At the November 2005 board meeting, Bonestroo hydrologists identified the following District water resources as those that merit most attention and remediation.
Resource |
Description |
Current condition |
Recommendation |
1. Seminary Fen |
About 69 acres, located in Chanhassen and Chaska, along Hwy. 212. |
Good fen areas south of Hwy. 212, with prominent peat dome & strong native species community. No previous monitoring. Crucial site in light of possible Hwy. 212 river crossing impacts. |
DNR installing 2 monitoring wells now as part of Hwy. 212 crossing study. |
2. Assumption Creek |
Associated w Seminary Fen across Hwy 212. West branch may recharge fen waters. |
Not much known re water quality except via DNR fish surveys. Some trout persist. |
Data logger to record flow; monitor stats. Also temp monitor to get 'thermal profile' of stream. DNR may partner w District on this step. |
3. Ft. Snelling Fen |
About 10 acres, located in Eagan, within the state park boundaries, part of complex that includes Quarry Island Fen. Sometimes called Sibley Fen. |
Still good quality fen, with prevalent native species. Three groups of wells exist (but need repair); have not been monitored last 3–4 yrs. Historical data exist. Construction debris has been deposited up to depth of 18' in some parts. Development east of fen may have affected recharge. |
Repair wells, measure data manually every month. Analyze data (don't just file away) to see what trends may be developing. Study feasibility of removing debris to see if underlying peat can support native species. |
| 4. Quarry Island Fen |
About 32 acres, located in Mendota Hts. within state park, at intersection of I-494 and Hwy 13, w long portion running along rr tracks. Part of complex along with Ft. Snelling Fen. |
Relatively good shape. Native species present. No historic monitoring, as development of area is nearly complete. |
One piezometer could monitor health of fen and uncover any emerging problems. |
| 5. Nicols Fen |
About 35 acres, located in Eagan, northeast of Cedar Ave. and Hwy. 13. 3rd fen inside Ft. Snelling State Park boundaries. |
The least healthy of the 3 Ft. Snelling fens, heavily affected by Cedar Ave. construction (1977) and subsequent stormwater runoff as well as Seneca wastewater treatment plant dewatering. |
Re-establish monitoring at existing wells to study fen & groundwater levels, esp. important if remediation is to take place. |