the majority of the summer, with a small increase in Pyrrhophyta during June, and an increase in Bacillariophyta in August. The early spring bloom of phytoplankton was likely a result of high nutrient availability (as seen by a peak in TP concentration) and increased light availability (Figure 10-8) (Kalff, 2002; UWE, 2004).

Phytoplankton concentration closely follows the TP trend for the entire monitoring season, indicating that populations were highly driven by the total amount of phosphorus in the system.

After this early bloom occurred, overall phytoplankton concentration decreases and stays relatively low (generally below 1,000/mL) for the remainder of the year (Figure 10-8).

The zooplankton population of Lake McCarrons was divided among populations of Cyclopoids, Calanoids, Nauplii, and Cladocerans for the entire monitoring season (Figure 10-11). A small amount of Rotifers were observed during the month of August. Overall, the population peaked in mid-May, late-June, and late-August. Between these peaks, overall concentration stayed relatively high (>20,000/m3) during the rest of the season (Figure 10-9). Total zooplankton concentration generally did not follow the Chl-a concentration fluctuations observed in 2014.

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Lake McCarrons 5

80

Total Phytoplankton Concentration TP

70

60

50 3

40

2 30

Total Phosporus Concentration (µg/L)

Total Phytoplankton Concentration (1,000/mL)

4

20 1 10

0

0 May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 10-8: Lake McCarrons 2014 total phytoplankton concentration and TP concentration.

45

30 Total Zooplankton Density Chl-a (µg/L)

40 25

30

20

25 15 20

15

10

Chlorophyll-a Concentration (µg/L)

Total Zooplankton Density (1,000/m^3)

35

10 5 5

0

0 May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 10-9: Lake McCarrons 2014 total zooplankton density and Chl-a concentration.

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Lake McCarrons 100%

90%

Phytoplankton Relative Abundance

80%

70%

60% Pyrrhophyta Euglenophyta Cyanophyta

50%

Cryptophyta Chrysophyta 40%

Chlorophyta Bacillariophyta

30%

20%

10%

0% May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Month

Figure 10-10: Lake McCarrons 2014 phytoplankton relative abundance.

100%

90%

80%

Zooplankton Relative Abundance

70%

60% Cladocera Rotifera 50%

Nauplii Calanoida Cyclopoida

40%

30%

20%

10%

0% May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Figure 10-11: Lake McCarrons 2014 zooplankton relative abundance.

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Lake McCarrons

10.5 AQUATIC VEGETATION 10.5.1 BIOVOLUME ANALYSIS

The biovolume heat maps of Lake McCarrons show that the majority of the aquatic vegetation in the lake occurs in the shallow areas (less than 15 ft) near the shoreline (Figure 10-12). Aquatic plants are most abundant along the western end of the lake, where the red color indicates that 100% of the water column contains aquatic vegetation.

In June and August of 2014, CRWD partnered with homeowners to hire a contractor to perform vegetation harvesting on the west end of the lake. Harvesting removed some of the nuisance plant growth observed by homeowners and improved their recreational access to the lake.

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Lake McCarrons

Figure 10-12: Lake McCarrons 2014 seasonal vegetation changes (5/30/14, 7/18/14, and 9/9/14) 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

118

Lake McCarrons

10.5.2 POINT-INTERCEPT SURVEYS

Coontail was the most frequently occurring plant in Lake McCarrons in 2014 with respect to the number of locations in which it was observed, and the abundance at the observed locations.

(Figures 10-13 and 10-14). The highest-occurring plants were coontail, Eurasian watermilfoil, and filamentous algae in May and July, and coontail, Eurasian watermilfoil, and slender naiad in September (Figure 10-13). Coontail and filamentous algae were both observed at an average of 50% and 42%, respectively, of the locations over the course of the surveys. None of the mostoccurring species observed, however, were found in high abundance (with rankings ranging from 1.3 to 2.6) (Figure 10-14). While there was a large diversity of plant species observed in Lake McCarrons by mid-to-late summer, the majority of these occurred infrequently throughout the lake.

Filamentous algae received below average abundance rankings in both June and July (Figure 1014). Filamentous algae can become a nuisance species when in high abundance as it forms thick, green mats on the water surface that can impede lake activities. It is also indicative of the presence of excessive nutrients (especially phosphorus) in a lake, which is common in urban lakes like Lake McCarrons (DNR, 2015e).

As shown in Figures 10-13 and 10-14 below, the presence of Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed were observed in Lake McCarrons in 2014, and have been observed in surveys since 2005. Curly-leaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil are both non-native, invasive species, causing problems by displacing other native plants and forming thick mats on the surface of a lake that disrupt boating and recreation (DNR, 2015d; DNR, 2005). In addition, when curly-leaf pondweed plants die back in mid-summer, the resulting increase in phosphorus from the decomposing plant material causes disruptive algal blooms (DNR, 2005). Eurasian watermilfoil spreads easily, as a new plant can grow from just a tiny piece of an original plant. It can easily float and grow quickly in other areas of a lake, as well as be transported between lakes on boat trailers and fishing gear (WSDE, 2015).

While neither Eurasian watermilfoil nor curly-leaf pondweed is especially abundant and the lake still has a robust composition of plants, the presence of these two species is still a management concern. In 2014, the June and August vegetation harvesting of the west end of the lake removed mostly coontail and Eurasian watermilfoil. While the removal of Eurasian watermilfoil is a positive step as it is an invasive species, the removal of too much coontail, a native plant species, needs to be taken into consideration before removal occurs. Native vegetation that is well established in a lake is the best preventative measure for invading invasive species (DNR, 2015d). Therefore, vegetation removal, especially on a lake with documented populations of non-native species, needs to occur with knowledge and forethought as to how the removal affects the remaining habitat for the potential increased growth of non-native species.

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Lake McCarrons 100 05/30/2014 07/18/2014 09/09/2014

Percent Occurrence

80

60

40

20

0

Figure 10-13: Lake McCarrons 2014 percent occurrence of vegetation present.

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Lake McCarrons 5 05/30/2014 07/18/2014 09/09/2014

Average Abundance Ranking

4

3

2

1

0

Figure 10-14: Lake McCarrons 2014 average abundance ranking of vegetation present.

10.6 FISH STOCKING AND SURVEYS Previous stocking in Lake McCarrons has included black crappie, northern pike, and walleye, which has occurred intermittently in previous years (Table 10-4). Before being surveyed in 2014 by the Minnesota DNR, the previous survey of fish populations was in 2008, which showed a large variety of panfish. The 2014 survey reflected the same pattern, with a significant number of bluegills, as well as black crappie and perch (Table 10-5). A number of northern pike were also observed. While two common carp were caught in the 2008 survey and observed on the lake spawning in large numbers during a visit that year (DNR, 2015i), there were no common carp observed in the 2014 survey.

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Lake McCarrons Table 10-4: Lake McCarrons historical record of fish stocking.

Year

Black crappie Adult

Adult

2009 2007

Northern pike

Walleye

Yearling

Fry

80 630

2005

124

2004

75,000

Table 10-5: Lake McCarrons 2014 fish populations.

Species

Number of fish caught in each category (inches) 0-5

6-8

9-11

12-14

15-19

20-24

25-29

30+

Total

Black crappie

16

17

3

0

0

0

0

0

36

Bluegill

106

152

0

0

0

0

0

0

258

Hybrid sunfish

4

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

Northern pike

0

0

0

2

1

7

3

0

13

Pumpkinseed sunfish

8

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

9

Yellow perch

7

7

0

0

0

0

0

0

14

10.7 OVERALL LAKE EVALUATION Lake McCarrons has displayed significant improvements in water quality since the 2004 alum treatment to reduce TP levels in the lake. During 2014, however, the lake showed the highest TP levels since this alum treatment occurred. This is reflected in the ‘B’ lake grade that the lake received in 2014, compared with ‘A’ grades the lake was given in the years since the alum treatment. While the lake exceeded the eutrophication parameter state standards multiple times in its monitored history, these occurred prior to the alum treatment.

The management of extensive vegetation on the west end of Lake McCarrons is a priority, with the presence of Eurasian watermilfoil and the potential for the growth of this invasive plant in other areas of the lake. In 2014, the District began working with lakeshore owners to address these vegetation concerns. In general, fish populations have been relatively stable for the past number of years of monitoring in Lake McCarrons. The 2014 fish survey by the DNR reflects similar species and abundances as the 2008 survey.

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11 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS 11.1 CONCLUSIONS In 2014, the water quality of the five District lakes (Como, Crosby, Little Crosby, Loeb, and McCarrons) varied by water body and by time of year. In comparing 2014 water quality results to historical averages, some of the lakes improved in water quality (Como, Loeb), while other lakes degraded (Crosby, Little Crosby, McCarrons) by varying degrees.

Based on the MPCA eutrophication numeric water quality standards, Loeb Lake and Lake McCarrons met the MPCA standards for all parameters (TP, Chl-a, Secchi) during the 2014 growing season. Little Crosby Lake met the MPCA shallow lake standards for Chl-a concentration and Secchi disk depth, but failed for TP concentration in 2014. Como Lake and Crosby Lake did not meet the MPCA shallow lake standards for TP concentration or Chl-a concentration, but met the standards for Secchi disk depth during the 2014 growing season.

Total phosphorus was an important driver for water quality in all five District lakes in 2014.

High phosphorus in lakes can cause overgrowth of algae (measured by Chl-a concentrations) and aquatic plants, which reduces water clarity. Phosphorus will continue to be a contaminant of concern in CRWD as inputs of fertilizers, leaves, grass clippings, and pet/wildlife waste in this urban watershed are very prevalent and difficult to control. Water quality improvement projects upstream of lakes that reduce the amount of phosphorus runoff will continue to be a priority in the District. Chlorophyll-a can also be a principle driver of water quality, which was observed in Crosby and Little Crosby Lakes in 2014.

Invasive species (both plant and animal) will continue to be a concern for future management, though they are not currently observed in significant amounts in any CRWD lake. Curly-leaf pondweed was observed in all lakes, Eurasian watermilfoil was observed in Loeb Lake and Lake McCarrons, and common carp were observed in Crosby Lake. Invasive species can cause harm to lakes through displacement of native species and disruption of the food chain, both of which can affect overall lake health.

CRWD lakes are an important District resource, providing both economic (e.g. recreational resources) and environmental (e.g. flood attenuation) benefits. Understanding overall health of CRWD lakes in order to improve them for both kinds of benefits will be beneficial for the District and the region. Each District lake is an important community resource that is easily viewed and accessed by many people on a daily basis. Therefore, these lakes will continue to be a focal point for management by CRWD. Como Lake has exhibited a cyclical pattern in water quality for the monitored eutrophication parameters in past years, which will continue to be studied and analyzed in order to understand 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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the lake’s water quality. Loeb Lake and Lake McCarrons have had historically good water quality, but will continue to be monitored in the future to identify annual changes and trends.

Crosby and Little Crosby Lakes will also continue being monitored in order to better understand the dynamic interaction between the Mississippi River and the lakes and how that influences lake water quality.

This report also contained additional information on biological data that was previously reported upon beginning in the 2013 Lakes Monitoring Report (CRWD, 2014a), including phytoplankton and zooplankton populations, aquatic vegetation communities, and fish populations. All of these parameters affect lake water quality and are important components in analyzing overall lake health. This report also focuses on reporting results of additional biological data that was collected in 2014. Future reports will contain more analysis of biological data, in conjunction with the chemical and physical data monitored, as there will be more historical data from which to analyze trends and compare across years.

11.2 RECOMMENDATIONS 11.2.1 ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2014

It is the goal of CRWD to continually improve the monitoring program with new ideas in order to advance the program in quality, efficiency, and usefulness. The monitoring program aims to collect and analyze high quality data from District lakes to better understand the water quality in individual lakes as well as how the watershed as a whole could be affecting lake water quality.

Data collection and analysis through the monitoring program helps to further CRWD’s mission “to protect, manage and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.”

In 2014, CRWD made progress towards the goals stated in the 2013 Lakes Monitoring Report (CRWD, 2014a) for monitoring and reporting. These goals were: 1. Enhanced lake elevation monitoring: CRWD established continuous level monitoring with level loggers in Como Lake, Crosby Lake, and Lake McCarrons in 2014 from the ice-out to ice-in period. Crosby Lake had not been historically monitored for lake level by the Minnesota DNR. By monitoring lake level on Crosby Lake, Mississippi River interactions with the lake can be better understood. Since Little Crosby Lake is hydrologically connected to Crosby Lake, it was not monitored for lake level.

2. Extended the monitoring season of all District Lakes: CRWD extended the lakes monitoring season to gather more data over a greater time period in order to capture seasonal variability in lake water quality and improve statistical confidence for trend assessments. The season was expanded for chemical/physical monitoring, aquatic vegetation monitoring, and phytoplankton and zooplankton monitoring, including: 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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o Physical and chemical monitoring: Extended sampling dates to early spring (April) and late fall (October) on all CRWD lakes, depending on climatological factors (e.g. ice-out and ice-in dates). o Vegetation monitoring: A third vegetation survey was added to the 2014 monitoring schedule. By collecting data on aquatic vegetation, information on seasonal and annual fluctuations in vegetation type, location, and density can be established, which can directly influence or indicate water quality. o Phytoplankton and zooplankton monitoring: Extended early spring (April) and late fall (October) monitoring of phytoplankton and zooplankton on all CRWD lakes, depending on climatological factors (e.g. ice-out and ice-in dates).

3. Initiated fisheries surveys on all District Lakes: CRWD initiated fisheries surveying on all lakes in 2014 in order to capture annual variation in fish populations and to better understand how the biological community affects water quality. Fisheries surveys are conducted by Minnesota DNR staff, who survey most lakes in the state on a 5-10 year cycle. In 2014, the DNR conducted fish surveys on McCarrons, Loeb, and Crosby Lakes. CRWD conducted surveys on Como and Little Crosby Lakes.

4. Installed temperature monitoring equipment in Como Lake and Lake McCarrons: CRWD installed temperature monitoring equipment in Como Lake and Lake McCarrons in 2014 to determine influence of higher temperature runoff to lake temperature.

11.2.2 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2015

For 2015, CRWD has several goals and recommendations that are aimed at improving the lake monitoring program. Goals for 2015 include: 1. Analyze additional chemical and physical parameters: CRWD intends to expand the analysis of chemical and physical data previously collected but not fully analyzed in prior reports. Previous CRWD analyses have focused water quality parameters TP, Chl-a, and Secchi disk depth. Analysis of other water chemistry and physical attributes will allow a better understanding of overall lake health, such as: o Nitrogen: This includes Ammonia-Nitrogen (NH3-N), nitrate as nitrogen (NO3N), and Total Kjehldahl Nitrogen (TKN). While the limiting factor for algal growth in CRWD lakes is most often phosphorus, other nutrients such as nitrogen could also be playing a role in temporal blooms.

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o Temperature profile: Temperatures at different depths within the water column are currently measured by RCPW during their summer lake visits. Graphically creating temperature profiles of the lake throughout the monitoring season may also be helpful in explaining water quality trends. o Hypolimnetic water quality: Reports have historically focused on the nutrient concentration of the epilimnion (mixed surface layer) of lakes, since MPCA standards are based on this lake layer. Future reporting will examine hypolimnetic water quality data to determine possible internal phosphorus loading from in-lake sediments. This could help better determine, for example, impacts of flooding from the Mississippi River on Crosby Lake and Little Crosby Lake water quality (CRWD, 2012a). o Chloride: It is a contaminant of concern in metro area lakes. Como Lake was listed on the draft 2014 303(d) Impaired Waters List for chloride (MPCA, 2014b), so this contaminant is becoming more of a management concern in CRWD lakes.

2. Conduct sediment analyses of all District lakes: CRWD will conduct sediment analyses on all lakes during the winter of 2015-2016 to establish current understanding of internal sediment loading. o Previous sediment analyses on CRWD lakes were only completed for two lakes for specific projects (i.e. the 2004 Lake McCarrons alum project and the 2008 Crosby Lake sediment analysis).

3. Complete a comparative analysis of all parameters measured: CRWD will complete a comparative analysis of chemical, physical, and biological parameters and how they interact to increase understanding of what these parameters are indicating about overall lake health. CRWD will work with limnologists or other lake experts to conduct thorough analyses of all data and their complex interactions to evaluate water quality and overall lake health. CRWD will expand comparisons of lakes to other similar metro-area lakes to see how the Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lakes relate to those outside of CRWD.

4. 2015 Fisheries Surveys CRWD plans to survey fish populations at Como, Crosby, and Little Crosby Lakes annually during years the DNR is not scheduled to survey those lakes. Also, CRWD will survey McCarrons and Loeb Lakes bi-annually (except years the DNR is scheduled to survey) since these lakes exhibit stable fish populations. In 2015, CRWD will survey Como, Crosby, and Little Crosby Lakes.

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5. Lake McCarrons Alum Treatment Efficacy Evaluation: Lake McCarrons received an alum treatment in 2004 in order to reduce phosphorus and improve lake water quality. Since the alum treatment, lake water quality has drastically improved in comparison to pre-alum treatment conditions. The expected efficacy of an alum treatment is 8-20 years. Since it has been 10 years since the treatment, a deterioration in its effectiveness is expected. Consequently, a reduction in water quality was observed in 2014. In 2015-2016, CRWD intends to investigate the condition of the alum treatment to determine current and projected effectiveness.

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12 REFERENCES Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD), 2015. 2014 Stormwater Monitoring Report. Saint Paul, MN. Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD), 2014a. 2013 Lakes Monitoring Report. Saint Paul, MN. Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD), 2014b. 2013 Stormwater Monitoring Report. Saint Paul, MN. Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD), 2012a. Crosby Lake Management Plan. Saint Paul, MN. Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD), 2012b. Stormwater BMP Performance Assessment and Cost-Benefit Analysis. Saint Paul, MN. Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD), 2010. Villa Park Wetland System Management Plan. Saint Paul, MN. Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD), 2009. Loeb Lake and Willow Reserve Management Plan. Saint Paul, MN. Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD), 2003. Lake McCarrons Management Plan. Saint Paul, MN. Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD), 2002. Como Lake Strategic Management Plan.

Saint Paul, MN. Carlson, R.E. and J. Simpson. 1996. A Coordinatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to Volunteer Lake Monitoring Methods. North American Lake Management Society.

CI BioBase, (CIBB), 2015. Frequently Asked Questions. Contour Innovations. Accessed online from http://cibiobase.com/Home/FAQ Kalff, Jacob. 2002. Limnology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Kennedy, R. H. and Cook, G.D., 1982. Control of Lake Phosphorus with Aluminum Sulfate: Dose Determiniation adn Application Techniques. Journal of the American Water Resouces Assocation, 18: 389-395. doi: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.1982.tb00005.x Metropolitan Council (MC), 2015a. Annual Use Estimate of the Metropolitan Region Parks System for 2013. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://www.metrocouncil.org/METC/files/c7/c7d33d34-b6de-4bd2-bac7-05d6e2feb822.pdf 2014 CRWD Lakes Monitoring Report

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Metropolitan Council (MC), 2015b. 2012 Study of the Water Quality of 168 Metropolitan Area Lakes. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://es.metc.state.mn.us/eims/related_documents/repository/327201483434.pdf Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB), 2015. 2012 Water Resources Report.

Minneapolis, MN. Accessed online from https://www.minneapolisparks.org/_asset/30kcfb/water_resources_report_2012.pdf Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD), 2015. Water Quality Technical Report - 2014.

Minnetonka, MN. Accessed online from http://minnehahacreek.org/sites/minnehahacreek.org/files/attachments/2014_WQ%20Tech%20R eport_0.pdf Minnesota Climatology Working Group (MCWG), 2015a. Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro Snow Resources. Accessed online from http://climate.umn.edu/doc/twin_cities/twin_cities_snow.htm Minnesota Climatology Working Group (MCWG), 2015b. St. Paul Campus Climatological Observatory: 15-minute precipitation data. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://climate.umn.edu/doc/observatory.htm Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2015a. Black Bullhead. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish/catfish/biology.html Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2015b. Canada Waterweed. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/aquatic_plants/submerged_plants/canada_waterweed.html Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2015c. Common carp. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticanimals/commoncarp/index.html Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2015d. Eurasian watermilfoil. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticplants/milfoil/index.html Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2015e. Filamentous algae. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://dnr.state.mn.us/aquatic_plants/algae/filamentous_algae.html Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2015f. Fisheries Lake Surveys. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/surveys.html Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2015g. Fishing in the Neighborhood. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/fin/moreinfo.html

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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2015h. A Guide to Aquatic Plants. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://dnr.state.mn.us/shorelandmgmt/apg/index.html Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2015i. Lake Finder. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/index.html Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2015j. 2014 Lake Ice Out Dates. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed on-line from http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ice_out/index.html?year=2014 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2015k. Lake Level Minnesota. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/waterlevels/lakes/index.html Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2015l. Minneapolis/St. Paul Climate Data, Snowfall Data Resources. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://climate.umn.edu/doc/twin_cities/snowvar.htm Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2015m. Median Lake Ice Out Dates. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ice_out/index.html?year=median Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2015n. Record-Setting Rainfall in June 2014. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/journal/140630_wet_june.html Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2005. Invasive, non-native species â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Curlyleaf pondweed. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/natural_resources/invasives/aquaticplants/curlyleafpondweed/curlylea f_factsheet.pdf Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), 2015a. Blue-green algae and harmful algal blooms. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/surface-water/lakes/bluegreen-algae-and-harmful-algal-blooms.html#overview Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), 2015b. Impaired Waters List â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Draft 2014 Impaired Waters List. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/minnesotas-impairedwaters-and-tmdls/impaired-waters-list.html Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), 2014. Guidance Manual for Assessing the Quality of Minnesota Surface Waters for Determination of Impairment: 305(b) Report and 303(d) List. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/viewdocument.html?gid=16988.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), 2012. Final TMDL list of impaired waters. Saint Paul, MN. Accessed online from http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/viewdocument.html?gid=8281.

