HomeMy WebLinkAbout6A - Lake Management Plan
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
AGENDA ITEM:
MAY 15, 2000
6A
LANOL LEICHTY, WATER RESOURCES COORDINATOR
BUD OSMUNDSON, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER
PRESENTATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN
AND IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE AS PREPARED BY THE LAKE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
DISCUSSION:
HISTORY
The City Council, on August 3, 1998, directed the Lake Advisory Committee
(LAC) to prepare a Comprehensive Lake Management Plan to address current
and future lake management issues associated with Prior Lake.
To prepare the plan the first step was to conduct a questionnaire to help in
identifying the lake issues the public was most concerned about. The
questionnaire identified six discrete issue areas for the plan to address: 1)
Surface water regulation, 2) Water quality, 3) Shoreland preservation, 4) Lake
level, 5) Land use practices, and 6) Other issues. Next, the issues were
prioritized along with identification of goals and objectives for each issue.
During this step, various state, county and local officials were invited to the
meetings to gather their input. Action steps were identified that would help
meet the goals and objectives for each issue. The last step was to prepare an
implementation schedule.
Current LAC members who helped on the plan are: Chair - Rick Warner; Vice-
Chair, Kate Haggerty; Marianne Breitbach, Chuck Gerlach, Lauren Huntington,
Roger Soderstrom and Paul Trapp. Past LAC members who provided input
into the plan were Tom Kearney and Doug Larson.
Chair Rick Warner will provide a brief overview of the CLMP at the meeting.
Lani Leichty, the Water Resources Coordinator and staff liaison to the LAC,
will be available to answer any questions.
CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES
A public informational meeting was held March 22, 2000 at the City library.
Approximately 60 people were in attendance at the meeting to prove input and
feedback on the draft plan. These comments, as well as those received by
letter and telephone, have been incorporated into the plan as the LAC
considered appropriate. The latest draft copy of the CLMP is attached to this
report.
dIOOp.l.t}<fiagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 1
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
ISSUES
The main issue, assuming the scope of the plan meets Council expectations,
is to what extent should the implementation goal be realized. If Council
desires that this implementation plan have a high priority, the Water
Resources Coordinator position will need to be re-evaluated and it's duties
reprioritized. Several options have been presented in the plan. In summary
they are 1) create a full-time position, 2) explore financial options such as
grants to fund a position, which may be temporary, and 3) hire summer help
and/or recruit volunteers to help with implementation.
CONCLUSION
With Council's concurrence, staff will bring the CLMP back to the next meeting
for final acceptance of the report. Following Council approval the staff would
begin completing the implementation plan.
REVIEWED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
CLMP.DOC
2
"T--"~
T
.
'T
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION
Page
P rt.. t' A . .
a IClpa Ing gencles .....................................................................................1
Executive Summary....................................................................................... 1
ISSUES
Shoreland Management......................................................................... 3
Surface Water Use Management............................................................ 6
Water Level Management....................................................................... 9
Water Quality........................................................................................ 12
Land Use Practices............. ........... ..... ... ............. ......... ......... ....... ......... 15
Public Education................................................................................... 17
Implementation..................................................................................... 19
Implementation Schedule............................................................................ 21
Appendices
.
'r ..
PARTICIPATING AGENCIES
LAKE ADVISORY COMMITTEE*
CITY COUNCIL LIAISON MEMBERS
CONSULTANT - BLUE WATER SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
PRIOR LAKE ASSOCIATION
PRIOR LAKE WATERSKI ASSOCIATION
PRIOR LAKE - SPRING LAKE WATERSHED DISTRICT
PRIOR LAKE STAFF
SCOTT COUNTY SHERIFF
SCOTT COUNTY - WATER PLANNER
Prior Lake Staff - Lani Leichty, Water Resources Coordinator
Individuals on the Lake Advisory Committee who contributed in developing the
Comprehensive Lake Management Plan include Marianne Breitbach, Charles
Gerlach, Kate Haggerty, Lauren Huntington, Tom Kearney, Doug Larson, Roger
Soderstrom, Paul Trapp and Rick Warner.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Prior Lake Comprehensive Lake Management Plan strives to find a balance
between recreational use and the conservation of natural values. Increased usage of
the lake, recent sustained high water levels during summer months, and additional
development around the lake has led to a conflict of values.
In 1998 Prior Lake experienced high water levels that triggered the implementation of
the slow no-wake ordinance. The concern about shoreline erosion caused the City
Council to review the existing slow no-wake ordinance. The City Council also
considered lowering the elevation that the slow no-wake ordinance goes into effect.
After receiving public comment at the August 3, 1998, City Council meeting, the
Council directed the Lake Advisory Committee (LAC) to study the various issues and
prepare a Comprehensive Lake Management Plan (CLMP) for Prior Lake, directive
98-63.
On September 13, 1990, the Prior Lake - Lake Review Committee prepared a report
called, "Water Resource Management - A Guide For A Balanced Future", which was
approved by the City Council on June 17, 1991. This document was the instrument
that originally established the LAC. It served as guide for the LAC in making
recommendations to City Council regarding lake and water quality issues until the
present time.
The CLMP is essentially a regeneration of the first report prepared by the Lake
Review Committee. As time has passed, the LAC has addressed nearly all of the
issues identified in the first plan. Since 1991, laws have changed which render some
of the initial recommendations invalid. With high water levels in the late 1990's,
increased usage of the lake, and an increase in development around the lake, the
City Council saw a need for an updated lake management plan.
