“We know there are water quality problems in Dutch Lake and Jennings Bay that need to be addressed,” says Dr. Udai Singh, MCWD Water Quality Specialist.  “Nutrient runoff from the upper reaches of the watershed is causing water quality problems in both of these connected lakes.  Phosphorus levels are exceeding water quality standards and causing nuisance algae blooms in the summer months.  Slowing runoff in the upper reaches of the watershed and rerouting it through restored ponds and wetlands is the best strategy for regaining high quality water in these downstream recreational lakes,” Singh says. 

At the same time, MCWD is also taking aim at protecting high quality wetlands around Dutch Lake.  These wetlands have exhibited resistance to man-made disturbances and retain many of the characteristics present at the time of European settlement.  They have largely avoided infestation by exotic (non-native) species - reed canary grass, invasive cattail, and purple loosestrife – common throughout the area.  But the runoff pollution that is hurting the lakes is also putting these wetlands at increased risk of wholesale degradation.  MCWD’s consulting ecologist, Doug Mensing, explains: “As nutrient loads increase, the nutrient-loving exotics begin to take over, outcompeting native plant communities.” 

MCWD’s new initiative to protect high value wetlands in the Dutch Lake watershed was triggered recently by a study of one such wetland that outlets to the Lake on its western shore. This wetland contains a rich diversity of native plant species, but runoff from the upper watershed has begun to encourage invasion by exotics, mostly at the wetland’s edges.  Mensing says, “If we don’t do something soon to address this issue, exotic species will continue to invade - and degrade - this high quality wetland.”

MCWD is evaluating a number of opportunities to do just that.  According Ten Eyck, MCWD is looking for land (and interested landowners) at locations that are good for “trapping” nutrients in ponds and wetlands constructed for that purpose.  We can construct wetlands that function very well for nutrient removal.  Lands with drained or badly degraded wetlands are good possibilities for such projects.  We will be looking mostly in the area north of Game Farm Road, where there appear to be several opportunities. We will soon be contacting landowners to find out their interest, said Ten Eyck.  

From a financial perspective, there are a number of ways the District’s Land Conservation Program can help make wetland restoration projects attractive to landowners. Ten Eyck explains:  “For wetland restorations, we can pay the landowner for an easement that enables us to construct and maintain the project.  The owner retains all other ownership interests in the land and all rights to use it consistent with the easement.   It’s an entirely voluntary program.  We can pay fair market value for the easement.  Prices are negotiated based on appraisals and other indications of land value.”

In some cases, if a parcel is undeveloped or has potential for larger scale restoration work, the Land Conservation Program can purchase parts or all of the property outright.  MCWD’s Watershed Plan identifies key conservation areas and sets goals for protecting habitat and wildlife values, as well as accomplishing water quality objectives, in these areas.  Most of the upper Dutch Lake watershed is in a key area.  Ten Eyck says this provides MCWD wide flexibility in tailoring financial incentives to fit landowner needs.  Interested landowners are asked to contact Mr. Ten Eyck at 952-471-0590 ex. 202.

About the MCWD

Since its formation in 1967, the MCWD, formed by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, has led the region in cutting edge research and technical expertise in the areas of water quality monitoring and management. The district protects, improves and manages water resources, runoff and related natural resources for 129 lakes, 8 major creeks and thousands of wetlands located within the 181 square mile watershed of Minnehaha Creek and Lake Minnetonka, in partnership with 29 communities, other agencies and concerned citizens.  MCWD’s Land Conservation Program was established in 2004 to protect high priority conservation areas to ensure that our water resources are protect as communities in the District grow.