East Auburn Wetland Restoration
Overview
The East Auburn wetland corridor is a system of wetlands originating at the outlet of Wassermann Lake and flowing north toward Highway 5 to the inlet of Lake Auburn in Victoria. The wetland corridor includes part of Six Mile Creek and contains several types of wetlands. MCWD is partnering with the City of Victoria to plan a restoration of the East Auburn wetland, which will improve water quality flowing toward Lake Auburn. The project will significantly reduce phosphorus, a nutrient that pollutes freshwater ecosystems.
MCWD has worked with the City of Victoria to improve water quality in many of the lakes in the Six Mile Creek-Halsted Bay subwatershed, which is the headwaters of the Minnehaha Creek watershed. Water quality improvements in this area will also impact water quality downstream. MCWD’s research and monitoring team determined that the water flowing out of the East Auburn wetland has the highest nutrient loading in the corridor, making it a key target for a significant restoration in the area.
Project Updates
Summer 2023
MCWD recently completed a feasibility assessment for project opportunities for the East Auburn Wetland restoration. Next steps include exploring design options, clarifying the project budget, and identifying potential funding sources for the project’s design and construction.
Project Timeline
Planning Phase
Planning Phase
2022 – Planning phase begins
Spring 2023 – Feasibility study conducted
Summer 2023 – Planning phase ends
Design Phase
Design Phase
Summer 2023 – Design phase begins
Winter 2023 – Design phase ends
Construction Phase
Construction Phase
2024 – Construction phase begins
2024 – Construction phase ends
Project completion
Project Completion
2024 – Anticipated project completed
By the Numbers
135
pounds
phosphorus reduced annually
11
acres
of wetland restored
Project Highlights
- Wetland restoration
- Wildlife habitat restoration
- Nutrient reduction in Auburn Lakes
- Additional flooding capacity
All metrics anticipated upon completion.
Partnership
MCWD will work with the City of Victoria to restore the East Auburn wetland, continuing an impactful partnership that has yielded many projects in the Six Mile Creek-Halsted Bay subwatershed.
Funding
Project Cost: $625,000
MCWD is still in the early stages of planning and designing the East Auburn Wetland Restoration. Final budget and funding sources will be determined later in the project planning process.