To start the process the LAC conducted a survey in 1998 to determine what the
important lake issues were to residents. Of the 131 questionnaires returned, 87%
were from lakeshore owners. The results of the survey coincide with a statewide
survey conducted by the University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program and the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 1998. Water quality was the number
one concern followed by surface regulations, shoreland protection and land use
practices.
The survey responses were tallied and used as a guide in formulating the plan. The
plan addresses seven main issues regarding the lake. They are: 1) Shoreland
Management, 2) Surface Water Use Management, 3) Water Level Management, 4)
Water Quality, 5) Land Use Practices, 6) Public Education, and 7) Implementation.
The plan includes goals, objectives and actions steps for each issue identified. Goals
are general statements relating to what a group hopes to accomplish over the long
1
.
.. . J' .~~.. ._--~ ~~...-._~
-~..---'~.__...._.,.....__.._._.~-_.. ._...._~----'.._._--_.--.~_.,-~
term. The goals describe the desired results of the committee. Objectives convey
what the group hopes to accomplish in the near term to make progress toward the
goal. The objectives are used to evaluate active steps relative to the plan. Action
steps suggest proposals that can be taken to accomplish the objective. In order to
know if the goals and objectives are being met, measurable outcomes have been
included for each issue. It will take both time and financial resources to achieve the
desired effects. A priority schedule of which action steps should be implemented first
has been established, along with an estimate of costs associated with each one, if
applicable.
There was discussion in the planning stages as to how far reaching the plan should
go. Should it include Spring Lake? Should it include other lakes within the
community such as Pike or Mystic Lake? Because the legal boundaries of the City do
not fully encompass Spring Lake, the committee felt that this plan should focus only
on Prior Lake. The Watershed District and the Spring Lake Association both are
working to improve the water quality of Spring Lake. The committee decided that
when it came to mailing educational material to lakeshore owners that Prior Lake
residents who live adjacent to Spring Lake should be included on the mailing list. As
for management of other lakes within the City limits, the committee decided that a
future action item could be the development of separate management plans for them.
The LAC spent much of 1999 formulating a plan that can serve as a guiding
document to help in preserving and enhancing the natural resource called Prior Lake.
2
SHORELAND MANAGEMENT ISSUE
The shoreline of Prior Lake is essentially fully developed, except for 3,000 lineal feet
on the north side of Lower Prior Lake. Urbanization around the lake has resulted in
established grass lawns maintained down to the waters edge along with beach sand
blankets. Improperly constructed retaining walls have been installed on many
properties around the lake to minimize erosion. When these walls fail or deteriorate,
they add to the problem of shoreline erosion.
It was determined that a shoreline inventory was needed to complete the first step in
defining and quantifying shoreline erosion around Prior Lake. The inventory will serve
as a tool to provide data for decision making purposes and serve as a "historical
document" reflecting past practices and societal values. The following elements will
be included in the inventory:
. A graphic and photographic inventory of current shoreland conditions on Prior
Lake.
. Assessment of needs and problems.
. Identification and evaluation of options for shoreland management.
. Determine an estimate of costs and potential funding sources to implement
these options.
. A specific plan and priorities to improve shoreland management to benefit the
health and quality of the lake.
A Conservation Partners Grant was applied for and awarded through the Department
of Natural Resources (DNR) to assist in achieving this first step. The DNR provides
grants to private organizations and local units of government for up to 50% of the cost
of research/survey projects which include but are not limited to: monitoring
environmental indicators; surveying plant and animal populations; evaluating
enhancement projects; and researching methods to conserve or enhance fish, wildlife
and native plant habitat. These research/survey projects must be directly related to
specific habitat improvement projects.
3
.
'0', ~ 'who
1. Shoreland Management
Shoreland Manaqement Goals:
A. Promote natural approaches for shoreland preservation.
B. Promote restoration of altered shorelines.
C. Generate a shared community vision and importance of good
shoreland stewardship.
Obiective 1. Assist residents in stabilizing and maintaining natural
shorelines, including aquascaping.
Action Steps:
1-1a. Create a list of consulting firms and government agencies
who can assist lakeshore owners with the design of
shoreline stabilization methods.
Measurement: Distribute a list to lakeshore owners of firms and
agencies available to assist in shoreline
stabilization design.
1-1 b. Develop a list of available grants to assist lakeshore owners
in shoreline stabilization and environmental enhancement.
Measurement: Provide a list of grants, as they become availab/e,
to assist homeowners in shoreline restoration..
Obiective 2. Develop a database of existing shoreline conditions in
order to identify, quantify and evaluate problems areas.
Action Steps:
1-2a. Conduct a shoreline inventory. Inventory to include photo
documentation of shoreland, areas of erosion and failing
retaining walls around Prior Lake. With assistance of DNR
grant money, hire a consultant to review inventory data and
provide recommendations for shoreline improvements.
Measurement: Conduct shoreland Inventory every 5 years.
1-2b. Lake Advisory Committee to tour the lake on annual basis to
conduct a visual shoreline condition survey.
Measurement: Report annual lake tour findings to City Council.
Obiective 3. Educate lakeshore owners on DNR and City lakeshore
rules and regulations and management efforts.
Action Steps:
1-3a. Distribute DNR pamphlet, The Water's Edge, to all
lakeshore residents via a volunteer group.
4
Measurement: Distribution of DNR pamphlet to lakeshore
residents.
1-3b. Publicize lake and water quality information in the Prior Lake
American.
Measurement: Printed article in the newspaper on lake and water
quality facts.
