CR 11-1093 Adopt Resolution, Supporting a REgional Approach to the Management of Awuatic Invasive SpeciesCqfl
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City •
November 1, 2011 Council Report 2011-1093
ADOPT RESOLUTION 2011-1054
SUPPORTING A REGIONAL APPROACH TO THE MANAGEMENT OF AQUATIC INVASIVE
SPECIES
Proposed Action
Staff recommends the following motion: "Move that Council adopt Resolution 2011-1054, supporting
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District in a regional approach to the management of AIS (Aquatic Invasive
Species).
Overview
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are non-native harmful plants, animals or microscopic organisms that can be
transported easily and spread aggressively in local lakes, rivers and streams. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed
transported
is requesting that cities support solutions to address Aquatic Invasive species before they contaminate
any more lakes, rivers or creeks. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District has the staff and resources to
address this issue.
Supporting Information
■ Letter to City Manager Mike Morrison
■ Information from Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
■ Resolution 2011-041
Mike Morrison, ity Manager
Financial Impact: N/A Budgeted: Y/N N/A Source: N/A
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.): N/A Notes: N/A
City of Hopkins
Hennepin County, Minnesota
RESOLUTION NO. 2011 - 054
WHEREAS, ; the City of Hopkins recognizes Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in lakes
pose real, tangible, and negative impacts; and
WHEREAS, potential new AIS, yet to infest our lakes, pose substantial threats to water
quality and ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, existing AIS management and prevention efforts are inadequate due to
the many agencies at the state, regional, and local levels; and
WHEREAS, to be effective, AIS must be addr4essed and managed on a regional, if not
statewide basis; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hopkins recognizes the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
(MCWD) has the staffing capability, scientific expertise, and financial
capacity to manage AIS on a regional basis.
40 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Hopkins
hereby recommends and supports empowering the MCWD to manage AIS
in the region.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Hopkins endorses and
supports the MCWD to take on the leadership in coordinating and implementing a
comprehensive AIS program throughout the watershed as a model for metro or
statewide implementation.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Hopkins this 1 st day of November 2011.
By
Gene Maxwell, Mayor
ATTEST:
• Kris Luedke, City Clerk
MINNEHAHA CREEK
•
The Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District is
committed to a leadership
role in protecting,
improving and managing
the surface waters and
affiliated groundwater
resources within the
District, including their
relationships to the
'Recosystems of which
ey are an integral part.
We achieve our mission
through regulation,
capital projects,
education, cooperative
endeavors, and other
programs based on
sound science,
innovative thinking, an
informed and engaged
constituency, and the
cost effective use of
•
public funds.
QUALITY OF WATER
1015111
Manager Michael Morrison
City of Hopkins
1010 First Street South
Hopkins, MN 55343
Dear Manage4 nson,
WATERSHED DISTRICT
QUALITY OF LIFE
As you know, aquatic invasive species (AIS) are a significant threat to our region's lakes,
rivers and Minnehaha Creek. Left unmanaged, they will negatively impact local businesses,
communities and the ability to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and the valuable natural
resources of this area. While AIS are a growing concern across the state, there is local
urgency to find community solutions. Time is running out to prevent their spread to water
that is not yet infested.
AIS are best handled on a statewide basis. However, given the challenges facing the state, the
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is in a position to help address this issue
locally. If we are proactive in developing regional solutions, we may be able to reduce the
spread of AIS while protecting our community's most valuable natural resources in a way
that could become a model for the rest of Minnesota.
In August, the City of Shorewood City Council took the first step toward supporting a
regional approach by passing a Resolution asking the MCWD to lead the management of AIS
control and prevention across the watershed. The Shorewood City Council firmly believes a
single entity covering a more regional area is best suited to pursue potential solutions to this
problem.
Although specific programs have yet to be determined, the MCWD has begun the process of
amending its comprehensive plan which sets the framework to put AIS management plans in
place. Prior to investing money in such an approach, the MCWD Board of Managers wants
to know if you support a district -wide AIS management program.
With your support, the MCWD is ready and willing to lead on this issue — utilizing our staff,
scientific expertise and financial resources. In keeping with our regional reach and MCWD's
mission to protect water quality, we will partner with local communities like yours to lead a
transparent process, ensure public input is heard and implement a regional approach. If we act
now, solutions and pilot projects could be introduced in time for the 2012 summer recreation
season.
18202 Minnetonka Boulevard, Deephaven, MN 55391 • Office: (952) 471-0590 0 Fax: (952) 471-0682 • www.minnehahacreek.org
• Please join us in developing a region -wide plan to protect the waterways in our community by passing a
Resolution to address the spread of AIS. We respectfully request a response by November 30, 2011.
Whether or not your Council has approved a Resolution addressing the spread of AIS, I'd be delighted to
come and speak to your Council about how the MCWD can help protect the region's lakes and streams
from AIS. I'll be contacting you in the coming days to see if you'd be interested in a presentation.
Please contact me at 952-471-0590 with any questions you may have on this issue.
Sincerely,
ric
Administrator
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
Enclosure
•
0
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are non-native,
harmful plants, animals or microscopic organisms that
can be transported easily and spread aggressively in
local lakes, rivers and streams.
Zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and other AIS
pose a significant threat to the Minnehaha Creek
Watershed. For example, between 2010 and 2011,
zebra mussels spread from just a few areas of Lake
Minnetonka to nearly the entire lake.
AIS Threaten Recreation, Wildlife, Businesses
AIS spread quickly and easily from lake to lake via watercraft, equipment
and individuals — sometimes undetected.
AIS harm water quality, ecosystems, fish and wildlife.
Without immediate action, AIS will spread to all lakes, rivers and streams
in the watershed, causing irreversible harm to fishing, swimming,
businesses and natural areas.
We Need a Coordinated Plan to Manage and Prevent AIS
• AIS cannot be stopped once they infest lakes, rivers or streams, but we
can prevent their spread to clean bodies of water.
Due to growing statewide concerns, the DNR, state policymakers and
others will be forced to take a more aggressive approach. If we are
proactive and develop good solutions locally, we may be able to reduce
the spread of AIS in a way that could be a model for the rest of the state.
MCWD is ready and willing to lead a regional approach — utilizing our
staff, scientific expertise and other resources. We will conduct a
transparent and public discussion to develop solutions.
Join the Discussion:
• Learn more by visiting www. min nehahacreek.m
• Talk to local officials in your community about this issue
Participate in public discussion in the coming months
#*MINNEHAHA CREEK
WATERSHED DISTRICT
QUALITY OF WATER, QUALITY OF LIFE
18202 Minnetonka Blvd I Deephaven, MN 55391 1 (952) 471-0590
www.minnehahacreek.org