Welcome to the Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District
Mission of the Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District:
"To protect and improve water resources within the jurisdiction of the Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District through coordination with local units of government, citizens and other government agencies."
Latest News
Log House Landing
Several CMSWD Managers met with the Scandia City Council in a workshop on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 to discuss Log House Landing and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources grant that has been awarded to upgrade the road and install storm water and erosion control measures to reduce sediment and phosphorus input into the St. Croix River and Gilbertson’s Creek. Public comments at the meeting concerned the impact to trees and the rural ambience of the area with the increasing road width. Nearby residents were also worried about the problems of noise and crime that could occur if the project leads to increased usage.
The Scandia Administrator and CMSCWD Board President Kristin Tuenge discussed the history of the projects and the other options for the project that had been considered in workshops last year and in previous District proposals. (Click to review the cost estimates. Click to review the feasibility assessment. Click to review the concept design.) Both the Council and CMSCWD Board representatives agreed that a survey should be done to accurately assess potential impacts to the area.
Scandia Considers “No Wake” Ordinance
The wettest spring ever has brought challenges to the District and homeowners alike. Coming out of a drought that dramatically lowered lake and wetland levels, lakes and streams in the area are now beyond capacity. Little Carnelian Lake—down flow of Big Marine and Big Carnelian lakes—has risen over 6 ½ feet this spring. For the first time since mid-2008, Little Carnelian Lake is draining to the St. Croix River.
Worried lake property owners have been contacting the District to inquire about imposing “no wake” restrictions to minimize shoreline erosion. While the District is concerned about erosion, it is cities and townships that must enact restrictions. May has enacted a "no wake" ordinance for part of Big Carnelian Lake (see above) and Scandia is considering an ordinance.
The District has increased monitoring to track lake levels and identify and remove blockages such as beaver dams that impede water flow. A reminder to residents: activities impeding water flow are prohibited and could result in legal action.
District Co-hosts MAWD Summer Tour
“Collaboration in the St. Croix Basin: A Model for Working Together to Accomplish Water Quality and Natural Resource Protection Goals” was the theme of this year’s Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts (MAWD) Summer Tour. Held in Stillwater from June 18-20th, the District, along with other water organizations in Washington County and the St. Croix Basin, co-hosted the event.
Local experts including Jim Almendinger of the St. Croix Watershed Research Station, Kathy Bartilson and Dan Baumann of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Stephanie Souter of Washington County highlighted collaborative projects to protect the St. Croix River.
Participants were captivated by director Dan Engstrom on a tour of the St. Croix Watershed Research Station. The Summer Tour culminated with a dinner cruise of the St. Croix River. National Parks superintendent Chris Stein welcomed the participants and chief environmental compliance project manager Jennifer Hildebrandt spoke about the new bridge crossing.