1-3c. Educate lakeshore owners on rules and regulations from the
DNR and City.
Measurement: Develop an education program to inform lakeshore
owners on lake rules and regulations.
1-3d. Educate lakeshore owners on shoreland erosion control
practices.
Measurement: Develop a program to systematically inform
lakeshore owners on effective shoreline erosion
control practices.
1-3e. Call attention to lakeshore owners who have made
landscaping adjustments for natural shorelines through
media resources.
Measurement: Report on residents who have successfully
implemented lakescaping projects.
1-3f. Notify lakeshore owners of shoreline inventory results,
especially those whose property is at risk.
Measurement Publicize shoreline inventory results.
5
.
....---..........--- -. .".." ---.
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT ISSUE
Recreational use of Prior Lake has significantly increased in the past several years.
In 1994 the City passed a surface water management ordinance intended to
safeguard lake users including boaters, skiers, swimmers, fisher persons, and other
outdoor enthusiasts. The main provisions of the ordinance were a 40 mph speed limit
on weekends, a 20 mph speed limit after sunset to sunrise, and a perpetual no-wake
zone within 150 feet of the shoreline. In 1983 the City passed a no-wake ordinance.
This ordinance states that once the water elevation on Prior Lake rose above 904.0
no person can operate a watercraft greater than a slow no-wake speed on the entire
lake.
In the lake questionnaire conducted in 1999, the public was asked the question, "How
could surface water management of the lake be improved?" The overwhelming
response to this question was "more lake patrol and enforce of the existing
regulations". A conclusion that could be drawn from the survey response, see
attached exhibit, is that the public desires more law enforcement of the existing
regulations in lieu of new rules or regulations.
There were a number of responses which asked for no-wake days to be scheduled
during the normal summer recreational period. Along with these comments were
requests that the no-wake level be reviewed. There appears to be a great deal of
conflict between those who desire to see the lake used in a recreational manner and
those who desire to view it in its natural state, without all of the motorized activity.
6
2. Surface Water Use Management
Surface Water Use Manaqement Goals:
A. Manage lake use for the safe enjoyment of diverse public interests and for
shoreline protection.
Obiective 1. Review current surface water rules and regulations. Use the
data to evaluate regulation and enforcement.
Action Steps:
2-1a. Collect information on minor/adult boating, snowmobile and ice
fishing/fish house requirements.
Measurement: Analyze collected data for possible need of additional
regulation or enforcement.
2-1 b. Collect data on other lake regulations within the state.
Measurement: Report on what other lake regulations are being
enforced through out the state. Recommend
appropriate changes if necessary.
Obiective 2. Monitor number of surface water use violations.
Action Steps:
2-2a. Collect data on number of tickets and warnings given by the
County Sheriff and the DNR on Prior Lake for both summer
and winter activities and determine frequency distribution.
Measurement: Analyze data to evaluate need for additional education
and enforcement. Make recommendation to City
Council as appropriate.
Obiective 3. Improve and emphasize responsible surface water use
practices and awareness.
Action Steps:
2-3a. Promote boater education offerings to the public through the
Prior Lake American, License Bureau, Postings, Prior Lake
Association, Clubs and classes offered by the DNR/City,
United States Power Squadron or United States Coast Guard
Auxiliary.
Measurement: Develop an education program to advise residents of
boating information.
2-3b. Provide boating and water use regulation information for the
public at kiosks and public accesses.
7
.
.--'-T
Measurement: Maintain access signs and brochures at access and
information kiosks.
Obiective 4. Explore alternatives to reduce user conflict and balance
competing interests on the lake as lake use increases.
Action Steps:
2-4a. Periodically conduct lake use surveys for baseline information
to be used in identifying potential problems in lake use trends.
Measurement: Measure boat density and distribution of watercraft type
and area of activity compared to other lakes. Make
recommendation to City Council as necessary.
8
WATER LEVEL MANAGEMENT ISSUE
Water level fluctuations on Prior Lake have always created quite a stir among City
residents. When the lake levels are high, above 904, there are homes in danger of
flooding. When the lake is low, it is difficult for boaters to access the main lake from
shallow bays.
Before 1983, Prior Lake had no natural outlet at a reasonable or practical elevation.
The natural overflow is approximately 916.5, which is 12.5 feet above the Ordinary
High Water Level (OHWL) of 904.0. The high water record was established in 1906
at 907.6. The record low water level was established in 1938 at 883.6, which is 24
vertical feet below the record high elevation. The attached historical lake level graph
shows the widely fluctuating water level on Prior Lake from 1906 to 1994. The 1997
and 1998 lake level graphs are also included to help give a better understanding of
the difficulty of managing the water level within narrow limits.
In 1982 construction was started on an outlet structure and pipe, which was
completed and first opened in 1983. The benefit of the outlet was to control and
stabilize the high flood waters. When a drought cycle occurs, there is currently no
method of adding water to the lake. The Prior Lake Association had a pump installed
in the 1950's to aid in normalizing water levels should they drop below the 896 foot
level. This pump was never used and was abandoned in the mid 1990's, The
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Prior Lake - Spring Lake Watershed
District have both stated that it is highly unlikely that ground water would be used as a
source for recharging the water levels on Prior Lake in the future in the event of a
drought.
