Many opportunities exist to enhance wetlands in Anoka County. Practices include re-wetting peatland soils, plugging drainage ditches, and reconnecting floodplain wetlands to streams. If you own land with rich peat soils and drainage ditches, or own floodplain along one of Anoka County's streams, we would love to connect with you about wetland enhancement on your property! 

For more information contact Jared Wagner, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Here is a quick recap of our upcoming events:

While summer continues to blaze on, it's time to look ahead to our fall volunteer opportunities. All events are free, but registration is required to ensure we have enough supplies for everyone. Sign up for an event on our Eventbrite page, also linked on the "Volunteer with ACD" page of our website.
If you have trouble signing up for events or have questions, please contact Lauren Schmelzer, Outreach and Natural Resource Technician, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Prolonged hot weather with little nighttime cooling raised water temperatures to levels that caused fish kills this past July, affecting fish in Anoka County and throughout the state. We've heard reports of fish kills from several local lakes, including Peltier and Martin.

While many of our "warm water" fish species can tolerate some warmth, water temperatures soared into the mid-80s, which was just too much for some. Cooler water species like northern pike, walleye, and muskie are especially vulnerable.

Low oxygen levels can compound the problem. Warm water can hold less dissolved oxygen. On top of that, accelerated decomposition in warm water can consume more oxygen. This adds another stressor to fish. The MNDNR notes that "larger fish of all types…have a smaller gill surface area to body mass ratio than smaller fish."

Our staff most often heard of large northern pike dying. It's a shame to see these impressive, trophy-sized fish dead. Fortunately, most reports involved only a limited number of fish dying. 

Anglers should be aware that fish are stressed and should consider not targeting larger or sensitive fish at this time. Be especially careful to keep fights to a minimum, keep fish in the water, and release them quickly. Some information for this article is adapted from a MNDNR press release – see the full article here.

Shoreline owners and anglers can do a few things to help. Shoreline owners can leave shoreline trees and in-water vegetation in place. Both are critical habitat, but in hot weather they also provide shade and cooler refuges. If you want to increase shoreline habitat to benefit fish and water quality, ACD offers grants. Most commonly, these are for native plant shoreline buffers. Contact Jamie Schurbon, Watershed Projects Manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 763-434-2030 ext. 210.

Oftentimes, our dreams of beautiful gardens are dashed this time of year when damage from insects, critters, and plant diseases starts to wreak havoc on our gardens and landscapes. Before you despair, here are a few things you can do to prevent further damage and to prevent damage in the future. 

There are many helpful online and smart-device apps available for identifying plants, insects, and plant diseases. This is a great place to start since you want to make sure before you start yanking a 'weed' or spraying a 'pest' that you know what you have is correctly identified. You can also reach out to MN Extension and their Master Gardeners for more information. Ask a Master Gardener | UMN Extension.

If your spring planting plans didn't work out, there's still plenty of time! Planting native perennials in the fall reduces weeding and watering needs and even promotes earlier root establishment, giving them a head start on growing next spring! Check out this article from Blue Thumb to learn more about fall planting: Planting for Pollinators in Fall – Blue Thumb.

Most native plant vendors restock species for fall planting and are accepting plant orders now. Blue Thumb is also hosting its second annual in-person fall plant sale, with details listed above. For more information on pollinators, contact Jordi Johnson, Restoration Technician, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ACD has several keystone endeavors for each of the identified foundational natural resources: Surface Water, Ecological Resources, Groundwater, Soils, and Community and Operations. As we make progress on these endeavors, we have a lasting positive impact on the quality of life in Anoka County. 

As of August 4, 2026, the U.S. Drought Monitor classified all of Anoka County as being in moderate drought. However, the causes and effects of low water levels are often complex. Water levels reflect the combined effects of precipitation, snowmelt, temperature, groundwater conditions, and water use—and different water bodies can respond at different rates.

Where Did the Water Go?

During dry periods, less rain and snowmelt are available to replenish lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. Heat waves (like we have experienced this summer) can intensify these conditions by increasing evaporation from open water and moisture loss from plants and soil. Hot weather also increases demand for lawn irrigation, placing additional pressure on groundwater supplies. When extreme heat, limited rainfall, and increased water use occur together, water levels can decline more quickly.

Groundwater is especially important in Anoka County, as ~94% of residents receive their drinking water from groundwater. Many local lakes and wetlands are closely connected to the water table, while groundwater also helps maintain streamflow between rain events. When groundwater declines, nearby surface waters may remain low even after rainfall. A single storm can temporarily improve conditions, but sustained precipitation is often needed for recovery. 

Why Low Water Levels Matter

Shallow water warms more quickly, which can stress out fish and other aquatic life. Reduced streamflow may limit habitat and decrease the amount of cool, oxygen-rich water available to aquatic organisms. Pollutants and nutrients can also become more concentrated when less water is available to dilute them. Shorelines, rocks, stumps, and other hazards may become exposed, affecting boating and water access.

Wetlands naturally expand and contract, and some periodically dry out. These dry phases can benefit certain plants and wildlife. Long-lasting drought, however, can reduce habitat and lower shallow groundwater levels across the surrounding landscape. 

 What Residents Can Do

Everyone can help reduce pressure on local water resources during these dry/hot conditions:

• Follow watering restrictions or schedules established by your city.
• Water lawns and gardens during the early morning, when less water is lost to evaporation.
• Water deeply but less frequently and allow established lawns to go dormant when practical.
• Repair leaking faucets, toilets, hoses, and irrigation systems.
• Use native plants adapted to Minnesota's climate that generally need less water once established.
• Maintain natural vegetation along shorelines to protect soil, provide habitat, and reduce polluted runoff.
• Avoid fertilizing immediately before rain and keep yard debris and other waste out of streets and water bodies.
• Do not dredge, fill, remove aquatic plants, or reshape shoreline or lakebed without first checking permit requirements.

Water Levels Can Recover—but It Takes Time
Water resources do not always respond immediately when rain returns. Soil moisture may need to recover before water can infiltrate deeply enough to recharge groundwater. Lakes, wetlands, and streams that depend on groundwater may therefore recover more slowly than rainfall totals alone suggest.

ACD and its partners track precipitation, lake and stream conditions, wetland hydrology, and groundwater levels throughout the county. Residents can find statewide drought updates through the MN DNR or contact Kris Larson, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

A pollinator planting installed four years ago on a sunny and sandy slope at ACD's office is teeming with life as pollinators take advantage of its abundant blooms. It showcases the results of consistent watering, weeding, and supplemental plantings over the three critical years following the initial plug-planting effort. This area also contains a variety of additional flowering species that bloom during other seasons, along with grasses that provide habitat and shelter.

For more information, contact Breanna Keith, Restoration Ecologist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Summer is here! Be sure to water your trees when the temps get hot and there hasn't been rain in a while. Sufficient watering is the best way to protect trees from stress that can lead to more serious insect or fungal diseases.

Long deep soakings in the mornings or evenings reduce water loss to evaporation. Placing mulch around the base of the tree in a "doughnut" shape can also help retain soil moisture. Smaller trees planted in the past year need 5-10 gallons of water every 2-3 days during extreme heat. Larger mature trees need a deep soak of the top 6-8 inches of soil once a week. 

 ACD collaborates with water management entities that share jurisdiction in Anoka County. There is a collection of watershed districts and watershed management organizations (WMOs) that cover all of Anoka County and fit together like puzzle pieces. 44% of ACD overlaps with well-staffed watershed districts and WMOs. The other 56% have no staff and rely solely on ACD to serve as their staff. The extreme efficiency that results from this partnership is remarkable.

