News from Capitol Region Watershed District Winter 2013 Our mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.
INSIDE 2 Stop the Rain Drain update 3 Upcoming projects 3 Como Lake: Past, Present, and Future presentation
BACK 2013 Partner Grants
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Como Golf Course Pond Improvement Project by Lindsay VanPatten
I
mprovements to the Como Golf Course Pond began in fall 2012 and will be complete by early summer 2013. The pond is located south of Hoyt Avenue West and east of North Chelsea Street within the City of Saint Paul’s Como Golf Course. The pond, finished in late 2007, is adjacent to the 3rd and 11th fairways and was a part of the Arlington Pascal Stormwater Improvement Project. It is located at a natural low point in the golf course and was designed to capture stormwater to minimize flooding in the surrounding neighborhoods. It also allows pollutants to settle before the stormwater flows to Como Lake. Due to an increased frequency of larger rainfall events, lack of vegetation around the pond, and poor soil conditions, the pond had suffered from bank
erosion, and turf loss was a problem on the adjacent fairway. In 2012, CRWD proposed improvements to address these issues. Drainage improvements are being made to the fairway, the size of the pond will be increased, the pond edge regraded, and a continuous native shoreline buffer installed. These improvements will enable the treatment of a larger volume of runoff, stabilize the shoreline, deter nuisance wildlife, and improve the quality of stormwater before it flows into Como Lake. So, watch for the new and improved Como Golf Course Pond — construction of the area is complete and replanting of the shoreline will take place this spring.
Como Golf Course construction
Capitol Region Watershed District 1410 Energy Park Drive, Suite 4 • St. Paul, MN 55108 • 651-644-8888 • www.capitolregionwd.org
Capitol Region Watershed District 1410 Energy Park Drive Ste 4 St. Paul, MN 55108 651-644-8888 capitolregionwd.org
Stop the Rain Drain 2012 update by Lindsay VanPatten CRWD residents do their part to keep our lakes and rivers clean. Since 2010, 133 homeowners have responded to CRWD’s call to redirect their downspouts!
Established in 1998, CRWD
Redirecting rainwater that runs down polluted alleys and streets to lawn and garden areas allows
covers 40 square miles and
it to soak into the ground. This decreases pollution
includes portions
reaching the Mississippi River and may also decrease
of the cities of Falcon Heights,
the need to water plants or gardens.
Lauderdale, Maplewood,
In addition to helping clean water, Stop the Rain
Roseville and St. Paul.
Drain has increased homeowner awareness of clean
Located within Ramsey
water issues and the role of CRWD in protecting our
County, it has a population of
water resources. This spring, when snow is melting, take a look down your street or
225,000 people. The district drains to The Mississippi River, also its primary water resource. Como Lake, Crosby Lake, Loeb Lake and Lake McCarrons are also located in the District.
Sample doorhanger
alley and notice where the water is going and what it might be carrying with it on its way to our lakes and rivers. Be part of the solution; these small changes can have large impacts. To learn more about CRWD and how you can help protect and improve our water resources please visit our website at capitolregionwd.org.
Board of Managers: Joe Collins, President; Mike Thienes, Treasurer; Seitu Jones, Secretary; Mary Texer, Vice President Shirley Reider Staff: Mark Doneux, Administrator Melissa Baker, Water Resource Technician Elizabeth Beckman, Education & Outreach David Depaz, Seasonal Water Resource Technician Anna Eleria, Water Resource Specialist Bob Fossum, Water Resource Project Manager Forrest Kelley, Permit Coordinator Corey Pohland, Seasonal Water Resource Technician Joe Sellner, Seasonal Water Resource Technician Britta Suppes, Water Resource Technician Lindsay VanPatten, Education Assistant and Receptionist
2 Capitol Region Watershed District Winter 2013
Downspout draining to greenspace
Completed gutter redirection
FREE EVENT! Como Community Sunday Series Improving the function of Curtiss Pond will reduce flooding to the park and neighborhood.
Como Lake: Past, Present, and Future
February 17, 2-3:30 p.m. North Dale Recreation Center 1414 St. Albans Street, Saint Paul
CRWD plans exciting projects for 2013 by Elizabeth Beckman
T
he Villa Park Wetlands next to
steep slopes and into the Mississippi
Roseville’s Lake McCarrons will
River via the city’s storm drain system.
be restored this summer by removing
With a grant from the MN Clean
decades-worth of sediment. The
Water Fund, CRWD will stabilize the
project will result in higher quality
ravine and restore woodland areas
wetland habitat and improved
to help solve erosion problems. The
treatment of stormwater runoff on
project will begin this spring and be
its way to Lake McCarrons. CRWD
completed in 2014.
has also received $275,000 from the MN Clean Water Fund for a project to determine the best locations for clean water projects to reduce pollution in stormwater draining to Villa Park Wetland.
The use of Curtiss Field in Falcon Heights is often impacted by the frequent flooding of Curtiss Pond. CRWD will work with the City of Falcon Heights to improve the function of the pond and reduce
Work on Saint Paul’s new Trillium
flooding to the park and neigh-
Nature Sanctuary will begin this
borhood.
For more information visit www.district10comopark.org
summer with the construction of clean water features including ponds, wetlands and a 3,000-ft stream channel. The sanctuary is a 42-acre site located west of 35E between Maryland Avenue and Cuyuga Street. In Saint Paul’s Highland neighborhood, the Highland Ravine has been subject to serious soil erosion problems for years. During large rainfalls, enormous amounts of stormwater carrying sediment and woody debris flow down the ravine’s
Stabilizing the Highland Ravine and restoring woodland areas will help solve erosion problems.
Winter 2013 Capitol Region Watershed District
3
1410 Energy Park Drive, Suite 4 St. Paul, MN 55108 651-644-8888 651-644-8894 fax www.capitolregionwd.org
CRWD 2013 Partner Grants Now accepting grant applications for clean water projects ranging from $2,000 to $20,000. Cleaner lakes and rivers depend on more citizen participation, so CRWD offers grants to help organizations and institutions who work with citizens to prevent water pollution. Examples of eligible clean water projects include education or organizing projects, events, rain gardens, or pervious pavement. Visit the Grants page at capitolregionwd.org for an application and a list of past grantees.
Applications are due February 15
Como Lake Neighbor Network Leaf Clean-up Event