There is much confusion amongst the public concerning operation of the outlet
structure. Many people think that it is always open, or that it should keep the lake
level at a constant elevation. It was designed to handle a flow rate of 50 cubic feet
per second (cfs) of water. The pipe will carry this much water, but only when there is
enough head, elevation of the lake is high enough, to force this amount of flow
through the pipe. If the lake is at this elevation, above 904.0, homes and property
begin to experience damage due to flooding. Therefore, under the current outlet box
configuration, the outlet will typically never be operating at the full flow capacity of 50
cfs.
The Prior Lake Spring Lake Watershed District (PLSLWD) is working on a new outlet
structure design that would allow the full flow capacity of the pipe to be reached
sooner at a lower elevation. A long crested weir is one option, which would replace
the outlet box. A weir, essentially a dam in front of the outlet pipe, would take the
human factor out of manually closing or manipulating the outlet gates.
There is an existing Joint Powers Agreement between the Cities of Prior Lake,
Shakopee and the PLSLWD governing the operating procedures of the outlet. This
9
.
.M""T....
agreement has limits as to when discharges may occur. Four discharge zones were
established to meet the management goals and policies. See the attached exhibit
showing the discharge zones and their allowable discharge rates. In order to make
changes to the management policy and operating procedures the Joint Powers
Agreement must be revised with all three parties coming to a mutual understanding of
the proposed changes.
There was much discussion about the lake level and whether or not a lower normal
water level should be considered. The last three years of the 1900's, 1997, 1998 and
1999 were extremely wet, especially during the spring. This resulted in the lake going
above 904.0, triggering the no-wake ordinance during 1998 and 1999. With the
Watershed District studying ways to enhance the outlet structure to allow for
increased outflow during periods of high water, they will better be able to manage
high water impacts in the future. Low water levels may not impact personal property
such as flooding homes, but could have a much more detrimental effect on the
recreational use of the lake. When weather patterns enter a dry spell, such as in the
late 1980's, the options for replenishing the lake with water are few and far between.
The Corp of Engineers, when doing the Flood Insurance Study in 1994, thought that
low water level problems were of much greater concern than high water. Mainly
because once water has left the outlet there is no practical way of retracting it. Some
of the impacts of lowering the normal water level include: 1) increasing the amount of
lake surface in the littoral zone, the portion from the shoreline extending lakeward
occupied by rooted vegetation, 2) an increase in the amount of time that shallow bays
would be unusable, and 3) water quality would be negatively impacted by lowering the
volume of water occupied by the lake. Given this, the committee felt that any change
in the normal water elevation should not be considered at this time, and approached
with apprehension
10
3. Water level Management
Water Level Management Goals:
A. Work with the Watershed District and DNR in managing the water level.
Obiective 1. Review water level management issues with the Watershed
District and report the findings to City Council.
Action Steps:
3-1 a. City staff to work with the Watershed District in exploring
runoff management options.
Measurement: Assess runoff management options with the
Watershed.
3-1 b. Analyze the impact of lowering the normal water level of the
lake.
Measurement: Work with the Watershed in running computer model
scenarios showing outcomes with a lower NWL.
3-1 c. Initiate discussions with the Watershed District and DNR to
expand the March/April window into May for allowing
discharge from the lake between the elevations of 902.0 and
902.5.
Measurement: Discuss with Watershed and DNR expanding the
window for zone 3 in the Operating Procedure for the
outlet structure.
Obiective 2. Develop a teaming effort between the Watershed District and
City Staff on the impacts City planning has on water levels.
Action Steps:
3-2a. Greater City Staff involvement with the Watershed District.
Measurement: Maintain contact between City staff and the
Watershed.
3-2b. Work with the Watershed in analyzing alternatives for
improving the outlet structure and channel.
Measurement: Identify outlet structure and channel options and cost
benefits. .
11
---.--...-....-.-.. .... '.".'."..'-r.'
WATER QUALITY ISSUE
Water quality was the number one issue of concern in the lake survey questionnaire
conducted in 1998.
In 1993 the Watershed District conducted a Iimnological study of Spring and Prior
Lakes due to concerns connected with diminishing water quality. Because of the
nature and location of the lakes within the watershed, Spring Lake has the worst
water quality followed by Upper and Lower Prior Lake. The diagnostic portion of the
study revealed that Upper Prior Lake receives 55% of its phosphorous from Spring
Lake, with 35% of the phosphorous load coming from areas that drain directly into
Upper Prior Lake. Lower Prior Lake receives 49% of its phosphorous from Upper
Prior Lake and 47% from surrounding surface runoff (see chart).
The condition of a lake is often described in terms of its trophic state, or degree of
eutrophication. Eutrophication is the effects excessive inputs of silt, nutrients, and
organic matter have on a lake, particularly the growth of aquatic plants and
recreational use. There are four main water quality designations for lakes:
Oligotrophic - nutrient poor, biologically unproductive; Mesotrophic - intermediate
nutrient availability and biological productivity; Eutrophic - nutrient rich, highly
productive; and, Hypereutrophic - extreme end of the eutrophic grade. In the
Watershed study using total phosphorous and chlorophyll-a concentrations Upper
Prior Lake was classified as eutrophic-hypereutrophic and Lower Prior Lake as
Mesoeutrophic.
A soil test was conducted by the Watershed District to determine the amount of
phosphorous fertilizer in lawns around Prior Lake. The results showed that 40% of
the samples taken had a phosphorous level that exceeded that of the measurement
scale. None of the 124 samples tested showed either a low or medium phosphorus
content. For this reason a no-phosphorous ordinance in the City would help limit lake
fertility by controlling phosphorous availability.