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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2015. 1981-2010 U.S. Climate Normals. Accessed on-line from https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/data-access/land-based-stationdata/land-based-datasets/climate-normals/1981-2010-normals-data National Weather Service (NWS), 2015. Past weather information for the Twin Cities. Twin Cities, MN. Accessed online from http://www.weather.gov/mpx/mspclimate Noonan, T.A., 1998. Como Lake, Minnesota: The Long-Term Response of a Shallow Urban Lake to Biomanipulation. Journal of Lake and Reservoir Management. 14(1):92-109.

Novotny, E., Murphy, D., and Stefan, H. (2007). Road Salt Effects on the Water Quality of Lakes in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Saint Paul, MN. Osgood, R.A., 1989. An Evaluation of Lake and Stream Monitoring Programs in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan Council Publ. 590-89-128.

Ramsey County Public Works (RCPW), 2012. Quality Assurance and Procedures Manual for the Ramsey County Lake Management Laboratory. Arden Hills, MN. Ramsey County Public Works (RCPW), 2009. Ramsey County Lake Management Program 2009 Lake Sampling Protocal. Arden Hills, MN. Scherek, J. and G. Yakal. (1993). Guidelines for Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL) Determinations. Saint Paul, MN. (Technical Paper 11, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Waters).

University of California Museum of Paleontology (UCMP), 2015. Taxon Lift. Berkeley, CA. Accessed online from: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/help/taxaform.html U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 2015. USGS 0533100 Mississippi River at St. Paul, MN. Accessed online from: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/dv?cb_00010=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&site_no=053310 00&referred_module=sw&period=&begin_date=2014-04-28&end_date=2014-08-28 University of Wisconsin Extension (UWE), 2004. Understanding Lake Data. Madison, WI. University of Wisconsin Extension Publication G3582. Accessed online from http://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/weal/Documents/G3582.pdf Washington State Department of Ecology (WSDE), 2015. Non-native Invasive Freshwater Plants: Eurasian Watermilfoil. Olympia, WA. Accessed online from http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/weeds/milfoil.html

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APPENDIX A: 2014 FISH SURVEYS— COMO AND LITTLE CROSBY LAKES

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Wenck File #1486-41 SEPTEMBER 2014

2014 Fish Surveys: Como and Little Crosby Lakes

Prepared for

Capitol Region Watershed District 1410 Energy Park Dr., Suite 4, St. Paul, MN 55108

Table of Contents

1.0

PROJECT INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................1

2.0

FISH MONITORING METHODS .................................................................................................3

3.0

PROJECT RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ........................................................................................5

TABLES Table 1: Como Lake trap and gill net survey results ..................................................................................... 5 Table 2: Comparison of Como Lake results from CRWD 2014 survey and DNR 2011 survey ...................... 6 Table 3: Species catch information for Como Lake....................................................................................... 7 Table 4: Little Crosby Lake trap and gill net survey results........................................................................... 9 Table 5: Species breakdown from Little Crosby Lake survey ........................................................................ 9

FIGURES Figure 1: Project Location Map Figure 2: Como Lake Fish Monitoring Locations Figure 3: Little Crosby Lake Fish Monitoring Locations

APPENDICES Appendix A: Appendix B: Appendix C:

DNR Survey Permit No: 19909 Como Lake Field Photos Little Crosby Lake Field Photos

i October 2014

1.0

Project Introduction

The Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD or District) is located in Ramsey County, Minnesota. The District covers over 40 square miles in portions of five cities. The CRWD is tasked with monitoring and maintaining the water quality of the water resources within the district boundary which includes numerous streams and several lakes. All water bodies within the district ultimately drain to the Mississippi River. There are five lakes within the district boundary, which includes Loeb Lake, Como Lake, Crosby Lake, Little Crosby Lake and Lake McCarrons. Fish populations from these lakes are monitored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The lakes are monitored on a five-year rotational basis with a subset of lakes monitored each year, which is the typical practice of the DNR both across the state and within the CRWD. In 2014, the DNR conducted fish monitoring in Crosby Lake, Loeb Lake and Lake McCarrons. The CRWD contracted Wenck Associates (Wenck) to complete the fish monitoring on two additional lakes in the District in 2014, Como Lake and Little Crosby Lake. The goal of the fish monitoring program is to analyze the fish community in conjunction with other lake data sets, including water quality and aquatic vegetation in an effort to track lake health and annual patterns. The two lakes monitored by Wenck are both located within the City of St Paul, with Como Lake in the northcentral part of the District and Little Crosby Lake in the southwest corner (Figure 1). A brief description of the two lakes sampled in 2014 is provided.

Como Lake Como Lake is a shallow lake that is 68 acres in size and located in the City of St. Paul within Como Regional Park. The maximum depth of the lake is approximately 15 feet with an average depth around seven feet. Water clarity is relatively low within Como Lake, with transparency depths less than one meter much of the summer. The lake is part of the DNR Fishing in the Neighborhood (FIN) program which includes fish stocking to create recreational fishing opportunities in urban/metro lakes around the Twin Cities. A variety of species have been stocked in Como Lake over the past ten years, including bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, walleye and yellow perch. The fish community was last assessed by the DNR in 2011. The primary management species within Como Lake are bluegill sunfish and channel catfish.

Little Crosby Lake Little Crosby Lake is a small basin, approximately 10 acres in size that lies to the southwest of the main Crosby Lake basin. The lakes are connected by a small channel that flows through a wetland. Both lakes are within the Crosby Farm Park in the City of St Paul, which lies within the Mississippi River flood plain.

Due to their close proximity to the Mississippi River, both the main Crosby Lake basin and Little Crosby Lake can become flooded by the river during high flows, which can connect the two basins. Little Crosby 1 October 2014

Lake is shallow along the shore but has a very deep hole over 25 feet in the southwest corner. Detailed lake bathymetry data is not available. The fish community in Little Crosby Lake is not monitored by DNR, with current assessments only being conducted in the main Crosby Lake basin. The DNR Lakefinder website does not list a primary management species for Crosby Lake but the lake includes species such as bluegill, black crappie, black bullhead and northern pike.

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Fish Monitoring Methods

In order to conduct fish surveys in lakes or streams within waters of the State in Minnesota, a permit from the DNR is required. A survey permit request was submitted to the DNR by Wenck in July 2014, with the request to cover both trap and gill net surveys in both Como and Little Crosby Lakes. The Permit was issued to Wenck as Special Permit Number 19909 (Appendix A) and requires that fish community data collected during the surveys be submitted to the DNR. Data from this project will be submitted as required by the terms of the permit.

The DNR has established standard methods for conducting fish community surveys. In most lakes in Minnesota the assessments include a combination of trap nets and gill nets. Both of these sampling methods are considered “passive gear” where the nets are placed into the water and the fish swim into them and become trapped or entangled. Standard or routine fish community assessments due not include “active” survey methods such as benthic trawls or electrofishing, however special assessments that include electrofishing are sometimes conducted in certain lakes.

Trap nets are a near-shore gear that are actually anchored on shore and then set perpendicular to the shore, typically in water from three to six feet deep. A trap net includes a 50 ft. long lead net that is anchored to the shore and connects into two, 4 ft. by 6 ft. frames. The frames include a throat that direct fish into a series of hoops, with ½ inch mesh covering the frame and hoops. The fish follow the lead net into the frames; pass through the throat and become trapped in the hoops, without being able to escape. Most of the fish collected by the trap net are alive when the net is retrieved and can be released back into the lake. The main species targeted by trap nets include bluegills (and other sunfish), crappies and bullheads.

The DNR uses an experimental gill net for lake surveys, which is a 6ft. deep net that is 250 ft. long consisting of five panels each 50 ft. in length. Each 50 ft. panel has a different mesh size ranging from 1.5 inches up to 3.5 inches. A fish swims into the mesh of the gill net and becomes entangled, typically by their gills but also potentially by their fins or spines. The different mesh sizes help to catch fish of different sizes. Gill nets are typically set in water that is at least nine feet deep. Fish mortality with gill nets is very high, with most fish expiring prior to retrieving the net. The area of the lake that is surveyed by an individual gill net is small so the impact to fish populations from gill net mortality is small. The target species sampled by gill nets include northern pike, walleye and yellow perch; however, gill nets are effective at collecting other species including bullheads and catfish.

The two main DNR sampling gears, trap nets and gill nets, were used for the CRWD fish monitoring on Como and Little Crosby Lakes in 2014. The number of both trap and gill nets set (or deployed) for a lake 3 October 2014

fish assessment is dependent on lake size (i.e. large lakes include more total net locations than smaller lakes). For Como Lake, all nets were deployed at established DNR monitoring locations which included eight trap net locations and two gill net locations (Figure 2), which is a typical number of net locations for lakes less than 100 acres in size. For Little Crosby Lake there were no previously established monitoring locations, so the nets were distributed across the basin to sample representative areas of the lake. Due to the small size of the basin, the number of nets was reduced compared to Como Lake, with four trap nets and one gill net deployed in Little Crosby Lake (Figure 3). Both trap and gill nets were set one day and then retrieved the following day, after being allowed to â&#x20AC;&#x153;soakâ&#x20AC;? overnight. Trap nets were anchored on shore as described above, while gill nets were set out in the open water of each lake, held in place with boat anchors and large buoys. After being deployed when a net was retrieved the following day, all fish we removed from the net and placed into tubs. Each fish was identified, weighed and measured. Fish that were alive were released back into the lake. Dead fish were also placed back into the lake (after puncturing their swim bladder), which were then likely consumed by turtles. The depth, substrate and location of each net were recorded. Field photos from Como Lake and Little Crosby Lake are provided in Appendix B and Appendix C, respectively.

All equipment used during surveying was dried out and cleaned in between lake sampling efforts so as not to transfer any aquatic invasive species between lakes. While neither Como nor Little Crosby Lake are on the DNR Infested Waters List, steps for cleaning equipment after being on an infested water were followed in order to minimize the chances of transferring any undesirable plants (e.g. Curly-leaf pondweed) to other area lakes.

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Project Results and Discussion

Fish monitoring was conducted over three days in August from the 4th through the 6th in Como Lake. In Little Crosby Lake the fish monitoring was conducted over two days, August 11th and 12th. A summary of the results from each lake is provided.

Como Lake Fish monitoring in Como Lake included eight trap net sets and two gill net sets (Figure 2). Water depth for trap nets where the hoops were set ranged from as shallow as two feet at Location 5 to as deep as five feet at Locations 2, 3, 4 and 9 (Table 1). The most common substrate at the trap net locations was some combination of sand, silt and muck. There were some locations with firm sand-silt or sand-gravel substrates. In some trap net locations, the submerged aquatic vegetation was very think around the lead line of the net as well as the trap frames and hoops, with the main species being coontail. Gill nets were set in deep water in the open portions of the lake. There was no submerged vegetation present at either gill net location. Gill net Location 1 was set with the smallest mesh to the north in the shallower depth of 7.5 feet, and the net was then deployed to the south with the largest mesh in the deeper water at 10 feet (Table 1). Gill net Location 2 was set in the same orientation as Location 1 with the small mesh to the north and the large mesh to the south. However, this orientation placed the small mesh in the deepest water at 11.5 feet and the larger mesh in the shallow water at 8.5 feet.

Table 1: Como Lake trap and gill net survey results Location Trap Net 1 Trap Net 2 Trap Net 3 Trap Net 4 Trap Net 5 Trap Net 6 Trap Net 7 Trap Net 9 Gill Net 1 Gill Net 2

Depth 2–4 ft.

3–5 ft.

5 ft.

3–5 ft.

2 ft.

2–4 ft.

2–4 ft.

3–5 ft.

7.5–10 ft.

8.5–11.5 ft.

Substrate Muck Sand/Gravel Sand/Gravel Sand/Silt/Muck Sand Sand/Silt/Muck Sand/Silt/Muck Sand/Silt Silt/Muck Silt/Muck

Northing N 44 58' 40.2” N 44 58’ 50.5” N 44 58' 56.8” N 44 58' 59.1” N 44 58' 49.2” N 44 58' 34.2” N 44 58' 43.3'” N 45 59' 02.2” N 44 58’ 53.4” N 44 58’ 42.0”

Easting W 93 08’ 14.6” W 93 08’ 24.6” W 93 08' 26.5” W 93 08' 34.9” W 93 08' 36.6” W 93 08' 16.5” W 93 08' 33.7” W 93 08' 27.9” W 93 08 29.8” W 93 08’ 24.8”

Set 08/05/14 08/04/14 08/04/14 08/04/14 08/05/14 08/05/14 08/05/14 08/04/14 08/04/14 08/05/14

Retrieved 08/06/14 08/05/14 08/05/14 08/05/14 08/06/14 08/06/14 08/06/14 08/05/14 08/05/14 08/06/14

Total Fish 30 47 20 5 6 29 10 2 48 35

There were a total of 232 fish collected in Como Lake during the survey. The total fish collected in trap nets ranged from two to 47, while total fish collected in each gill net ranged from 34 to 48 (Table 1).

There were 10 species collected from Como Lake. Black Crappies were the most numerous fish collected, totaling 145 fish combined between trap nets and gill nets, accounting for 62 percent of the total catch (Table 2). All other species collected comprised less than ten percent of the total catch. There 5 October 2014

were similar numbers of golden shiners, northern pike, black bullhead and yellow perch collected, each totaling between 14 and 19 individuals and accounting for between six and eight percent to the combined total catch (Table 2). There were less than ten individuals collected for the remaining five species with each accounting for one to three percent of the combined total catch, including seven bluegills, seven pumpkinseed, six walleyes, three channel catfish and one yellow bullhead. In general, the nets effectively collected the main target species for each gear type with the majority of the bluegill, crappies and pumpkinseeds collected in trap nets and the majority of black bullheads, channel catfish, golden shiner, northern pike, walleyes and yellow perch collected by the gill nets.

The total combined catch in Como Lake was significantly less than the total catch from the last DNR survey in 2011 where 736 fish were collected (Table 2). While the total catch in 2014 was much lower, the total number of species was very similar between the two surveys, with ten species collected in 2014 and 11 species collected in 2011 (Table 2). The only species that was not collected in 2014 that was present in the 2011 survey were white suckers. Most species were collected in lower numbers in 2014 as compared to 2011, with the largest difference being for bluegills where only seven were collected in 2014 compared to 237 in 2011. Golden shiner was the only species collected in higher numbers in 2014 compared to 2011. Essentially the same numbers of walleyes were collected during the 2014 and 2011 surveys (six compared to five) and yellow perch were collected in similar numbers during both surveys (14 in 2014; 16 in 2011).

Table 2: Comparison of Como Lake results from CRWD 2014 survey and DNR 2011 survey DNR - 2011 CRWD â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2014 Species Total Catch Percent of Catch Total Catch Percent of Catch Black Bullhead Black Crappie Bluegill Channel Catfish Golden Shiner Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Walleye White Sucker Yellow Perch Yellow Bullhead Total

71 272 237 19 2 49 29 5 3 16 33 736

9.6% 37.0% 32.2% 2.6% 0.3% 6.7% 3.9% 0.7% 0.4% 2.2% 4.5% 100.0%

14 145 7 3 19 16 7 6 -14 1 232

6.0% 62.5% 3.0% 1.3% 8.2% 6.9% 3.0% 2.6% -6.0% 0.4% 100.0%

When removing the large discrepancy between the bluegill catch from the overall total catch, several species collected in 2014 comprised similar percentages of the total catch compared to 2011, such as northern pike, black bullheads, pumpkinseed and channel catfish. The percentage of black crappies collected in 2014 appears much higher than in 2011, but again if the bluegill catch were removed, crappies would comprise a similar percent of the total catch between the two surveys. Stated another

6 October 2014

way, the 2014 total catch was lower than 2011 but the total species pool was very similar and the percentage each species comprised of the total catch was also similar.

Table 3: Species catch information for Como Lake Species* Black Bullhead Black Crappie Bluegill Channel Catfish Golden Shiner Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Walleye Yellow Perch

Sample Gear Trap Net Gill Net Trap Net Gill Net Trap Net Gill Net Trap Net Gill Net Trap Net Gill Net Trap Net Gill Net Trap Net Gill Net Trap Net Gill Net Trap Net Gill Net

Total Fish 0 14 123 22 7 0 0 3 6 13 4 12 7 0 0 6 1 13

Number Fish/Net 0.0 7.0 15.4 11.5 0.8 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.8 6.5 0.5 6.0 0.9 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.1 6.0

Avg. Length 0.0 9.5 6.7 6.6 6.1 0.0 0.0 13.2 6.2 6.9 14.7 26.8 5.4 0.0 0.0 18.7 8.1 8.6

Avg. Weight 0 0.56 0.15 0.16 0.20 0 0 1.21 0.10 0.17 1.56 5.01 0.15 0 0 2.24 0.27 0.35

* : only one yellow bullhead was collected; it was partially eaten by a turtle so no length/weight data was taken.

Average lengths and weights of each species are presented in Table 3. There were some fish collected in both trap and gill nets that were partially consumed by turtles or some other animal. These partial fish were counted in the total number of fish collected (presented in Tables 1 -3) but were not measured for length or weight. Therefore the average weights and lengths are calculated based on whole, intact fish only. The black crappies collected appeared to all be from the same year class, with very little variation in length and weights of the collected fish. These fish would be considered small in terms of “keepable” size fish for anglers; however they were still large enough to be “catchable”. The bluegills and yellow perch were similar to the black crappies, in the fish were large enough to be caught but not necessarily of a quality size to be kept by anglers. The northern pike collected were large for a lake of this size and type averaging almost 27 inches and five pounds, with the largest fish measuring 31 inches and weighing just less than seven pounds. Northern Pike of this size and weight would be considered high quality catchable fish for anglers, even in lakes that are much larger or with more status as a recreational fishery. There were low numbers of channel catfish and walleye collected but the size of these species was similar to the northern pike, where the individuals were would be considered large and high quality size fish for anglers.

7 October 2014

The reasons behind the differences in total catch from 2014 compared to the 2011 DNR survey are not known. With the exception of the large decrease in bluegills, it seems likely that collection of the other species is within the variation that would be expected from one survey to the next with these gear types. The majority of the bluegills and sunfish collected in 2011 were small fish less than six inches in size. Fish of this size were basically absent from the 2014 survey. It is possible that there was poor recruitment in one of the year classes from either 2013 or 2014 for these species and that there were very few of these size individuals present to be collected. An additional factor is the very thick aquatic vegetation that was present at many of the trap net locations. It is possible that the small, young bluegills, sunfish and even crappies were hiding in the very thick submerged vegetation and not out moving freely in the lake, which would keep them from being collected by the trap nets. One method that could be added to the surveys in the future to check this theory would be to use a bag seine in areas near the trap nets to survey sections of shoreline for young/smaller bluegills, sunfish or even other species such as minnows or suckers.

Little Crosby Lake Fish monitoring had not previously been conducted by the DNR in Little Crosby Lake. As a result no previous survey locations were available. Due to the small size of the basin, the total number of nets used for the survey was four trap nets and one gill net. The nets were placed around the lake to sample various areas of the shoreline and open water (Figure 3). The water depth near the shore where the trap nets were set was consistently two to three feet deep with little variation (Table 4). The substrate at all of the trap net locations and the gill net location was muck and submerged vegetation was thick around most of the trap nets. There was no submerged vegetation in the area where the gill net was set, however the lake is narrow in this area (Figure 3) and the gill net was not very far from shore where more vegetation was present.

The total number of fish collected from the trap nets was very low, with only two to five fish collected from each net (Table 4). The thick vegetation at the trap net locations may have impacted the total catch. There were schools of very small (~two to three inch long) bullheads and sunfish observed in the vegetation near the trap net locations. However these fish were not collected in the trap nets. The gill net was placed in the northeast corner of the lake. The southwest corner of the lake has a very deep hole (over 25 feet) and dissolved oxygen concentrations were very low (less than 2.0 mg/L) at depths below five feet. As a result, the very deep hole was avoided and the net was deployed with the smallest mesh to the northeast in approximately five feet of water and the largest mesh in the deeper water approximately 12 feet. There were 58 fish collected from the gill net (Table 4).

8 October 2014

Table 4: Little Crosby Lake trap and gill net survey results Location Trap Net 1 Trap Net 2 Trap Net 3 Trap Net 4 Gill Net 1

Depth 2.5 ft.

2.5 ft.

3.5 ft.

2.5 ft 5 – 12 ft

Substrate Muck Muck Muck Muck Muck

Northing N 44 53' 56.3” N 44 54’ 00.5” N 44 54’ 04.3” N 44 54’ 02.7” N 44 54’ 01.5”

Easting W 93 09’ 37.4” W 93 09’ 39.2” W 93 09’ 30.6” W 93 09’ 27.5” W 93 09’ 32.8”

Set 08/11/14 08/11/14 08/11/14 08/11/14 08/11/14

Retrieved 08/12/14 08/12/14 08/12/14 08/12/14 08/12/14

Total Fish 4 1 3 5 58

There were 71 total fish and seven species collected during the surveys in Little Crosby Lake (Table 5).

The most numerous species collected was black bullhead, which accounted for 57 of 71 fish collected during the survey, equating to just over 80 percent of the total catch. Yellow perch were the second most abundant fish collected; however, the total number collected was low, with six individuals equaling just over eight percent of the catch. For each of the remaining five species collected, there were only one or two individuals collected, including two individuals each for bluegills, northern pike and pumpkinseed and one individual each for golden shiner and hybrid sunfish.