 Wetland Regulation Specialist: Providing shared regulatory expertise reduces the need for independent hiring and consulting across approximately 10 local government units.

De Facto Technical Staff: ACD serves as the direct technical and operational staff for three watershed management organizations (Upper Rum, Lower Rum, and Sunrise River WMOs) covering approximately 60% of Anoka County.

$ 1.52 Million in Local Taxpayer Savings: By consolidating administrative overhead and technical staff under ACD's lean framework, this shared-services model prevents these three WMOs from needing to hire independent administrators and project managers. Operating these regions independently would cost local taxpayers an estimated $1.95 million annually. By anchoring them to ACD, local taxpayers save a net $1,526,452 annually.

For more information contact Chris Lord, District Manager, at Chris.Lord.AnokaSWCD.org.

For organizations like ACD, working with a Conservation Corps of Minnesota & Iowa (CCMI) field crew can be much more cost-effective than using contractors for local conservation work and can also help train the next generation of natural resource professionals. The crews are supervised, equipped, and can be assigned to projects lasting from a single day to several months. 

Many young adults join CCMI for a mix of experience, training, student loan benefits, their love of the outdoors and the desire to make a difference. For many professionals in Minnesota, a season with CCMI is a stepping stone to landing permanent jobs in conservation, forestry, parks, or environmental science.

By working alongside the crew members, ACD staff can share their knowledge and experience to provide real mentorship. Check out the CCMI website to learn more about their mission and employment opportunities. For more information contact, Kris Larson, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Rain garden revitalization is beginning in the Coon Creek Watershed as ACD moves forward with a project to restore aging stormwater infrastructure and enhance long-term water quality. 

 Funded through state Watershed-Based Implementation Funding, the initiative focuses on older rain gardens that still effectively capture and filter stormwater runoff but may no longer function as intended due to age and accumulated sediment. Rain gardens help capture runoff from streets, driveways, and rooftops before it reaches nearby water resources.

Interest in the program has been strong, with over 30 landowners volunteering their rain gardens for consideration, exceeding the number of sites funding can support. Site visits are currently taking place and will continue throughout June and July to evaluate conditions and prioritize locations with the greatest opportunity for improvement.

 During site visits, staff document rain garden conditions, measure sediment accumulation, and evaluate overall function. Selected rain gardens will be revitalized through sediment removal, infrastructure repairs where needed, and improved plantings to help restore function and keep local lakes and streams cleaner.

Want to learn more about how rain gardens work and why they matter? Check out ACD's rain garden video on YouTube. For more information contact, Mitch Haustein, Stormwater & Shoreland Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On a sunny June evening, natural resource professionals, lake residents, and municipal officials enjoyed a pontoon tour of Lake George, including ACD, Lake George Conservation Club (LGCC), Lake George Improvement District (LGID), Upper Rum River Watershed Management Organization (URRWMO), and members of the Oak Grove City Council. 

As the group enjoyed the lake, ACD demonstrated several types of water quality monitoring protocols and equipment. Residents shared personal stories about growing up on the lake and connections that have made it such a meaningful part of their lives. Public officials discussed the lake's value to the community and the importance of keeping it in good condition. The tour even included a special sighting of the lake's resident loon family, complete with twin chicks enjoying the warm weather.

Events like this highlight the importance of community involvement in protecting our local waters. Monitoring lake conditions, sharing knowledge, and working together across organizations helps ensure that Lake George remains a healthy resource for both wildlife and residents. Lake George is fortunate to have a dedicated network of volunteers, local leaders, and conservation partners committed to preserving this treasured community asset for future generations.

For more information, contact Lauren Schemlzer, Outreach & Natural Resources Technician, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

ACD staff and the board of supervisors held their annual workshop this past May. This meeting is to update their annual plan for the coming year and to give staff and supervisors time to spend together. ACD identified several keystone endeavors: Surface Water, Ecological Resources, Groundwater, Soils, and Community and General Operations. To discuss how well ACD is accomplishing each endeavor, staff and supervisors met in groups to discuss what is being done well and what needs improvement. ACD will incorporate the information gathered into its annual plan.

For more information, contact Kathy Berkness, Office Administrator, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

You can help contain the spread of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)!. Avoid cutting or pruning Ash trees from May 1 through September 31, as EAB is most active during this time. Do not transport firewood off the site where it was collected; doing so may release adults into a previously infested area. The Twin Cities metro and much of Eastern MN are within an EAB quarantine zone. Transporting firewood out of this area risks spreading this forest disease. Find more information on ACD's website.

For more information, contact Carrie Taylor, Restoration Ecologist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

The Rum River has over 7 miles of shoreline with some degree of erosion. Riverbank stabilization practices protect property, enhance shoreline habitat, and improve downstream fisheries by improving water clarity and protecting spawning areas. Cedar tree revetments are among the most cost-effective means of addressing moderate riverbank erosion before it worsens.

Anoka County Parks was awarded a Conservation Partners Legacy grant to install 2,500 feet of cedar revetment on eroding sections of the Rum River. ACD was contracted by Anoka County Parks and completed this work between 2023 and 2025. ACD overdelivered by installing 2,933 feet of revetment within available funds.

Cedar tree revetments use Eastern red cedar trees anchored along an eroding riverbank to slow the current. This decreases erosion and allows silt and sand to deposit. The deposited material forms a seedbed. By the time the cedar trees have decayed, the bank is stabilized by the roots of the living trees. 

The MNDNR was excited about what they saw and encouraged Anoka County Parks to continue their revetment program, which is now in its 3rd phase. With the support from the state, Anoka County Parks will likely apply for another phase of funding this coming August.

Restoring streambanks and establishing habitat along public riverbanks will benefit the thousands of Anoka County residents who frequent local parks, as well as Rum River enthusiasts each year. For more information, contact Kris Larson, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

 Spring is the perfect time to upgrade your lawn irrigation system. Smart irrigation tools—such as Wi-Fi-enabled controllers, soil moisture sensors, and rain sensors—help your system adjust automatically based on weather and soil conditions. These upgrades take the guesswork out of watering and prevent overwatering.

Thanks to the Metropolitan Council's Water Efficiency Grant Program, funded by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment, several Anoka County cities are offering rebates for smart irrigation controllers that reduce water waste and lower your water bill. Click the links below or check with your city to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.

• Smart irrigation controller rebates: Coon Rapids, Fridley, Lino Lakes, Ramsey
• Irrigation audits to assess water efficiency: Fridley

Smart irrigation is a simple, effective step toward more resilient water resources—right here in Anoka County. Visit the University of Minnesota Extension's Lawn Care website for additional lawn management resources. For more information contact Mitch Haustein, Stormwater & Shoreland Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

With the arrival of spring also comes tick season. After spending time in tall grass or wooded areas, it is important to check yourself and anyone with you to ensure you remove any ticks that may have attached themselves to your clothing or skin. 

While wood ticks are most common, it is important to be aware that deer ticks are also found in Anoka County. Deer ticks can carry illnesses such as Lyme disease, human anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and the Powassan virus. The Minnesota DNR website provides information about how to appropriately respond in the event that you have been bitten by a deer tick: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/insects/deerticks/index.html 

ACD has been helping to control garlic mustard populations at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park as part of a multiyear effort. At a recent volunteer event, ACD staff and volunteers pulled garlic mustard, effectively clearing an area the size of a football field! We are very grateful for the help of our volunteers, and the Coon Rapids Park will benefit tremendously from their efforts. 