The Watershed has a strategy in its management plan for improving water quality of
lakes within the district. The City of Prior Lake has little influence on what can be
done outside of the City limits to influence water quality from a planning viewpoint.
But, within the City, there are many steps that can be taken to improve water quality.
The committee has tried to identify cost effective action steps that will have a positive
impact on water quality.
12
4. Water Quality
Water Qualitv Goals:
A. Protect and improve water quality by reducing non-point source
pollution.
Obiective 1: Reduce nutrient loading to Prior Lake.
Action Steps:
4-1 a. Create or modify ordinances or advise governing bodies that
water quality ponds or water quality structures be installed in
all subwatersheds that drain to Prior Lake as part of the
design of all improvement projects.
Measurement: Adoption in the Public Works design manual
requirements that water quality systems be installed in
reconstruction projects.
4-1 b. Protect the quality of upstream waters from the harmful effects
of serious erosion by enforcing existing erosion control
standards during all phases of development.
Measurement: Establish an erosion control inspection program with
the Watershed District.
Obiective 2: Manage to the extent possible Eurasian water milfoil to limit
spreading and to allow recreational use of the lake.
Action Steps:
4-2a. Keep current with the latest discoveries in Eurasian water
milfoil control and eradication.
Measurement: Maintain the spread of Eurasian milfoil at existing
levels and sustain recreational suitability.
4-2b, Continue working with the Watershed District in managing
Eurasian water milfoil.
Measurement: Submit annual milfoil budgets to the Watershed District
until their funding source is depleted.
Obiective 3: Coordinate with the Watershed District to establish an
ongoing monitoring program for Prior Lake in order to
document any changes in water quality and assess the
possible reasons for changes.
Action Step:
4-3a. City staff to work with the Watershed District in collecting and
compiling lake data on an annual basis in coordination
through the MPCA's volunteer monitoring program.
13
.
-,---'---.' .--..-----.---.....................--..-...T.
Measurement: Perform water quality monitoring on an annual basis
and report on the data collected.
Obiective 4: Improve the water quality of Prior Lake by improving the
water quality of Upper Prior Lake to the following standards:
a) reducing total phosphorous limits to 60 ppb, b) improving
Secchi disk transparency by 1 foot, and c) reducing the
chlorophyll-a average to <30 ppb and maximum to <60 ppb.
4-4a. Implement a no-phosphorous fertilizer ordinance banning the
application of phosphorous based lawn fertilizers (unless soil
tests show a deficiency of phosphorous, including municipal
properties) .
Measurement: Adopt a no-phosphorous ordinance,
14
LAND USE PRACTICES ISSUE
Water quality tends to reflect the land use practices in a watershed. Originally the
area around Prior Lake consisted of wooded regions and prairie. As development
pressure increases, the City is quickly becoming an urban setting. The quality of
stormwater runoff to the lake is greatly affected by land use decisions. As
urbanization increases, so does the amount of impervious area. Grassy, wooded
regions tend to yield low runoff volumes, while urbanization increases impervious
surfaces, leading to greater volume and rates of stormwater runoff.
Approximately 50% of the Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District area lies
upstream, south, of the City of Prior Lake. The City has no legal authority as to the
land use practices that take place in this area, other than to work closely with the
District and to encourage responsible stewardship. One of the Watershed District's
goals is, "To maintain or improve the water quality within the District." They have
been aggressive in working towards their goals and cooperating with the City in
protecting the local water resources.
One of the development criteria in the City's 2020 Comprehensive Plan is:
"Development shall be conducted in a manner that is sensitive to the impact upon
natural features and to environmental constraints, including but not limited to surface
water, wetlands, slopes, woodlands, vegetation, drainage ways, shorelands, and flood
plain areas." It is well documented that non-point source pollution is a major problem
impacting the water quality of water bodies. The non-point sources that typically
cause detrimental effects to water quality are sediment from erosion, nutrients from
lawn fertilizers, bacteria from animal wastes, chloride from road salts, metals, oxygen-
demanding substances, toxic chemicals and vehicles.
The best way to control non-point pollution is through source controls. Studies have
shown that natural buffer strips around water bodies are very effective as a filter in
removing pollutants from surface runoff. Much of the shoreline around Prior Lake has
already been developed, with established lawn grass maintained down to the waters
edge. Encouraging property owners to create a buffer zone along their shoreline will
help in resolving the problems associated degrading water quality. For those areas in
the community that have not yet been developed, requiring buffer strips around water
bodies will help in maintaining the quality of water reaching Prior Lake.
Following are several land use practice action steps recommended by the committee
which should prove positive in combating the further degradation of the existing water
quality.
15
.
---\-
5. land Use Practices
Land Use Practices Goals:
A. Minimize the transport of nutrients, sediment and runoff from city streets and
lands which impact the Prior Lake watershed.
B. Maximize flood storage upstream of Prior Lake.
C. Maximize flood storage and control runoff volume increases from developing
areas that discharge into the outlet channel.
Obiective 1. Work with the Prior Lake - Spring Lake Watershed district
(PLSLWD) in managing non-point source pollution runoff to
the lake created by new and existing development.
Action Steps:
5-1a. Meet at least once yearly with the PLSLWD to review
current and new best management practices for water
quality improvement.
Measurement: Annual meetings with the Watershed to review
standards. Incorporate any new changes into the
Public Works Design Manual.
5-1b. Engineering department to review and develop new roadway
section design criteria for both new and redevelopment
construction areas.
Measurement: Evaluation of roadway width design criteria for new
and redeveloped streets around the City.