Table 5: Species breakdown from Little Crosby Lake survey Species Black Bullhead Bluegill Golden Shiner Hybrid Sunfish Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Yellow Perch Total

Total Catch 57 2 1 1 2 2 6 71

Percent of Catch 80.3% 2.8% 1.4% 1.4% 2.8% 2.8% 8.5% 100.0%

Partial fish were not measured or weighed, although if identifiable they were included in the total count for each species/net location. There were turtles collected in each trap net and also evidence of turtles eating fish entangled in the gill net. There were eight partial fish collected, which were not included in the length and weight averages for each species. The majority of the black bullheads were collected by the gill net (53 of 57 fish) and they were similar in size. The overall average for all black bullheads was 8 inches and 0.30 pounds. The largest black bullhead was approximately ten inches and weighed 0.6 pounds. The yellow perch ranged from five to seven inches, and averaging six inches and 0.13 pounds.

There were only two northern pike collected and one fish was only a partial fish (most of the body was consumed by turtles). The intact fish was a large specimen and was still alive in the gill net. It was measured at 31.5 inches but then released alive to preserve the fish (the fish was stressed, making it difficult to get an accurate weight). All of the sunfish species (bluegill, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish) were small individuals, three to six inches in length.

9 October 2014

Compared to the most recent survey on the main Crosby Lake basin (conducted by the DNR in 2004) there were less total fish and less species collected in Little Crosby Lake in 2014. There were large numbers of bluegills and pumpkinseeds in the main Crosby Lake survey, significantly more (over 180 total fish from these two species) than were found in Little Crosby Lake. It is possible these fish are not as prevalent in Little Crosby Lake or that the field conditions during the survey (thick near shore vegetation or low dissolved oxygen) impacted the collection. Other species such as black crappie, bowfin (a.k.a. dogfish), common carp and white sucker were collected by the DNR in the main Crosby Lake basin and not from Little Crosby Lake. It is not known if these species are present in Little Crosby Lake and were not collected during 2014 efforts or if these species are absent entirely from the smaller basin. In addition, the Mississippi River periodically floods in spring, connecting the river and both lakes within the floodplain. Therefore, fish species observed in either lake could potentially be influenced by this flooding.

10 October 2014

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CAPITOL REGION WATERSHED DISTRICT Fish Survey Locations - Little Crosby Lake

Site Location

Engineers - Scientists Business Professionals www.wenck.com

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1800 Pioneer Creek Center Maple Plain, MN 55359-0429 1-800-472-2232

Dakota County

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Appendix A

DNR Survey Permit No: 19909

June 3, 2015 Board Meeting V. Action Item A) Approve Minutes of May 20, 2015 DRAFT Regular Board Meeting (Sylvander)

Regular Meeting of the Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) Board of Managers, for Wednesday, May 20, 2015 6:00 p.m. at the office of CRWD, 1410 Energy Park Drive, Suite 4, St. Paul, Minnesota REGULAR MEETING MINUTES I.

A)

Call to Order of Regular Meeting (President Joe Collins)

Managers Joe Collins Seitu Jones Shirley Reider Mike Thienes Mary Texer

B)

Staff Present Mark Doneux, CRWD Anna Eleria, CRWD Bob Fossum, CRWD Elizabeth Hosch, CRWD Forrest Kelley, CRWD Michelle Sylvander, CRWD

Public Attendees Carrie Wasley, Ramsey Conservation District Todd Shoemaker, Wenck Associates Mark Evenson, Avision Young Jeff Gears, Underground Design Group

Review, Amendments and Approval of the Agenda

President Collins asked for additions or changes to the agenda. No changes were requested.

Motion 15-121: Approve the May 20, 2015 agenda.

Reider/Jones Unanimously approved II.

Public Comment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; For Items not on the Agenda

No Public Comments.

III.

Permit Applications and Program Updates A)

Permit #15-010 Como-Chatsworth SPSVP (Kelley)

Mr. Kelley reviewed Permit #15-010. The applicant, St. Paul Public Works, is reconstructing select residential streets in Como-Chatsworth area. The applicable rules are Stormwater Management (Rule C), Flood Control (Rule D), and Erosion and Sediment Control (Rule F). The disturbed area of this project is 6.27 acres with 6.27 acres of impervious surface.

Motion 15-122: Approve permit #15-010 Como Chatsworth with 3 conditions.

1. Provide a copy of the NPDES permit.

2. Revise plans to include the following: Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

a. Specify the rim elevation of structures 264 and 269 to verify the volume retention available in the east and west basins. b. Provide additional detail to show how runoff from CB 245 and CB 247 enter the west basin and how runoff from CB 265 and CB 266 enter the east basin. c. Provide specific erosion control on the perimeter of the filtration basins. The erosion control should limit construction activity on top of the filtration basins to prevent sediment deposition and compaction of subsoils. d. Label the aggregate backfill as â&#x20AC;&#x153;washed, angular, non-carbonate rock.â&#x20AC;? e. Specify the planting media in the filtration basins on sheets 14 and 15 shall be 80% sand, 20% compost.

3. Revise SWPPP to include provisions a-e as outlined in the 15-010 Permit Report.

Thienes/Reider Unanimously approved Motion 15-123: Approve Withdrawal of 15,370 Cubic Feet from the City of St. Paul Public Works Volume Reduction Bank Thienes/Reider Unanimously approved B)

Permit # 15-013 Jamestown Homes (Hosch)

Ms. Hosch reviewed Permit #15-013. The applicant, Jamestown Homes, is removing an existing facility for improved parking lots, sidewalks, grading/drainage, playgrounds and interior spaces. The applicable rules are Stormwater Management (Rule C), Flood Control (Rule D), and Erosion and Sediment Control (Rule F). The disturbed area of this project is 2.63 acres with 1.36 acres of impervious surface.

Motion 15-124: Approve permit 15-013 Jamestown Homes with 5 Conditions: 1. Receipt of $6,800 surety and documentation of maintenance agreement recorded with Ramsey County.

2. Provide a site specific plan, schedule and narrative for maintenance of the proposed stormwater management practices. At a minimum, require annual maintenance of infiltration areas to include removal of accumulated sediment and debris.

3. Provide a copy of the NPDES permit.

4. Demonstrate that the Environmental Construction Contingency Plan has been approved by the MPCA. 5. Revise plans and HydroCAD to remain consistent for the underground system outlet control structure.

Sheet C-2.0, Detail 10 on Sheet C4.1, and HydroCAD each have varying rim elevations, invert elevations, and naming conventions. a. Sheet C-2.0 labels the outlet structure as Storm MH 87 with a rim elevation of 893.50 and an invert of 889.35 and references Detail 10 on sheet C-4.1. b. Sheet C-4.1 Detail 10 is named Outlet Rate Control Structure 57 with rim elevation 895.60 and invert elevation 889.55. c. HydroCAD lists the outlet structure invert at 889.60.

Reider/Texer Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

Unanimously approved C)

Permit Close-out #13-008, Phalen Office Park (Hosch)

Ms. Hosch reviewed Permit #13-008, Phalen Office Park. The final inspection has been conducted to confirm demolition of existing structures, construction of a new parking lot, storm sewer connections to adjacent filtration basins, and final stabilization. The filtration basins were constructed under separate permit (#12-006), providing the related stormwater treatment for the parking lot.

Motion 15-125: Approve Certificate of Completion and return $7,750 surety for permit #13-008, Phalen Office Park.

Reider/Jones Unanimously approved Special Reports – Building Committee Update, Managers Texer and Thienes

IV.

At the May 7, 2014 Board Meeting the Managers approved an agreement for Real Estate Services with DTZ. Former DTZ employees Mark Evenson and Kate Gillette are now with the firm of Avison Young. In March of 2015, Mark Evenson and Kate Gillette gave the Building Committee an update on the CRWD Program assumptions and corresponding square footage. The list of possible properties was also updated to include a 1-3 ranking system. This system ranks a “1” as a good prospect for a future office space, a “2” means that the site or building has some limitations and may be marginal at meeting our needs and a “3” means that will come off the list and no longer be considered. Mark Evenson and Kate Gillette also developed two timelines for a new office facility. One timeline is specific for the purchase and remodeling of an existing building because that process would take less time. The second timeline is for the construction of a new building. The additional time for this approach is necessary to plan, design and construct a new facility.

Mark Evenson and Architect, Jeff Gears, reviewed the current list of eleven properties and discussed the pros and cons of each site. Mr. Gears reviewed the estimated square footage required for either a purchase or build option.

Mr. Gears developed a bubble diagram based on current square footage.

Manager Thienes and Manager Texer visited the eleven properties and shared their opinions. Manager Texer requested that Avison Young investigate the option of a two to five acre parcel from the former Linder’s Garden Center. Manager Thienes requested more information about the site on the corner of Dale and Larpenteur Avenue.

Mr. Evenson will make adjustments to the search.

Administrator Doneux noted that the office expansion planned for the summer of 2015 does not solve the space and storage problems of CRWD. Administrator Doneux also noted that he does not want the Managers to settle on a decision based on what is currently available in the market. The Managers agreed that this is a decision that needs to suit the growth of CRWD for the next 10-20 years.

V.

Action Items A)

AR:

Approve Minutes of the May 6, 2015 Workshop and Regular Meeting (Sylvander)

Motion 15-126: Approve Minutes of the May 6, 2015 workshop and regular meeting.

Jones/Reider Unanimously approved Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

B)

AR:

Approve April 2015 Accounts Payables/Receivables (Sylvander)

Motion 15-127: Approve April 2015 Accounts Payable/Receivable and April Budget Report, direct Treasurer and Board President to endorse and disperse checks for these payments.

Thienes/Texer Unanimously approved C)

AR:

Award Bid and order Project for Upper Villa Park Stormwater Project (Kelley)

Mr. Kelley reviewed that the District was awarded a $275,000 Clean Water Partnership grant in 2012 for the identification, design, and construction of volume reduction practices upstream of Lake McCarrons. In March of 2013, the Managers adopted the Lake McCarrons BMP Subwatershed Analysis that identified the Upper Villa Park as a priority site. In January of 2014, the District was awarded an additional $360,000 towards construction of the combined infiltration/harvest and reuse BMP underneath the Upper Villa Park. The Board of Managers approved the cooperative construction agreement with Roseville and authorized advertisement of bids at the March 4, 2015 meeting.

Bids for the Upper Villa Infiltration and Reuse project were opened on April 24, 2015. CRWD received 7 bids ranging from $851,000 to $1.2M. SRF Consulting Group has determined that the apparent lowest responsible bidder is New Look Contracting, Inc. per the project bidding documents.

Administrator Doneux noted that this is approximately a 1 million dollar project. With Partnership and grant funding CRWD’s portion of this project will be $215,000.

Motion 15-128: Authorize the Board President and Administrator to execute a Notice of Award and enter into an Agreement with New Look Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $851,467 for the Upper Villa Stormwater Infiltration and Reuse Project.

Reider/Jones Unanimously approved D)

AR:

Approve Contract Amendment for the Eustis Street Stormwater Feasibility Study (Eleria)

In late July 2014, CRWD’s Board of Managers approved Barr Engineering as the consultant for the Eustis Street Stormwater Improvement Feasibility Study in Lauderdale. The goals of the study are to identify opportunities for implementing green infrastructure practices in both public and private property along Eustis Street and have construction coincide with Ramsey County’s 2015/2016 Eustis Street Project. The street work will include mill and overlay and construction of a new, 5-foot sidewalk on the east side of Eustis Street from Idaho Avenue south to the existing sidewalk. CRWD staff presented the preliminary concepts to the study partners including the private property owner, Aspen Waste Systems, in early February 2015.

In late April, CRWD staff met with the study partners to receive feedback on the preliminary concepts and discussed Ramsey County’s street improvement plans and construction schedule. It was learned that the owner prefers to replace the concrete swales with pipes and is concerned about the volume of runoff being delivered to the swales from upstream areas. The City of Lauderdale conducted H/H modeling of its subwatersheds nearly 10 years ago, they are coarse and missing key pieces of information including flood elevations of upstream Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

stormwater ponds and identification of any deficiencies in the storm sewer system. The study partners are requesting that CRWD conduct subwatershed H/H modeling in the Saint Anthony subwatershed.

The estimated cost for this work is $13,505. CRWD staff recommends the Board approve this expansion to the study’s scope for assisting the City and County in understanding local hydrology and in determining necessary modifications or improvements to the existing public drainage system including the stormwater ponds.

Motion 15-129: Approve a contract amendment for Barr Engineering for the Eustis Street Stormwater Improvement Feasibility Study at a cost not to exceed $13,505 and authorize Administrator to execute additional contract amendments in an amount not to exceed $3,000.

Theines/Reider Unanimously approved E)

AR:

Authorize 2015 Fish Surveys (Suppes)

Mr. Fossum reviewed that in 2014, the Managers reviewed the Enhanced Lake Biological Monitoring Work Plan, which included initiating annual fisheries surveys on each CRWD lake (Como, McCarrons, Loeb, Crosby, Little Crosby). The primary goal of this expanded monitoring is to enhance our understanding of how the biological, chemical, and physical parameters of a lake interact to shape lake water quality to better inform inlake management decisions.

The District contracted with Wenck Associates, Inc. in August 2014 to conduct fish surveys on Como and Little Crosby Lakes as part of the program’s expanded monitoring goals. This 2014 fisheries data is currently being incorporated into CRWD’s 2014 Lakes Report. Additionally, the 2014 data was provided to the DNR and is being used to better guide their fish population management strategies (e.g. fish stocking).

CRWD has been developing plans to perform annual fisheries surveys on each District lake in 2015. CRWD met with the DNR to discuss the proposed 2015 plans and they did not feel McCarrons rn Loeb needed annual fish surveys due to evidence of stable fish populations in these lakes. However, they did recommend that fisheries surveys be replicated on Como, Crosby, and Little Crosby Lakes in 2015 in order to capture annual variation in fish populations.

CRWD sought a proposal from Wenck Associates, Inc. that outlines tasks, schedule, and costs required to perform fisheries surveys on Como, Crosby, and Little Crosby Lakes in 2015. The tasks and schedule outlined in the 2015 proposal are similar to those performed in 2014 on Como and Little Crosby Lakes. However, the costs in the 2015 proposal ($19,500) have been reduced in comparison to the 2014 proposal ($19,525), even though an additional lake has been added to the 2015 schedule. This was achieved by reducing Wenck staff time and augmenting CRWD staff time instead. Also, equipment purchased in 2014 (i.e. trap nets and gill nets) will be used again in 2015.

Manager Jones asked when the fish monitoring will take place. Mr. Fossum replied that fish surveys will take place in early August 2015.

Motion 15-130: Approve Proposal from Wenck Associates, Inc. for Fish Monitoring on Como, Crosby, and Little Crosby Lakes for an amount not to exceed $19,500.

Reider/Thienes Unanimously approved Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

VI.

Unfinished Business A) CHS Field (Lowertown Ballpark) Update (Zwonitzer)

Administrator Doneux provided an update on the Lowertown Ballpark. Additional bids for the concrete art design work came in at a lower rate. The City will provide additional funding. The Managers were very pleased to hear that the favored ripple design will be installed.

B) Willow Reserve Restoration Plan Update (Eleria) Ms. Eleria will present two statements of qualifications for recommendation at the June 3, 2015 Board of Managers meeting.

C) Ford Site Update (Fossum) Mr. Fossum reviewed the Goal and Vision Statement for stormwater and water features at the former Ford Site.

The Managers discussed the draft of the Stormwater Goal/Vision Statement. Mr. Fossum will make some revisions to the statement and bring back to the next meeting for additional review.

A public meeting is scheduled for June 23rd at the Gloria Dei Church by the City of St. Paul. The Great River Park Plan will be reviewed. Mr. Fossum will send out more information to the Board of Managers.

D) Building Committee Update (Texer & Thienes) A detailed update was provided in the special report.

VII.

General Information

1) Administrator Approved or Executed Agreements a) Agreement with Great River Greening for planting assistance during Montana Greenbrier and Montreal SPSVP planting events – not to exceed $10,000. b) Agreement with Waterfront Restoration, LLC for 2015 Lake McCarrons weed harvesting – not to exceed $10,290. c) Consultant Services Agreement with Bluestem Heritage Group for the Willow Reserve History Report – not to exceed $6,250. d) Consultant Services Agreement with Wenck Associates, Inc. for annual maintenance and technical assistance related to the Highland Ravine Stabilization project – not to exceed $5,000 annually. e) Consultant Services Agreement with Wenck Associates, Inc. for AHUG Exfiltration Monitoring and Well Design – not to exceed $10,000.

2) Board Approved or Executed Agreements a) Consultant Services Agreement with Houston Engineering, Inc. for 2015 BMP Database hosting and maintenance services – not to exceed $21,863. b) Joint Powers Agreement with City of Roseville for the Upper Villa Stormwater Volume Reduction Project – not to exceed $817,500.

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

c) Special Grant Agreement with Roseville Area Schools – ISD 623 for a stormwater management plan and BMP construction at Harambee Elementary School – not to exceed $55,000. d) Consultant Services Agreement with Barr Engineering Co. for the Lafayette Park Campus Feasibility Study – not to exceed $59,945.

3) General updates including recent and upcoming meetings and events a) Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary planting and opening celebration with Great River Greening and the City of Saint Paul is May 30. The volunteer planting event is coordinated by Great River Greening and the opening celebration will be held afterwards. b) Saint Paul Street Vitality Program boulevard rain garden planting events are planned for Saturday, May 16 (Montana-Greenbrier project area) and Saturday, June 6 (Montreal Avenue project area). c) Landscape Revival Native Plant Expo and Market is Saturday June 6 from 9 am – 3 pm at the Cub Foods Community Pavilion on Larpenteur in Roseville. d) Bugs Night Out, macroinvertebrate sampling event for children is Thursday, June 18 at Como Lakeside Pavilion from 6 – 7:30 pm. e) Como Lake Land and Water Cleanup with the Minnesota Standup Paddleboarders Association is Sunday, July 12 from 10 am – 1 pm at Como Lakeside Pavilion.

VIII. Next Meeting A) Wednesday, June 3, 2015 Board Meeting, Manager Jones and Manager Thienes will both be out.

B) Wednesday, June 10, 2015 CAC Meeting, tour has been moved to July 15th. The June meeting will include the mid term review. Manager Reider will attend the June meeting.

Manager Thienes will be absent from May 26th – July 29th.

A public meeting regarding the former Ford site has been rescheduled for June 23rd. Mr. Fossum plans to attend this public meeting.

WEFTEC 2015 abstracts were approved for Curtis Pond, RSVP Program, CHS field, and Villa Park dredging project and will be presented. Administrator Doneux was appointed to be a chair for the WEFTEC National Municipal Stormwater and Green Infrastructure Award Program.

MAWD Summer Tour will be June 24-26th in Duluth. Administrator Doneux and Manager Reider plan to attend.

Motion 15-131: Adjournment of the May 20, 2015 Regular Board Meeting at 7:52 p.m.

Texer/Thienes Unanimously Approved Respectfully submitted, Michelle Sylvander

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

June 3, 2015 V. Action Item - B) Consultant for Willow Reserve Restoration Plan (Eleria)

DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

May 26, 2015 CRWD Board of Managers Anna Eleria, Water Resource Project Manager Approve Consultant for Willow Reserve Restoration Plan

Background CRWD, in partnership with the City of Saint Paul and District 6 Planning Council, have sought statements of qualifications and cost estimates from two qualified and interested consulting firms for the development of the Willow Reserve Restoration Plan. Willow Reserve, a 23-acre bird and wildlife reserve owned by the City of Saint Paul, is highly valued as wildlife habitat for its large size, regional setting within the Mississippi River Flyway and various ecotypes. Completed in 2009, CRWD’s Loeb Lake/Willow Reserve Management Plan, recommended that a restoration plan be developed and implemented for Willow Reserve. More recently, the District 6 Planning Council and Councilmember Amy Brendmoen’s Office requested the City and CRWD make the development of a Willow Reserve Restoration Plan a priority.

Issues Applied Ecological Services (AES) and EOR, Inc. each submitted a statement of qualifications and cost estimate for the project. AES’ base cost estimate is $31,680 while EOR’s base cost estimate was slightly higher, $34,863. An interagency team comprised of two CRWD staff and three Saint Paul staff reviewed the statements of qualifications and cost estimates. Out of the five team members, four are recommending AES because of their strong relevant project examples and adequate allocation of time for project meetings and coordination.

AES also presented two optional tasks for the project, baseline survey of select wildlife species and development of water quality improvements concepts, CRWD staff would like the option of determining at a later time, in consultation with AES and project partners, on whether or not to incorporate one or both optional tasks. This would increase AES total cost estimate to $42,250. The amended 2015 budget for this project is $40,000. Copies of the proposals are enclosed with the electronic Board packet. Paper copies will only be provided upon request.

Action Requested Approve Applied Ecological Services as the consultant for the Willow Reserve Restoration Plan; authorize Administrator to execute a consultant services agreement with Applied Ecological Services in an amount not to exceed $31,680; and authorize Administrator to execute amendments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,570 for a total consultant services agreement amount of $42,250. enc:

Engineering consultant proposals (digital copy only)

W:\06 Projects\Willow Reserve\Restoration Plan\Board Memos\BM Willow Reserve Consultant Selection 06-03-15.docx

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

May 13, 2015 Capitol Region Watershed District 1410 Energy Park Drive, Suite 4 St. Paul, MN 55108

Dear Anna Eleria, Staff and Board of the Capitol Region Watershed District, We are very excited to have the chance to bid on this project! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exactly the kind of work at which we excel â&#x20AC;&#x201D;a tough ecological case with conservation and water management goals combined with a strong community need for a beautiful, safe, and interesting green space. To facilitate an accurate and appropriate response to the RFP, I both personally visited the site as well as reviewed the readily available reports (historical report, natural resource inventory, water quality and water levels, soils data, the Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wetlands report and historical aerial photos).

