Projects

Ponderosa Woods Stream Restoration Project

Plymouth

Project Number: ML-22

Project Status | Proposed

The BCWMC completed a feasibility study in June 2023 that identified restoration opportunities along a 1,000 foot section of an intermittent stream that enters Plymouth Creek just upstream of Medicine Lake. At their June 15, 2023 meeting, the BCWMC approved the implementation on "alternative 1.5," to stabilize streambanks, improve flow and reduce erosion in storm water side channels, and remove buckthorn along the riparian buffer and within a 2 acre floodplain area at the downstream end of the project.

Project designs were approved by the BCWMC in fall 2024. Construction expected winter of 2024/2025.

Project Funding | Not Grant Funded

The estimated cost of this project including study, design, construction, and administration is $352,000 which will be funded through taxes collected from all residents of the Bassett Creek Watershed area through the BCWMC Capital Improvement Program.

Project Description

This project will restore a small stream that is actively eroding near Medicine Lake and which drains into Plymouth Creek and then into the West Medicine Lake Park Water Quality ponds. This project will stabilize streambanks, reduce sediment and nutrient pollution reaching Medicine Lake, improve in-stream and riparian habitats, remove over two acres of buckthorn, and prevent future channel erosion along a 1,000-foot section of the stream that drains into Plymouth Creek just upstream of Medicine Lake. The project will reduce total phosphorus and total suspended solids entering the lake by and estimated 7.4 lbs. per year and 14,770 lbs per year, respectively.

In addition to clearing buckthorn and removing dead and dying ash trees and box elder trees, some healthy desirable trees are also slated for removal in order to access the site, grade streambanks to a stabilized slope, and protect infrastructure. At least 10 new trees will be planted to replace lost trees.

Project Announcements

Residents will be contacted by the City of Plymouth to discuss impacts to their properties. Contact Ben Scharenbroich at the City of Plymouth to learn more or visit their project website: https://www.plymouthmn.gov/departments/public-work...

Detailed project map