Obiective 2. Develop awareness of City organizations that have input to
decisions regarding land use practices that impact wetlands
and water bodies.
Action Step:
5-2a. Require a natural upland buffer strip around delineated
wetlands and waterbodies for new construction.
Measurement: Adoption of a buffer setback requirement into the
Subdivision Ordinance, or other appropriate
ordinances.
5-1 c. Annual review of variances granted within the shoreland
district.
Measurement: Make appropriate recommendations to City Council
for ordinance amendments.
16
PUBLIC EDUCATION ISSUE
Public education and awareness are the key to a successful lake management plan.
Ongoing baseline education of lake management to the public is essential, just as
individual targeting of the public is with specific information. The committee was
aware that each issue identified in this plan could have its own separate education
area, and in some regards it does. Often actions implemented in one area have
benefits that overlap into other issue areas identified in this plan. Because of this, it is
hard to identify and separate out each education topic. Therefore, there is a separate
education issue identifying ways to reach the public. Along with objectives and action
steps associated with other issues that are education oriented.
With the variety of ways people receive information, it is important that information is
available through both print and broadcast media. The City's web page will provide
an excellent site to post information that is frequently asked. The City publishes a
newsletter called the "Wave Length". This newsletter goes out to all citizens in Prior
Lake and is a good resource for reaching residents with general information. Since
1998, the Lake Advisory Committee has published a newsletter called "Water Watch",
targeted to lakeshore owners. This has been an effective means of providing specific
information to a particular group of people.
17
.
.--.---..-.---------. ....-.--.--.---..\.--.---........
6. Public Education
Public Education Goal:
A. Increase public awareness of issues that impact the quality, use and water
level of Prior Lake,
Obiective 1 a: Use available media outlets for public education on
selected lake and wetland issues.
Obiective 1 b: Serve as a focus for public information and public
involvement.
Action Steps:
6-1a. Include on the City web page the Comprehensive Lake
Management Plan and information about the lake and water
quality.
Measurement: Installation of the CLMP into the City's web site.
6-1 b. Place informational and educational articles in local
publications regarding lake related issues. Support the lake
clean-up efforts of others following the ice fishing season.
Measurement: Publication of articles in news/etters, newspapers
and other materials in an on-going basis.
6-1c. Purchase two copies of DNR's "Lakescaping For Wildlife And
Water Quality" to be placed in the local library.
Measurement: Place copies in the Prior Lake library.
Obiective 2: Promote buffers and different land use practices through
project demonstrations.
Action Steps:
6-2a. Work with the Watershed District in finding locations around
Prior Lake for lakescaping demonstration projects.
Measurement: Locate and demonstrate a lakescaping project.
18
IMPLEMENTATION ISSUE
A management plan is the first step for improving the quality of the lake resources.
The Comprehensive Lake Management Plan (CLMP) provides a guide for maintaining
and improving water quality, recreational experience and aesthetic quality of the lake.
Implementation follows the Council's receipt and approval the plan. Staff is key to the
plans success. They will be responsible for day-to-day implementation. The Lake
Advisory Committee (LAC) identified many tasks, requiring staff time to complete.
To adequately protect natural resources, the City Council must invest financial
resources. The LAC discussed staff time in detail, realizing that the CLMP requires
additional resources for successful implementation. At a minimum, the Council
should create a part-time position responsible for achieving the CLMP's important
goals. Grants may be available to partially fund the position. Many CLMP objectives
can be accomplished by sharing resources with Watershed District and other
agencies. In 1999 the Watershed hired an experienced part-time District
Administrator, to manage their water resources management plan. Volunteer
resources are also necessary. Assisting the annual field data collection effort is
essential for plan fulfillment. Summer interns and citizen volunteers can assist data
collection efforts and accomplish other action items.
19
I
W-"T-.
7. Implementation
Implementation Goal:
A. Fulfill the goals and objectives of this plan by carrying out the actions steps
listed for each issue.
Obiective 1: Implement the Comprehensive Lake Management Plan
through a coordinated effort between the City, Watershed
District and Scott WMO.
Action Steps:
7 -1 a. Create a staff position to implement the Comprehensive Lake
Management Plan. The position would serve as a
spokesperson, communicating the vision to a wide range of
audiences working with committees, serve as liaison to the
Lake Advisory Committee, support staff and supervise
projects.
Measurement: Fulfillment of yearly CLMP goals and objectives as
assigned by the LAC and approved by City Council.
7 -1 b. Hire summer interns or recruit volunteers on a yearly basis to
assist with implementation of the Comprehensive Lake
Management Plan, lake monitoring and dissemination of
educational materials.
Measurement: Completion of assigned tasks by summer interns or
volunteers.
7 -1 c. Explore alternative financial mechanisms as a way to finance
a position devoted to implementing the CLMP without
adversely impacting other municipal budgets.
Measurement: Complete a research of ideas such as fees, taxes,
grants, loans or public-private partnerships as ways
to support the position.
20
t/)
::l
I-
<c
l-
t/)
W
-oJ
::)
C
w
J:
o
t/)
z
o
t=
~
z
w
~
W
-oJ
a..
~
-
c
W
N
t=
Q2
o
Q2
a..
I-
eI)
o
o
z
o
i=~
OW
<ct:
W
I-
W
...J
0...
:a:
o
o
::,g
o
L!)
