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Planning
Planning Documents
Rice Creek Watershed District Strategic Plan (2003-2007) html | pdf
162K2004 Workplan pdf
210KThe Future of Water Resource Management In The Rice Creek Watershed
The Rice Creek Watershed District Strategic Plan
2002-2007
Download a pdf version of the Strategic Plan: Download (pdf 162K )
Contents:
Introduction
Mission
Natural Resources
Threats
Goals & Strategies
Drainage System Management
Environmental Education
Groundwater Management
Information Management
Lake Management
Land & Water Conservation
Natural Resource Inventory
Office Administration
Regulatory Program
Research
Stream Management
Water Quality
Wetland Management
Glossary of Acronyms
Introduction
The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) has a long and proud history of leading the way for water resource conservation in Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties. Over the years, RCWD has successfully adapted to the changing landscape and needs of our constituents. That is still true today.
After an extensive strategic planning process, RCWD has charted its path for the next five years. This document serves as the framework for all of RCWD's activities and a means by which we can evaluate our effectiveness.
In order to be an effective force for conservation, our work must be focused on the most effective means of achieving lasting conservation. This is the purpose of a successful strategic plan. Our first step in this process was to identify those natural resources that are most threatened and that can be addressed within the statutory purview of RCWD. Our next step is to identify the source(s) of ecological stress to these resources. Finally, we determined which actions RCWD needs to take to mitigate these threats by the most cost-effective means possible. The format of the strategic plan reflects this step-wise process.
During our planning efforts, we identified five areas in which RCWD seeks to excel:
- We strive to be world-class problem-solvers through demonstrated success;
- We strive to have healthy water resources for the Rice Creek Watershed;
- We will enlist the public as partners in our conservation efforts;
- We will be fiscally efficient and accountable;
- Our decisions will always take into consideration the entire area of the Rice Creek Watershed.
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Rice Creek Watershed District is to conserve and restore the water resources of the District for the beneficial use of current and future generations
Natural Resources within the Rice Creek Watershed to be Focus of RCWD
RCWD identified the following as the resources that are most threatened within the Rice Creek Watershed that also fall within the overall mission of RCWD as defined by statute:
- Lakes
- Natural Areas
- Waterways
- Wetlands
- Groundwater
Threats
RCWD identified ill-planned commercial and residential development as the underlying cause for the majority of water resources challenges that face us. Within that broad category, we were able to define the primary and secondary sources of threat that stem from a variety of land use pressures. These are:
Primary Sources of Degradation
- Destruction of buffer areas adjacent to natural systems (A)
- Improper use of pesticides, herbicides or fertilizer (B)
- Ill-managed water flows (C)
Secondary Sources of Degradation
- Alteration of wetlands either directly or indirectly (D)
- Exotic or invasive species (E)
- Increased impervious surfaces (F)
- Alteration of the natural hydrology (G)
- Poor erosion control practices (H)
Each strategy described in the body of the strategic plan will seek to address these threats. The letter following each strategy designates the threat that strategy is designed to mitigate.
Goals and Strategies
The goals represent the benchmark for success by which RCWD will measure the effectiveness of the respective strategies. The heading above the strategies represents the different program areas for RCWD. The strategies are followed by an abbreviation for the appropriate staff position(s) that will implement the strategy as well as an anticipated start date and end date for the strategy.
Drainage System Maintenance
Goal: The drainage systems under the jurisdiction of RCWD will serve their purpose and agriculture drainage systems that should serve as stormwater management systems will be appropriately converted.
Strategies:
- Compile complete record of ditch systems (RI, 2002-2003). (C)
- Establish official profiles for each ditch (RI, LC, 2002-2004). (C)
- Assess current conditions of ditches with respect to the profiles and amend accordingly (RI, 2002-2007). (C)
- Continue inspection program and instigate maintenance as necessary in a timely manner (RI, 2002-2007). (C)
- Establish a procedure for abandonment of agricultural ditches and their conversion to stormwater management systems where appropriate (LC, DA, 2002). (C)
- Establish policy for unassessed intrusions into ditch systems (LC, DA, 2002). (C)
- Look for opportunities to establish rate control measures that do not negatively impact landowners adjacent to ditch (DE, RI, 2002-2007). (C, G)
- Establish standard operating procedures and policies (SOPPs) for complaints to insure timely and appropriate responses to flooding issues (DA, RI, 2002). (C)
Environmental Education
Goal: Current and future decision makers in our community have increased awareness of conservation issues and the knowledge to make informed land use decisions.
