Steiger Lake Wetland Restoration
Overview
In an effort to reduce phosphorous levels and improve water quality in Steiger Lake, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) restored a partially drained wetland in Victoria. Now, the wetland is a natural stormwater treatment system for a 250-acre drainage area, and reconnects that water to small ponds throughout the restored area. To ensure there are no impacts on historic water levels, MCWD installed a weir at the wetland. MCWD also expanded a city-owned pond directly north of Highway 5 at Steiger Lake Lane. Both the wetland and the pond now effectively store and filter polluted water before it enters Steiger Lake.
MCWD’s 2007 Water Resources Management Plan identified a goal to reduce external phosphorus loading to Steiger Lake, which is part of a chain of lakes and wetlands that flow to Parley Lake before ultimately discharging into Halsted Bay on Lake Minnetonka. By restoring the wetlands that connect to Steiger Lake, MCWD was able to improve water quality both in the lake and ultimately in Halsted Bay, which is among the most degraded bays on Lake Minnetonka.
Project Timeline
Planning Phase
Planning Phase
2010 — Feasibility study completed
2010 — Project ordered through Resolution 10-104
Design Phase
Design Phase
2011 — Design phase begins
May 2012 — Community meeting
2012 — Design phase completed
Construction Phase
Construction Phase
December 2012 — Restoration begins
April 2013 — Restoration completed
Project completion
Project Completion
2013— Project completed
By the Numbers
8+
Acres
of wetland restored
97.9
pounds
of phosphorous reduced each year
250
acres
of stormwater runoff treated
338
shrubs
planted
47
trees
planted
Project Highlights
- Nutrient reduction to Steiger Lake and downstream Halsted Bay
- Stormwater runoff treatment
- Water level maintenance
- Increased flood storage capacity of city-owned stormwater pond
- Increased wildlife habitat and ecological integrity
Partnership
Although MCWD led this project, the City of Victoria coordinated with the District on the expansion of the city-owned pond on Steiger Lake Lane.
Funding
Project Cost: $448,507
The wetland restoration costs were funded by MCWD.
