Filtration pond after first rain event (just after planting!).

Submitted by: Mary Blickenderfer, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, Grand Rapids, (218) 327-4616

The city park along Spirit Lake in Menahga is the site of a shoreland revegetation project that started in 2001. During the first two years, berms were installed at the top of the steep lakeshore bluff to keep run-off from the adjacent road from further eroding the bank, and the existing gullies were filled. These areas were seeded with native plant species, covered with erosion blanket, and planted with additional native plants. Mowing of the hillside had ceased a few years prior to the project and native grasses and flowers typically found in oak savannas were already covering much of the bank. The stair/ramp access to the fishing pier was planted with a showy mix of natives. The once-vegetated wet transition area near the shore was also planted and remains a challenge due to low water.

However, for the Spirit Lake Association this was not enough. They had their attention focused on the two storm water pipes draining into their small lake – obvious sources of sediment, unknown pollutants, and trash that affect water quality. The solution: create a stormwater filtration area that is appropriate for a city park. With the leadership of Kari Tomperi (Wadena Soil and Water Conservation District); technical design provided by the Joint Powers Board and University of Minnesota Extension; financial support from the Department of Natural Resources and Spirit Lake Association; plants grown by Sunshine Gardens and Ramsey County Correctional Facility; and the assistance of the City of Menahga, lake association members, other community citizens, students from two local high schools, the DNR, Wadena SWCD, and University of Minnesota Extension, a stormwater filtration area was created. The filtration system involved major reconstruction of the shore area and was designed to allow sediment to settle into a deep pool near the drain outlet and to allow stormwater to flow through and/or soak into the soil along a narrow 200-foot long shallow channel planted with native wetland species. The native plants slow the water flow, promote water infiltration, absorb nutrients, trap solid material, and provide color and wildlife habitat. After the project was completed, the filtration area, full after a storm event, drained completely within a few hours. Success!

…and became an award winner!

Filtration pond installation.

For its support of and participation in this project, the Spirit Lake Association won the Area 2 Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts “Outstanding Conservationists Award.” Congratulations to the Lake Association and all those who made this project a success!

Posted in Care of Shoreland Property |