Strategies:
- Continue working with partners to develop educational programs that address the needs of the community and work with them to get the word out (EEC, 2002-2207). (All Threats)
- Determine target audience for municipalities and tailor education and outreach programs to address their needs (EEC, DA, 2003). (All Threats)
- Ensure regular publication of RCWD informational column in local newspapers (EEC, DA, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Train citizen groups to be our eyes and ears that can alert RCWD, as well as their communities, to environmental problems (EEC, 2003-2007). (All Threats)
- Develop education tools that can effectively convey the message (EEC, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Develop and maintain RCWD library of current conservation techniques (EEC, 2003-2007). (All Threats)
- Develop and maintain photo catalog that can be used by all staff for presentations (EEC, 2003-2007). (All Threats)
- Train staff in presentation techniques (EEC, 2003). (All Threats)
- Develop RCWD brochure that explains vision and mission of RCWD (EEC, 2003). (All Threats)
- Develop and maintain web site that can be used to access not only RCWD information, but also answers most frequently asked questions and provides a means for citizens to access other databases (EEC, IS, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Train the next generation of River Watch facilitators such that they can carry on the work already begun by RCWD (EEC, 2003-2007). (All Threats)
Groundwater Management
Goal: RCWD will work with the appropriate partners to ensure a stable and safe groundwater resource for the District.
Strategies:
- Work with counties to develop and refine groundwater management plans to ensure groundwater conservation (DE, DA, 2003-2005). (G, F)
- Work with counties and cities to ensure that groundwater conservation are a component of their stormwater management plans (DA, DE, 2002-2007). (G, F)
- Ensure that District policies and rules incorporate groundwater issues (DA, LC, DE, 2002-2007). (G, F)
Information Management
Goal: RCWD information systems will enable staff and our customers to access data that will enhance conservation efforts.
Strategies:
- Obtain and maintain Geographic Information System (GIS) data layers from our partners to better serve RCWD and clientele (IS, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Upgrade existing computer system to full network capability and remote access to network information (IS, 2002-2003). (All Threats)
- Obtain and maintain effective computer network capability (IS, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Convert pertinent existing RCWD GIS information to ArcView system (IS, 2002). (All Threats)
- Develop effective system for recording natural resource data gathered by RCWD in databases accessible to staff and partners (IS, 2003). (All Threats)
Lake Management
Goal: The lakes within the District will serve as a haven for native wildlife, contain water that is healthful, and serve as amenities for residents and visitors alike.
Strategies:
- Continue CAMP-monitoring program with adequate and well-trained volunteer help (LSS, 2002-2007). (B, E, H)
- Support and encourage county monitoring programs (LSS, 2002-2007). (B, E)
- Find gaps in monitoring efforts and fill with appropriate volunteer staff (LSS, EEC, 2003). (B, E, H)
- Establish lake management plans for all lakes in the District (LSS, 2003-2005). (A, B, D, E, H,)
- Work with lake associations toward restoration and conservation goals (LSS, EEC, DA, 2003-2007). (A, B, E)
- Develop cost-share program for establishing natural buffers on lakes (LSS, DA, 2003). (A, B, E, F, H)
- Establish outlet policy for lakes to prevent flooding (LSS, DA, LC, 2003). (C, G)
- Produce annual report of lakes evaluating and grading overall lake health (LSS, 2003-2007). (All Threats)
- Develop rough fish eradication program for lakes and encourage commercial harvest of carp (LSS, 2003). (E)
- Reestablish native aquatic plant communities (LSS, 2002-2007). (E)
- Develop cost-share program(s) within the District that encompass entire range of best-management practices (LSS, DA, 2003-2007). (All Threats)
Land and Water Conservation
Goal: Develop and maintain land and water conservation initiatives that use conservation easements, cost-share agreements, and management agreements as the primary tools for ensuring lasting conservation of the District's most important natural resource areas.
Strategies:
- Design and implement greenway restoration corridors that serve to enhance water quality within the watershed (RI, DA, DE, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Develop and maintain easement and cost-share project monitoring program (DA, 2002). (All Threats)
- Work with cities to develop Comprehensive Wetland Management Plans where appropriate (DA, DE, 2002-2007). (A, C, D, E, F, G)
- Work with municipalities and county on developing purchase of development rights (PDR) and transfer of development rights (TDR) programs that enables them to direct growth (DA, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Ensure that locations for all protected lands are in our GIS system (IS, 2003-2007). (All Threats)
- Train appropriate staff in easement negotiating as well as financial ramifications of conveying an easement (DA, RI, 2002-2003). (All Threats)
- Actively look for and conserve the most ecologically important tracts of land using all the tools at RCWD's disposal (DA, RI, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Develop mechanisms for ensuring stable funding sources for our land and water conservation program (DA, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Hold regular meetings with local government staff to ensure conservation goals are being met and to be aware of forces shaping local government decisions (DA, Board, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Develop conservation and restoration plans for all land and water resources with a DNR Heritage Rank of "A/B" or better (RI, DA, DE, 2003). (All Threats)
Natural Resource Inventory
Goal: In conjunction with our conservation partners, ensure that we have accurate natural resource information
Strategies:
- Compile existing MLCCS inventory throughout District and determine gaps in data (DE, IS, 2003). (A, D, G)
- Establish criteria for evaluating sites that will lead to more focused conservation efforts (DA, RI, 2003). (All Threats)
- Inventory gaps for priority sites in the field (DE, 2003-2004). (All Threats)
- Identify groundwater recharges areas and incorporate their conservation into RCWD activities (DA, DE, 2004). (A, C, D, G)
- Inventory lakes for natural resource values and determine priority sites (LSS, DE, 2003). (All Threats)
Office Administration
Goal: RCWD has management policies and procedures that enable staff to effectively accomplish our mission.