Interested in volunteering? Visit our ACD's Eventbrite page to browse and sign up for upcoming and future events. For more information, contact Lauren Schmelzer, Outreach and Natural Resource Technician, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

The Rice Creek Watershed District's (RCWD) Water Quality Grant Program annually funds projects benefitting priority local waterbodies. Eligible practices include lakeshore and streambank stabilizations, curb-cut rain gardens, stormwater treatment, agricultural practices, and wetland restorations. Cost share rates vary based on the type of project and the water quality benefits achieved. Learn more about this program HERE. If you are an Anoka County resident within the Rice Creek watershed boundaries, contact Breanna Keith at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a free consultation.

If your property is not well-suited to a water quality improvement project but you're interested in improving native habitat on your property, consider applying for RCWD's Mini-Grant Program. 

It's spring and many of us are thinking about planting!. Many great online resources exist to help guide landowners. The links below will bring you to webpages on pollinators, site identification, plant selection, planting hints, and much more:

• Metro Blooms and Blue Thumb (See "Plant Finder" on the Resources page.)
• MN Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Pollinator and Biodiversity Toolbox
  • "Creating Residential Pollinator Habitat" page for garden templates for different light/moisture conditions and more.
  • Planting for Pollinators: Principles and Design for Residential Pollinator Habitat
  • Pollinator garden templates for native plant pollinator gardens
    • Shady Garden
    • Rain Garden
    • Sunny and Low (Boulevard) Garden
• DNR Minnesota's Pollinators
• University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Extension
  • Native Plants page
  • Plant for bees and other pollinators page
  • Minnesota Wildflowers – A Field Guide to the Flora of Minnesota

Resources for shoreline areas

• DNR Planting Trees and Shrubs on Your Shoreline
• DNR Planting Perennials on Your Shoreline
• DNR Natural shorelines page

The list above was compiled by the MNDNR in their March 2026 Water Talk Newsletter.

It is easy to recognize large, eroding riverbanks as a problem. Along the Rum River, which flows through the Anoka Sand Plain, twenty-foot-tall cliffs along outer bends are not an uncommon sight. Stabilizing these banks protects the land behind them and keeps soil and nutrients out of the river. Exactly how to approach stabilization is a balancing act unique to each site. 

At the most extreme, steel and concrete walls are used to protect valuable infrastructure and roads. Rock riprap is a common practice employed to protect homes near eroding shorelines. In some cases, particularly where no infrastructure is at risk, a vegetative approach can be best. These vegetative approaches often require less equipment and cost much less than hard armoring, and they provide additional habitat benefit for wildlife.

At a new conservation easement along the Rum River in Isanti County, we employed crew members from Conservation Corps MN & Iowa to plant 600 live willow and dogwood cuttings along the toe of an eroding Rum Riverbank. The riverbank is far from any homes or infrastructure. The land behind the riverbank was a corn field that will be planted with native vegetation. Because the risk of loss at this site is so minimal, we opted for a soft, natural approach over expensive hard armoring. The hope is that the planted stakes will take root and grow, establishing dense tree cover along the lower slope. The upper slope will continue to shift until it reaches equilibrium, but if the toe remains in place, the bank will have a chance to heal and fully revegetate over time. Because the investment of time and materials was so low, we can try again if the stakes die from flooding or drought. 

For more information, contact Jared Wagner, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ACD Supervisors and staff recently met with members of the Anoka County legislative delegation as part of our annual outreach efforts to stay connected and share conservation updates. These meetings provide an opportunity to highlight how ACD partners with landowners, local government entities, and other organizations to deliver voluntary projects that improve water quality, restore habitat, and support resilient communities. From stormwater treatment in urban areas to shoreline stabilization and habitat work along the Rum River, as well as pollinator plantings and invasive species management, ACD's projects are designed to provide lasting local benefits. 

Discussions this year focused on recent ACD projects, emerging natural resource challenges, and the importance of sustained funding to continue delivering cost-effective conservation results. ACD also shared their interactive dashboards that showcase projects and illustrate how this work is making a difference throughout Anoka County.

We appreciate the time and engagement of our local legislators and look forward to continuing to serve as a trusted, non-regulatory resource on natural resource issues.

To explore projects in your community, visit ACD's interactive ecological and water project dashboards, where you can filter by location, project type, and year to see how conservation is making a difference across Anoka County. For more information, contact Mitch Haustein, Stormwater & Shoreland Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ACD's longstanding work addressing non-point source pollution enabled us to bring meaningful, real-world context to the current event station at this year's Metro Area Envirothon. The Envirothon is an event where teams of students rotate through six stations covering a variety of environmental topics. 

Non-point source pollution occurs when runoff carries contaminants into waterways indirectly, rather than from a single, identifiable source like a pipe. It can originate from a wide range of land uses and activities, including agriculture, roadways, and urban areas. This issue aligns with ACD's work throughout Anoka County. Projects such as rain gardens help capture and treat stormwater runoff before pollutants reach our lakes and streams.

ACD developed a detailed study guide and tests for middle- and high-school participants, with over 100 students across 13 teams from the Twin Cities Metro Area. By leading the station, ACD connects students to conservation challenges and solutions, helping build awareness and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. For more information, contact Lauren Schmelzer, Outreach and Natural Resource Technician, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Minnesota Stormwater Research Council held its inaugural symposium, attended by government entities, engineering firms, and research institutions. The event offered valuable updates and discussions on the current science and management strategies for stormwater ponds.

Stormwater ponds are ubiquitous in the landscape, given their use as a go-to management practice since the 1980s. Some are entirely manmade, while others were retrofitted from natural wetlands. Initially, their primary purpose was to mitigate flooding. However, their water quality benefits were quickly realized – particularly their ability to capture solids (such as trash and sediment) and the pollutants that often accompany them. Today, significant effort is devoted to strategies that further enhance stormwater ponds' water quality benefits, most notably by reducing phosphorus levels. 

Research shows that some stormwater ponds provide minimal nutrient-reduction benefits or can even act as a source of phosphorus. A pond's performance in this realm is difficult to predict, monitor, and correct. While extensive monitoring of a pond's chemistry, biology, and hydrology will paint the clearest picture, sometimes simpler metrics such as duckweed abundance, wind shelter, volume, age, and soil composition can provide valuable insight. Where problems exist, best management practices, such as dredging or vegetation management, can help.

Pond maintenance is often logistically challenging and requires a coordinated effort. Partnerships among pond owners (typically cities or HOAs), adjacent landowners, private firms, and local government entities with expertise is often essential to improve pond function. Learn more about stormwater ponds HERE or by watching the "Our Stormwater Pond Connection" video. For more information, contact Breanna Keith, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Treating buckthorn is a frequent part of ACD's ecological projects to enhance habitat. This past winter, Sally, Caitlin, Darien and Anna joined ACD to help with buckthorn control on 60 acres across Anoka County. This work was completed at sites that are habitats for rare plants. The crew endured deep snow at the beginning of the winter and some very cold days. We are grateful to them for bringing their skills, hard work and care to the projects. We wish them the best as they move on to new positions! 

ACD finances vary annually due to the ebb and flow of competitive grants. While ecological projects tend to be installed at a steady pace each year, larger surface-water improvement projects come in fits and starts. The 2025 surface water project planning, design, and permitting set the stage for 2026 installations. Many state grants are funded by sales taxes dedicated to natural resource activities. ACD is committed to accessing these funds to benefit Anoka County taxpayers in proportion to sales tax paid in the county. ACD strives to keep overhead costs down while expanding services. 

Making Sense of the Dollars
Although governed by an elected board, conservation districts lack taxing authority and must secure funds from multiple sources. Overall revenue decreased in 2025 by nearly $900K, largely due to a decrease in state funds. County funds, while representing a smaller percentage of ACD's budget, are critical to cover general operations because many grants do not cover overhead expenses.

