06-07-1994 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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14 THE PHALEN CHAIN OF LAKES WATERSHED INTRODUCTION — THE WATERSHED AREA The Phalen Chain of Lakes Watershed covers about 23 square miles (15,000 acres). It includes five major lakes — Kohlman, Gervais, Keller, Round and Phalen. The lakes are like a string of beads, fol- lowing the ancient bed of the pre - glacial St. Croix River. The total water surface area of these lakes is approximately 700 acres. There are also many smaller lakes, _ wetlands, and several county ditches that are part of the hydrologic system of the watershed. Most of the watershed is located in Ramsey County, with a small portion in Washington County. It includes all or large portions of the cities of Little Canada, Maplewood, and North St. Paul, and smaller portions of Oakdale, St. Paul, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake. The population of the area is approximately The lakes and surrounding park lands are unique and heavily -used recreational resources for local residents and the entire eastern Twin Cities Metro Area. Lake Phalen and Lake Gervais feature heavily used public swimming beaches, and these lakes and Keller Lake are excellent and heavily used fishing lakes. The Chain of Lakes and parks provide important areas for walking, biking, skiing, picnick- ing, and other recreation. The Phalen Chain of Lakes lies within a major flyway for migrating waterfowl and songbirds, and provides significant habitat for other birds and wildlife in an urban setting. The large wetland complexes in northern Ramsey County, including the watershed area, are among the major mallard duck reproduction areas in the United States. At least on Minnesota Threatened Species, the Blandings Turtle, has been found within the watershed. The watershed has undergone substantial urbanization since about 1850, and will continue to do so. Continuing development presents significant potential for drainage and water quality problems, as well as potential effects to bird and wildlife habitat, urban forest resources, open space, and recreation. By presenting a vision, goals and action recommendations for the Phalen Chain of Lakes Watershed, this plan provides a framework for balancing natural resource protection and urban development. By protecting, restoring and managing natural resources, and by plan- ning and implementing development more carefully, the implemen- tation of this plan can provide a model for better integrating the natu- ral and urban worlds. As the plan is implemented, the watershed will be a better place to live, work, visit, recreate and travel through. Wetland protection and enhancement can serve public works functions like flood control and stormwater cleaning. Animals and remnant natural communities can PHALEN CHAIN OF LAKES WATERSHED PROTECT Page 40