8.1. SR 06-17-2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Other The proposal includes a statement that the LID may restore, establish, or maintain upland vegetation buffers to enhance wildlife habitat and deter Canada geese. This is a suitable goal for the LID and the DNR supports it. In addition to wildlife benefits, buffers along the shoreline will also improve water quality as they trap runoff into the lake, reducing sediment, nutrients, chlorides, and other pollutants. Recommendations & Conclusions Proposed LID Boundaries The boundaries of the proposed LID include only properties with direct or deeded access to Lake Orono. Minnesota Rules, part 6115.0920, subp. 5 requires that the boundaries include all lands and waters within the direct drainage basin of the lake (shown on the attached map). However, the rules also allow the County Board or City Council to create a boundary less than the entire drainage basin with written Commissioner approval if the boundary selected includes a sufficient amount of the lake's watershed to develop and implement feasible solutions to the problems the LID intends to address. Restriction of the district's boundary to these properties is sufficient to address the in -lake and shoreline water quality and vegetation management activities for which the LID is being proposed. Therefore, in accordance with these rules, the DNR approves the proposed boundaries identified in the resolution. Advisory Comments & Recommendations As a reservoir at the bottom of a large and heavily developed watershed, Lake Orono has a chronic water quality and sedimentation problem, yet the causes of these problems largely lie outside the proposed LID boundary. The proponents of the LID appear to be aware of the complexity and magnitude of this problem, and are including in the proposal both projects that the LID can carry out directly within its boundaries, and projects outside the LID's boundaries that will require coordination and cooperation with other parties, including the Sherburne County SWCD, Elk River Watershed Association, DNR, other area lake associations, and the MPCA. The DNR is pleased that the LID proposers recognize and acknowledge the importance of working with these other groups, because it is unlikely that problems of the nature and magnitude of Lake Orono's sedimentation and eutrophication problems can be alleviated solely through in -lake and shoreline projects. The LID proponents have also worked very closely with a large number of city, DNR, and MPCA staff people to elicit feedback, comments, and suggestions on the LID's proposed projects and goals before proceeding with the LID formation process. This proactive work has resulted in a very well -thought out product. The DNR commends the proposers for their efforts in this regard, and encourages the LID to continue with these collaborations should the LID be approved. These partnerships are the most effective means of improving water quality and reducing sediment loading in Lake Orono. Finally, many of the proposed projects to address one problem may have adverse effects on other desirable aspects of the lake (e.g., drawdown and dredging will affect the native vegetation and wildlife). DNR Advisory Report on Lake Orono Lake Improvement District Page 8