Making Dollars of the Cents
ACD collaborates with cities, watershed management groups, state agencies, county departments, non-profits, and landowners on projects of mutual interest. The 2025 revenue chart begins to convey this but does not show the 122 projects and programs supported by 27 distinct funding sources. On average, for every locally derived dollar, ACD leverages over four dollars from outside the county.

Diversify, Economize, Invest
Among ACD's many funding sources is revenue from the sale of our patented Rain Guardian pretreatment chambers, which exceeded $900K in 2025. Through zero-based budgeting, we annually trim underperforming programs. We also strategically invest to optimize dividend revenues and to enhance our in-house capacity with facilities and equipment.

Interactive Financials Dashboard

For details on 2025 or prior year financials, explore ACD's interactive financials dashboard (shown above), or review our financial statements and audits at https://anokaswcd.org/about-us/financials.html. For more information contact Chris Lord, District Manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Minnesota's natural resources play an important role in the state's economy and the quality of life of its residents. Protecting and managing those natural resources is a large responsibility shared by many. Individuals interested in helping lead these efforts are encouraged to run for Supervisor of their local Soil and Water Conservation District.

Two Supervisor positions at the Anoka Conservation District will be on the November 2026 ballot. This position is a four-year term and usually requires one to three meetings monthly for which a stipend is provided. Serving as a supervisor offers residents concerned with natural resource management in Anoka County an opportunity to participate in policy development at the local, regional, and state levels. 

The candidate filing period is May 19 through June 2, 2026. Interested individuals may contact the Anoka County Elections Office at 763-324-1300 for filing information. A $20 filing fee is required, and candidates will receive a filing packet outlining election regulations.

All eligible voters may vote for each open position. However, candidates must reside in the nominated district for the position in question. Supervisors do not participate in primary elections.

For the 2026 election, the following districts will be on the ballot:
District 2 – Andover and Coon Rapids
District 3 – Blaine, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Hilltop, and Spring Lake Park

For more information contact Kathy Berkness, Office Administrator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Advanced street sweeping studies are being completed by ACD staff to identify locations where strategically increasing the frequency of sweeping would result in the greatest water quality benefits to the Rum and Mississippi rivers. The highest priority areas for this effort are typically those with limited existing stormwater treatment and/or high roadside tree canopy cover, both of which contribute to increased pollutant loads in stormwater. 

The photo above shows a street sweeping prioritization map produced through the enhanced street sweeping analysis for the City of St. Francis; green indicates the highest priority streets, and red indicates the lowest, for achieving water quality improvements to the Rum River. These analyses are also being completed for portions of Ramsey, Andover, and Anoka. Detailed reports and recommendations will be provided to these cities upon the completion of these studies. For more information contact Breanna Keith, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

At Soderville Park in Ham Lake, Minnesota, staff from the Anoka Conservation District (ACD) recently tested a new method for disposing of invasive buckthorn. Instead of creating smoky burn piles, they used a biochar kiln called the Ring of Fire.

The Ring of Fire is a type of biochar kiln designed to burn organic material (biomass)—such as wood and plant debris—in a low-oxygen, high-temperature environment. Compared to traditional burn piles, this process is more efficient and significantly reduces smoke, emissions, and environmental impact.

Traditional burn piles turn biomass into ash, which can generate large amounts of smoke, damage soils, and increase erosion. They also leave burn scars on the landscape that can persist for years, creating disturbed areas where invasive species may spread more easily.

How the Ring of Fire Works

The Ring of Fire works differently. The kiln is packed tightly with sticks and branches and then lit from the top. The flame at the top consumes oxygen from above, while the biomass inside the kiln is superheated with radiant heat. Instead of burning completely to ash, the material below undergoes a process called pyrolysis, in which the heated biomass is transformed into biochar—a stable, carbon-rich material similar to charcoal. 

When biochar is incorporated into the soil, that carbon can remain stored for hundreds to thousands of years, effectively locking atmospheric carbon into the ground rather than releasing it back into the atmosphere.

Biochar also provides ecological benefits for the soil. Its porous structure can bind excess nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates, reducing their availability and often favoring invasive plants. By capturing these nutrients, biochar can help slow the spread of invasive species that thrive in nutrient-rich environments.

Restoration Benefits at Soderville Park

At Soderville Park, the Ring of Fire also improved safety during the burning process. Since the fire's heat is at the top of the kiln, using the kiln prevents flames from heating the underlying peat soils, which can smolder underground if ignited.

After the burn, the biochar was spread in areas with high weed pressure. By absorbing excess nutrients in these soils, the biochar may give native plants—many of which are adapted to lower-nutrient conditions—a competitive advantage over invasive species.

By turning buckthorn piles into biochar, the Ring of Fire offers a creative way to support restoration goals while reducing smoke, protecting soils, and storing carbon.

- Article and photos by Lauren Schmeltzer

Staff from ACD, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Minnesota Native Landscapes (the construction contractor) are shown above during the construction of a wetland restoration at Martin's Meadows in the City of Andover. Project collaborators not pictured above include The Nature Conservancy and the City of Andover. Several similar collaborative wetland restoration efforts are planned for both public and private properties soon! Contact ACD if you're interested in wetland restoration on your property.

The University of Minnesota, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL), conducted a study that researched three distinct hydrodynamic phenomena that are produced by common recreational powerboats and that have the potential to impact the water column and lakebed: 1) bow and stern pressure waves, 2) transverse gravity waves, and 3) propeller wash (Figure 3). 

The study examines common boat designs, their ability to generate certain forces within the lake, and how deep into the water column these forces penetrate. SAFL researchers found that impacts to the lakebed are directly linked to how the boat is being used. Recreational boats have long produced damaging waves, but in recent years, the SAFL has recognized that the science has not kept pace with advances in boat technology. As powerboats continue to increase in size, horsepower, and new wake-enhancing technologies. This has led to concerns about the impacts of boating on the aquatic environment. In particular, the impacts of wakeboats operating in wakesurfing mode are a topic of intense public interest. 

The boats were tested under conditions typical of their usage (Figure 1). For the non-wakeboats (deck and bowrider), this was displacement mode (leisure cruise) and planing mode (cruising), and for the wakeboats, this was semi-displacement mode (surfing) and planing mode (cruising). The boats were driven directly over the measurement sensors (Figure 2) a total of five times for each operational condition to gather replicate data for statistical analysis.

 In 2025, 25 residential pollinator habitat projects were funded through the Lawns to Legumes Pollinator Pathways program, contributing over 17,000 sq ft of pollinator habitat to Anoka County residential areas! This program seeks to benefit at-risk pollinator species, such as the Monarch Butterfly and the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, by increasing native plant resources in residential areas and raising awareness of pollinator conservation practices.

Eligible project practices include:
- Native pocket plantings
- Beneficial flowering tree and shrub plantings
- Pollinator-friendly lawns
- Pollinator meadows

Grant recipients can receive professional assistance with garden design, construction specifications, and maintenance. Interested landowners should review the cost-share program fact sheet. Ideal candidates will be committed to maintaining the project, as this program aims to demonstrate high-quality pollinator habitat projects. Complete this Google Form to request an application, or contact Jordi Johnson, Restoration Technician, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Activities to enhance habitat within 45 acres at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park began this winter. The dense buckthorn that dominated the understory of the woodlands, wetland depressions, edges of Turtle Pond and the Mississippi River shoreline was cut and mowed. The Siberian elms invading prairie and turf areas were cut and removed, and several box elder trees were cut to create a canopy gap for greater diversity. Enhancement activities, including follow-up buckthorn and garlic control, a prescribed burn, native seeding, and turf-to-prairie conversion, will continue through 2030 with support from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Funds.

