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City of Orono
<br />Surface Water Management Plan February 2019 19
<br />be organized as a watershed district, as a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) among municipalities, or as a
<br />function of county government. The City of Orono’s surface water flows to one watershed: the
<br />Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD). This agency has authority for review and approval of
<br />this Surface Water Management Plan.
<br />MCWD was formed in 1967 and covers portions of numerous cities and townships in Hennepin and
<br />Carver counties. These cities and townships include: Chanhassen, Deephaven, Excelsior, Golden Valley,
<br />Greenwood, Hopkins, Independence, Laketown Township, Long Lake, Orono, Medina, Minneapolis,
<br />Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, Minnetrista, Mound, Orono, Plymouth, Richfield, St. Bonifacius, St.
<br />Louis Park, Shorewood, Spring Park, Tonka Bay, Watertown Township, Wayzata, and Victoria. MCWD
<br />covers the entire area in Orono.
<br />MCWD Water Management Plan (WMP). Through its Water Management Plan (WMP/Plan) the
<br />Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD/District) has defined its role as a regional water planning
<br />agency and incorporates a subwatershed focus to address areas of significant resource needs with a level
<br />of complexity that requires sustained effort and coordination across multiple partners. Through sustained
<br />focus, the District is able to develop a thorough understanding of issues and drivers, build relationships,
<br />identify opportunities and coordinate plans and investments with its partners for maximum natural
<br />resource and community benefit. While operating on a subwatershed scale, focused within priority areas
<br />indicated in its WMP, the MCWD is remaining responsive to its communities District-wide by providing
<br />technical resources, regulatory coordination, and in some cases funding. MCWD partnership and level of
<br />response is driven by early coordination of land use planning through the implementation of the
<br />coordination plan.
<br />The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District’s (MCWD) approach to water resource planning recognizes
<br />the environmental, social and economic value created when built and natural systems work in harmony.
<br />Through its WMP the MCWD emphasizes early coordination of land use and water resources planning
<br />with Cities to integrate water resources goals with other public and private goals to add this broader value
<br />and quality of life to the community.
<br />3.5 HENNEPIN COUNTY
<br />Hennepin County Department of Environmental Services provides technical assistance to county
<br />residents, local government units, watershed organizations, and other agencies. They have assisted local
<br />governments with implementation of natural resource management plans, the Wetland Conservation Act,
<br />natural resource education, and application of sound natural resource practices. Their programs are
<br />funded through County allocation, grants, and contracts with local government units, contracts with
<br />watershed organizations, and state and federal cost share.
<br />3.6 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
<br />Three Rivers Park District is an independent, special park district established by the State Legislature in
<br />1957. As a special park district, Three Rivers Park District is charged with the responsibilities of
<br />acquisition, development and maintenance of large park reserves, regional parks and regional trails for
<br />the benefit and use of the citizens of suburban Hennepin County, Scott County, the metropolitan areas,
<br />and the State of Minnesota.
<br />The Three Rivers Park District is also responsible for managing the Park District's water resources in
<br />cooperation with the surrounding communities and watershed management organizations in a way that is
<br />environmentally-responsible and that will maintain lake water quality at or above the levels experienced
<br />in 1989. Park District land within the City of Orono includes the Lake Independence and Dakota Rail
<br />Regional Trails, Noerenberg Memorial Gardens, Baker Park Reserve, and Big Island.
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