09-24-2018 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINNEHAHA (CREEK QUALITY OF WATER WATERSHED DISTRICT QUALITY OF LIFE Aquatic Invasive Species Programming Overview Minnehaha Creek Watershed District August 24, 2018 Purpose This document provides an overview of MCWD's approach to managing aquatic invasive species. MCWD's Vision & Mission Vision: A landscape of vibrant communities where the natural and built environments in balance create value and enjoyment. Mission: We collaborate with public and private partners to protect and improve land and water for current and future generations. To reach our goals, we join with public and private partners to understand the natural resource needs and our partners' goals and plans for the landscape. We then work together to identify and implement opportunities to align our investment for mutual benefit. In pursuing these partnerships, we use the following approaches: Focusing in areas of high need and opportunity to achieve significant, measurable improvements Remaining responsive to needs and opportunities watershed -wide This approach allows us to remain focused for greater effectiveness while maintaining the flexibility to respond to opportunities created through land use change. MCWD's Approach to AIS Management The District approaches AIS management through its Issues — Drivers — Strategy Model. We identify natural resource issues within the District through the areas of water quality, water quantity, and ecological integrity. Through data collection and analysis, we identify the driving forces (stressors) that are causing changes to biological communities or physical structure. Management strategies are then identified that correlate directly to the drivers of the subwatershed system. These strategies cover both the short and long-term, and guide the identification and prioritization of individual implementation efforts. The State of Minnesota defines invasive species as species that are not native to Minnesota and cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. A number of invasive species are present within MCWD including Common Carp, Curlyleaf Pondweed, Eurasian Watermilfoil, Zebra Mussels and Flowering Rush. AIS are a global issue, and as a regional water resource agency responsible for managing and protecting the water resources of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed. The District utilizes a multi -pronged approach to address AIS that focuses and prioritizes efforts while leveraging scarce resources through collaborative public and private partnerships. Our approach includes the following: We collaborate with public and private partners to protect and improve land and water for current and future generations. 15320 Minnetonka Boulevard, Minnetonka, MN 55345 • (952) 471-0590 • Fax: (952) 471-0682 • www.minnehahacreek.org