1. Design Kickoff Meeting Becky Houdek, MCWD 6-27-12

2. Outline Background Design concepts Expectations Process/Schedule What we need from you Questions

3. Background Project identified in District Plan Project goals: Improve riparian vegetation Stabilizes banks (deep roots) Filters runoff from land and moderates flow Provides shading and shelter Deters geese Aesthetic value Improve in-stream habitat and function Education/demonstration

4. Turf Grass vs. Native Plant Roots

5. Background Feasibility study completed last summer Gauged homeowner interest Voluntary project Neighborhood meeting, survey, site visits 29 have expressed interest Board ordered last fall Funding design, construction, 3 yrs maintenance

6. Design Concepts Balance homeowner interests/preferences with natural resource benefits Aesthetics, plant height, existing structures, etc. Vegetated streambank with 10-20 ft of native plantings that transitions to turf (minimum of 10 ft) Primarily grasses and flowers, shrubs optional Little to no rock needed In-stream habitat improvements

7. Expectations District will fund design, construction, and first 3 yrs of maintenance, then homeowners take over Plantings will take a few years to be fully established - will incorporate some plant plugs so you see some growth and color right away District rules require a declaration for any streambank projects Much of the land along creek is owned by City – will need 3-party agreement Not all properties may be suitable for this project

8. Process/Schedule Determine who is on board - Letter of intent Develop designs/planting plans: Individual site visits – mid-July Preliminary designs – Distributed late July Homeowner review and feedback (2-3 weeks) – mid-August Finalize designs – August-September Execute declarations/maintenance agreements – September Construction: In-stream/bank work – January - mid-February Planting – Spring 2013

9. What We Need From You Emails and phone numbers Flexibility and responsiveness Coordinate on-site meetings Sign up for a time For site visit: Complete plant worksheet Sign letter of intent Declaration/maintenance agreement (once designs are developed)

10. Questions? Contact information: Becky Houdek 952-641-4512 bhoudek@minnehahacreek.org Project webpage: http://www.minnehahacreek.org/projects (scroll down to Reach 14) Citizens for the Minnehaha Creek Corridor: www.minnehahacreekcorridor.org