Turbid-Lundsten Corridor Wetland Restoration
Overview
This set of planned, complementary projects will treat water within the chain of lakes that includes Turbid, South and North Lundsten, Parley Lake and Six Mile Creek. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is in the planning stage for a project in this corridor. Work in this area is dependent on land acquisition, partnerships, and the identification of feasible project opportunities. Potential projects include wetland and stream corridor restoration, internal load treatment using alum, and habitat corridor establishment.
High phosphorus concentrations pollute Turbid and South Lundsten Lakes, contributing to algae blooms. Contaminated upstream runoff and groundwater, the altered wetlands and internal loading (the process by which pollutants are introduced into the water from the lake sediment itself) are the principal drivers of degraded water quality in this lake system. Previous feasibility studies have identified viable management strategies in this corridor that center on ecological restoration and nutrient load treatment.
Project Updates
Summer 2023
Currently, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is in the planning phase for opportunities in this corridor. The scale of work will be dependent on land acquisition, partnerships, and the identification of feasible project opportunities. Projects to be evaluated include wetland and stream corridor restoration, internal load treatment using alum, and habitat corridor establishment.
Project Timeline
Planning Phase
Planning Phase
2023- Project planning begins
2024 — Project planning ends
Design Phase
Design Phase
2024 – Design phase begins
2025 – Design phase ends
Construction Phase
Construction Phase
2025 – Construction begins
2025 – Construction ends
Project completion
Project Completion
2025 – Project completed
By the Numbers
35
pounds
nutrient reduction in Turbid Lake each year
55
pounds
nutrient reduction in South Lundsten Lake each year
95
acres
of wetland restoration
Project Highlights
- Water quality improvements
- Wildlife habitat restoration
- Nutrient reduction
- Additional flood storage capacity
All metrics anticipated upon project completion.
Partnership
To accomplish mutual priorities, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District formed the Six Mile Creek– Halsted Bay Planning Partnership with the City of Victoria and other local organizations to engage in proactive planning for collaboration in the region. The Six Mile Creek-Halsted Bay Planning Partnership continues to promote fruitful work toward improved water quality by aligning natural resources and community development planning.
Funding
Project cost: $3,150,000
Funding for the Turbid-Lundsten Corridor Wetland Restoration will be determined in later stages of project planning.