Strategies:
- Develop a streamlined mechanism for administering all aspects of our permitting activities (PC, DA, 2002). (All Threats)
- Develop and maintain an archival system for RCWD files (OA, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Review employee manual annually and update as appropriate (DA, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Develop and maintain uniform filing system for RCWD ensuring that all staff is adhering to the established guidelines (OA, DA, 2002-2003). (All Threats)
- Ensure good fiscal management and clear accounting procedures (DA, OA, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Ensure timely processing of all payments to vendors (OA, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Overhaul surety system to ensure more timely payments to permittees and clearer accounting of surety status (DA, OA, PC, RI, 2002-2003). (All Threats)
- Ensure that staff has necessary equipment and computer software to accomplish their jobs (OA, IS, DA, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Provide adequate training for staff to ensure that we are aware of all applicable conservation tools that can be employed effectively within the Rice Creek Watershed (DA, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
Regulatory Program
Goal: RCWD has an effective regulatory function that fosters sound land use and water resource management in the District.
Strategies:
- Review District Rules and make appropriate adjustments that align Rules with District's long-term goals (PC, DA, LC, Board, 2002-2003). (A, C, D, F, G, H)
- Ensure that permits are processed in a timely and professional manner (PC, DE, 2002-2007). (A, C, D, F, G, H)
- Work with cities to ensure that our Rules are well understood by their staff (PC, DE, 2002-2007). (A, C, D, F, G, H)
- Develop resource-based performance standards (PC, DE, 2002-2003). (A, C, D, F, G, H)
- Ensure strict requirements for the assumption of permitting authority from RCWD (DA, LC, 2002-2007). (A, C, D, F, G, H)
- Work with municipalities to eliminate conflicts between RCWD rules and their ordinances (DA, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
Research
Goal: RCWD will promote research that refines and economizes the conservation efforts of the District and its partners.
Strategies:
- Determine gaps in knowledge of key water resource systems within the District and determine existing research activities (LSS, DA, DE, 2003). (All Threats)
- Assist in funding research that is specifically targeted to challenges within the District (DA, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Keep District staff current on new and innovative techniques being implemented for water resource management (DA, LSS, RI, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
Stream Management
Goal: The District contains healthy and vibrant streams that serve as havens for wildlife and function to transport water in a manner that minimizes flooding.
Strategies:
- Establish long-term monitoring sites in strategic locations throughout District and gather data from sites in most efficient way possible (LSS, 2002-2003). (A, B, C, F, G, H)
- Establish morphology of all streams in District and use this information to develop restoration plans (LSS, RI, 2003-2004). (A, B, C, F, G, H)
- Use volunteers for District-wide macroinvertebrate monitoring program (EEC, LSS, 2003-2007). (A, B, E, F, G, H)
- Establish cost-share program for creating and maintaining natural buffers along streams (LSS, DA, 2003-2007). (A, B, G)
- Establish TMDL standards for all streams and evaluate standards annually and amend standards as necessary (LSS, 2003-2005). (B)
- Reestablish meanders on priority streams (RI, LSS, 2003-2007). (All Threats)
- Restore floodplain storage along streams (RI, LSS, 2003-2007). (A, B, C, D, F, G, H)
Water Quality Monitoring
Goal: RCWD water quality monitoring provides staff and partners with information that allows us to focus and track our conservation initiatives.
Strategies:
- Ensure that municipalities are encouraging proper erosion control structures at residential and commercial development sites through periodic site inspections (RI, PC, 2002-2007). (I)
- Perform water quality monitoring at selected sites as the need arises to refine our conservation focus (LSS, 2002-2007). (All Threats)
- Identify reference sites for macroinvertebrate monitoring to enhance the usefulness of the data (LSS, EEC, 2003-2004). (A, B, C, E, F, G, H).
Wetland Management
Goal: RCWD will have conserved the highest quality wetlands within the District and maintained and enhanced the hydrologic and natural resource value of wetlands throughout the District.
Strategies:
- Establish reference wetlands for each wetland type within the District (LSS, PC, DE, 2003-2004). (A, D, E, G)
- Conduct a Functions and Values assessment of the District's wetlands (DE, PC, LSS, 2004). (A, D, E, G)
- Determine potential restoration and mitigation sites (LSS, RI, 2005). (C, D, E, G)
- Restore degraded wetlands in critical areas toward a higher ecological and hydrological function (RI, LSS, DE, 2003-2007). (A, C, D, E, G)
- Monitor reference wetlands to determine hydrologic regimes under a variety of circumstances and use data to refine wetland management in other areas (DE, RI, PC, 2002-2007). (C, D, F, G)
- Determine if the establishment of a District-wide wetland bank is feasible and warranted and proceed accordingly (DA, 2003). (A, C, D, E, G)
Glossary of Acronyms
- DA District Administrator
- DE District Engineer
- EEC Environmental Education Coordinator
- IS Information Systems Specialist
- LC Legal Counsel
- LSS Lake and Stream Specialist
- OA Office Administrator
- PC Permit Coordinator
- RI Restoration & Inspection Technician
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