Laserfiche WebLink
1 <br />ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD <br />AGENDA ITEM 6A <br /> <br />STAFF ORIGINATOR: Andy Nelson, Environmental Coordinator <br /> <br />MEETING DATE: January 4 th, 2023 <br /> <br />REQUEST: Motion to Accept Shenandoah Park Feasibility Study and <br />Support Implementation of Improvements <br /> <br />TOPIC: Shenandoah Park Feasibility Study <br /> <br /> <br />INTRODUCTION <br /> <br />Staff is requesting Environmental Board recommendation to accept the Shenandoah Park <br />Feasibility Study and support future implementation of improvements. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND <br /> <br />In 2009-2010 the Rice Creek Watershed District, in partnership with the Anoka Conservation <br />District, completed a Subwatershed Assessment focusing on Rice Lake in the Rice Creek Chain <br />of Lakes. The purpose of the study was to identify potential subwatershed water quality projects <br />to reduce runoff volume and sediment/nutrient loading to Rice Lake. The study identified <br />Shenandoah Park as a prime candidate for additional study in advance of developing a large <br />capital improvement project. <br /> <br />A private ditch system maintained by the City runs through the park, under Birch Street, and <br />discharges into Rice Lake. The ditch serves as the primary stormwater outlet for the residential <br />neighborhood extending south to Coyote Trail. A majority of the park area is comprised of <br />partia lly drained wetland. Staff is of the opinion that opportunity exists for a restoration project <br />that would enhance water quality and provide for an improved greenway element to the park. <br /> <br />The City Council approved Resolution 22-33 on March 14th, 2022 that authorized WSB and <br />Associates to complete a Best Management Practices (BMP) Feasibility Study for Shenandoah <br />Park. Rice Creek Watershed District partnered with the City through a 50% cost match and <br />through providing resources to aid in the completion of the study. <br /> <br />The final report was completed on December 7th, 2022. <br /> <br />The study provides valuable information that will be used should the City and RCWD pursue <br />external grant funding for a water quality improvement project in Shenandoah Park in the future. <br /> <br />Of the four concepts described in the report, concepts 3 and 4, when combined, provide the <br />greatest benefits to water quality, wetland improvements, recreational opportunities, and habitat <br />improvements. These concepts also minimize the cost per pound for phosphorous removal,