HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 2001-109 - Requesting DNR Assistance to Evaluate Morraine Way Pond - 07/10/2001 CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE
HENNEPIN COUNTY,NIINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO.2001-109
RESOLUTION REQUESTING DNR ASSISTANCE
TO EVALUATE PROTECTED WETLAND 994W
WHEREAS, a DNR Protected Wetland (994W) exists within the City of Eden Prairie bounded by the
streets of Morraine Way, Village Woods Drive, View Lane, Canyon Ridge and Red Rock Road
(commonly known as the Morraine Way Pond);
WHEREAS, the Wetland has undergone significant changes in the past 25 years, specifically changes
in open water depths of nearly 15 feet in 1975 to dry conditions in 2000 and nominal depth water areas
in 2001;
WHEREAS,neighboring residents have petitioned the City to investigate the cause for the deteriorating
water levels in the wetland complex;
WHEREAS, residents have expressed a concern that the most rapid drawdown in water levels
coincided with the construction Trunk Highway 212 realignment;
WHEREAS, City staff reviewed the problem with MnDOT and found no specific evidence that links
the deteriorating water elevations to a specific project or occurrence;
WHEREAS, the City of Eden Prairie does not employ technical staff trained in ground water
hydrology;
WHEREAS, the Department of Natural Resources does employ specialists in the area of ground water
hydrology; and
WHEREAS, a DNR protected resource that is highly valued by neighboring residents, the community
and the broader citizenry of Minnesota could greatly benefit by an analysis of specialists that could lead
to restoration and technical support in similar situations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Eden Prairie City Council respectfully requests that
the Department of Natural Resources allocate professional staff time to evaluate Wetland Complex
994W from an historical perspective, the probable causes and influences that have resulted in
deteriorating water levels, potential remedial actions that could restore water elevations in the wetland
and provide best practices that would minimize similar occurrences to our highly valued wetlands both
in Eden Prairie and throughout the State of Minnesota.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City staff be directed to cooperate with DNR staff to make
available all information as may be necessary to complete this analysis.
ADOPTED by the Eden Prairie City Council on July 10,2001.
can L. Harris,Mayor
ATTEST: SEAL
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Kath6en A. Porta, City Clerk