For more information, contact Carrie Taylor, Restoration Ecologist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Each year, ACD staff provide technical assistance for projects focused on ecological resources, surface water, groundwater, and soils throughout Anoka County. This work includes ecological projects such as habitat enhancement and critical-area plantings; surface-water projects such as lakeshore improvements, rain gardens, and swales; groundwater protection through well sealing and septic-system upgrades; and soil-related practices such as cover cropping. These projects help enhance habitat, protect water quality, and support healthy natural systems.

Assistance typically begins with a site consultation. This includes a conversation with the landowner, a review of maps and available information about the property, and a site visit to walk the property and discuss options. If a project moves forward, ACD can assist with planning and design, provide installation oversight, and offer guidance on long-term maintenance. These efforts are made possible through collaboration with landowners and partner organizations. The table below summarizes the technical assistance provided by ACD staff in 2025. 

If you have a conservation question or are interested in exploring options for your property, ACD staff are available to help! We look forward to continuing this work in 2026 and supporting positive environmental outcomes throughout Anoka County. For more information, contact Mitch Haustein, Stormwater & Shoreland Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ACD wants to send out a huge thanks to the volunteers who spent a Saturday morning planting at Epiphany Ponds! ACD and the City of Coon Rapids are working together to reduce turf grass and expand native plantings at Epiphany Ponds Park. Volunteers planted native wildflowers and grasses to add to the seed mix. This is one of many plantings to create pollinator corridors in Anoka County.

For more information contact Carrie Taylor, Restoration Ecologist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sharing some joy from Hayes Elementary School - Message from teacher Cara Claggett: "Both gardens are beautiful with huge and happy plants that loved all the rain this summer. It was SO fun to watch the kids notice them as they returned this week. They are very proud to have had a part in developing the thriving gardens that have lots of butterfly and bee visitors." 

Thanks to Jordi for all her work preparing the site, planting with students, and helping Cara with maintenance this summer!

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a non-native insect, is spreading in central and east Minnesota and is already affecting ash trees in the Rum River counties. EAB kills ash trees, and there is no natural defense against it. As ash trees decline, there is growing concern about the long-term loss of forest cover and changes to woodland productivity.

The sooner you begin planning for EAB in your woods, the more options you have.

We invite you to attend the EAB Action Webinar on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 10:00–11:30 AM. During this session, you will hear from University of Minnesota Extension forestry specialist Eli Sagor and a local SWCD specialist about:

• What EAB is and how it affects ash trees
• Management options for woodlands with ash
• Local technical and financial assistance is available to landowners

This webinar will be most relevant for woodland owners and other land stewards who want to keep their woods healthy and productive.

The session is intended for landowners in Aitkin, Crow Wing, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Benton, Isanti, Chisago, Sherburne, and Anoka counties. 

👉 To register, click the link or scan the QR code on the flyer below. Questions or registration support: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We hope you'll join us to learn what steps you can take now to plan ahead for Emerald Ash Borer.

Sincerely,

Rum River Watershed Partnership (RRWP)
in partnership with local Soil & Water Conservation Districts

The Sloneker family protected 58.5 acres of their land around Cedar Creek through the BWSR's Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) program. Under the RIM program, the land remains privately owned but is protected by a conservation easement. Land protection along creeks and rivers improves water quality, reduces flood risk, and creates essential wildlife habitat corridors. For more information contact Carrie Taylor, Restoration Ecologist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

The best time of year to prune most trees in Minnesota is winter. Wounds can heal while pests and diseases are at their winter standstill. It's also a good time to see the tree's form for attractive pruning. If you don't have trees (who couldn't use a few more?), ACD's annual tree sale is open. Trees are now being ordered and will be picked up in the spring. All are seedlings, available in bundles of 10 for $24-30 or bundles of 25 for $46-58. Prairie seed is also available. Please order early for the best selection; we intend to sell out of everything. Order online at www.AnokaSWCD.org. For more information contact Kathy Berkness, Office Administrator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Each year, the Anoka County Parks Department uses prescribed burns to manage ~200 acres of prairie and savanna habitats. Fire is a natural part of these ecosystems; it removes accumulated plant material, releases beneficial nutrients, fights the encroachment of woody plants, and helps control invasive species. Through these processes, fire boosts the native plant community and increases diversity. Prescribed burns are often paired with other management techniques such as mowing, applying selective herbicides, and supplemental seeding. 

Powerline corridors like this need to remain clear of woody vegetation, providing an opportunity for active prairie management in its place. This restoration also involved treating smooth brome (an aggressive invasive grass) before burning. Visit the U.S. Forest Service webpage to learn more about prescribed burns or contact Carrie Taylor, Restoration Ecologist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ACD staff and volunteers planted 120 new trees on Kings Island in Anoka, Minnesota. After more than 420 ash trees were removed due to Emerald Ash Borer infestation, this reforestation effort aims to restore a diverse, resilient forest. Species planted include hackberry, basswood, river birch, tulip poplar, sycamore, northern pecan, and more. 

Construction has concluded for nine lakeshore stabilization projects on the Sunrise Chain of Lakes: four on Martin Lake, three on Linwood Lake, and two on Coon Lake. Project locations were selected in 2024 based on the property's need for restoration and the anticipated water-quality benefits the project would deliver. Detailed designs were compiled, and three primary bioengineering approaches were applied. 

Funding for these projects was through a Clean Water Fund grant, the Sunrise River Watershed Management Organization, Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Aid, and landowner match. For more information contact Breanna Keith, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In 2025, ACD partnered with three Anoka County libraries (Northtown Library, Johnsville Library, and St. Francis Library) to add native pollinator plantings to their properties. These small plantings have converted 650 sq ft of turfgrass into pollinator-supporting habitats and have connected residents to green spaces at their local libraries. We're excited to see these plantings flourish next spring! 

This October held the 2025 annual joint meeting of the Lake George Improvement District and Lake George Conservation Club. Members, as well as representatives from ACD, MNDNR, and Lake Restorations Inc., gathered to discuss lake water quality monitoring, aquatic vegetation management efforts, and cost-share opportunities for shoreline enhancement. A couple of highlights from this year include:

• Curly leaf pondweed, a prolific invasive plant, has been almost non-existent in vegetation surveys in recent years. A few plants were found in mid-summer 2025, so management of this plant, along with Eurasian watermilfoil, will continue.
• The native plant community remains robust, with some species of native pondweeds transitioning from non-existent in 2018 to prevalent in 2025, according to the MNDNR vegetation survey data.
• New lakeshore cost-share opportunities will be available next year. Outreach will begin this coming winter or spring. The goal of these projects is to mitigate shoreline erosion using bioengineering practices with rock only as needed.

Several recently installed lakeshore projects feature a new combination of materials to protect from erosion while restoring the native plant community. Our newest approach incorporates the use of rock, coconut fiber coir logs, and a diverse native plant buffer to stabilize shorelines experiencing moderate erosion. 

 Rock was placed to the elevation at which vegetation struggled to grow and erosion regularly occurred. This elevation is different for each lake and is based on water levels, wind fetch and wave models. The goal was to choose a rock type that would create a more natural look, while still providing protection and function, while preventing undercutting and collapsing of the sandy soils above.

