6.2 at 1 Camp Cozy Park_NRMP_2023

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37 Friends of the Mississippi River Camp Cozy Park NRMP Surface Waters – Rivers The Elk and Mississippi rivers are the obvious surface water resources in this area. The Orono Dam controls maintains water elevations in this lower stretch of the Elk River. Following large rain events, and especially in the spring with snowmelt, flows can be quite high, and the well- connected floodplain clearly receives flood flows. The southeast edge of the property, where floodplain forest is present, experienced extensive and prolonged flooding in 2023. The banks along the western edge of the property are relatively higher and bordered by transitional terrace forest, which leads to infrequent flooding. Impairments Based on 2022 sampling by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Elk River is impaired for both E. coli and mercury in fish tissues in the river reach from the St. Francis River to Orono Lake just downstream from Camp Cozy. The E. coli impairment has been recognized since 2012 and is related to agricultural runoff from farm fields and pasture areas upstream. The mercury impairment in this reach has been recognized since 2002. Both impairments require a study to determine the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), or the calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant allowed to enter a waterbody so that the waterbody will meet and continue to meet water quality standards. Floodplain In 1965, an historic flood occurred throughout the state of Minnesota. The city of Elk River suspended classes so that students could help sandbag local establishments and other key areas of the city. Today, 24 acres of the property’s 48 acres lie within the floodway or have a 1% chance of annual flooding. The floodplain within the park not only provides exceptional habitat in a matrix of other habitat types, but also offers a significant location for flood storage. As rapid development in the western portion of the city creates additional impervious surfaces, and climate change increases heavy rainstorms and rapid spring melt, floodplains and wetlands are a valuable resource to protect infrastructure, homes and businesses. Erosion Historically, erosion has not been a problem on the property. As flashy river flows increase with greater impervious surfaces and a changing climate, the small channels throughout the south- central portion of the park will receive increased flow. These “flues” should be monitored in early summer to determine if downcutting or bank erosion is occurring. Because of light herbaceous vegetation in these areas, future restoration efforts could focus on replanting both herbaceous and woody native plants in these areas to stabilize the channel banks and prevent soil loss. Buffer Areas