The site conditions of the Willow Reserve, common in the upper Midwest, are very familiar to AES ecologists and engineers. The site is best described as a mostly closed depression in an outwash plain (originally wet meadow on deep organic soils) with those same soils more recently intensively cultivated over decades for truck farming (as determined from the photo of the Merkl Farm and historical aerial photos). Not surprisingly, the fallow farmland today is dominated by a mixture of native (e.g., cottonwood, box elder, impatiens) and non-native invasive (e.g., reed canary-grass, buckthorn, honeysuckle, the hybrid and narrow-leaved cattails) species with wind- or water-borne seeds that quickly colonize large areas of ground. In addition, the site is now surrounded by development with its associated impervious cover, contributing to the challenge of managing excess stormwater runoff.

It is this understanding of the mixture of native and invasive vegetative cover on saturated muck soils that provides the basic starting point for phased ecological restoration planning. It constricts, for example, the use of heavy equipment and influences the selection of species mixtures. That being said, AES has developed strategies to deal with just such limiting factors and even use those limitations (e.g., water levels, soil types, canopy shade) to create a restoration trajectory that will control long-term maintenance costs. We are also expert at determining the most cost-effective and useful sampling and monitoring protocols that specifically target needed information and also the door open for citizen scientist involvement through the District.

Despite these various site degradations, the Willow Reserve currently functions, as has been noted, as an urban habitat island, providing a much needed migratory bird stopover area and potential habitat for other organisms. In fact, when I visited in mid-May, I witnessed one of the first neotropical migrant waves of the year with warblers, vireos, and flycatchers practicing their territorial singing in earnest. I heard only one chorus frog, however, which is unusual for a place with so much wetland and water.

Likewise, the existing macroinvertebrate study produced only one dragonfly specimen, also unexpected.

Nevertheless, the low IBI score reported for the site is commonly associated with urban water bodies that are typically dominated by midges (Chironomidae), an observation also documented in existing

reports. Multiple factors likely account for this low invertebrate diversity (e.g., unstable muck soils and unsuitable pond bottom configuration, sediment and pollutant loads from stormwater, poor riparian habitat afforded by the cattail fringe). All these concerns and needed for information will be addressed in come an integrated ecologically based restoration plan.

As has been our approach on other similar AES projects, we address options for water quality improvement and increased stormwater storage capacity in a manner tightly integrated with the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s values as enhanced wildlife habitat and recreational space. This expanded â&#x20AC;&#x153;water quality improvement conceptâ&#x20AC;? is included as an option in the proposed budget. Water quality solutions are likely to include an ecological stormwater treatment train to treat water discharged from the interceptor in typical flows, with the cost-benefit of actions determined by modeling of sediment and phosphorus reductions. We also envision modifications of the forebay and strategies for clean-out as part of an integrated solution.

As an ancillary benefit, enhancements of vegetation diversity associated with this water quality option will contribute to improvement of wildlife habitat.

Finally, our experience on many similar projects has reinforced our abilities to synchronize all proposed actions with the expectations of the District, its partners, and residents of the neighborhood. A carefully integrated ecological phased restoration plan opens the door to multiple opportunities for eventual public use improvements through features such as boardwalks, upland trails, and various access and viewing points. It lays a solid foundation for controlling capital and O&M costs. It effectively blends the ecological services of the area (e.g., stormwater management, climate change resiliency, wildlife habitat) with the need and desire for public enjoyment (e.g., boardwalks, upland trails, access points).

In conclusion, I will end this letter as I began: this is the type of project at which AES excels. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you to accomplish your diverse goals.

With kind regards,

Statement of Qualifications for Development of a Willow Reserve Restoration Plan for the Capitol Region Watershed District CONTACT Kim A. Chapman., Project Director Applied Ecological Services, Inc. (AES)/ 21938 Mushtown Rd., Prior Lake, MN 55372 952-447-1919 ext. 5; kim@appliedeco.com KEY STAFF Below we list key staff for the development of a Restoration Plan (hourly rates in parentheses) and description of project role and qualifications. Collectively, the team has decades of project experience for a variety of natural resources, naturalized stormwater management and ecological restoration in Minnesota and the Midwest. Projects frequently involve public input and facilitation of public meetings. Resumes are in the Appendix. The AES team has worked together on all of the projects described below.

Kim A. Chapman, Ph.D. ($175). | Project Director/Lead Scientist As lead ecologist on a diversity of complex ecological planning projects for 30 years, Kim is skilled at assessing a specific site and integrating conservation and ecological restoration with ongoing and projected human uses such as recreation and stormwater management. Kim serves as the lead ecologist on complex interdisciplinary master planning projects where nature preservation and ecological restoration must be integrated with human uses of a specific site and frequently leads and presents at public meetings.

Doug Mensing, MS ($125). | Project Manager/Lead Ecologist Doug brings 23 years of local and regional experience in ecological consulting and related project management on projects integrating ecological assessment and planning, wetland restoration, water quality improvement and stormwater management, and facilitation of public meetings and integration of public input. His restoration plan experience includes development of approach, tasks, phasing, units, and cost estimates.

Ed Kallas III, P.E. ($125). | Ecological Engineering Advisor/ Water Resources Management.

Ed brings to the project a tight integration of his 25 years of civil engineering experience with ecological restoration and experience working closely with AES ecologists on a variety of water resource projects (e.g., wetlands, ponds, streams). His background and close working relationship with ecologists results in ecologically sound designs of naturalized green infrastructure (i.e., stormwater treatment train) based on hydrological modeling to assess future storage capacity and water quality improvement potentials.

Matt Lasch, B.A. ($80). | Ecological Contracting Assessment/Restoration Implementation Expertise.

From his 9 years working in ecological restoration field services, Matt has assembled cost-effective, practical, strategic approaches to ecological restoration actions. Specifically, he excels at accurate cost estimation for implementation and monitoring, planning and design of cost-effective long-term maintenance, innovative invasive species control, communication with clients and the public, and native plant and seed installation.

HR Green (subcontractor) | Surveying/ Engineering support. HR Green will work closely with AES to accomplish assigned tasks that include surveying critical elevation points related to storm volume storage, soil moisture, and restoration zones.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE AES ecologists and other staff frequently complete planning and restoration projects focused on problemsolving and planning for urbanized green spaces which, like Willow Reserve, serve multiple functions of public use and appreciation, wildlife habitat, and ecological services (e.g., stormwater management, climate change adaptation, recreation). In short, the basic ecological challenges and opportunities presented by Willow Reserve are familiar ones to AES. AES takes a deep functional view of a site, creating management units that are based on an accurate understanding of ecological factors such as vegetation (invasives, shading, native species), soil texture and moisture, and drainage, together with limitations and opportunities presented

by desired human use. An AES team regularly collects, assesses, and analyzes existing background information and conducts field work to fill information gaps vital to designing and prioritizing implementation tasks and phases. Our extensive experience in contracting field services results in accurate cost estimates by restoration unit and phase. Our typical phased approach, with a targeted monitoring protocol, allows owner to detect the site’s response to restoration actions. This approach leads to adaptive management for long term maintenance and also a thoughtful restoration approach that balances effort and cost against return on investment for the goals a community wants. Below are several projects that include seminal components of this RFP (also see Appendix). When local engineering support is needed, AES partners with HR Green and will do so in this project, specifically for surveying.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park Master Plan Review | Dakota County, MN. This high profile project included assessment of existing natural resources reports, data and mapping, public use information, identification of information gaps, literature searches, public meeting presentations and interactions with the Advisory Committee—culminating in the integration in the final Citizen’s Panel recommendations of diverse and sometimes conflicting information and viewpoints.

Minnesota Zoo: Ecological Restoration and Management Plan, | Apple Valley, MN. Working closely with Zoo staff, AES ecologists assessed existing information and conducted field assessments to produce an ecological restoration and management plan for 282 acres; the plan’s goal was to restore a full spectrum of habitats indigenous to the area to serve as living exhibits of native fauna and flora for Zoo visitors. Preserving and increasing functionality of wetlands was of particular interest to the Zoo as were accurate cost estimates for the implementation of the restoration, which has begun.

Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Master Plan | St. Paul, MN. As part of a team with HR Green leading, AES created an ecological planting plan for an urban nature sanctuary and park on a former brownfield. AES contributions included restoration design of upland, wetland and streamside habitats; tree clearing and protection; and integration of the restoration with trails and visitor uses of the park.

Innovative Wetland Enhancement | Orono, MN. This holistic design-build ecological enhancement project centers on converting a degraded cattail/purple loosestrife/reed canary grass marsh into a deep marsh and wet meadow complex, with invasives control and plant diversity additions to the wooded fringe. AES is monitoring the biological response to this innovative cattail control and native seeding method using indicator taxa (vegetation, birds, frogs, toads, dragonflies, damselflies).

Valley View Park Master Planning and Design | West Des Moines, IA. AES teamed with an engineering firm to create a master plan for a new urban park focused on ecological sustainability (including stormwater management) combined with recreational uses. In addition, the City wanted an open space that could be affordably maintained long term by its own park staff. AES conceptualized the design of a combined green and gray stormwater system, with a braided stream and bio-infiltration galleries, and native vegetation plantings to enhance functions and provide wildlife habitat and aesthetic improvements.

Loring Pond Shoreline Enhancement | Minneapolis, MN. AES designed and implemented a demonstration cattail removal project for a portion of shoreline at Loring Pond in downtown Minneapolis.

Using innovative techniques, invasive cattails were removed and replaced with a diverse mix of native wet meadow and emergent wetland species with goals of improving aesthetics and watchable wildlife habitat.

With the demonstration project successfully completed, the Minneapolis Park and Recreational Board rehired AES to implement a similar strategy on the remainder of the pond’s shoreline.

Six Mile Marsh and Prairie Restoration | Minnetrista, MN. Working in close collaboration with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and stakeholders, with HR Green, AES developed and implemented a comprehensive ecological restoration and management plan for over 230 acres of former agricultural land and degraded wetlands draining to Lake Minnetonka. Water quality concerns were addressed through restoration of native vegetation and creation of an ecological stormwater treatment train.

APPENDIX

BUDGET

WILLOW RESERVE RESTORATION PLAN BUDGET TABLE 5/13/2015

Prepared by: Applied Ecological Services

Task No.

1 2 3 4 5 Option A Option B Option C

Task Description

Existing Data Collection and Review Field Work Restoration Plan Development Final Restoration Plan Project Coordination and Meetings Avian, Amphibian, Odonata Baseline Surveys (early & late summer, fall) Water Quality Improvement Concept and Modeling TBD by FIRM Base Total (w/o options) Total (w/options)

Hourly Billing Rate on Line 10 Kim Chapman, Doug Mensing, Lead Scientist Lead Ecologist $175 Hours 2

Ed Kallas, Ecological Engineer $125 Hours 10

Matt Lasch, Restoration Contractor $80 Hours

15

4 2

5 2 6

$125 Hours 10 25 45 15 60

10

24

4

15

25

15 29

155 194

25 50

Alex Waltz, Technical

HR Green, Surveyor

$60 Hours 8 25 20 8 14

$105 Hours 15

2

6 6

75 77

15 15

Total Hours

Cost Estimate

30 65 89 27 80

$ $ $ $ $

3,330 6,200 9,895 2,865 9,390

36

$ 4,870

44

$ 5,700

0 291 371

$ $31,680 $42,250

RESUMES

APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES

Specialists in Ecological Science, Restoration, Management and Research

Kim Alan Chapman, Ph.D. Regional Director/Principal Ecologist SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE Kim has worked as an ecologist, conservationist, and educator in private for-profit and non-profit sectors, academia, and government. Working with developers, A&E firms, governments, utilities, colleges, and private citizens, he uses science to help clients balance conservation and development while finding affordable ways to design and build with nature. He was lead author and editor of Valley of Grass, an award-winning example of how to balance nature, economics, and people’s aspirations. He specializes in ecological design in developments, parks and greenways, towns, and regions. Kim has expertise in planning, land and water management, ecological restoration, and wildlife research and conservation (the latter with a special emphasis at wind energy facilities).

SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE Waveland Golf Course and Glendale Cemetery Stormwater Design. (Des Moines, IA, 2013-2014). Led a team of HR Green, RDg Planning and Design, and Herfort Norby Golf Course Architects to prepare a stormwater management and habitat restoration master plan at an historic golf course and cemetery with erosion and flooding problems. Goals were to manage excess runoff at this urban site, restore Waveland Creek and natural open space, and respect the playability of the golf course and cemetery aesthetics. https://www. dmgov.org/Departments/Parks/PDF/Waveland-Glendale%20MP%20Report%20-%20 2014-10-28.pdf

EDUCATION Ph.D., Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, 2001 M.A., Biology (Ecology concentration), Western Michigan University, 1984 B.A., Biology, Kalamazoo College, 1979

AFFILIATIONS Ecological Society of America Natural Areas Association Urban Land Institute

Des Moines Water Works. (Des Moines, IA, 2011-2013). With Sasaki as lead, AES, and RDg Planning & Design envisioned and designed a cultural destination revolving around water, best management of engineered landscapes, and restoration of nature. Focused on the City’s drinking water infrastructure, AES led the team’s design addressing nitrogen and sediment pollution of the Raccoon River—a source of City water—by planning a stormwater treatment train as a new water source. The three-mile long STT is embedded in a system of interconnected water and land recreation venues, with “education through recreation” telling the story of water in the agricultural Corn Belt. http://www.sasaki.com/ project/147/des-moines-water-works-park Cleary Plaza, Western Technical College. (La Crosse, WI, 2009-2010). Led by RDg Planning & Design, AES helped design a building and plaza expansion for an urban college that used urban rain gardens, street stormwater planters, and permeable pavement to save half a million gallons of runoff annually. This freed up space in the City’s storm sewer and created a citizen and student destination. The experience led the City to pass the first ordinance in Wisconsin that all new streets should be “green and complete.” This project was featured in Land and Water Magazine (Nov/Dec 2014, pp. 3439) “LID Blended with Ecology on an Urban College Campus.” http://viewer.zmags.com/ publication/0ef0a12d#/0ef0a12d/34 Gateway Arch & Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. (St. Louis, MO, 2010-2013).

In a national competition, AES worked with lead firm Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates to re-design the grounds of the iconic St. Louis Arch for the fifty-year anniversary in 2015.

AES’s assignment was to manage erosion around and pollution of the reflecting pools (respecting Saarinen and Kiley’s original design), reduce grounds maintenance costs, and integrate biodiversity at the manicured site. AES conducted greenhouse and field trials to develop a native turf that could be used on the grounds. http://www.cityarchriver.org The Tomorrow Plan (A Regional Sustainability Plan). (Des Moines, IA, 2011-2012).

Worked with team leader Sasaki and several other firms to assist the Metropolitan Planning Organization—and 18 municipalities and hundreds of citizens—to define strategies to make the region more sustainable. AES led the scientific work—developing analysis and strategies for stormwater and flood management, and open space and wildlife conservation, in the context of climate change. http://www.thetomorrowplan.com Conservation Design Neighborhoods. (MN, CO, ND, WI, PA, MO, 2003-2014). Led AES teams in the design, permitting, and construction of open space and stormwater management systems at residential developments in several states. AES’s natural systems design approach created distinctive communities, restored wildlife habitat, improved ecosystem services, secured perpetual land stewardship, and exceeded regulatory expectations.

Wind Energy Projects. (MI, OH, WY, IN, MN, IA, ND, 2006-present). Led the AES windwildlife team in assessing wildlife effects at 30 wind energy facilities. Worked with private developers, utilities, and A&E firms. AES studied seasonal timing, activity, and habitat use by migratory and breeding birds, migratory bats, and sensitive species, such as northern long-eared bat and bald eagle to guide turbine micrositing using avoidance and minimization measures. AES undertook post-construction fatality monitoring on several projects that were built. AES has completed eagle conservation plans and bird and bat conservation strategies following Fish and Wildlife Service guidance.

www.appliedeco.com

APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES

Specialists in Ecological Science, Restoration, Management and Research

Douglas M. Mensing, M.S. Senior Ecologist/Project Manager SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE Doug possesses over 23 years of professional and research experience in ecological and environmental fields and has worked for AES since starting the Minnesota office in 2000. As a consulting ecologist, he manages and provides technical support for a broad range of conservation and ecological projects. Much of Doug’s recent work focuses on helping clients design projects in a more ecologically sensitive fashion, conserving natural features and functions and promoting sustainability. His wide-ranging applied ecological expertise includes natural resource inventory (NRI), restoration and management planning, conservation design and development, greenway corridor design, naturalized stormwater management, bio-engineered lakeshore and streambank restoration, and wetland assessments, restoration, and permitting.

SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE Minnesota Zoo Restoration & Management Plan. (Apple Valley, MN, 2012). As Project Manager, worked closely with Zoo staff to develop stewardship goals focused on improving biodiversity and ecosystem health. Work included a natural resource inventory, land cover mapping revisions, development of an implementation budget and writing of an ecological resource management plan (ERMP).

Thompson Creek Watershed Restoration. (La Vista, NE, 2013-present). As AES Project Manager, worked with partner RDg Planning and Design and engineering partner TD2 to create a park plan that addressed eroding creek banks and water quality for a onemile stretch of urbanized Thompson Creek in a southwest Omaha suburb. Conducted field assessments and contributed to the design and placement of watershed BMPs including downspout redirection, rain barrels, street planter and rain gardens.

EDUCATION M.S., Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, 1997

Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary Master Plan and Trail Design. (St. Paul, MN, 2012-2013).

As AES Project Manager, worked with HR Green, InterFluve and Forecast Public Art on a stream day-lighting and ecological restoration project for an urban nature sanctuary/park.

AES contributed to ecological stormwater management, restoration design, tree protection, and integration of the project with surrounding trail systems and the programmatic visitor uses of the park.

B.S., Environmental Science, Valparaiso University, 1991

Waller Creek and Chain of Parks. (Austin, TX, 2011-present). As AES Project Manager, worked closely with a national design team led by Michael Van Valkenburgh & Assoc.

(MVVA) to re-think and re-design Waller Creek – a degraded urban stream that flows through downtown Austin. AES’s contributions focused on streambank stabilization, re-vegetation strategies, restoration of aquatic habitats, and naturalized stormwater management.

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION

Innovative Wetland Enhancement. (Orono, MN, 2012-present). As AES Project Manager, led design and permitting and oversaw construction of wetland as part of a holistic ecological enhancement project. AES is converting a degraded cattail/purple loosestrife/ reed canary grass marsh into a deep marsh and wet meadow complex. Vegetation and wildlife monitoring will document the site’s biological response to innovative restoration techniques.

Wetland Delineation Training with an Emphasis on Soils and Hydrology Protecting Water Resources through Low Impact Development (LID) Workshop Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) Training

AFFILIATIONS Minnesota Native Plant Society Minnesota Wetland Professionals Association

Polymet/Northmet Mine EIS. (Hoyt Lakes, MN, 2006-2011). As AES Project Manager, represented the client as part of Wetland Resources Impact Assessment Planning (IAP), provided technical review of wetland-related documents, and contributed to a field tour of the proposed project.

La Crosse County Landfill Natural Resource and Recreation Plans. (La Crosse, WI, 2012-present). As AES Project Manager, worked closely with client to develop a detailed and phased ecological restoration and trail/recreation plan, as well as an ecological monitoring program, for this 337-acre landfill.

Waveland Golf Course and Glendale Cemetery Stormwater Design. (Des Moines, IA, 2012-2014). As Project Manager, led an inter-disciplinary team in the design of a stormwater management and habitat restoration plan for a historic site located in Waveland Creek’s headwaters. The team identified and prioritized numerous opportunities for improved runoff management and prepared five concept plans.

Painter Creek Treatment Wetland & Restoration. (Minnetrista, MN, 2006-2014).

Developed an Ecological Restoration and Management Plan and provided construction oversight and ecological monitoring.

Western Technical College. (La Crosse, WI, 2009-2010). With partner RDg, helped design a building and plaza expansion for this urban college. The project used urban rain gardens, street stormwater planters, and permeable pavement to save half a million gallons of runoff annually, freeing up space in the City’s storm sewer. The plaza has become a city destination and the City passed an ordinance that all future streets must be “green and complete.”

www.appliedeco.com

APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES

Specialists in Ecological Science, Restoration, Management and Research

Edward Kallas III, P.E. Ecological Engineer SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE As an Ecological Engineer for AES since 2009, Edward Kallas brings twenty-five years of experience associated with the development, design and construction of various civil engineering projects. Kallas has worked on a variety of different projects including commercial and residential site developments, wetland and prairie restorations, wetland mitigations, stream stabilizations and stormwater management facilities. Kallas regularly creates conceptual and final project designs and plan production for an array of different projects and serves as Project Manager and/or Inspector/ Resident Engineer. In this capacity, Kallas coordinates project scope, budget and schedules; completes project permit applications with various local, state and federal agencies; determines grading; plans stormwater utilities; models stormwater run-off; designs bioretention/infiltration facilities; and determines water quality performance. Kallas is proficient in Microsoft Office; AutoCAD Civil 3D; MicroStation V8; HydroCAD; Autodesk’s Hydraflow Hydrograph, Storm Sewer and Express; TR-20; TR-55; HECHMS; HEC-RAS; P8; WinSLAMM and RECARGA.

SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION Civil Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Platteville

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION Professional Engineer, WI E-37265

ADDITIONAL TRAINING University of Wisconsin-College of Engineering: • Storm Sewer System Design • Stormwater Detention Basin Design • Meeting TMDL, LID and MS4 Stormwater Requirements: Using WinSLAMM to Assess Quality and Volume Control • Watershed Modeling Using HEC-HMS • Mastering HEC-RAS

ASCE: Streambank Stabilization for Restoration and Flood Control

Rockcliffe Community Development Plan, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: Lead Engineer. Developed a stormwater treatment train approach, using ecologicallybased best management practices, to manage stormwater runoff from this former air force base. Prepared a conceptual stormwater management plan for the entire site, and a detailed design for an area of homes, parkland, school and mixed use. Crosssection and profile diagrams matching grades to roads and the standard stormwater management system of pipes were also prepared.

Eagle Pitcher Mine Site, Shullsburg, WI: Lead Engineer. Performed design of sustainable stormwater drainage system that addressed leachate problems associated with stormwater infiltration on material waste. Led plan production of construction documents.

Western Technical College: Kumm Center Site Development, La Crosse, WI: Lead Engineer. Performed stormwater runoff analysis, designed stormwater utility, developed stormwater pollution prevention plan and performed plan drafting associated with the renovation and building expansion of the Kumm Center.

Site stormwater facilities utilized “Portland-style” street planters, rain gardens, bioretention, infiltration and native plantings.

Western Technical College: Black River Falls Learning Center Redevelopment, Black River Falls, WI: Lead Engineer. Performed stormwater runoff analysis, designed stormwater utility, developed stormwater pollution prevention plan and performed plan drafting associated with the suburban redevelopment of existing retail site into a satellite campus classroom meeting LEED certification requirements. Site stormwater facilities utilized biofiltration islands and galleries, and native plantings.

Vieterhof West & East Subdivision Stormwater Management, Burlington, WI: Project Manager/Project Engineer. Performed a review of existing construction documents for this residential subdivision, analyzed water quality performance using WinSLAMM, coordinated with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff, and designed additional stormwater BMPs to meet the requirements of NR 216. The additions included modified roadway ditches and infiltration basins. Basin modeling utilized RECARGA. Blair Pond, Tulsa, OK: Team Engineer. Performed hydrological and water quality analysis to determine monthly phosphorus levels within the proposed recreational pond and recommend strategies to minimize algae blooms and its effects.

Valley View Park Phase 1 Plan, West Des Moines, IA: Team Engineer. Performed storm utility design, runoff analysis and construction document preparation for a 31-acre, multi-use recreational facility. Utilized HydroCAD, Hydraflow Express and RECARGA associated with the design of site stormwater facilities comprised of a detention basin, bioretention cells and biofiltration swales.

www.appliedeco.com

APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES

Specialists in Ecological Science, Restoration, Management and Research

Matthew Lasch, B.A. Field Services Manager SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE Matthew Lasch has a wide range of professional restoration experience. He has served as Field Services Manager for AES’ Prior Lake, Minnesota, office since 2008. Since joining AES, Lasch has been involved with all aspects of project development and implementation for numerous upland and wetland ecological restorations. His responsibilities as Field Services Manager include client relations, site analysis and planning for projects in a variety of ecotypes (including rare native plant communities), estimating costs, scheduling restorations, crew assignments and construction and safety oversight. Lasch’s restoration expertise involves site preparation, native plant and seed installation, plant identification, herbicide application, mowing and prescribed burning. Previously, Lasch served as a Restoration Crew Leader for AES. As a crew leader, Lasch prepared and scheduled projects, implemented work directives, documented completion of ecological work and coordinated with clients to achieve project-specific goals.

SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE Metropolitan Council System-Wide Native Vegetation Restoration & Maintenance (St. Paul, Cottage Grove & Empire, MN, 2008-Present, 63 acres). Coordinated and supervised all aspects of the project, including estimating, proposal writing, and implementing the proposed plan with field crews. Project, which integrated stormwater BMPs into restoration design and implementation, included vegetation management and restoration of multiple sites with upland/wetland plant communities around the metro area.

EDUCATION B.A., Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota, Morris, 2005 Merriam Scholarship

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS MN Commercial Pesticide Applicator License #20093749 (Core/Rightsof-Way/Forest Spraying; expires 12/31/15) First Aid/CPR Certifications S-130/190 Burn Certifications

TECHNICAL SKILLS Site Preparation Native Plant and Seed Installation Herbicide Application Mowing Prescribed Fire

AFFILIATIONS Minnesota Erosion Control Association; Minnesota & North American Falconer’s Association

www.appliedeco.com

Loring Park Pond (Minneapolis, MN, 2012-Present). Provided innovative approach to Phase 1 to control cattails and restore native emergent plants in an experimental area.

Worked with AES consultants, along with park board staff, to implement Phase 2 of cattail removal using the same successful Phase 1 approach for cattail removal/control. Worked and communicated closely with park board staff during various implementation and management stages. Coordinated all on-site work with field crew.

Orono Wetland Enhancement (Long Lake, MN, 2012-Present, 3 acres). Worked closely with AES consultants to restore a degraded wetland of cattails and reed canary grass to a native sedge meadow. Coordinated crews performing invasive brush removal, vegetation management, excavation, native seeding, and erosion control. Will continue monitoring and managing other phases of the project including vegetation management, rain garden installation, and native seeding.

Dean Lakes Ecological Restoration Master Plan for Mixed-Use Development (Shakopee, MN, 2008-Present, 88 acres). As Field Services Project Manager, provided restoration, enhancement and ecological management of conservation open space with upland/wetland plant communities. Supervised and performed on-the-ground restoration activities during the final stages of installation and beginning stages of management.

Continued to manage the client and crews for implementing a 5-year management plan of the entire site.

Blaine Wetland Bank (Blaine, MN, 2010-Present, 100 acres). Worked closely with Critical Connections Ecological Services to draft restoration approach and tasks for this rare, highquality wetland. Managed project and crews to coordinate restoration and management activities, including brushing, herbiciding, prescribed burning, de-thatching and native seeding, for the site’s upland/wetland plant communities.

Cardinal Ridge Park (Prior Lake, MN, 2008-2014, 3 acres). Restoration of turf grass to native prairie with additional vegetative maintenance. Project included native landscaping (including upland/wetland plant communities) of the grounds and stormwater detention ponds.

Empire Wetland Restoration (Empire Township, MN, 2011-Present, 123 acres). Led crews in the implementation of management strategies for controlling non-native species for upland/wetland plant communities. Management included spot herbicide, spot mowing, native seeding and tree removal.

Bohrer Pond Shoreline Stabilization (Inver Grove Heights, MN, 2009-2011, 1,980 linear feet of shoreline). Implemented and supervised all restoration efforts from project estimation to final acceptance after management. Met with the client on site for frequent updates and managed crews during restoration and management activities including site prep, soil lifts, native seeding, erosion control, native plant plugs, live stakes, native shrub planting, management mowing and spot herbicide.

Shakopee Prairies Restoration & Maintenance (Shakopee, MN, 2009-2012, 5.25 acres).

Restoration and ecological management of various sites (all city parks with upland/wetland plant communities) throughout the city. Helped establish water quality BMPs through use of native landscaping at certain sites.

PROJECT SHEETS

APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES

Specialists in Ecological Science, Restoration, Management, and Research

Minnesota Zoo

Ecological Restoration and Management Plan The Minnesota Zoological Garden (the Zoo) asked Applied Ecological Services to provide an ecological restoration and management plan (RMP) to be used as a tool for improving and preserving ecological health of their lands and waters. AES worked closely with Zoo staff to develop a stewardship vision and goals, focus the plan on improving biodiversity and ecosystem health, and integrate the restoration work into the visitor experience.

The resulting long-range RMP, which was supported by funds from Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment, includes a natural resource inventory to document the current state of plant communities and animal habitats, revisions to land cover mapping, development of management units and restoration tasks, and a budget for implementation.

Client: Contact:

Project Type: Location: Timeline: Project Size:

Minnesota Zoo Kim Thomas Zoo Horticulturalist (952) 431-9206 Kim.Thomas@state.mn.us Restoration Planning Apple Valley, Dakota County, MN 2012 282 acres

In developing the plan, the Zooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 485 acres were divided into 3 areas: outdoor exhibits, the built environment and the 285-acre natural area. The Zooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision for its natural environment is to establish the full spectrum of habitats indigenous to the region, from oak forest to oak savanna and prairie, and various wetland communities. Within the natural area, there are 16 different land cover types, representing plant and open water communities. Unusual wetland habitats are present: vernal pools and northern rich fen. Preserving and increasing the diversity, functionality and beauty of these rare wetlands and other critical natural resources is a critical goal of the RMP. The RMP also provides instructions for adaptive, long-term management.

This includes annual ecological monitoring reports to document and assess restoration progress and provide specific recommendations for subsequent management efforts.

With incorporation of the RMP, the Minnesota Zoo can use its extensive wild spaces as living exhibits to demonstrate land stewardship. The plan will make the Minnesota Zoo a showcase for ecological restoration and contribute to the conservation of native Minnesota plant and wildlife communities. The plan serves as a guide for citizen science endeavors and as an educational backdrop for the School of Environmental Studies.

www.appliedeco.com

APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES

Specialists in Ecological Science, Restoration, Management and Research

Trout Brook

Nature Sanctuary and Regional Trail Design With HR Green leading and joined by AES, InterFluve and Forecast Public Art, the project team undertook an ambitious stream daylighting project and significant 42-acre ecological restoration for a future City park. The site is a contaminated brownfield and old rail yard in the valley of Trout Brook, now largely underground, just north of downtown St. Paul.

The City made it a priority to create a vibrant green oasis in this industrialized and lower-income neighborhood. To accomplish the City’s goals, the following had to occur in the design process and construction documents: • Bring water from a major storm sewer interceptor to the surface and into a created stream channel; • Model runoff from adjacent neighborhoods to ensure volume control and high water quality; • Design an ecologically-based stormwater management system;

The City’s goal: a vibrant green oasis in an industrialized, lower income neighborhood.

Client: Contact:

Project Type: Location: Size: Timeline:

City of St. Paul Department of Parks and Recreation Kathleen Anglo Landscape Architect (651) 266-6368 kathleen.anglo@ci.stpaul.mn.us Park Master Plan St. Paul, MN 42 acres 2012–2013

• Complete a plant community restoration plan for the majority of the park’s surface; • Hold frequent meetings with City staff and other stakeholders, such as the watershed district; • Integrate the project with surrounding trail systems and programmatic uses in the park; and • Include public art.

AES project deliverables included preparation of design and construction documents for the project’s construction phase. The design phase of the project, which began in July of 2012, was completed on schedule by May 2013, and AES’ design budget did not exceed the proposed cost estimate.

As of 2014, grading and trail construction have been completed.

Ecological restoration work is underway, including the plantings of hundreds of trees, shrubs, and plugs by volunteers. Park construction will be completed in 2015.

www.appliedeco.com

APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES

Specialists in Ecological Science, Restoration, Management, and Research

Valley View Park Park Master Planning and Design Valley View Park is a signature park in West Des Moines, a rapidly growing community outside Des Moines, Iowa. West Des Moines values high amenity developments and affords its residents a varied and comfortable lifestyle. The City turned to RDG Planning and Design (project lead) and Applied Ecological Services to engage the community in a master planning process for Valley View.

The challenge at Valley View Park was to improve the site’s ecology and sustainability, while creating multiple recreational and cultural venues. Other challenges were constraints placed on the park by surrounding residential developments, the need to blend with an existing water park, the City’s stormwater management ordinances, and the necessity of creating affordable open space that could be maintained largely by City park staff.

Conceptual rendering of the master plan for Valley View.

Through a collaborative process, RDG and AES designed the master plan using a strong ecological concept provided by AES. RDG and AES were

Client: Contact:

Project Type: Location: Timeline: Project Size:

City of West Des Moines Gary Scott Parks and Recreation Director (515) 222-3449 Gary.Scott@wdm-ia.com Regional park design/build West Des Moines, IA 2010–2012 85 acres

also selected to design and oversee the construction of Phase 1. The agricultural ditch in the park is being transformed to a braided stream and pond system using stormwater runoff from the park and its surroundings.

Functioning as a watershed, water flowing through the park is not cleansed and regulated through additional ponds.

The park demonstrates the positive attributes of native vegetation and the natural water cycle while offsetting impacts from development. Ecological features throughout the park are not only instructional and recreational, but also lower maintenance costs, reduce stormwater runoff volume, and promote infiltration. Stormwater management includes a series of biofiltration galleries, nutrient removal biocells, stormwater wetlands, wet ponds, bio-retention filters, and an underground cistern to capture and reuse runoff to supplement irrigation and feed the interactive water features.

A restored ecosystem and wildlife habitat were created alongside playing fields, playgrounds and parking lots.

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has honored the project’s unique park design approach with a Merit Award for Design Unbuilt from the Central States Chapter (2013) and an Honor Award for Design Unbuilt from the Iowa Chapter (2012). For more information, visit http://www. rdgusa.com/projects/valley-view-park-master-plan.

www.appliedeco.com

APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES

Specialists in Ecological Science, Restoration, Management and Research

Six Mile Marsh and Prairie Restoration Targeting Water Quality Improvements Working in close collaboration with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and its stakeholders, and partnered with engineering firm HR Green, Applied Ecological Services developed and implemented a comprehensive ecological restoration and management plan for over 230 acres of former agricultural land and degraded wetlands draining to Halsted Bay on Lake Minnetonka. Water quality in this westernmost bay of the lake, ranked among the worst in the entire watershed at the start of the project, was a major driving force behind the plan.

Water quality issues were addressed through restoration of native vegetation and a naturalized hydrology.

Client:

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Contact: Tiffany Schaufler

Project and Land

Program Manager

952-641-4513

tschaufler@minnehahacreek.org Project Type: Prairie and wetland restoration Location: Minnetrista, MN Size: 233 acres Timeline: 2012â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2015

The restoration plan focused on former agricultural lands draining to Lake Minnetonka.

www.appliedeco.com

The Six Mile Marsh Prairie Restoration addressed water quality by restoring a more natural hydrology to the site and by stabilizing steep slopes to prevent to export of sediment and nutrients to Six Mile Creek and Halsted Bay. The restoration of substantial acreage of valuable native wildlife habitat was also an important goal of the project.

Restoration actions included abandonment of agricultural drain tile and removal and continued management of invasive plant species (e.g., garlic mustard, reed canary grass, and non-native cattail and buckthorns) followed by seeding and planting to restore native prairie, oak savanna and wetlands.

Future plans include development of a spur trail from the adjacent Dakota Rail Trail to spot overlooking the restoration, complemented by interpretive signage that makes connections between land uses, restoration actions and water quality.

Native grasses and forbs were planted to enhance both wildlife habitat and water quality.

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. for the Capitol Region Watershed District

Statement of Qualifications for the Willow Reserve Restoration Plan

05.12.2015

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May 12, 2015 Capitol Region Watershed District Attn: Anna Eleria Suite 4, 1410 Energy Park Drive St. Paul, MN 55108 Subject: Statement of Qualifications to Develop a Restoration Plan for Willow Reserve

Dear Ms. Eleria: Enclosed is a statement of qualifications from Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. (EOR). We understand the Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) has interest in retaining a natural resource consultant to develop a restoration plan for Willow Reserve in St. Paul. Participating in the restoration of this regionally significant natural area in an urbanized landscape is truly a great opportunity. Putting our talents to use to guide decisions that shape the future of this developed landscape is the type of purpose that defines us as natural resource professionals.

EOR has an exceptional track-record working collaboratively with the Capitol Region Watershed District.

Our proposed team includes members of previous successful EOR project teams and brings specific talent related to natural resource restoration. We have site-specific experience with Willow Reserve. In 2007 EOR completed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Willow Reserve Natural Resource Inventory & Habitat Assessmentâ&#x20AC;? for the CRWD. Jason Naber will serve as project manager and will take the lead on developing the wetland restoration plan. We have enlisted the staff of Natural Shores Technologies (NST), specifically Rob Langer and Bill Bartodziej, to assist in developing the restoration plan. NST staff complements the EOR team by bringing practical restoration experience. Bill and Rob will provide insight into the implementation elements of the restoration plan including; recommendations for phasing of the restoration, control of invasive species and site preparation/planting recommendations and costs. Also included are optional tasks that provide additional information that will be useful to guide implementation.

We understand sound science principles and communication are necessary to inform and implement restoration projects. EOR will serve as the communication pathway between natural resources science, CRWD Staff, CRWD Board and the District 6 Planning Council. Our team will assist as needed with meeting facilitation by utilizing communication skills earned through experience serving as a facilitator for many complex projects.

We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to enhancing the natural resource values of the Willow Reserve in St. Paul.

Sincerely,

Jason Naber, WDC Biologist, Senior Partner Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.

EOR is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 651 Hale Ave N Oakdale, MN 55128 T/ 651.770.8448 F/ 651.770.2552

www.eorinc.com

Firm Contact Information Jason Naber Emmons & Olivier Resources Inc. 651 Hale Ave N. Oakdale MN 55128.

651-770-8448. jnaber@eorinc.com.

Key Project Team Members & Roles Jason Naber, WDC - Role: Project Manager & Biologist. Rate= $152/hr The proposed project lead is Jason Naber. Jason is a biologist with 25 years of experience in natural resource mgmt. Jason will conduct field inventories, participate in plan writing and lead project meetings.

Pat Conrad - Role: Environmental Scientist. Rate= $152/hr Pat has extensive experience with watershed management and particularly this region of the CRWD. Pat participated in past work on Willow Reserve and will play an important role this project. Pat is expected to be part of the assessment team, plan writing and meeting attendance.

Mike Majeski

-

Role: Field Biologist. Rate= $112/hr

Michael will focus his efforts in this project on field inventory, surveying, monitoring and wildlife related components. He is an extremely competent field biologist with a broad range of expertise including surveying, monitoring and sampling. Mike will take the lead on collecting macroinvertebrate samples and coordinating with RMB Labs to conduct taxonomic and interpretive work identified as Optional Task B. Meghan Funke Jacobson, PhD

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Role: Water Quality Specialist. Rate= $112/hr

Meghan has an engineering background and 9 years of experience. She will apply her expertise in freshwater ecology to enhance the water quality of Willow Reserve and downstream aquatic resources.

Michael Talbot, EIT - Role: Hydrologist & Modeler. Rate= $90/hr Michael Talbot is a research specialist and masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graduate student with 8 years of research and engineering experience. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s academic specialization and research in watershed hydrology will be leveraged to determine the optimum hydrologic regime for Willow Reserve that enhances the broadest suite of wetland functions.

Rob Langer - Role: Restoration Specialist. Rate= $166.75/hr Rob specializes in plant propagation and project management related to ecological restoration. He has over 20 years of experience in restoration, nursery management, wetland and lake assessment, and environmental permitting. Rob will participate in site assessment and restoration planning.

Bill Bartodziej - Role: Restoration Specialist. Rate= $ 166.75/hr Bill is a restoration ecologist with over 20 years of professional experience in lakeshore restoration planning, natural areas management, and watershed management. Bill will participate in site assessment, restoration planning, and attend project meetings.

Stuart Grubb, PG - Role: Hydrogeologist. Rate= $152/hr Stu has 24 years of experience in environmental consulting. As an optional task, Stu will lead an environmental review effort for Willow Pond. This shall include; environmental records review, sampling and analysis of pond sediment, and recommendations for further actions if initial field work indicates a need.

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Team Experience Trillium Site - Trout Brook Greenway Natural Resource Management Plan EOR Client: City of St. Paul Division of Parks & Recreation

EOR conducted a natural resource assessment and management plan for the Trillium Site which included the vision for what would ultimately become the Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary. The EOR site restoration plan included the following elements: a restoration of a pre-settlement natural community that would include: soil remediation, a restored meandered stream to the once extant Trout Brook, stormwater harvesting, the design of stream pooling areas as source-control for urban runoff, additional connections to the regional Gateway Trail, and habitat enhancement for migratory birds and other wildlife. See Trillium Natural Areas Management Plan Conceptual Site Plan in appendix.

Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary EOR Client: City of St. Paul + many community partners

The historic, sacred Carverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cave & early Mississippi River settlement area (now known as the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary) was restored from brownfield conditions to include a 870 foot groundwater-fed stream, 3 wetlands, black & tamarack seepage swamps, and 4 acres of bedrock bluff prairie. The ecological restoration was integrated with park design concepts and 1.4 trail miles were also constructed for future paving. This project required complex collaboration with park planning, historic preservation, and tribal resource protection efforts. Design services included: various public and project partner presentations, wetland permitting, coordinating with the contaminated areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Response Action Plan, and construction oversight.

Pelican Lake Hydrologic Restoration Study Feasibility EOR Client: Ducks Unlimited

A water balance and water quality analysis study was used to inform management decisions in restoring inlake phosphorus levels to a normal eco-region range, as well as in establishing submerged, floating leaf, and emergent marsh communities for state-designated wildlife lake use. Pollutant load modeling from multiseason in-lake data collection and groundwater-linked water balance led to the consideration of two outlet alternatives, and the preliminary design of the preferred alternative. Prior to proceeding with the final design and permitting, the state environmental review (EAW) process was used for public vetting and comment on: a lake outlet pump and structure, remeandered stream channel, restored wetland & outlet structure, and instream stabilization.

