Best Practice Action Detail

The Wetland Vegetation Treatment Policy provides the basis for treatment of wetlands for algae and aquatic vegetation and establishes incentives for property owners around the wetland to take steps that protect water quality of wetlands.

While vegetation is a great way to stabilize soils, on the exposed shore of Lake Superior the wave action created by larger wind events makes keeping wave action from eroding soils difficult at best. simple vegetation is often not enough to preserve shoreline in this harsh environment, and as storms get worse this problem will only intensify. Consequently, the engineering office is looking at hard armoring or concrete retaining walls with sloped back soils in areas that are particularly damaged, such as in eroding sections along Condgon Blvd. In the Brighton Beach area they are looking at options on moving the road away from the shore and creating additional trails to access the lake shore, as well as adding larger stones along the shore to help break some of the force of the waves. The unique challenges presented by the lake are forcing city staff and landowners to look for innovative new ways to protect the shoreline.

The Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC), of which Golden Valley is a member, established the goal to, “maintain or improve shoreland integrity and implement stream restoration measures to maintain or enhance ecological functions as well as human health, safety, and welfare” in its 2015 Watershed Management Plan. This plan also identified the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources shoreland habitat restoration grant program as a state funding source that cities and/or the BCWMC could obtain to fund shoreland projects (Section 5.2.2.4).
The BCWMC Channel Maintenance Fund can be utilized by private property owners in the member cities to cover part of the costs of restoring and revegetating shoreland areas along streams.
In the Surface Water chapter of its 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Golden Valley established the goals to “Protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat and maintain shoreland integrity” and “Improve the quality of Bassett Creek and City lakes to enhance the aesthetics and recreation opportunities in Golden Valley.” The chapter also includes a water resources implementation program identifying projects that will improve water quality, potential funding sources, and proposed years of implementation. Several of these projects have been completed, are ongoing, or are planned.

The Crystal Waters Project, together with the City of Lake Crystal established a lakeshore restoration plan for Robinson Park. This was completed in two phases. The first phase included about 2000 feet of lakeshore stabilization and native species along an abandoned beach. This portion of the plan was completed in the spring of 2017, with a city crew grading the site and students from LCWM High School and community volunteers doing the site preparation and planting. Phase two set included another 6,000 square feet of native plants, with an emphasis on pollinator-friendly species. Community members, under the direction of Blazing Star Gardens, did this planting. Interpretive signs explaining the importance of shoreline restoration, water quality and pollinator gardens were added near these plantings. Members of the local Girl Scout Troop, community volunteers and Blazing Star Gardens are responsible for maintaining the vegetation.

The city partnered with the Meadow Lake Watershed Association to start the Adopt A Plot Native Plant Restoration Program in 2014 (Improvement Project No. 933). The goal of the public service program is for community volunteers to restore native plants, trees, and shrubs along the shoreline in Meadow Lake Park. It allows environmentally conscious citizens to make a personal contribution to improving water quality and creating a healthier environment. The watershed manages the program and the city provides assistance in community awareness, preparing parkland plots, and providing materials such as native plants, mulch, and fencing.

Shoreland restorations have been implemented on Como Lake and Phalen Lake. Also at ponds in Phalen Golf Course and all the City golf courses.

The City partners with the Ramsey County Conservation District and Rice Creek Watershed District on existing programs available to Arden Hills residents that help restore shoreland areas.

Objective 11.2 in the Comprehensive plan sets a goal to “Use shoreland restoration incentives and demonstrate success on public and private property to increase natural shoreland”.
The City of Bemidji also collaborates with the DNR on a frequent basis.

The Anoka Conversation District has been working with certain Coon Rapids properties along the Mississippi River to assist with bank erosion issues and meeting revegetation standards.

PRWD has a grant program for shoreline revegetation

RPBCWD assessed shorelines using Score the Shore. Landscaping for Water Quality rebate promotes shoreland buffer establishment/improvement. Offer Metro Blooms' Resilient Shorelines workshop annually.

The City’s water conservation webpage promotes conversion to native landscaping to benefit pollinators while improving water quality and conserving drinking water. The Conserving Water at Home page directs residents to opportunities for funding and technical assistance related to native landscaping, including Lawns to Legumes grants, Rice Creek Watershed District grants, and site visits from Washington Conservation District.

Maplewood's Natural Resources Chapter of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan includes goals on revegetating shoreland through local programs and outreach.