16" coconut fiber coir logs were installed in the zone where water level fluctuations regularly occurred, but vegetation was capable of growing. This log will protect the new plants from wave and ice action while they become established. Eventually, the log will decompose. The coir log was anchored with a new technique using sisal rope and earth anchors for a stronger hold and improved aesthetics.

A buffer of native vegetation was planted behind the coir log. Their deep and interconnected roots will serve as the long-term stability for this shoreline. 

This approach also allows for installation with smaller machinery or by hand, facilitating application to shorelines with limited access or a need to work around existing natural shoreline features.

Anyone who has hired a contractor for a project knows you have a lot on the line. You need them to show up, bring the right tools, be knowledgeable, and navigate the inevitable unforeseen consequences. Tackling many construction projects every year, ACD uses a process that complies with the law, seeks out the best prices, and helps us find well-qualified contractors.

ACD often participates in an online competitive bidding process when planning larger construction projects. It's required by law for projects over $175,000. Somewhat recently, competitive bidding meant relying only on newspaper ads and receiving paper bids in sealed envelopes. Today, there are online tools that manage the process. Contractors can automatically receive notifications of nearby projects, download plan sets, and bid online. ACD can communicate with all interested contractors, including answering questions for the whole group. We can ensure everyone has the same information, keeping the playing field fair. 

This type of competitive bidding can help bring out the lowest prices for publicly funded projects. On the whole, bids are usually not as close to each other as you'd think. As an example, a recent riverbank stabilization project received 12 bids ranging from $130,393 to $251,021. Government entities are usually directed to select the lowest responsible bidder. ACD takes extra steps to review the qualifications of the low bidder. We may set minimum qualifications and ask contractors to describe their experience, equipment, and expertise. Performance on past projects for ACD and/or its partners is also considered. 

Roundleaf bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is a large woody vine that was introduced in the 1860s. If left unchecked, infestations can overtake and choke out whole forests, with the vines sometimes growing as large as the trees that they grow on! 

The best way to tell the difference between the invasive and native American bittersweet is by looking at the fruits (see image above). Additionally, the native bittersweet rarely forms dense thickets like the non native species does. A good way to control large plants of roundleaf bittersweet is to cut the vine near the ground and apply an herbicide solution to the cut stump. Smaller vines can be brush cut or mowed (be sure to collect and dispose of the fruits!) in the winter, and the new leaves can be sprayed with herbicide in the spring. 

At the 2025 Columbus Fall Fest, the Sunrise River Watershed Management Organization partnered with the Anoka Conservation District to host a booth packed with conservation resources.

For more information, contact Brian Clark, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Rare Plant Rescue Planting: Help plant rare lance-leaved violets that were rescued from a development in Anoka County. Please RSVP to plant rescued trees at the Beach Conservation District on Wednesday, October 22nd, at 10 am.

If you have questions, contact Carrie Taylor, Restoration Ecologist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Kings Island, in the city of Anoka, has a floodplain forest with a canopy mix of silver maple, ash, and elm. Unfortunately, signs of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) were discovered in 2021, and some trees started falling on the trail along the Mississippi River. ACD received funding from the Outdoor Heritage Fund in 2023 to conduct ecological management at Kings Island. A total of 426 Ash trees were removed in January 2024.

Ash trees infected by EAB will continue to die off, opening up the forest canopy throughout the island. Tree planting is planned for the fall of 2025 to promote diversity and forest habitat regeneration. Climate-resilient and transition tree species will be planted to enhance the ecosystem in Kings Island. Some of these tree species already exist and some were chosen because they are growing well at the Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change study at Crosby Farm along the Mississippi River.

Join ACD's efforts to diversify and steward King's Island floodplain forest. Sign up to plant trees at Kings Island on Saturday, October 25th, from 10 am to 12 pm. 

Coon Lake, Anoka County's largest lake, was chosen as a research site for invasive cattails by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC), associated with the University of Minnesota. Residents and natural resource professionals (including ACD staff) were among the ~50 people in attendance in August when their research was shared. MAISRC wants to know whether small-scale mechanical cattail removal can enhance fish habitat, the overall impacts that invasive cattails have on the environment, and the potential benefits of specific management approaches. They have research sites at nine lakes across the state, where they are comparing areas with invasive cattails present to those with cattails removed. Generally, they've found that native, aquatic vegetation becomes established quickly where cattails are removed. They also found healthy responses from fish and improved dissolved oxygen concentrations. 

ACD was contracted by the Isanti Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to monitor water quality in 7 Lakes, located in the Oxford Township of Isanti County. These lakes are within the Lower St. Croix watershed and have been monitored by the Isanti SWCD since 2017. These lakes have diverse aquatic plant communities, and several rare plant and/or species of special concern have been identified. These natural environment lakes are located in areas of Isanti County that are poised for development in the coming years, making it a crucial time for outreach and education. Conservation agencies such as the Isanti SWCD and the Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership recognize the importance of using policy and education to help preserve and protect the environment.

Check out this short video on protecting lakes in Oxford Township. The Isanti SWCD is one of the 16 partners of the Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership, an initiative that looks to protect and restore our water resources for the next ten years. You can learn more about the Isanti SWCD and the LSC Watershed Partnership. For more information contact Kris Larson, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Do you have native milkweed plants on your property? If so, early fall is a perfect time to collect seeds. Seeds are mature and ready for collection once they have turned a darker brown. Milkweed pods will turn from green to brown, start to open up and reveal the brown seeds inside. Pods will continue to open and the seed will fly out and disperse. However, it's ideal to collect seeds before the pods fully open and the seed fluff/silk has developed. It is best to remove the fluff from the seed for storage. To separate the seed from the fluff, remove the entire stalk of seeds and fluff/silk from the seed pod, hold the end of the fluff/silk and gently push and pull the seeds off the fluff/silk. Watch this short video to see butterfly milkweed seed cleaning. Once the seed is "cleaned" (the fluff is removed), lay it out to dry completely, label the seed with the plant species name (common or butterfly milkweed), and write the date and location the seed was collected. Store dry seed in paper or mesh plastic bags. 

ACD collaborates with Anoka County Parks and cities within Anoka County to enhance local native habitats. If you have native milkweed seed you would like to donate, ACD staff will be happy to take it and spread the seed at appropriate locations.

Contact Carrie Taylor, Restoration Ecologist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. There will be a waterproof box located outside the ACD office for seed drop-off. Be sure to label the milkweed species. ACD office address: 1318 McKay Dr NE, Suite 300, Ham Lake, MN 55304. 

ACD and the Martin Lakers Association are working together this summer to reduce invasive carp populations in Martin Lake through targeted carp harvests. Our first successful harvest of the season took place in late July, with 58 carp removed. Box nets, designed and installed by Carp Solutions, were deployed at two strategic locations on the lake. The carp are gradually conditioned to feed at these box nets using cracked corn as bait. 

Each year, ACD staff revisit a variety of previously installed projects to ensure that they are holding up throughout their expected lifespan. For the project owners, this is an opportunity to reconnect with technical experts and ask questions. For project managers, this improves our understanding of which materials and approaches result in the greatest success over time. For the projects themselves, this helps address issues before they become unmanageable, ensuring the natural resource benefits provided continue for years to come. 

A fundamental aspect of managing any pest is correctly identifying it. Historically, identifying weeds has involved using some form of a taxonomic tool. Fortunately, technology has advanced significantly in assisting with plant identification; several free and paid mobile applications are now available to the public. PictureThis and iNaturalist apps both have free versions that rely on some form of community-supported identification. Major phone manufacturers are also increasing photo recognition abilities in their camera apps. Android uses Google Lens to search the internet for similar-appearing photos to help identify a plant or other object. Apple's IOS uses Visual Look Up to perform a function similar to Google's.

