East Auburn Wetland Restoration
Overview
The East Auburn wetland corridor is a system of wetlands originating at the outlet of Wassermann Lake and flowing north toward Highway 5 to the inlet of East Auburn Lake in Victoria. The wetland corridor includes part of Six Mile Creek and contains several types of wetlands. MCWD is partnering with the City of Victoria to plan a restoration of the East Auburn Wetland, which will improve water quality flowing toward East Auburn Lake. The project will reduce phosphorus, a nutrient that pollutes freshwater ecosystems.
MCWD has worked with the City of Victoria to improve water quality in many of the lakes in the Six Mile Creek-Halsted Bay Subwatershed, which is the headwaters of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed. Water quality improvements in this area will also impact water quality downstream. MCWD’s research and monitoring team determined that the water flowing out of the East Auburn Wetland has the highest nutrient loading in the corridor, making it a key target for a significant restoration in the area.
Project Updates
winter 2025
The Board of Managers authorized a design contract with Moore Engineering at its May 9, 2024, meeting for the East Auburn Wetland Restoration. MCWD is currently working through the project’s design and is hosting a public meeting from 6:30 – 8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Victoria City Hall to provide information on the project.
Sign up for the Six Mile Creek-Halsted Bay area newsletter to receive updates on this and other area projects!
Project Timeline
Planning Phase
Planning Phase
2022 – Planning phase begins
December 2022 – MCWD’s Board of Managers authorizes a contract to conduct feasibility with Resolution 22-085
Summer 2023 – Feasibility study conducted
March 2024 – MCWD’s Board orders the project and authorizes to release a request for proposals for design and engineering services with Resolution 24-015
Winter 2024 – Planning phase ends
Design Phase
Design Phase
May 2024 – MCWD’s Board authorizes a design contract for the East Auburn Wetland Restoration with Resolution 24-032
2024 – Design phase begins
Summer 2024 – The project reaches 30% design
Winter 2024-2025 – Consultants complete a geotechnical analysis of the site
February 2025 – MCWD’s Board of Managers receives a briefing on the project’s 60% design
March 2025 – MCWD hosts a public meeting on the project design
2025 – Design phase ends
Construction Phase
Construction Phase
2026 – Construction phase begins
2026 – Construction phase ends
Project completion
Project Completion
2026 – Anticipated project completed
By the Numbers
95
pounds
in annual phosphorus reduction targeted
11
acres
of wetland restored
Project Highlights
- Wetland restoration
- Wildlife habitat restoration
- Nutrient reduction in East Auburn Lake
- New pedestrian boardwalk
All metrics anticipated upon completion.
Partnership
MCWD will work with the City of Victoria to restore the East Auburn wetland, continuing an impactful partnership that has yielded many projects in the Six Mile Creek-Halsted Bay Subwatershed.
Funding
Project Cost: $600,000
Funding for the East Auburn Wetland Restoration is supported by MCWD’s levy, as well as contributions from the City of Victoria.