Optum World Headquarters Campus NST Client: United Healthcare Group

UHG-Optumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal for their 50 acre corporate campus is to protect water quality and retain 100%+ of the storm water generated - stopping the rain/snow where it falls-Stop the raindrop where it stops. The extensive storm water management system is designed to manage all the campus storm water through the integrative use of native wetland, prairie and woodland plant communities along with more typical storm water infrastructures such as storm water ponds. Natural Shore Technologies provided input on what native plant communities would be most appropriate for each of the landscape settings. NST selected the specific species that would be best suited for the soils, aspect and hydric conditions of each of the features and storm water ponds within the newly graded landscape. NST oversaw the seeding and planting of the initial landscape installation. During the first year NST provided monitoring and maintenance of the plant communities.

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WILLOW RESERVE RESTORATION PLAN BUDGET TABLE 5/13/2015 Instructions: Please fill out the budget table below and indicate the staff names, billing rates and their estimated hours per task. Calculate the total hours per staff and per task and costs per task.

The total project costs for base work only and for base work plus options should be calculated as well.

Prepared by:

Task No.

1 2 3 4 5 Option A Option B

Emmons & Olivier Resources Inc.

Task Description

Existing Data Collection and Review Field Work Restoration Plan Development Final Restoration Plan Project Coordination and Meetings Environmental Review+ Lab Fee Macroinvertebrate Report + Lab Fee Base Total (w/o options) Total (w/options)

Jason Naber, Project Manager

Pat Conrad, Env. Scientist

Stuart Grubb, PG Hydrogeologist

Meghan Jacobson, PhD Limnologist

Mike Majeski, Biologist

Mike Talbot, EIT Modeler

($152/Hr) Hours 4 8 12 2 20 4

($152/Hr) Hours 4 4 4 2 10 4

($152/Hr) Hours

($112/Hr) Hours 8 4 16 8 10

($112/Hr) Hours 8 20 24 8 10

($90/Hr) Hours 4 0 24 0 0

30 4

Rob Langer, Restoration Specialist ($166.75/Hr) Hours 2 8 8 2 2

Bill Bartodziej, Restoration Specialist ($166.75/Hr) Hours 2 8 8 2 2

Total Hours 32 52 96 26 54 38 4

Cost Estimate $ $ $ $ $ $ $

4,035.00 8,180.00 11,740.00 3,371.00 7,537.00 6,776.00 1,948.00

$ $

34,863.00 43,587.00

A PPEND IX - R esumes - Pr ojec t Exa mp les

EOR: w a t e r | e c o l o g y | c o m m u n i t y

Page | 1

Select Project Experience

Jason Naber

Environmental Compliance (NEPA, EAW, EIS, SEIS, etc.): Lilydale Regional Park EAW St Paul. Natural Resource Specialist. Site inventory, EAW writer.

Mesabi Nugget Phase II Mining EIS MNDNR. Reviewer.

Responsible for performing 3rd party review for the Mesabi Draft EIS for Stream Geomorphology, Wetlands & Wildlife. Primary responsibilities included evaluation of river flow changes on threatened & endangered riverine species and cumulative wetland impact analysis.

Wetland Ecology and Planning Responsible for field data collection and analysis, strategic plan development and ecological restoration projects. Notable work includes use of a landscape scale Wetland Functional Assessment to model future land use alternative and their affect on wetland functions and the development of Minnesota’s first Special Area Mgmt. Plan (SAMP).

Comprehensive Wetland Planning and SAMP Upper Mississippi River Basin, Project Manager/Sr. Biologist

Comprehensive Wetland Protection and Management Plan Prior Lake Spring Lake Watershed District. PM / Sr. Biologist Wetland Restoration Feasibility Study for Parley Lake Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. Project Manager.

Wetland Mitigation Site Hydrology Monitoring and Analysis Private Client. Project Manager / Senior Biologist Calcareous Fen Hydrologic Monitoring, 2009-2010 Private Client. Project Manager / Senior Biologist Trout Habitat Preservation Project Brown’s Creek Watershed District. Project Designer.

Lake & Stream Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Studies Red River Valley Biotic TMDL Protocol Development MPCA. Project Manager and Biologist.

Brown’s Creek Biotic TMDL Brown’s Creek Watershed District. PM / Biologist.

Upper Prior - Spring Lake TMDL Implementation Plan Prior Lake Spring Lake Watershed District. Project Manager.

Pope County 8 Lakes TMDL and Implementation Plan Pope County SWCD and MPCA. Project Manager.

Mustinka River TMDL Imp. Plan and Watershed Assessment MPCA. Project Manager.

Natural Resource Assessment, Inventory, Planning & Mgmt.

Work include field inventories, data management, and environmental assessment. Field work required knowledge of local flora including rare species and invasives and an understanding of ecological restoration.

Report writing and database management were important components of each of these projects.

Natural Resource Inventory Rice Creek Watershed Dist. Project Manager.

Dakota Prairie Grasslands PFC Stream Survey US Forest Service. Project Manager & Stream Assessment Specialist.

Common Carp Management Plan Prior Lake Spring Lake WD, MN. Project Manager.

WDC Senior Partner Biologist Jason Naber has 26 years of experience in natural resource management and ecological restoration. He has been the project lead for several resource management plans, comprehensive wetland management plans, and project manager for several total maximum daily load (TMDL) studies.

Jason is very familiar with environmental permitting, review and documentation.

Jason is an experienced project facilitator.

He has excellent rapport with watershed districts, municipalities and agencies. An effective communicator, Jason frequently gives technical presentations & participates in educational seminars.

Education 1992 Bachelor of Arts in Biology, St. John’s University Continuing Education 1996 2002 2005

2012 2013

Wetland Delineation Training Rosgen Stream Geomorphology Systematic Development of Informed Consent MN DNR Field Guide Training for Native Plant Community Classification Wetland Delineator Certified (WDC)

Areas of Expertise

MN/DNR Pre-qualified Amphibian and Reptile Species Surveyor

Natural Resource Mgmt. and Restoration

Professional Activities

MN Wetland Professional Assoc.

MN Herpetological Society

Pheasants Forever & Ducks Unlimited Instructor for BWSR Lateral Effect Training Seminars

Citizen Advisory Committee - Deer Creek/Nemadji River TMDL Technical Advisor for the MN Drainage Manual update

Advisor for Metro. State Univ.

Science Masters Degree Program

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Select Project Experience

Patrick Conrad

Watershed Management Plans Assist in watershed management planning efforts and help guide the plan development process in addition to facilitating stakeholder input.

Watershed Management Plans (WMP) – Capitol Region Watershed District, 2010 and 2000 WMP. Project Manager and Assist. Project Manager, respectively.

Currently managing the development of the WMP and facilitating the public involvement process. On the previous plan - assisted in writing the watershed management plan and responsible for leading discussions with advisory committee and watershed board of managers.

Watershed Water Quality Evaluations Serve as project manager and lead coordinator of multi-disciplinary team members. Also perform water quality modeling and assess alternatives for load reductions.

Subwatershed Analysis - Como 7 Capitol Region Watershed District. Project Manager.

Assisted in the development of a subwatershed analysis and improvement project. Performed P8 water quality modeling and identified water quality improvement alternatives for a subwatershed of Como Lake.

Wetland Hydrologic and Hydraulic Study Capitol Region WD - Sarita Wetland. Modeler and Plan Author.

Conducted water quality modeling for the Sarita Wetland watershed and developed an implementation plan to reduce nutrient inputs to the wetland.

Resource Management Plans Develop management plans for lakes and streams in high density urban, suburban, and rural watersheds. Conduct water quality modeling and developed watershed load reduction plans. Responsible for leading the public involvement process, garnering input for the plan development process.

Strategic Lake Management Plan - Long Lake Long Lake, MN. Project Manager and Technical Advisor.

Served as the water quality modeler for this lake management plan.

Hydrologic and water quality modeling of the watershed was used in developing the Strategic Management Plan.

Stormwater Improvement BMPs Develop stormwater BMP design alternatives and assist in assessing water quality treatment efficiency. Provide project management and coordinate multi-disciplinary team members.

Sheep Pasture Infiltration Basin U of M–St. Paul Campus. Project Manager and Client Liaison.

Oversaw the design and construction of an off-line stormwater infiltration basin. Coordinated multi-disciplinary design team and assisted in developing the vegetative restoration plan.

Stormwater Improvements - Arlington Pascal/Como 7 Capitol Region Watershed District. Project Manager.

Managed the evaluation and design of a series of water quality improvement projects in the Como 7 subwatershed. Water quality BMPs include large and small scale raingardens, under street infiltration trenches, underground storage/infiltration area and

Senior Partner, Water Resources Specialist Patrick Conrad has 24 years of experience in water resource management, including water quality modeling, TMDL studies and implementation plans, watershed mgmt. and administration, wetland assessment, and Geographic Information System (GIS) administration.

Having served for the past seven years primarily as a watershed district representative – Pat is fully conversant with the issues and concerns of watershed management, planning, and governance.

Pat’s extensive knowledge of water resources management practices and policies serve to make his input on any project a valuable contribution to any programs development, implementation, and success.

Education 1991

Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies University of Minnesota

Professional Affiliations

MECA MN Erosion Control Assoc.

Additional Training 1999 2001 2003 2004

XP-SWMM and TR20 hydrologic modeling BASINS modeling for TMDLs Advanced P8 water quality modeling Systematic Development of Informed Consent

Areas of Expertise

Lake Management

Water Quality Modeling

Watershed Management

Water Resource Planning

Wetland Function and Value Assessments

Geographic Information Systems Management

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Select Project Experience

Meghan Jacobson

Total Maximum Daily Load Studies (TMDLs) Bois de Sioux River Watershed TMDL & WRAPS 4 lake phosphorus, 6 stream turbidity, 6 stream dissolved oxygen, 3 stream E. coli, and 3 stream biological assemblage impairments Chisago Chain of Lakes TMDL & WRAPS 9 lake phosphorus impairments

Crow Wing River Watershed TMDL & WRAPS 7 lake phosphorus,10 stream E. coli, 2 stream dissolved oxygen, & 1 stream biological assemblage impairments Goose River Watershed TMDL & WRAPS 6 lake phosphorus, 3 stream E. coli, and 2 stream biological assemblage impairments

Grand Marais Creek Watershed TMDL & WRAPS 3 stream turbidity, 1 stream dissolved oxygen, & 1 stream E. coli impairment Leech Lake River WRAPS - No impairments, protection focus

Little Fork River TMDL & WRAPS - 4 stream turbidity impairments Long Prairie-Red Eye Watershed TMDL & WRAPS 10 lake phosphorus, 3 lake chloride, 11 stream E. coli, and 9 stream biological assemblage impairments Nemadji River Stressor Identification 6 stream biological assemblage impairments

PhD

Limnologist Meghan earned a Ph.D. from the Univ. of Minnesota- Twin Cities, Dept. of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, studying nutrient cycles in lakes and wetlands, and has completed over 8 years of field and research experience in freshwater ecology. She also has a general understanding of architecture & engineering from her undergraduate degrees in architecture & engineering.

Meghan applies her broad expertise to various water quality and stormwater management projects. She is the technical lead for all of the lake and stream diagnostic, Total Maximum Daily Load, and Restoration and Protection projects at EOR.

Pine River Watershed TMDL & WRAPS 1 lake phosphorus impairment

In addition, she has experience working with stakeholders and the public to identify the causes of biological impairments, inventory non-point & point pollution sources, & to develop nutrient load allocation and reduction scenarios. As a scientific team member, Meghanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technical training in environmental engineering and research experience in limnology contribute to an integrated understanding of aquatic health and water resources management at EOR.

Sauk River Chain of Lakes TMDL - 13 lake phosphorus impairments

2006

Bachelor of Arts in Architecture Univ. of Minnesota - Twin Cities

2012

PhD - Freshwater Ecology Univ. of Minnesota - Twin Cities

American Society of Limnology & Oceanography

Mississippi River Winona Watershed TMDL 2 lake phosphorus, 14 stream turbidity, 6 stream biological assemblage, 2 stream nitrate, and 6 stream bacteria impairments Nemadji River Stressor Identification 6 stream biological assemblage impairments

Ohio Maumee River Mainstem TMDL 3 large river nitrate, phosphorus, and E. coli impairments Rice Creek Southwest Urban Lakes TMDL 6 lake phosphorus impairments

St. Clair Lake TMDL - 1 lake phosphorus impairment

Sunrise River Watershed TMDL & WRAPS 4 lake phosphorus, 2 stream E. coli, and 1 stream turbidity/ biological assemblage impairments

Lake Diagnostic Studies & Implementation Plans

Woodpile Lake Mgmt. Plan - Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek Watershed District

Moody Lake In-lake Treatment Plan - Comfort Lk. -Forest Lk. WD

Lower Prior Lake Diagnostic Study & Implementation Plan Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District Sand &Long Lake Diagnostic Study & Implementation Plan Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District

Square Lk. Diagnostic Study & Implementation Plan Refinement Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District Green Lake Eurasion Watermilfoil Study.

Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District

Upper Mississippi Headwaters Water Analysis Mississippi Headwaters Board

Education

2006 Bachelor of Civil Engineering Univ. of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Professional Affiliations

North American Lake Management Society

Areas of Expertise Limnology

Aquatic Ecology

Nutrient Cycling Water Quality

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Mike Majeski

Select Project Experience Wildlife Surveys Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Minnesota Comprehensive Wildlife Management Strategy MNDNR. Wildlife Biologist.

Two species of particular concern in Minnesota are the Wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) and the Smooth softshell (Apalone mutica), both of which are state-listed. The hypothesis of the study is that hydraulic and hydrologic manipulations to riverine hydrology have an impact on near-stream nesting habitat. The project included field surveys of nesting habitat using survey grade GPS, historic air photo interpretation, GIS analysis, an evaluation of historic stage data, and report writing.

MNDNR Wood Turtle Survey East-Central, MN. Wildlife Biologist.

Performed surveys for the threatened Wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) along rivers in East-Central Minnesota to determine the population status, distribution, and use of potential nesting sites. Activities included marking of captured turtles, physical data collection and habitat assessments. Findings and future survey recommendations were provided to the DNR. Blanding’s Turtle Survey Arden Hills, MN. Wildlife Biologist.

Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) survey work included the installation of drift fences and pitfall traps, herpetological assessments, and reporting.

Eastern Massasauga Telemetry Survey Wisconsin, WIDNR. Wildlife Biologist.

Tracked movements of Eastern Massasaugas (Sistrurus catenatus) using radio telemetry and surveyed potential habitat and pit tagged any new snakes encountered in the field. Work included habitat analysis and specimen measurements (i.e. weight, length, sex, physical condition).

Eastern Massasauga Survey Southeastern Minnesota, MNDNR. Wildlife Biologist.

Identified and surveyed potential habitat for Eastern massasaugas (Sistrurus catenatus). Work included a complete herpetological account, habitat analysis, and survey recommendations.

Northern Goshawk Survey Orr, MN. Project Manager and Wildlife Biologist.

Conduced a call-back survey for Northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) in the Kabetogama State Forest. Work included the identification of potential nesting habitat, documentation of landuse changes, and call-back surveying.

Keystone and Bison Pipeline Migratory Bird Surveys ND, SD, NE, WY, MT. Wildlife Biologist.

Surveyed pipeline right-of-ways and facilities in several states for raptors and migratory birds. Work included bird nest identification and territory monitoring, breeding status determinations and behavioral observations.

Keystone Raptor and Bat Survey Missouri. Wildlife Biologist.

Identified and monitored active and inactive raptor nests, courtship behavior and nest building along a pipeline right-of-way. Work also included the identification of Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) potential roosting trees within the pipeline right-of-way.

Biologist Mike Majeski has 14 years of experience in stream restoration, natural resource assessments, biological studies, and land surveying.

He has worked on a variety of projects including wildlife surveys, TMDL studies, stream and wetland assessments, resource management plans, and natural resource inventories.

Mike has managed a diversity of challenging projects including large scale water quality monitoring studies, invasive species management, and bathymetric and topographic surveys.

Education 2002

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Biology Saint Mary’s University

Continuing Education 2004 2008 2008 2009 2012 2012

Advanced Wetland Delineation Stream Assessment & Monitoring - MnDNR Fluvial Geomorphology & Stream Classification - MnDNR Confined Space Entry MnDNR Field Guide Training For Native Plant Classification MnDNR Natural Channel Design in Dam Removal & Fish Passage Workshop

Professional Affiliations

MN Ornithologists’ Union MN Herpetological Society Minnesota Safety Council

Areas of Expertise

MnDNR Pre-Qaulified Amphibian, Reptile, and Bird Species Surveyor Stream Restoration Wildlife Biology Water Quality / Flow Monitoring Land Surveying

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Common Carp Management Plan Spring Lake, MN. Field Supervisor.

In an effort to improve water quality in Spring Lake, a mark-recapture study is underway to determine the population size of Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in the lake. The results of this study will help guide future management strategies to control the carp population, including carp harvest and spawning habitat exclusion.

Jordan Creek Mussel Survey Illinois. Wildlife Biologist.

Conducted a freshwater mussel survey for a pipeline crossing within a small creek and relocated mussels to an upstream buffer zone. Work included a habitat assessment of the source and relocation zones, mussel collection and identification, specimen measurements, and mussel translocation.

Swan River Mussel Survey Private Client. Wildlife Biologist.

The project tributary to the upper Mississippi River included coordination with MNDNR staff on survey protocol and permitting, development of a detailed survey and safety plan, mussel collection and identification, specimen measurements, habitat assessment, and mussel translocation to an upstream buffer zone.

Publications

Majeski, M. J., and P. A. Cochran. 2009. Spawning Season and Habitat Use of Slimy Sculpin (Cottus cognatus) in Southeastern Minnesota. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 24:301-307.

Naber, J. R., M. J. Majeski, and A. R. DeMars. 2004. Baseline surveys for the Massasauga Rattlesnake in Minnesota, 2002 & 2003. Final report submitted to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 28 pp.

Recent Technical Presentations

2012 Minnesota Water Resources Conference: CARP CONTROL - Tagging for Population Estimates with Volunteers

Mike Majeski, Biologist

Select Project Experience

Michael Talbot

Hydrologic, Hydraulic, and Water Quality Modeling Perform analyses related to rural and urban water quality and water quantity modeling. Experienced in modeling with various software packages, including: ArcSWAT, PC-SWMM, HydroCAD, Autodesk SSA, P8, and MINUHET (MINnesota Urban Heat Export Tool), among others.

H/H Models for Rural Stormwater Mgmt. – Ontario, Canada Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. Modeling Engineer.

Developed H/H models for 500 km2 of drainage area to Lake Huron. Lead agricultural engineer for model development efforts, including the addition of sediment-yield simulation capabilities and support for a suite of physically-based agricultural BMPs to an urban-centric modeling platform. Derived custom algorithms for the representation of multiple distinct groundwater flow regimes, including subsurface drainage.

H/H Model for the Prior Lake Outlet Channel Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District. Modeling Engineer.

Performed updates to hydrologic and hydraulic parameters, model calibration and validation, and channel crossing flooding assessment for large-scale stormwater conveyance infrastructure.

Bioretention Protocol Performance Assessment – Ont., CA Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVCA). Modeling Engineer.

Developed novel regression-based approach to the assessment of stormwater bioretention device performance, including development of a spreadsheet tool targeted for use by nontechnical CVCA staff.

BCWD Watershed Management Model Refinement/Updates Brown’s Creek Watershed District (BCWD). Modeling Engineer.

Refined and calibrated a large-scale urban water quality model to assess the impacts on phosphorus and nitrogen transport within a municipal stormwater conveyance and treatment network.

Windsor Heights Stormwater Management Plan City of Windsor Heights, Iowa. Modeling Engineer.

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis (SSA) model update to assess the impact of a new retail development on downstream flooding from increased stormwater flows. Development of preliminary stormwater retention pond designs for an array of proposed solutions using Iowa’s guidelines for water quality volume and rate control.

Storm Lake Stormwater Management Plan City of Storm Lake, Iowa. Modeling Engineer.

Autodesk SSA model development including the conversion of parameters from an existing HydroCAD model and enhancement of detail. Estimation of hydraulic parameters from construction documentation, field survey data, digital elevation model (DEM), etc. Estimation of hydrologic parameters from GIS-based topographic, land cover, and soils data.

Academic / Educational Research * Assessing Agricultural BMPs University of Minnesota. MS Thesis Project.

Used DRAINMOD to assess agricultural BMPs for subsurface drainage & assessed the performance of the model’s evapotranspiration estimation under varying cropping conditions.

Performed measurements of soil physical properties in the field and in the laboratory. Assisted in the design and construction of a solar-powered irrigation-water pumping system. Collaborated on a project to assess and reform the current methodology for the assessment of benefits from municipal drainage ditches in MN.

EIT

Agricultural Engineer Michael Talbot is a former research specialist with 7 years of research and engineering experience. His academic specialization and research projects in agricultural drainage and watershed hydrology are invaluable in developing models for the evaluation and mgmt. of rural watersheds & ag. landscapes.

He has experience in total maximum daily load studies, water chemistry, watershed hydrology, soil science, as well as largescale hydrologic, hydraulic, & water quality model parameterization, calibration, & enhancement.

He is proficient in a variety of surface water modeling platforms including PCSWMM, XPSWMM, and ArcSWAT, and is familiar with the source code of models including DRAINMOD. His education includes training in the groundwater modeling programs SLAEM & MODFLOW. Programming languages include Visual Basic, FORTRAN, and R.

Education 2009 2014

Bachelor of Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering University of Minnesota Master of Science Candidate Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering - Univ. of Minnesota

Awards & Scholarships

‘06 -‘07 Evan Allred Memorial Scholarship ‘05 -’08 Tozer Foundation Scholarship

‘05 -’09 Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund

Professional Affiliations

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers

American Inst. of Hydrology – HIT Member

Areas of Expertise

Agricultural BMPs Drainage & Irrigation Systems Hydrologic & Hydraulic Modeling Soil Science & Conservation Statistical Analysis

w a t e r e c o l o g y community

Natural Resources Management & Restoration Design University of Minnesota, Senior Capstone Design Project.