Each of these platforms has its advantages and disadvantages, and each should be used with a healthy dose of skepticism. Unfortunately, these apps are not very reliable at correctly identifying grasses, so they are somewhat limited to broadleaf plants. Remember that these apps are simply a tool to help you correctly identify a plant. They will likely improve in accuracy as cameras and computer processing improve over time. 

Read the full article in the latest edition of the "Home Lawn Care Newsletter" from the University of Minnesota Turgrass Science. Other topics include encouraging better rooting through improved watering practices, utilizing technology to identify weed species reliably, and learning how to manage your lawn for moles, as well as upcoming events. For more information, contact Becky Wozny, Wetland Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

ACD staff have been working hard this season to remove garlic mustard seed from a woodland restoration site in Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. By removing these biennial plants in their second year of growth, we aim to drastically reduce the seed source for new garlic mustard plants. With this reduced seed source, we hope to find fewer new garlic mustard plants when we return next spring. For more information, contact Jordi Johnson, Restoration Technician, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

ACD has developed informative videos on a variety of topics, all of which can be accessed on ACD's website and YouTube Channel. The videos cover topics such as signs and causes of erosion, river-friendly lawn care, and various best management practices. The "Our Connection" video series is both informative and easy to follow, and has become a valuable educational tool for teaching students about the environment. For more information contact Kathy Berkness, Office Administrator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Mussels, often referred to as clams, can be found in many lakes and rivers in Minnesota. Of the 51 freshwater mussel species that have historically lived in Minnesota, 28 are now gone, endangered, threatened, or of special concern. None of them are legal to catch or relocate. If a rare mussel has been identified in an area of a lake or river where a project is proposed, the permit process grinds to a halt. At the same time, experts with specialized certifications are called in, equipped with scuba gear, to carefully locate and relocate mussels from the construction zone. Few people have the necessary expertise and it can take a long time to get one to a job site. The not-so-rare mussels are left to fend for themselves.

All of this intersects with the Anoka Conservation District's (ACD) services, as we often help property owners on lakes and rivers address excessive erosion. Left unchecked, bank erosion can impair water quality, smother wildlife, and damage property and infrastructure. We've been fortunate to avoid all identified rare mussel populations and the permitting challenges that come with them. We started thinking about what would happen if our luck runs out and asked ourselves, "What if we could come up with a way to safely relocate all mussels from all construction zones without hiring Scuba Steve?" We may have come up with a solution that contractors could implement with readily available equipment at a reasonable cost, but first, there are some things you should know about mussels.

Mussels are interesting creatures. When they're born, they must immediately latch onto the gills of a fish, where they live rent-free until they are large enough to drop off and sink into the sand. Each mussel species can only pair up with a specific fish species. Some mussels live over 100 years and most of that time is spent in the top 4 inches of sand and gravel in lakes and rivers. Most mussels prefer to hide in river or lake bottoms with only their mouths sticking out of the sand. Mussels eat by siphoning water and filter out microscopic organisms and plant material that are floating by. They are like HEPA filters, purifying our water bodies. While mussels can move several feet a day to escape dropping water levels, they often spend their entire lives within an area smaller than a kitchen table. They are fairly helpless, except that some local species have such hard and sharp shells that they earned the name heel-splitter, yikes!

We explored numerous ideas before settling on one that we believe has promise. Those left on the cutting room floor included:

• doing nothing because then all of the mussels would die;
• excavating out the soil in the construction zone because the mussels would likely be crushed and die;
• using a rake or sieve because only large mussels could be extracted and the rest would be left to die; and
• hydro-excavation using an impeller because it's difficult to control and needs an electrical power supply, which near water would set up the operator potentially to die.

All of those options simply involved too much dying. So, we landed on using hydro-excavation, using a high-pressure water pump to blow the top 4" of sand and gravel out into the water and out of the construction zone. 

Are you sick of goose poop covering your lawn? Plant a buffer of native grasses, flowers, and shrubs along your shoreline to keep them out! Geese are drawn to open spaces with short, well-fertilized grass, which provides them with a buffet of their favorite food and a sense of security with the ability to easily spot predators. Add water (your lake) to the mix, and you've created an easily accessible 'goose haven'. Taller, denser vegetation along the water's edge deters geese from accessing your lawn from the lake, encouraging them to move along in search of greener pastures.  

The thicker the buffer, the more effective it will be. Not only do buffers discourage nuisance wildlife – they also provide a multitude of other benefits, including protecting your shoreline from erosion, improving water quality, and providing food and habitat for pollinators. You can use this helpful collection of technical resources, produced by the Minnesota DNR, to plan your buffer project. For more information, contact Breanna Keith, Water Resource Specialist, at Breanna.Keith@AnokaSWCD.  

Unlike our sanitary sewers, water, trash, and other debris entering storm drains are not routed to a treatment facility; instead, they drain into wetlands, lakes, and rivers. Some stormwater pipes drain directly to these waterbodies, while others may first pass through features like manmade ponds to provide some treatment. In either case, reducing pollution at the source is the most effective way to protect our local waters. To this end, the need to keep trash and debris out of the streets is clear. However, when flushed down the storm drain, even organic plant materials such as grass clippings, leaves, and other yard waste also contribute to harmful nutrient pollution, causing algae blooms, reduced oxygen levels, and other issues in downstream waters. 

Keeping excess plant material out of the street isn't just beneficial for water quality; it also prevents flooding, reduces the cost of storm sewer maintenance and repair, and improves travel safety. It's for these reasons that intentionally blowing leaves, grass clippings, or other materials into the street is illegal in most Minnesota cities. Instead, dispose of them at your local compost facility or through a curbside yard waste provider. If you'd like to play a more active role in improving stormwater quality, consider becoming involved in the Adopt-a-Drain program. For more information contact Breanna Keith, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

As summer warms up, the likelihood of harmful algae blooms increases. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are a type of photosynthetic bacteria. Cyanobacteria are naturally found in all lakes, rivers, and ponds, and, like plants and algae, they perform photosynthesis, obtaining their energy from the sun. Unlike true algae, cyanobacteria aren't a key part of the food chain, and most organisms choose not to eat them. Under the right circumstances, cyanobacteria can multiply to form a bloom. A bloom is a sudden increase in cyanobacterial cells in a specific area of water. Some species of cyanobacteria can create toxins that are harmful to human and animal health, known as cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs). 

CyanoHABs can make people and animals sick if they breathe in, swallow, or come into contact with water or scum that contains toxins. Sunlight, high temperatures, and abundant nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, can increase the likelihood of a bloom occurring. Warm weather patterns and significant rain events that result in more stormwater runoff entering the water can also jump-start a bloom. Blooms typically occur during the warmer months, between mid-June and mid-September. As Minnesota's climate changes, it's fueling more frequent and intense rain events, floods, and warmer weather, contributing to more harmful algal blooms. For more information, check out the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency webpage or contact Kris Larson, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

ACD has been out in the field, monitoring the water quality and water quantity of Anoka County's streams and rivers. Stream water quality monitoring is conducted to detect and diagnose water quality problems that impact the ecological integrity of waterways, recreation, and human health. Since many streams systems are connected to lakes, water quality in streams is often studied as part of lake management. Hydrology is the study of water quantity and movement. Knowledge regarding the amount of water flowing in a stream helps engineers and natural resource professionals understand the effects of rain events, land development, and stormwater management. This information is often paired with water quality monitoring and used to calculate pollutant loadings, which are used in computer models and water pollution regulatory determinations.