~
W
~
i=
~ 0
o 0
..8 0
-. '<t
o ~
N~
~ en +
Ci)(i)~.cCi)Ci)(j)~
.c.c~g.E.c.c~
OO..c:OOON..c:
~~~~eee~
Q) Q) Q) Q) Q) Q) Q) Q)
E E E E E E E E
FFFFFi=FF
:t:::t:::t:::t:::t:::t:::t:::t::
rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn
U5U5U5U5U5U5U5U5
en
en
o
o
Ci)(j)(j)(j)
I.... '- ...... s....
..c:..c:..c:..c:
0000
:::!:..~~e
Q) Q) Q) Q)
E E E E
FFFF
:t:::t:::t:::t::
rn rn rn rn
U5U5U5U5
Q)
;;
;;
.~
E
2 ~
:; Cl
en e
~ a.
.~ C 6
~ -@u
U Q) Q)
~ .~.~
'in Q)
~ c .s: e
..c:~~g
'5Q),gu
.~ 's en C
>- 0" "- .g
rn Q) 0 w
3: '- ~ e
~g~~+"
O..c 3: ClU
'- ...... 0 :J 'C
g>51!lleen
- 0 .-
~2,g..c:o
x:;(/)~-g
Q) ..c Q) ..c:
2 ~~en
rnrn_=(jj
.2i5...2:-..c~
rno:.;:;.l!!>
>"'OOen>
w<(zw
-;:.rnM-;:.
I ~ I I
L!)L!).....'<t
Ci)(i)
'- '-
..c: ..c:
00
:::!..~
Q) Q)
E E
Fi=
:t:::t::
rn rn
U5U5
'0
'C
+"
.!!1
"'0
Q)"'O
+" C
rn rn
enQj
'-
Q) 0
=~
C Q)
:s.::;
.~ C
"':S
6 .~
::ffi en
::J E
g'~
'- '-
Q)E
~ rn
~ 'C
Qj 2
..c 'C
+" U
o Q)
C U
o C
rn .~
(;j rn
"'0 >
3: 3:
Q) Q)
'S: 'S:
Q) Q)
0:::0:::
..c U
...... ......
I I
NL!)
woo
'- .....
..c: ..c
00
~~
Q) Q)
E E
FF
:t:::t::
rn rn
+" +"
(f)(f)
c
Q) "'0
E C
Q) rn
~ C
E 0
c~
Q) U
..... ::J
o "'0
C Q)
o(ii
::ffi 6
:J+:;
g''6
....."'0
(ii ~
6E
;.e"tJ
"'0 Q)
"'0 Q)
rn C
"- Q)
o (;j
"'0 ::J
Q)(ii
~ >
'- Q)
~.9
rnrnc
(;j (;j Q)
"'O"'OE
Q) Q) Q)
N N U
>->-.....
(ii(iiS
C C C
<(<(Q)
rn rn
......N
I I
NN
a.
::J
o
(;
'-
Q)
Q)
C
::J
o
>
+~~
~enen
~.c.c
..c:oo
e~~
Q) Q) Q)
E E E
FFF
:t:::t:::t::
rn rn rn
U5U5U5
~<E
~ ~
Q) Q)
=~
"- en
o 0
Qj U
en >"'0
c.!!1 C
Q) '- rn
"'0 Q) en
'in (;j C
Q) :> .9
'-:>0.
~(iio
o E Qj
~ 0 C
Q) C C
~Q)rn
.!!!;;13
.9 Cl"'O
C C
~ os:: ro
..c: Q) Q)
a. 3: '-
E 0 .3
rn ;;: U
a. 0 2
0::: '0 en
zrn+"
O o..!!1
E "5
2'- 0
~ ~~
..;; ro c:
.!!1 C Q)
0<(:2
rn..c..c
C")...... N
I I ,
...... C") C")
en
'-
..c:
o
::::!:-
Q)
E
F
:t::
rn
+"
(f)
o
L!)
C")
~
~+~
en~en
..... en '-
..c '- ..c:
o..c:'<t
OO'<tN
~~~
Q) Q) Q)
E E E
FFF
:t:::t:::t::
rn rn rn
+"+"-
(f)(f)(f)
z
o
i=
a..
~
o
eI)
W
o
(ii
::J
C
rn
:a:
C
.~ C 0...
Q) ~ :!
o :f! ...J
en 0 3:
-g ~ ~ ~
S ~ c .~ &
.!:1 g Q) Q) ~
::c ..c E ~ ..c
& ho...Q) ~Q)
Q) . s: :a: .-Eo._ U 3:
Q)o....J en en
Eurno.9 'Oz.-
.s: C ~ Q) 'E 0'-
rn Q) ..c c a.
en c~+",g C<( Q)
E '6 ...Jrn C Q -'..c ,s
2 0 - Q) 'ou; -c U -
en en;;"" E o.Q) '- 0
>-::J 0 Q)"'O > rn~
~e~o.cE:a:o...
~ ,g 'o..~ .2 Q) g>:a:
rn a. 0 0 0 C .- ...J
::Jenu+".....Qj"'OO
O"ONcen.....ffiQ)
(jj-a'Q~~,g~;;
(;j 6- en :>(f)w'Q
3: C C O..c Q) '-
Q)o.U-Q)C
.~ ~ E C ro .!!1 "'0 .9
::J a. ~ Cl Q) E'in t
g .g ~ .~ ~ 0 6 3l
o:::<(o...<(o:::ooC
.s:
en
'u; en c
en '- 0
rn Q) :.;:;
C rn
c 3: E
rn 0 .....