Performed a comprehensive soil and water resource assessment with limited resources, and designed a plantation of Jatropha curcus on denuded land in rural Haiti with the intention of creating economic stimulus through the production of biodiesel.

Test Engineer Dectra Corporation, Minneapolis, MN Oversaw efficiency and emissions testing on a prototype cordwood furnace, ensuring proper equipment functionality and accurate data acquisition. Collaborated in the design and construction of two pre-fabricated, pre-insulated GARN PAK furnace shelters for a rural Alaskan school.

Graduate Research Contractor U.S. Geologic Survey , Minneapolis, MN Conducted laboratory and field testing of a NIR turbidity meter, including equipment modification. Authored and coauthored several writing pieces as part of a USGS circular publication. Developed in-depth knowledge of agricultural practices and modifications.

Research Assistant University of Minnesota, Dept. of Biosystems & Ag. Engineering Executed preliminary site-exploration and benchmark surveying of ravines and streambanks all across the Minnesota River basin. Installed and maintained tile-outlet flow meters to measure subsurface drainage flows at an agricultural field site. Responsible for data collection and equipment maintenance at an array of field sites as part of water quality sampling for various research studies.

Visiting Research Assistant Czech Technical University (ČVUT) – Prague, Czech Republic, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Performed soil, water, and geologic surveys in a remote mountain catchment. Installed and maintained hydrologic monitoring equipment for a stable isotope tracing study. Designed a UROP project evaluating two low-input models for estimating stream mean baseflow residence time. Analyzed stream flow hydrographs and stable isotope measurements.

Publications Sands, GR, D Canelon, and M Talbot. 2014. “Developing Optimum Subsurface Drainage Design Procedures.” Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, no. Section B - Plant Soil Science.

Talbot, MT, GR Sands, and JA Coulter. 2014. “Evaluating and Estimating DRAINMOD’s Effective Rooting Depth for Corn.”

In ASABE Meeting Presentations. Raleigh: ASABE.

Michael Talbot, Agricultural Engineer

* completed previous to employment at EOR

Select Project Experience

Stuart E. Grubb

Groundwater Analysis, Studies,Hydraulics, & Models

Responsible for designing & managing local and regional groundwater investigations and planning.

County Wellhead Protection Modeling MN Dept. of Health. Ramsey, Anoka, and Washington Counties.

Developed regional groundwater flow models of the Twin Cities Area to be used for wellhead protection planning.

PG, LEED AP Senior Hydrogeologist

Vermillion River Groundwater Study Dakota County SWCD. Project Manager.

This study examined groundwater infiltration potential throughout the watershed and identified stretches where the river was gaining or losing water. Results were important for regional development planning and trout habitat protection.

Mr. Grubb has over 25 years of experience in environmental consulting and has served as the lead senior hydrogeologist and project manager for large, multi-disciplinary environmental permitting projects and regional groundwater studies.

Hydrologic, Hydraulic, and Pollutant Loading Study Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, MN. Lead Hydrogeologist.

Analysis included shallow and deep groundwater flow, depth to groundwater, and infiltration potential mapping. Results were linked to XP-SWMM surface water models. Project included extensive public meetings with 29 municipalities and other stakeholders.

Mr. Grubb has served as project manager for over 15 sites with leaking underground storage tanks or petroleum spills. He has conducted remedial investigations for sites polluted by petroleum, heavy metals, PCBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and volatile organic compounds, and has designed and conducted various remediation actions, including site closure.

Surface Water-Groundwater Interaction Study Washington County, MN. Project Manager.

Oversaw this project which involved groundwater and surface water measurements, groundwater elevation contouring, groundwaterdependent natural resource inventories, groundwater-surface water interactions in lakes and streams, monitoring well installation, and public education.

Valley Creek Groundwater Model

St. Croix Watershed Research Station.

Mapped groundwater resources and created a mathematical model of groundwater flow in the Valley Creek Watershed. Model was used to demonstrate potential effects of proposed municipal water supplies on trout habitat.

Watershed MLEAM Model South Washington County. Project Hydrogeologist Developed a MLAEM model of the watershed district. The model is based on the Northeast Province model developed by the MPCA, with more detailed information added for bedrock and quaternary aquifers above the Prairie du Chien/Jordan aquifer. Model has been used for wellhead protection planning, infiltration mgmt., and pollution tracking.

Water Resources Management Plans and Permitting

Spring Creek Stewardship Plan Washington County. Lead Hydrogeologist.

Examined springs and spring creeks that discharge from the bluffs along the St. Croix River. Study characterized groundwaterdependent ecosystems including trout habitat. Worked closely with neighborhood groups, watershed management organizations, the Univ. of Mn, National Park Service, and the Science Museum of Minnesota to complete the project.

Wetland Permitting, T.H. 212

MN DoT, Eden Prairie, MN. Project Manager & Sr. Hydrogeologist.

Field investigation of 19 miles of right-of-way & hundreds of wetlands.

Installed piezometers to obtain hydrogeologic information. Project required 18 groundwater models to evaluate groundwater/surface water interactions& potential impacts due to road construction.

He has worked extensively with groundwater infiltration and recharge both on local and regional scales. Mr. Grubb has designed stormwater infiltration basins & modeled aquifer recharge for water resource management organizations.

Education

1985

Bachelor of Science in Geology, Carleton College

2004

Master of Business Administration University of Saint Thomas

1989

Master of Science in Water Resources Science, University of Michigan

Professional Registration

#30051 MN Professional Geologist

Professional Affiliations

MGWA Minnesota Ground Water Assoc.

Past President

National Ground Water Assoc.

Society of Minning Engineers

Freshwater Society Board of Directors

Areas of Expertise

Hydrogeology Groundwater Modeling & Hydraulics Pollution Remediation Wellhead Protection & Assessments

w a t e r e c o l o g y community

Natural Shore Technologies 6275 Pagenkopf Road Maple Plain, MN 55359

Natural Shore Technologies Professional Experience Bill Bartodziej Restoration Ecologist, Owner, Natural Shore, Maple Plain, 2002….  Designs and manages the installation of ecological restoration projects, mainly focusing on lake and pond shores, and wetlands.  On contract with a major corporation to provide review, education, and management of an ecological restoration on their international headquarters.  Train and manage restoration staff.

Natural Resources Specialist, Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, Maplewood, 1997...  Leads and coordinates natural resources restoration, management, and protection efforts in the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District. Incorporates a natural resources perspective into the development, implementation, and management of District Capital Improvement Projects and local agency water management and open space initiatives.  Acts as primary District staff for delivery of information on natural resources issues to the District Board of Managers, state and local agency cooperators, and the public.  Obtains grant funding to support innovative natural resources restoration and water management projects with local agencies.  In charge of developing and establishing a wetlands biological monitoring program to better direct water resources management activities and to quantitatively assess wetland restoration efforts. Multivariate and Index of Biological Integrity techniques are being used to analyze data and explain results to policymakers.

Biological Scientist III, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Tallahassee, 1989-1997  Project leader in charge of the design and implementation of a 5-year legislatively mandated ecological monitoring program on a high-profile coastal river. Responsible for the: 1) supervision of lab and field technicians 2) identification of plants, invertebrates, birds, and fishes 3) statistical analysis 4) report writing 5) oral presentation of findings.  Responsible for evaluating aquatic plant species as indicators of nutrient enrichment in Florida waters, modeling plant production versus key water quality parameters.

Data were used in at least one court case.

ď&#x201A;ˇ

Worked cooperatively with state and local agencies to design and conduct a 3-year study to assess the ecological value of common emergent plants in Florida lakes.

Data will be used to formulate statewide aquatic plant control regulations.

Environmental Consultant, Tallahassee, FL, 1995 to 1997 ď&#x201A;ˇ On contract with the U.S. Forest Service to assess wetland plant communities in a National Forest. Project included the generation of a plant species list, determination of plant community dynamics in relation to fire and season, and recommendations for a longterm monitoring design.

Education University of Minnesota:

M.S., Aquatic Ecology, 1989 B.S., Fisheries Biology, 1986

Publications Bartodziej, W., S. Blood, and J. Lindeman. 2011. Assessing urban wetland soils for reed canary grass management. Ecological Restoration. Vol. 29 (4) 329-331.

Bartodziej, W., P. Digneau. 2010. A natural partnership. Golf Course Management. Vol. 78 (7) 46-52.

Bartodziej, W. S. Blood, P. Erdman, and T. Shevlin. An evaluation of fencing to challenge emergent plant herbivory. 2008. Ecological Restoration. Vol. 26 (3) 184-185.

Elvecrog, H. and W. Bartodziej. 2008. Lake Phalen Shoreland Restoration Walking Tour and Plant Guide.

Bartodziej, W. 2005. Injecting biology along a rip-rap shoreline. Land and Water. 6-11.

Bartodziej, W. 1999. A bid to revegetate an urban lake shoreland. Lakeline. Vol. 19 (1): 10-29.

Bartodziej, W. & A. Leslie. 1998. Waterhyacinth as a biological indicator of water quality. In: The Wakulla Springs Woodville Karst Plain Symposium.. Florida Geological Survey Special Publication # 46.

Bartodziej, W. & J. Ludlow. 1997. Aquatic vegetation monitoring by natural resources agencies in the United States. Lake and Reservoir Management Vol. 13(2): 109-117.

Bartodziej, W. & A. Leslie. 1997. The Waterhyacinth Component in the Ecological Framework of the St. Marks River, Wakulla County, Florida. FL Department of Environmental Protection, BAPM. TSS-95100. 150 pp.

Bartodziej, W. & G. Weymouth. 1995. Waterbird abundance and activity on waterhyacinth and egeria in the St. Marks River, Florida. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. 33: 19-22.

Bartodziej, W. 1993. Aquatic Plants. Underwater Forests of Lakes and Rivers. FL Department of Environmental Protection, BAPM 15 pp.

Bartodziej, W. 1992. Amphipod contribution to Waterhyacinth decay. Florida Scientist 55: 103-111.

Bartodziej, W. 1992. Effects of a weed barrier on benthic macroinvertebrates. Aquatics 14. 14-18.

Bartodziej, W. & J.A. Perry. 1990. Litter processing in diffuse and conduit springs. Hydrobiologia 206: 8797.

Perry, J.A., N. Troelstrup, W. Bartodziej & T. Wilton. 1988. Risks to Surface Water Quality in the Lanesboro Watershed, Southeast Minnesota. University of Minnesota, FRSP # 63. 112 pp.

Rob Langer Restoration Ecologist, Owner, Natural Shore, Maple Plain, 2002….  Administration and management of daily operation.  Designs and manages the installation of ecological restoration projects, mainly focusing on lake and pond shores, and wetlands.  Lead project tracking, evaluation and maintenance coordination for lakeshore, stormwater pond, rain garden, wetland and prairie projects.  Native Plant Nursery operations management including acquiring seed, plant germination and transplanting, wholesale sales and retail outlet.  Hire, Train and manage restoration staff.

Water Quality Specialist, Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, Maplewood, 19942005...  Leads and coordinates grading permit program efforts in the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District. Assisted in the development of the grading permit plan process, field evaluation protocol and database development.  Developed and managed the water quality monitoring program, monitoring 5 lakes and multiple creeks and stormwater outlets. Developed, maintained and reported findings to district manager. Presented water quality findings at profession forums, Water Resource Conference 1998, 2001  In charge of developing GIS database by integrating information collected in the field using handheld GPS and field data collection.  The lead as the Local Governmental Unit (LGU) for the Wetland Conservation Act for watershed related wetland permits.

Wetland Delineator, LANDCON , 1997-1998  Assisted in the delineation of wetlands through the identification of wetland vegetation, soils and hydrology.  Responsible for reporting findings to LGU

Education University of Minnesota:

B.S., Environmental Studies/Hydrology, 1996

Adaptive Management Plans for Scientific & Natural Areas Date: Location: Client(s):

2013 SW Minnesota Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources

Summary EOR developed Adaptive Management Plans for 19 Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs) across the state of Minnesota.

The SNAs included prairies, wetlands, oak savanna, coniferous, hardwood and floodplain forests, as well as sites protecting geological features and rare species, such as piping plovers.

Plan preparation included desktop reviews of sites, field visits, and consultation with MN DNR staff. EOR assessed sites for natural resource management needs including invasive species control, prescribed burning, protection of rare & natural features, plant community restoration, & public access needs such as interpretation, site rules, and site access.

All plans included a detailed site description, site-specific goals, SMART objectives, implementation guidelines & strategies, and a 10-year implementation schedule.

Client Benefits

â&#x20AC;˘ Long-term adaptive management plans written for 19 of 158 SNAs with site specific goals and objectives identified. â&#x20AC;˘ Detailed site surveys and maps (including shapefiles) of entire sites were prepared that identify locations of management needs. â&#x20AC;˘ Implementation guidelines and schedules for natural resource management and restoration activities were developed.

w a t e r e c o l o g y community

Big Island Restoration Feasibility Study Date: 2007 Location: Lake Minnetonka, MN Client(s): Minnehaha Creek

Watershed District

Summary To address local community goals for natural area restoration and watershed wetland mitigation opportunities, EOR evaluated wetland restoration function and refined the mapping of wetlands and associated habitats.

Areas addressed included isolated woodland ephemeral swamps, lacustrine and palustrine marshes, exposed shoreline and ice ridges, nearshore deepwater habitat, and associated woodland.

Restoration priorities included hydrologic flow re-established with lake levels, buckthorn management, shoreline and nearshore vegetation anchoring from wave action, 300 foot buffer zones, and conservation management as part of the nearby larger forest ecosystem and bird sanctuary conservation easement designation.

Client Benefits

â&#x20AC;˘ Project completed in a timely fashion and under budget.

â&#x20AC;˘ Study provided guidance for future community park planning. â&#x20AC;˘ Extensive field information collected provided useful information for other on-going site planning.

w a t e r e c o l o g y community

Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary Date: 2004 Location: St. Paul, MN Client(s): The City of St. Paul, Minnesota Environmental Initiative, Lower Phalen Creek Committee, & Landmark Environmental Services

Summary The historic, sacred Carver’s Cave & early Mississippi River settlement area (now known as the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary) was restored from brownfield conditions to include a 870 foot groundwater-fed stream, 3 wetlands, black & tamarack seepage swamps, and 4 acres of bedrock bluff prairie. The ecological restoration was integrated with park design concepts and 1.4 trail miles were also constructed for future paving.

This project required complex collaboration with park planning, historic preservation, and tribal resource protection efforts. Design services included: various public and project partner presentations, wetland permitting, coordinating with the contaminated area’s Response Action Plan, and construction oversight.

Client Benefits

• Project recognition with several local, national, and historic preservation awards.

• Ecorestoration provides areas for community environmental education initiatives.

Project Recognition: 2005 Heritage Preservation Award, St. Paul Heritage Preservation Committee 2005 Take Pride in America Award, U.S. Department of the Interior

• Previous brownfield now a community amenity, forming foundation for future nature interpretive center.

• Ties into existing trail system and future trails planned for the connection to the Trillium-Trout Brook Greenway restoration area.

w a t e r e c o l o g y community

Carlson Wetland Restoration Date: Location: Client(s):

2000 Maple Plain, MN Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD)

Summary The project goal was to provide wetland replacement credit for wetland impacts as required under 2 U.S. Army Corps Engineers Permits that involved restoring nearly 50 acres of previously drained wetlands, as well as the creation of an additional 3.4 acres of wetland.

Once a sedge meadow and tamarack swamp, this area was drained to suit agricultural land-use needs and through time had become degraded with reed canary grass monotypes.

This project focused on restoring wetland hydrology, increasing the diversity of water depths, and in the creation of a mosaic wetland plant community, consisting of a wet meadow, wet prairie, emergent marsh, tamarack swamp, and lowland hardwood forest.

Client Benefits

• Wetland mitigation credits received from the site for other watershed projects.

• Increased wildlife habitat with the creation and restoration of wetland plant communities.

• Restored wetland hydrology to pre-settlement levels.

• Restoration of degraded wetland improved overall wetland quality and function. w a t e r e c o l o g y community

Pelican Lake Hydrologic Restoration Study Feasibility Date: 2005 - 2006 Location: Wright County, MN Client(s): Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Summary A water balance and water quality analysis study was used to inform management decisions in restoring in-lake phosphorus levels to a normal eco-region range, as well as in establishing submerged, floating leaf, and emergent marsh communities for state-designated wildlife lake use.

Pollutant load modeling from multiseason in-lake data collection and groundwater-linked water balance led to the consideration of two outlet alternatives, and the preliminary design of the preferred alternative.

Pelican Lake Wetland Impacts

Prior to proceeding with the final design and permitting, the state environmental review (EAW) process was used for public vetting and comment on: - a lake outlet pump and structure, - remeandered stream channel, - restored wetland & outlet structure, - and in-stream stabilization

Client Benefits â&#x20AC;˘ Informed the decision-making process for one of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier shallow lakes for waterfowl production.

â&#x20AC;˘ Addressed watershed effects on a 4,000-acre lake which has seen decline in water quality and a shift from a macrophyte-dominated to a phytoplankton-dominated community.

w a t e r e c o l o g y community

Trout Brook Greenway Management Plan Date: 2004 Location: Trillium Site, St. Paul Client(s): City of St. Paul, Div.

of Parks & Recreation

Summary To restore a brownfield site, the Trout Brook Greenway sets the stage for extensive eco-restorations that will restore the riparian community which once linked McCarrons Lake to the Mississippi River. This plan informs future planning efforts and provides additional support in securing implementation funding.

The foundation of the management plan is the restoration of a presettlement natural community that would include: soil remediation, a restored meandered stream to the once extant Trout Brook, stormwater harvesting, the design of stream pooling areas as source-control for urban runoff, additional connections to the regional Gateway Trail, and habitat enhancement for migratory birds and other wildlife.

Client Benefits

• Strategies outlined to address brownfield reclamation, stormwater quality & capacity, open space, and the redevelopment of a critical natural corridor.

• On-site stormwater storage will help to alleviate flooding and improve water quality.

• Plan creates a local trail loop that extends from the regional trail - allowing neighborhood and regional trail users access to the nature sanctuary. w a t e r e c o l o g y community

Restoration Experience Natural Shore Technologies specialize in the ecological restoration of lake and pond shorelands, prairies, woodlands and wetland systems. We design, install, and maintain our projects. Our company also includes commercial and retail native plant nurseries.

Bill Bartodziej and Rob Langer began restoring lake shorelines in 1999. Natural Shore Technologies (www.naturalshore.com), was founded in 2002. Combined, we have 30+ years of ecological restoration knowledge. Natural Shore has completed over 250 lake shoreland, and 50 wetland restoration projects. Bill Bartodziej headed the Lake Phalen shore restoration project, which included over 2 miles of urban lake shoreline. Rob headed the Medicine Lake shore restoration effort with the City of Plymouth. Over 30 private shorelines were restored through this program. Natural Shore continues to monitor and maintain shoreland, prairie, woodland and wetland ecological restoration projects for the Cities of St. Paul, Bloomington, Minnetonka, Independence, and Chanhassen.

Project Examples United Healthcare Group - Optum World Headquarters Campus 11000 Optum Circle Eden Prairie, MN 55344 UHG-Optumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal for their 50 acre corporate campus is to protect water quality and retain 100%+ of the storm water generated - stopping the rain/snow where it falls-Stop the raindrop where it stops. The extensive storm water management system is designed to manage all the campus storm water through the integrative use of native wetland, prairie and woodland plant communities along with more typical storm water infrastructures such as storm water ponds.

Natural Shore Technologies provided input on what native plant communities would be most appropriate for each of the landscape settings. NST selected the specific species that would be best suited for the soils, aspect and hydric conditions of each of the features and storm water ponds within the newly graded landscape. NST oversaw the seeding and planting of the initial landscape installation.

During the first year NST provided monitoring and maintenance of the plant communities. Several of the

wetland areas held more water than the designs anticipated so NST re-evaluated and made adjustments to the plant species lists, installing plants that were suited to the evolution of the features maturation.

Natural Shore is on contract to provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the corporate campus landscape. The site will have additional planting done during the upcoming season to further enhance the stormwater benefits as well as the habitat benefits of the native landscaping. NST is currently working with UHG-Optum to develop educational and volunteer programming for employees to help them understand the functional values of the campus design as well as to get them to take ownership of the natural habitats of this innovative and unusual corporate landscape located in a highly urbanized community.

Plymouth Creek Stormwater Wetland Restoration 2010 to present, Natural Shore partnered with the City of Plymouth Water Resources Department to create 5 acres of native plant buffer for a stormwater system of wetlands and settling ponds. The project site was an urban open space that had been left fallow and was highly degraded. The entire site was highly degraded including a Type 2 wetland, a small woodland and open weedy upland. The goal of the project goal was to remove and control invasive species, restore the upland and woodland plant communities and establish a native wet meadow buffer around the open water bodies, In 2010, Natural Shore conducted a site assessment and developed plans for site preparation, installation and long-term maintenance. Site preparation plans outlined effective timing of invasive control strategies, identification of high value trees and tree removal to open the canopy to allow the re-establishment of the shrub and herbaceous layers.

Installation plans included the creation of species lists for each plant community. For instance, the meadow is made up of emergent, transitional and upland plant species (Softstem Bulrush, Blueflag Iris, Big Bluestem). Natural Shore staff prepares an annual report outlining current health of the project site, maintenance activities and provides projected maintenance and planting needs for upcoming seasons.

