Tessa Vacek

The Board approved a resolution to issue a Letter of Support to Hennepin County for a grant application. Key discussions included updates on the preliminary 2027 budget and the 90% design approval for the Greenway to Cedar Trail Connection and Streambank Stabilization Project, including the authorization to solicit bids and the approval of associated project agreements. Staff provided updates regarding coordination with the Nature Conservancy, current water elevation and flow data, and documentation of a staged burning at a specific site.

The board meeting agenda included several administrative and project-specific actions. Key discussion topics included the authorization to amend a funding agreement for the Morningside Stormwater Improvement Project and the approval of repair plans and solicitation of bids for the Minnehaha Preserve Boardwalk. Additionally, the board discussed an influential communication course and reviewed options for campus improvements, followed by updates from committees, staff, and a presentation of the upcoming meeting and event schedule.

The Board of Managers meeting included public comments regarding the proposed minor plan amendment and the health of Lake Nokomis, specifically concerning internal phosphorus loading. The board recognized a special guest, a former Park and Recreation Board Commissioner, for her contributions to balanced urban ecology and partnerships. The agenda covered the approval of the meeting agenda, consent items, and a resolution for a minor plan amendment to integrate in-lake nutrient management projects, particularly for Cedar Lake, to support grant eligibility for water quality improvement projects. Additionally, the board received reports from the Citizens Advisory Committee and the Policy and Planning Committee regarding future watershed management plans and ongoing lake quality projects.

The committee reviewed and discussed the draft five-year Strategic Action Plan, focusing on organizational priorities, capital projects, climate action policies, data-driven decision-making, and organizational culture. Feedback was provided regarding the importance of community engagement, maintenance of legacy projects, and professional growth. Informational updates were provided on a 2-D watershed model, the East Auburn Wetland Restoration Project, permitting rule revisions, current water levels and drought conditions, and the upcoming spring field trip.

This document introduces the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District's 2024 Draft Strategic Action Plan, serving as an organizational blueprint to guide collective efforts towards its mission and vision. The plan focuses on five strategic areas: expanding high-impact capital projects, developing meaningful climate action policy for the watershed, cultivating strategic partnerships and brand advocacy, enhancing data-driven decision-making, and investing in people and organizational culture. It aims to achieve a resilient, thriving watershed where natural and built environments are in balance, creating value and enjoyment for current and future generations.