Phosphorus loading in the watersheds to Spring and Upper Prior lakes.

In addition to talking about the final draft of the Implementation Plan, the agencies will discuss how to measure the amount of phosphorus that migrates from the land to the lakes, and how to measure the effectiveness of steps taken to reduce that amount (BMPs).

Since the Spring/Upper Prior Nutrient TMDL was approved by the MPCA, the focus of the cities, townships, watershed district, counties, and state agencies within the TMDL area has been on creating a plan to reduce phosphorus entering the lakes. Phosphorus is the element most associated with causing nuisance algae blooms, killing fish, and causing other negative effects on midwestern lakes. By agreeing to a map that shows where phosphorus is likely to be coming from off the land (as opposed to coming up from the bottom of the lake), the TMDL partners can accurately target their work, and agree on how much progress has been made toward the goal.

Now that sampling is complete for the year, staff will be working with the District Engineer to develop a water quality model. This model will allow the District to place pollution reduction practices where they are most effective. All together, the goal of this effort is to keep Lower Prior Lake from becoming impaired for nutrients.

A draft of the Implementation Plan was distributed and reviewed, and the Watershed District heard comments from the various representatives at the meeting.  This input process will make the final plan coordinate more closely with existing planning efforts, such as the ten year Watershed District comprehensive plan and the capital improvement plans for both the City of Prior Lake and Spring Lake Township.

One more stakeholder meeting will be held to clarify how load reductions will be calculated for reporting to the MPCA.  Before the Implementation Plan is approved, a public hearing at a regularly scheduled Watershed District board meeting will be held.

By focusing on locations favorable for wetland restoration, the District and the SWCD hope to use the naturally existing features of the landscape to their advantage, reducing the overall effort and cost of the project.  Another benefit is that targeting wetlands for restoration or enhancement may allow the use of the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Wetland Reserve Enhancement Program funding.

This fall farmers within the Watershed District may receive letters from the District and the SWCD about this opportunity.

These efforts range from acquiring easements over wetlands to ensure their continued protection, promoting the installation of filter strips along ditches and streams, and restoring and enhancing drained wetlands. These efforts have the added benefits of protecting water quality and improving wildlife habitat, as well.