Tag: Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

Zebra mussels are impacting Lake Minnetonka’s water quality

April 26th, 2016

MCWD releases findings of five-year study

Zebra mussels have caused significant changes in Lake Minnetonka’s water quality, according to findings of a study by Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD). The District has been monitoring the lake’s zebra mussel population since they were first detected there in 2010. Five years into the study, which was developed in partnership with Blue Water Science, MCWD released its findings on Thursdsay, April 21 at its AIS Spotlight, a gathering of community leaders at Minnetonka Community Center.

The District has discovered the biggest water quality changes are occurring among bays with the highest number of zebra mussels. In Wayzata Bay, which the population topped out at an estimated 200,000 zebra mussels per square meter in 2014, there has been an increase in water clarity and a decrease in algae (Chlorophyll) and Phosphorus. Those changes are not as prevalent in bays with lower zebra mussel populations. In Halsted Bay, which has 28 zebra mussels per square meter, there has been little change in water clarity, Chlorophyll and Phosphorus.

MCWD has also learned what conditions zebra mussels need to thrive. The highest populations are in bays with moderate levels of algae, an important food source for zebra mussels, and the lower populations are in bays that either have very high or very low levels of algae. Lakes with very high algae levels tend to be dominated by blue-green algae, a poor food source for the mussels, and lakes with very low algae content simply don’t have enough food available.

“This detailed data on how zebra mussels spread in different types of lake conditions will be valuable for predicting the severity of infestations in lakes across the state, and the impacts they may have on water quality,” said MCWD AIS Program Manager Eric Fieldseth. “This is new information in the field of zebra mussel research.”

The long-term impacts of zebra mussels on Lake Minnetonka are not yet known. As water quality changes in some bays, they could alter the food web which support fish communities and other aquatic life. Changes in algae communities could also lead to more harmful blue-green algae blooms. The native mussel population is also at risk. In parts of the lake, native mussels are being suffocated by their invasive cousins.

“Lake Minnetonka is a uniquely valuable place to study the effects of zebra mussels because of the diversity of water quality, depths and lake bottoms among its numerous bays,” said MCWD Director of Research and Monitoring Craig Dawson. “The findings are extremely valuable in helping inform future lake management decisions.”

The District plans to gather additional data as part of this study. It will increase the number of monitoring sites on Lake Minnetonka to assess the long-term impacts of zebra mussels.

For more information about MCWD’s AIS Program, visit www.minnehahacreek.org/AIS.

Sponsored by: Wayzata Real Estate, for all of your property buying and selling needs in 55391 and School District #284. By the way, know someone ready to buy or sell? I’m never too busy for your referrals! Dan (952) 473-1000.
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Takes First Steps to Prepare Property Owners, Communities for Potential Spring Flooding

February 15th, 2011

Water monitoring and collaboration with west metro cities are underway

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District is working closely with cities in the District to monitor the Minnehaha Creek and other local waterways and provide property owners with information to help them prepare for potential spring flooding.

“The National Weather Service is indicating that a wet fall combined with record snowfalls will likely mean widespread flooding across our part of the state,” said Eric Evenson, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Administrator. “We want to be sure property owners are prepared, so the District is working closely with local cities in our area to monitor local waters and provide the public with forecasts for flood-prone areas.”

Several factors will affect water volumes of lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands this spring, including how quickly temperatures warm and the snow melts and how much precipitation falls in February and the early spring months. The District is studying the impacts of various potential scenarios and collaborating with cities in the District.

Updated high water predictions and information about potential flooding will be available on the District’s web site, along with tips for home and business owners for protecting their property from potential damage. Property owners are encouraged to check the site periodically for updates.

Altogether, eight major creeks, 129 lakes and thousands of wetlands are located in the District and many of these waterways reside in urban, developed or residential areas. As a result, the District is encouraging property owners to learn about the risks in their area and be prepared for rising water levels.

“Residents who live on or near the west metro’s lakes and streams have been great partners with the District to help ensure that we can all protect and enjoy these valuable resources,” Evenson said. “As warmer temperatures approach, we encourage all property owners to do their part to learn more about flooding in their area and be prepared to manage the risks that come along with spring in Minnesota.”

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District covers approximately 181 square miles, including Minnehaha Creek, Lake Minnetonka, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Falls. The District is charged by state law to protect, improve and manage water resources. It does so through scientific research and monitoring, public education, cost-share grant programs, permitting and collaborative efforts with the 27 cities, two townships and two counties (Hennepin and Carver) that are in the District. For more information, visit www.minnehahacreek.org.

a2a_linkname=”Wayzata.com”;a2a_linkurl=”http://www.wayzata.com”;

Tag: Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

Zebra mussels are impacting Lake Minnetonka’s water quality

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Takes First Steps to Prepare Property Owners, Communities for Potential Spring Flooding