Grant Fen Restoration and Monitoring, Grant Township MN 2010-2013, Partnered with Emmons and Olivier Resources and Browns Creek Watershed District to monitor, restore and maintain a sensitive seep wetland in an agricultural area. Natural Shore designed and

implemented a management plan to manage and reduce the impact of invasive species, specifically reed canary grass and Canada thistle on this sensitive resource. Invasive control methods were specifically timed management techniques (mowing, herbicide applications, hand pulling and seeding) with proven success for those species. The site is monitored three to five times each season including photo documentation used to monitor and record plant species richness and densities.

Medicine Lake Shoreline Restoration 2004-2007, Natural Shore Technologies partnered with the City of Plymouth to work in collaboration with 20 shoreland owners on Medicine Lake resulting in 2,000 ft of shoreline being stabilized with native plantings. Natural Shore staff met with each home owner and providing custom CAD designs for the stabilization projects. The project designs ranged from straight forward native shoreline buffer plantings in hardwood mulch to bioengineered shore slopes utilizing excavation, biodegradable erosion materials, highly specific plant selections and placement and establishment of emergent aquatics. All projects were monitored and maintained for a minimum of two years, with most being maintained 3-5 years. Natural Shore tracks all projects through its maintenance program for a minimum of two years employing trained ecologists and the most up-to-date CRM software and maintenance techniques.

Lions and Vets Park Lake Shore, White Bear Lake MN 2009, Natural Shore Technologies partnered with the City of White Bear Lake to stabilize and enhance 450 linear feet of shoreline and buffer at Lions Park on southwest corner of White Bear Lake and 200 linear feet of shoreline and buffer at Vets Park on east side of White Bear Lake. Natural Shore teamed up with City staff to design an approach that addressed the shoreline erosion issues along with creating an aesthetically pleasing native buffer. Combinations of bioengineering techniques were used for these projects, coconut rolls (biologs), erosion control blanket, compost, hardwood mulch and specific targeted native plant selection. Projects have been monitored and maintained by Natural Shore since installed and are functioning as designed. Natural Shore

tracks all projects through its maintenance program for a minimum of two years employing trained ecologists and the most up-to-date CRM software and maintenance techniques.

June 3, 2015 V. Action Items C) Como Regional Park Stormwater Plan – Phase 1 (Zwonitzer)

DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

May 26, 2015 CRWD Board of Managers Nate Zwonitzer, Urban BMP Specialist Approve Consultant Agreement with Houston Engineering for the Como Regional Park Stormwater Management Plan – Phase 1 Stormwater Inventory

Background In September, 2014, the CRWD Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of St. Paul to develop a stormwater management master plan for Como Regional Park. The MOU outlined shared goals of intentional management of stormwater as a resource, and protection of the water resources within Como Park. Subjects that must be addressed include an inventory of existing conditions (Phase 1), and development of a 10-20 year stormwater plan (Phase 2).

Issues CRWD staff will be coordinating the first phase of the plan development; a stormwater inventory. The inventory will include stormwater infrastructure within the park and the contributing subwatershed. It will involve collecting information on existing park development, impervious surfaces, and analyzing existing treatment. CRWD has requested services from Houston Engineering Inc. (HEI) for Phase 1. HEI’s proposal for the work is attached.

CRWD staff are requesting authorization to enter into an agreement with HEI for Task 1 of the proposal.

There is $70,000 in the 2015 Budget for the Como Stormwater plan. HEI estimates the level of effort for Phase 1 to be around $55,000 though there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the availability and location of City records. Initiating Task 1, Data Collection and Review, will result in the information needed to accurately estimate the additional work required to complete the inventory. Task 1 is estimated to be $21,100. Staff will come back to the Board with a request to initiate the remaining tasks once more accurate estimates are obtained.

Requested Action Approve Consultant Agreement with Houston Engineering for Task 1 of the stormwater inventory for an amount not to exceed $21,100, and authorize the Administrator to execute the agreement and change orders not to exceed $5,000. enc: HEI Scope of Services for Como Park Stormwater Inventory and Watershed Analysis (May 20, 2015) \\CRWDC01\Company\06 Projects\Como Lake Projects\Como Regional Park Stormwater Management Plan\Board Memo Como Park Stormwater Phase 1.docx

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

May 20, 2015

Nate Zwonitzer Urban BMP Specialist Capital Region Watershed District 1410 Energy Park Drive, Suite 4 Saint Paul, MN 55108

RE: Como Park Stormwater Inventory and Watershed Analysis Dear Nate, We are pleased to provide Capital Region Watershed District (CRWD) a proposal to provide technical services to analyze water resources within Como Park and its watershed. CRWD is initiating this stormwater inventory and subwatershed assessment project to ultimately develop a stormwater management plan collaboratively with St. Paul Parks and Recreation (SPPR) leading to improved efficiency for design and implementation of improvements, increased coordination and more effectively achieve improved water quality within Como Park. This letter identifies the tasks required to complete the stormwater inventory and watershed analysis and provides a Scope of Services for the project.

Task 1 – Data Collection and Review The first step will be to meet with CRWD, SPPR and St. Paul Public Works (SPPW) staff to discuss the logistics of obtaining existing storm sewer system files for the Como Park area. The anticipated strategy is to have a HEI staff person spend time reviewing records at the SPPR office with some assistance from SPPR staff. HEI will thoroughly review and catalog data received from SPPR and other data obtained from CRWD and SPPW to prepare a memorandum summarizing the data and documenting gaps in the data. During this process, documents will be scanned and compiled into a digital library. HEI staff will also perform fieldwork to verify the existence of documented BMPs and record their condition. There is uncertainty regarding the extent of records on file with the SPPR, the number of existing BMPs and the amount of time needed for fieldwork. For this reason, Task 1 will be conducted on a time and materials basis not to exceed $21,100.

Staff billing rates working on this task will include: Graduate Engineer: GIS Technician: Project Manager:

$105/hour $91/hour $160/hour

The HEI Project Manager will provide updates to inform CRWD during this task regarding the quantity and type of information discovered both in the SPPR office and in the field as well as time spent on the task.

Deliverables:   

Memorandum summarizing the data collection task Digital library of all collected files from SPPR and SPPW A GIS geodatabase of existing BMPs (compatible with CRWD’s BMP database)

Nate Zwonitzer May 20, 2015 Page 2

Task 2 – Stormwater Analysis of Existing Conditions This task consists of developing an existing conditions P8 model to simulate annual runoff volumes, total phosphorus (TP) and total suspended solids (TSS) from the 1,700 acre Como Lake watershed and to account for removals realized from existing water quality BMPs. Subwatershed boundaries will be delineated to existing BMP locations utilizing existing boundaries, the storm sewer conveyance system network and LiDAR topography. Subwatershed boundaries will also be delineated at other intermediate locations to add detail to pollutant loading source identification for later stormwater planning phases. Pervious Curve Number, percent impervious, and disconnected impervious fraction watershed inputs will then be computed using GIS. P8 model results will be compared and calibrated to pollutant loads computed by CRWD from monitoring data.

The P8 model that exists for a portion of the Como Lake watershed will be reviewed and used to develop inputs for the new P8 model if it is determined to be beneficial.

Deliverables:  

Modeling library containing P8 model files and supporting GIS files GIS layer of existing impervious areas within the park (pending Ramsey County data)

Task 3 – Report Preparation A report will be prepared summarizing modeling methods and development of model inputs. P8 model results of annual runoff volumes, TP and TSS loads entering Como Lake, along with reductions from existing BMPs will be summarized within the report including a breakdown of loads generated within Como Park and those entering the park. The report will include maps displaying existing BMPs and pollutant loads and runoff volumes to identify watershed areas with high pollutant loading and no or minimal treatment.

Deliverables:  

Draft report Final report

Task 4 – Meetings and Presentations Meetings will be held with SPPR and SPPW to initiate and coordinate the data collection task. Two intermediate meetings will be held with CRWD to update staff on the data collection task and to discuss preliminary modeling results prior to finalizing the report.

Deliverables:     

SPPR data collection coordination meeting SPPW data collection coordination meeting Meeting with CRWD reviewing data collection task Meeting with CRWD reviewing preliminary watershed analysis results Up to 4 presentations of watershed analysis results and findings

Nate Zwonitzer May 20, 2015 Page 3

Summary of Costs The costs for the project are summarized by task below: Task 1 – Data Collection and Review

$21,100

Task 2 – Stormwater Analysis of Existing Conditions

$20,500

Task 3 – Report Preparation

$8,100

Task 4 – Meetings and Presentations

$5,400 Total

$55,100

Based on our earlier discussion the intent of CRWD is to complete Task 1 on a time and materials basis not to exceed $21,100 before approving Tasks 2-4. The costs shown here for Tasks 2 and 3 are estimates based on assumptions that approximately 30 existing BMPs will be modeled in P8 and the watershed be divided into approximately 80-100 subwatersheds. If the number of existing BMPs is found to be substantially smaller or larger than 30 during Task 1, the costs for Tasks 2 and 3 will be revised following the completion of Task 1.

Schedule The following schedule is anticipated for the project: Task/Meeting

Dates

Kickoff Meeting with CRWD and SPPR

June 1-5

Task 1 - Data Gathering and Review

June 5 - July 10

Task 2 - Stormwater Analysis of Existing Conditions

July 10 - September 4

Task 3 - Report Preparation

September 4 - 25

Task 4 - Presentations

September 25 - October 30

Attachment A

ESTIMATED BUDGET Como Park Stormwater Inventory and Watershed Analysis Date Prepared: May 15th, 2015

Rates ==>

$176

$160

$105

Date Revised: May 20th, 2015 Prepared by: J. Lewis Checked by: G. Bowles

TASK DESCRIPTION

City of Glenwood Water Quality Assessment and BMP Prioritization Project Task 1 - Data Collection and Review Meeting with CRWD and SPPR staff at SPPR office to kickoff data collection Meeting with CRWD and SPPW for data collection coordination On-site review and copying/scanning of SPPR files relating to Como Park Detailed review of records found at SPPR Fieldwork to verify existence of features and their condition Retrieve publicly available GIS data (soils, NLCD, MnDOT stormsewer, LiDAR, etc.)

Coordinate with SPPW to request and review available storm sewer data Summarize records collected and organize into a data library and CRWD BMP database format Task 2 - Stormwater Analysis of Existing Condition Develop P8 model network Populate device geometry in P8 Model Delineate subwatersheds using storm sewer data and LiDAR Digitize impervious area within Como Park (pending Ramsey County data) Generate subwatershed inputs Obtain precipitation and temperature records for long term simulation (>30 years) Run and debug model Compare to available water quality monitoring data and typical literature values QA/QC model Summarize results Create maps of subwatershed runoff volume and TP and TSS loading Task 3 - Report Preparation Sumarize technical approach and modeling assumptions for P8 Summarize and prepare maps for showing pollutant loading and runoff volumes by subwatershed Provide a draft report to CRWD Finalize report Task 4 - Meetings and Presentations Progress meetings on preliminary results 1. Review data records collection and field inventory information 2. Review and discuss preliminary model results and report Findings/results presentations (Up to 4) Assumptions: 1 Field work will not include confined access 2 Field work will include limited collection of survey grade data (< 1 day) 3 Approximately 80-100 subwatersheds in P8 in total

Senior Project Manager 4 0

0

4 1 1 1 1 0

$91 $66 Total Estimated Labor Total Estimated Expenses Total Estimated Budget

$54,786 $264 $55,050

Total

Project Manager

Graduate Engineer

GIS Technician II

Clerical

99 38 4 4 8 8 4 1 1 8 23 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 14 2 4 4 4 24

270 136 4 4 40 40 32

100 8

4 4 16

6 6

Hours

Dollars

12 0

485 182

$54,786 $21,088

0

193

$20,522

12

74

$8,076

8 4 0

36

$5,100

8 8 8 98 12 16 8 2 8 8 8 12 8 8 8 24 8 8 4 4 12

72

24 24 8

8 8 20 16 4 0

June 3, 2015 VI. Unfinished Business B) Ford Site Update (Fossum)

DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

May 26, 2015 CRWD Board of Managers Bob Fossum, Program Manager Ford Site Redevelopment Update

Background Ford's former Twin Cities Assembly Plant will be redeveloped in the coming years on more than 135 acres of land situated along the Mississippi River. The City of St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision for the site is that it will be a livable, mixed-use neighborhood that looks to the future with clean technologies and high quality design for energy, buildings and infrastructure. At the May 6 and May 20, 2015 Board meetings, the Managers reviewed how the stream corridor restoration opportunity at the Ford Site was identified and ranked in the 2010 WMP and a draft Water Resource Goal/Vision Statement.

Issues Staff have revised the Goal/Vision statement based on the discussion at the last Board meeting. Staff will review the changes with the Board.

Staff will also review the format and content of the June 23rd public meeting for stormwater on the Ford Site.

Requested Action Review of the draft #2 Ford Site Water Resource Goal/Vision Statement enc:

Ford Site Water Resource Goal/Vision Statement (draft #2)

W:\06 Projects\Ford Site\2015 Stormwater Feasibility\Brd Memo - Ford Update 5-26-15.docx

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

DRAFT #2â&#x20AC;&#x201D;May 26, 2015

Ford Site Water Resource Goal/Vision Statement Goal/Vision: Bring Water Back to St. Paul by reestablishing Hidden Falls Creek on the Ford Site and incorporating sustainable, green infrastructure throughout the site that cleans stormwater and provides community amenities.

To achieve this goal, the following design objectives should be achieved: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Provide direct and safe access to the new Hidden Falls Creek water feature.

Protect Hidden Falls Creek by reestablishing historical flow to the creek, including sustained baseflow.

Create stormwater management to maximize public benefits while preserving developable area.

Develop green infrastructure that is resilient to climate change and can be sustainably maintained by both the public and private sector.

W:\06 Projects\Ford Site\2015 Stormwater Feasibility\Brd Memo - Ford Update 5-26-15 v2.docx

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District

DATE: TO: FROM: RE:

May 26, 2015 CRWD Board of Managers and Staff Mark Doneux, Administrator June 3, 2015 Administratorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report

New look and format for Administrators Report. After several years of the same format and basic information I have decided to add more content on what staff are working on and what else is happening the District.

These items will focus on issues not typically on the Board agenda but may still reference recent actions or updates. The other change is that with this additional information I will be preparing this report for the first meeting of the month.

1) Maintenance, Research and Monitoring May precipitation was 4.42 inches (through May 28th) which is above the 3.24 average. Most field equipment not installed in April was set up and made operational in May. Work continued in May on the planning, set up and installation of monitoring stations for the Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary (TBNS). CRWD is partnering with the City of St. Paul and others to conduct a comprehensive monitoring program at the TBNS. CRWD will directly lead the water quality and discharge monitoring at six locations as well as the aquatic biological and stream geomorphological monitor. Other monitoring of the site includes performance testing of the Iron Enhanced Sand Filter, vegetation and wildlife. When not in the field this busy spring season staff have been working on the lakes and stormwater reports as well as enhancing the analysis and reporting aspects of the WISKI database. Infiltration monitoring of the AHUG system was suspended in May. The Upper Villa site is being considered as a better location for the installation and monitoring water infiltrated in an underground system.

2) Education and Outreach May is an active period for planning and attending events. May events included the Great River Gathering, Montana Greenbrier Planting Day, Arbor Month and the Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary grand opening. Staff are currently working on June events that will include the Montreal Avenue RSVP Planting Day, Landscape Revival Native Plant Expo and Market and Bugs Night Out. Please see the details for these events below.

Staff have been in discussions with Freshwater Society staff about the feasibility of participating in the Master Water Steward program. Staff have also been evaluating the opportunities for a service learning student to support the CAC. The CAC is likely to adopt include a Project of the Year category in the 2015 CRWD Awards Program. Press releases were drafted and submitted for the CHS Field Grand Opening regarding the rainwater harvesting system. On-boarding continued for our Strategic Communications consultant, Fourth Sector. Staff are investigating a Client Relationship Management system to better manage citizen contacts.

3) Regulatory Program CRWD and RWMWD rule amendments went into effect on May 1st. Much of the work in May shifted focus from permit close outs to permit inspections as the construction season ramped up. There are currently 26 permits active for 2015 which is ahead of pace for 2014 which had a total of 41 permits. Standing weekly inspections include the Cayuga bridge project (12-017), MN Pass/35E (13-003) and Kellogg Boulevard (15017). Staff attended a meeting with the City of St. Paul regarding the scope, function and construction of the Green Line Tree Trench System.

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

4) Capital Improvements and Projects The major work on capital improvements in May was the bidding of the Upper Villa Project. Bids were opened April 24th. Staff worked with our Project Engineer SRF to review bids and make a recommendation of award to New Look Contracting on May 20th. Punch list items are being completed on the Highland Ravine and Curtiss Pond projects. The Opti RTC system at Curtiss Pond will installed in June. Permitting and contracting was completed for the 2015 Lake McCarronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aquatic Plant harvesting.

5) Studies and Plans Work is wrapping up on the Willow Reserve History Report being conducted by Blue Stem Heritage Group.

This is going to be an update to the History report that District 6 completed about a year ago. Proposals from EOR and Applied Ecological Services were received by staff for developing the Willow Reserve Restoration Plan. . Staff attended a U of M Capstone presentation on the Willow Reserve Restoration Project.

Discussions are ongoing with the landowner of the Lafayette Park Campus and MPCA to address concerns about liability as it relates to soil investigation and possible construction of BMPs. The Board approved a contract amendment for the Eustis Street Stormwater Improvement project to expand the analysis to include a hydrologic and hydraulic study of the contributing watershed to the project area. Significant time and effort continues on planning work for the Ford Site. Much of the analysis completed in May is working towards the June 23 Public meeting on stormwater, public realm and parks. Work continues on the Watershed Management Plan Mid-Term Review. Work will continue this summer with the final draft ready in July or August. Staff worked with City of St. Paul staff to draft the scope of work for Phase I of the Como Regional Park Stormwater Plan. CRWD is a technical advisory committee member for two Saint Paul bikeway initiatives, Grand Round, North Loop and Downtown Loop, and have participated in a number of meetings offering recommendations for incorporating stormwater management into these future bikeway projects.

6) Grant Programs The Steward Grant Program has had 33 site visits and applications resulting in 12 Clean Water Plans. Quotes were solicited for 2015 maintenance and a contract executed with Outdoor Lab for work along the Green Line and Arlington Pascal. Final planning work for the two RSVP plating days were coordinated and associated contracts with Great River Greening for planting assistance and watering. Numerous Special Grant agreements were finalized in May including one with the Roseville School District for the Harambee Elementary project and the complex agreement with St. Paul Public Schools for Central High School to transfer both CRWD and State Clean Water Legacy funds. Gustavo Castro attended a U of M training course and has become a Certified BMP Inspector.

7) Support Programs (GIS, Safety, BMP Database) Staff are working with Ramsey County to identify specific features of the Impervious Surfaces Dataset. This long awaited project finally was able to complete the aerial photography phase this spring and will provide extremely detailed impervious surface GIS data. Impervious surface detail will enable staff to not only accurately determine all impervious surfaces but they will also include identifiers such as buildings, other structures, roads, parking and recreational features. Staff are working with our consultant Houston Engineering to refine the BMP Database to provide a user friendly public interface as well as many more searchable fields for staff queries of the data.

8) Administration Staff are continuing to add reports and improvements to the SAGE accounting system to provide better and up to date information for our project managers. Staff prepared and submitted their papers for publication for the StormCon conference. Staff also submitted an abstract on the CHS Field for the MN Water Resources Conference. Staff wrapped up the final details of our fourth lease amendment for the former Roof to Deck space. The Building Committee also conducted one potential office site tour in May.

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.

9) Administrator Approved or Executed Agreements a) Change Order with Sunram Construction to repair irrigation system at Highland Ravine as requested by City of St. Paul for an additional $2,575 with a total not to exceed $399,054.75. b) Amendment No. 7 to Consultant Services Agreement with Wenck Associates for additional scope of work in fall 2014 due to delay in construction – total not to exceed $158,411. c) Amendment No. 8 for Consultant Services Agreement with Wenck Associates for additional scope of work in St. Paul ROW - total not to exceed $163,411. d) Amendment No. 9 to Consultant Services Agreement with Wenck Associates for additional work in St. Paul ROW - total not to exceed $170,211. e) Amendment No. 1 to Consultant Services Agreement with Barr Engineering Co. for regional modeling in Lauderdale as part of the Eustis Street Modeling project - total not to exceed $39,845.

10) Board Approved or Executed Agreements a) Memorandum of Agreement with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities on behalf of Metropolitan State University for stormwater management practices at Metro State.

11) General updates including recent and upcoming meetings and events a) Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary planting and opening celebration with Great River Greening and the City of Saint Paul is on May 30th. The event runs from 12:30 to 3:00 with the formal program starting at 1:00 PM. b) Saint Paul Street Vitality Program boulevard rain garden planting events are planned for Saturday, May 16 (Montana-Greenbrier project area) and Saturday, June 6 (Montreal Avenue project area). c) Landscape Revival Native Plant Expo and Market is Saturday June 6 from 9 am – 3 pm at the Cub Foods Community Pavilion on Larpenteur in Roseville. d) Bugs Night Out, macroinvertebrate sampling event for children is Thursday, June 18 at Como Lakeside Pavilion from 6 – 7:30 pm. e) Como Lake Land and Water Cleanup with the Minnesota Standup Paddleboarders Association is Sunday, July 12 from 10 am – 1 pm at Como Lakeside Pavilion.

12) CRWD events and meetings a) Next CAC meeting June 10, 2015 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. b) Next Board meeting is Wednesday, June 17, 2015 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

W:\04 Board of Managers\Correspondence\Administrator's Report 2015\Administrator's Report 6-3-15.docx

Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.