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MINNEHAHA CREEK <br />QUALITY OF WATER <br />November 13, 2025 <br />Attn: David Juliff, Ismael Martinez -Ortiz <br />IMO Consulting Group <br />Guy Hoang, Tony Brough <br />Hennepin County <br />Dear North Arm Boat Launch Reconstruction Team, <br />WATERSHED DISTRICT <br />QUALITY OF LIFE <br />Thankyou for meeting last Wednesday, November 5', to discuss Hennepin County's design <br />updates and questions for the North Arm Boat Launch reconstruction project. It was helpful to <br />reconvene and discuss the intent behind the current design, and how we can align that intent with <br />the relevant water resource regulations. <br />Incomplete Application <br />As you are aware from our meeting, based on the current design and submittals, Hennepin <br />County's application remains incomplete for the purpose of MCWD review, and within the meaning <br />of Minnesota Statutes 15.99. Below is a summary of our recent key discussion points. I hope these <br />are helpful in informing the next iteration of design, and the subsequent permit review. <br />Shoreline and Streambank Stabilization Rule <br />As we covered during the meeting, the stated policies underlying this MCWD rule are to limit <br />disturbance of the natural shoreline, and where shoreline stabilization is needed, to promote <br />naturalized methods to limit disturbance and impact to the ecological integrity of the riparian <br />environment. The specific standards and requirements of this rule are directed at projects being <br />proposed to stabilize eroding shorelines, boat launches, and sand blankets. Proposed shoreline <br />improvements that don't fall under these categories are evaluated under more general standards, <br />requiring a demonstrated need, sound design, and minimal impact. <br />As discussed, given this regulatory scope, two elements of the current shoreline design do not align <br />neatly with the policy intent and standards of this rule: (1) The use, as fishing piers, of four 8' x 12' <br />box culverts that would encroach lakeward approximately 4 feet, past the ordinary high-water level <br />(OHW); and (2) approximately 190 linear feet of granite steps for fishing access to the lake, to be <br />installed above and below the OHW of Lake Minnetonka. Because scaled sections have not been <br />provided, these measurements are based on estimates from the provided plan sheets. <br />We collaborate with public and private partners to protect and improve land and water for current and future generations. <br />15320 Minnetonka Boulevard, Minnetonka, MN 55345 • (952) 471-0590 - Fax: (952) 471-0682 • www.minnehahacreek.org <br />100 <br />