Untitled - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

NATURAL WATERCOURSES b. Plan Preservation of natural watercourses is an essential part of any program to minimize public investment in storm sewers and improve the quality of storm water run -off. However, the conservation efforts must extend beyond the streams and creeks themselves, and consideration must be given to the entire watershed, including wetlands, lakes, reservoirs, and ground water resources. A comprehensive storm water run -off plan is the most reasonable means for a community to achieve the best use of its existing water resources. In recognition of the importance of this matter, the City has just completed a Comprehensive Storm Water Drainage Plan, 3, WETLANDS WETLANDS Wetlands are low lying areas which are normally covered a. Inventory with shallow or intermittent waters. Swamps, marshes, bogs, and other low lying areas are all wetlands, and may occur as part of a river, stream, drainageway, or as a free- standing low area. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) uses the Corps of Engineers' classification system for wetlands, and currently requires a permit for alteration of wetland types 3 -5 which are 2.5 acres or larger. Wetland types 2 and 6, and wetlands as small as 1 acre are recognized as having importance as storm water ponding basins, but the DNR does not presently require permits for alteration of these areas. The following are definitions for wetland types 2 through 6: Type 2. INLAND FRESH MEADOW: The soil is usually waterlogged within a few inches of the surface through- out the growing season. Type 3. INLAND SHALLOW FRESH MARSHES: These principal production areas for waterfowl are often found border- ing deep water marshes, or as seep areas on irrigated lands. Type 5. INLAND FRESH OPEN WATER: Less than 10 feet of water may sustain permanent populations of fish and migratory waterfowl.