~ ~ ~
3:{l~ ~
2$:!~ (ii
fii:a;.!!!o~
~E.E::S(jj
~6Q)Q)(;j
,g:.;:;::C;;3:
rn.!!!>-~
~ ~ 'co ..c Q)
E:O>'-~
~-ffi~.9.!!!
~<l>cQ)"5
ucrn~O
c='-rn..c
Q)Q)Cl-rn
~o'Q(jjen
-...c:+"E.!!1
E~:f:1E:E
<i:orn~rn
~ .~ ~ ~ ~
ct~ct~~
rn
......
I
......
..c..c..c
......NC")
I I I
...... ...... ......
rn rn U rn U rn U rn
"'r"""'oq-~""-T"""N""-T"""
I I I I I I I I
'<t'<tCOI'"-I'"-......C")CO
>- >-
I- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... N N C") C") C") 1:: 1::
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 rn rn
W 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Q) Q)
C) W N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N >- ~>- >-
0::: I- '- 1::
<( <( C")C")C")C")C")'<t'<t'<t T"""T"""NN C") C") NC") NC")C") N rn I rn
Q) N Q)
I- 0 00000000 0000 00 00 000 a >-0 >-
.
..........-.-.......-.T
W
...J
:J
C
W
:J:
o
CJ)
z
o
~
<(
....
z
w
:!:
w
...J
a..
:!:
-
c
W
N
....
0::
o
~
a..
z
o
i=:!:
~~
~
w
C>w
~~
c:(c:(
~c
en
:J
~
c:(
~
en
>.
QJ
2:
:J
Ul
--
o
o
10
~
+
....
>.
o Ul
0-
o Ul
..- 0
~U
+ +
E
.... 2
>. .;:
--
00
00
010
r--IO
~~
+ +
~
en
o
o
w
:!:
i=
----------- ---
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ w ~ ~ ~
..c..c..c..c..c..c..c..c..c..c..c......c..c..c
vvvcocoococovvo..ccovo
~~~~s~~~~~~e~~t:-
QJ QJ QJ QJ QJ QJ QJ QJ QJ QJ QJ QJ QJ QJ QJ
E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E
i=i=i=i=i=i=i=i=i=i=i=i=i=i=i=
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro
...........................................................................................
C/)C/)C/)C/)C/)C/)C/)C/)C/)C/)C/)C/)C/)C/)C/)
z
o
i=
a..
ii:
o
en
w
c
c
o
~
ro
E
....
oE
.;:
ce
o e
~ 0
E 0
.... c
oE 0
.;: 'w
c e
o QJ
~ ~
:J -
ClQJ
~ 0
~-5i
Ul Ul
QJ ....
"S QJ
~ ~
.lo: 0
..!!! ~
Ul 0
c ..c
QJ Ul
~~
'u ..!!!
QJ QJ
"C"C
'S: 'S:
o 0
.... ....
Q..Q..
Ul
E
ro
....
Ul Cl
"0 e
QJ 0.
Bc
.... 0
a.:.;:;
g>~
.- :J
o."C
ro QJ
0_
~ ~
7Ij..o
- c
"S 0
- c
~ 0
QJ~
8 E
:J ....
UloE
5 .;:
Ul Ul
QJ C
U ~
:e~
ro 'u
..c QJ
.!!! "C
:c 'S:
:J e
Q..Q..
Ul
"C
....
ro
"C
"C C
QJ 19
..c Ul
~ ~ Ul 1::-
~ ~ .~ U
> ~~::
~ ~ ~ ~ i .~
Ul :5QJ>m~o
~ ';: g ~ S ro ; ~
o Ul>ClQJCQJu
~ C "C .;: :5 0 ..c :e
C .Q C - Cl ~ ro
o 0.. ro .~ .8 .;: 2 C
~ 0 1::- QJ 2 6 ro .Q
E UleUm ~'ESm
_0 ~ Q) C 0- "0 0 (1) 0
QJ E QJEE E:5:J
=~~~E 1::-:5~
ro Ul C QJ - ;g ~ ';: ~
~ QJ ro ..0 0 'E- :J Ul -
:J~Et5~ O"Cl..!!!
~ ~ ~o 19c ~ ~ w .;: ~
._~lii C 0 o.cmQ;~
-:JoUlc::QJro
c t5 .... ~ .;: ro E ~ -
'iij :J Ul ~ ro - .... ro ..c
e "C ~ 5,.;; 'E .g ~ ~
'iij 5 ~ QJ ro .g QJ C :J
:::!:U<(O::::::!:C/)Q..<(Q..
E
ro
....
Cl
Ul e
t5 0.
QJ QJ
'e :5
o.e
Cl QJ
.;: E
o.QJ
~o.
~ .s
.lo: 0.
..!!!Qj
QJ..c
~.8
(j) Ul
c E
o QJ
E ~
QJ
"C W
"C E
ffi E
al :J
m Ul
o .~
.3I
o "C al ro ..0 ro ro ro ro ..0 ro ro ..0 ro ..0
MMMMM""..-NNNM..-..-N..-
~~~NNNMM...t...t...tJ,<bchr-!-
Ul
....
ro
QJ
>.
""
2:'~-
al ro ro
> al :J
2:-w>-~
Iii '<(
V..-NNQJMV'
oooo>-ooa:i
>.>.>.>.
1:: 1:: 1:: 1::
ro ro ro ro
al QJ QJ al
>->->->-
>. >.
1:: 1::
ro ro
>.~ >. >. >.ro ~
~I~~~~
QJNalalalCN
>-0>->->-<(0