10.6. SR 05-06-2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lake Orono Improvement Association Orono Lake Improvement District Application  Implement a comprehensive program to alleviate current ecological stressors and recreational impairment on Lake Orono, brought about by excessive aquatic invasive species, native plant overgrowth, algae proliferation, excess nutrients and sedimentation. o The LOWQC will investigate the feasibility, financial and political support for two primary tools – dredging and a partial lake drawdown, for implementation during 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 (whichever yields the most favorable planning results). o Establish a program to remove a minimum of 130,000 cubic yards of sediment to return Lake Orono to its historic baseline depth (an average of 5’ or greater).  To be funded from a combination of 46% from State bonding capacity, 23% of the costs to be paid through lake property owner assessments and 31% from a city-wide local option sales tax. o Further pursue land Best Management Practices to extend this investment in lake and river infrastructure to at least a 30-year life cycle and also ongoing sediment maintenance. o Put in place a consistent Lake Vegetation Management Plan to effectively address invasive plants, native plant overgrowth and algae proliferation.  It is proposed the plan be funded through the creation of a Lake Improvement District (LID) and/or “Friends of Lake Orono Fund.”  Maintain, restore or establish natural upland buffers to encourage wildlife, help prevent decline in species, deter Canada geese, and provide enjoyment for future generations. o Primary strategy to achieve will be the Lake Orono Improvement Association partnering with the Sherburne County COLA and using City of Elk River programs and educational mediums.  Increase public awareness and use of Best Management Practices targeting the reduction of sedimentation, phosphorus and salt inputs from upstream and shoreline sources to Lake Orono. o Establish detailed plans to improve water clarity in both Upper and Lower Lake Orono by further pinpointing sources and implementing a reduction action plan. o Partner with the Sherburne County COLA and use City of Elk River programs and educational mediums.  Build the public perception and “brand” of Lake Orono as a quality recreation destination, valuable community asset and safe lake. o Primary strategy to achieve will be using Lake Orono Improvement Association and City of Elk River communication tools, programs and educational mediums. Statement of Problems and Objectives The included lake management plan provides great detail on the problems to be addressed. In summary, there are four specific proposed action areas where OLID funds would assist. They are: 1. Lake Orono was last dredged in 1998. The shallower water column that has been caused by the accurately projected sedimentation that has accumulated since reduces navigation, recreational opportunities, safety and economic value of both the lake as a community asset and adjacent public and private property value. Last year the City of Elk River received both state funding approval of $1.5 million and a local sales tax referendum approval of $1 million to advance our Lake Orono Restoration and Enhancement (LORE) project (see the Lake Management Plan pages 28-36). We propose funding approximately $650,514* in local private property owner OLID assessments to be used in conjunction with City and State funds for restoring Lake Orono by Page 2