Flowing water eats away at the soil on the lower bank along the outside curves of rivers. The water is piled against the outside of the curve as the river bends, similar to the sensation of being pushed to the outside of a fast-turning car. This flowing water scours material away, causing the bank to collapse. A common and effective method of preventing erosion is to armor the bank with a robust layer of material that cannot easily be moved or washed away by the current, such as rock. This results in a bank armored against erosion, but it does not allow vegetation to flourish on the part of the bank covered in rock. It also doesn't help dissipate the energy of that flowing water, which can then be exacerbated downstream. It often requires the entire armored length to be clear-cut and graded. 

An alternative to armoring is to redirect the river's flow from the outer bank, thereby preventing scour through deflection. An effective way to do this is to angle rock barbs or weirs upstream into the channel. This forces the water to flow around and over at a perpendicular angle. This pushes the main flow back towards the center of the stream rather than along the outer bank. Often, a deep pool is made just off the end of the weir towards the center of the channel. This causes variable flows and depths within the channel that fish and other organisms like. ACD has recently implemented bendway weirs and plans to install more in the near future. For more information contact Jared Wagner, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thanks to the Volunteers, Conservation Corps, and Three Rivers Park District staff for joining the ASP Rare Plant Rescue team to rescue state threatened Viola lanceolata, state Endangered Carex pallascens, and state Threatened Trichophorum clintonii from an area that will be dug up and developed soon. Those plants will temporarily grow at the MN Landscape Arboretum during the hot summer. In the fall, we will plant them into ecologically appropriate habitats on protected lands where they will be monitored.

Stay tuned for a volunteer planting event in the fall. Sign up to be added to the Volunteer List. Learn more about the ASP Rare Plant Rescue. For more information, contact Carrie Taylor, Restoration Ecologist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Vernal pools are shallow wetlands that fill with water in the spring and fall, then often dry out in the summer. They may appear like large puddles, but these depressions are brimming with life and help improve water quality. By capturing water from snowmelt and heavy rainfall, vernal pools reduce the amount of runoff (and therefore the contaminants it carries) reaching nearby surface waters and developed lands. This lowers flooding risks, improves water quality, and contributes to groundwater recharge as the trapped water slowly infiltrates through the soil. 

Vernal pools rarely contain fish because their water levels fluctuate dramatically. This creates a safe haven for many amphibians and aquatic invertebrates that would otherwise be heavily preyed upon. While some depend on vernal pools during only their vulnerable egg and larval stages, others spend their entire life within or near them. These small wetlands also provide food, water, and refuge for many other wildlife species such as ducks, turtles, and snakes. Benefits stem beyond the pool itself as several aquatic insect larvae transform to flying adults, serving as forage for insectivores like songbirds and bats.

Vernal pools are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Because they are nearly invisible for much of the summer, they can be easily missed and destroyed if the land is modified. You can help protect vernal pools on your property by noting their boundaries when visible in the spring and avoiding disturbance throughout the year. This is also a great time to explore the abundance of wildlife in and around these wetlands! For more information contact Breanna Keith, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Additional Resources
"Spring-to-Life Ponds": an Illustrated Learning Guide, produced by the MNDNR
MN Frog ID and Calls and Common Vernal Pool Invertebrates, produced by the MPCA and the University of Wisconsin
Locating and Protecting Vernal Pools, produced by the MN Land Trust

Designs have been completed and construction planning is underway for nine shoreline restorations on Martin, Coon, and Linwood lakes in Anoka County. Sites were selected based on the severity of erosion, and therefore the amount of nutrients and sediment they're contributing to the lake. A variety of 'bioengineering' approaches will be applied, utilizing natural materials such as vegetation, wood, coir logs, and rock to stabilize the shoreline while enhancing habitat for fish and wildlife. Funding is provided by a Clean Water Fund grant, the Sunrise River Watershed Management Organization, and landowner match. Stay tuned for more updates! For more information contact Breanna Keith, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

The 2026 budget request to Anoka County includes adding a Groundwater Specialist to ACD's staff. This is the third consecutive year that this need has emerged as a top priority. Anoka County has never had a professional dedicated solely to managing our groundwater. Given our situation, it's time to shift our priorities. What situation?  

• 94% of us in Anoka County rely on groundwater for drinking and other needs
• We have more private wells than any other county in MN (53,000)
• We have more Superfunds sites than any other county in MN (9)
• We sit on the Anoka Sandplain, making our drinking water highly vulnerable to contamination
• Our shallow groundwater recharges aquifers relied on throughout the Metro Area. 

If only we had a Groundwater Specialist at ACD, we could:

• Develop a groundwater management plan and secure state approval,
• Secure $150K-$350K/year in state funds available to those with approved groundwater plans,
• Use advanced technology for high-resolution groundwater modeling,
• Analyze neglected datasets for hotspots and trends in groundwater degradation,
• Engage MPCA, MNDNR, and MDH to enhance the service Anoka County constituents receive,
• Coordinate regional planning, wellhead protection, and contamination response,
• Implement sentinel well monitoring,
• Manage cost-share programs for projects like septic upgrades, well sealing, and agricultural irrigation technology upgrades,
• Inform civic leaders, public employees and the public at large on groundwater, and
• Serve as the trusted expert on groundwater issues.

If groundwater is a mystery to you, please watch the short videos linked below, which were made locally and are often referenced nationally. 

Groundwater - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxENTkMmyEE

Groundwater Contamination - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRSHJpe8pq8&t=12s 

The Harder Path is the Right Path

As is often the case, the more convenient approach — using neonicotinoids and other chemicals on a widespread basis in anticipation of pest problems — is seductive but ultimately harmful in the long term. Damage to pollinators, faster evolution of resistant pests and replacement of natural processes with chemicals are all costs that eventually have to be faced. The IPM approach requires more work and acceptance of a certain amount of pest damage. We must reduce and manage the use of neonicotinoids and other agricultural chemicals, as their long-term impact will be far more harmful than beneficial. Do it for the bees. Do it for the butterflies. Do it for the birds. Do it for you.

An excellent resource for more information is the University of Michigan's website: https://ncipmhort.cfans.umn.edu/ipm-bmp-cultural-control/vegetable-garden-best-management-practices-pollinators.

Spring is the perfect time to upgrade your lawn irrigation system. Smart irrigation tools—such as Wi-Fi-enabled controllers, soil moisture sensors, and rain sensors—help your system adjust automatically based on weather and soil conditions. These upgrades take the guesswork out of watering and prevent overwatering. 

Thanks to the Metropolitan Council's Water Efficiency Grant Program, funded by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment, several Anoka County cities are offering rebates for smart irrigation controllers that reduce water waste and lower your water bill. Click the links below or check with your city to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.

- Smart irrigation controller rebates: Centerville, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Lino Lakes, Ramsey
- Irrigation audits to assess water efficiency: Fridley

Smart irrigation is a simple, effective step toward more resilient water resources—right here in Anoka County. Visit the University of Minnesota Extension's Lawn Care website for additional lawn management resources. For more information contact Mitch Haustein, Stormwater and Shoreland Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

ACD is seeking a group, company, or individual to provide $1,000 per year in support for the St. Francis High School biomonitoring program. Our past sponsor has had to withdraw due to financial constraints. Each year, we take high school biology classes to the Rum River to catch and count macroinvertebrates (bugs, crustaceans, etc.) that live there. Because some of these critters require high-quality conditions, we can use them to calculate metrics of river health. It's hands-on education led by professionals, with implications beyond the classroom. This program has been going since 2001. 1,950 students (average 81/yr) have donned waders, grabbed a net, and learned about the Rum River.

Financial assistance is used to help cover the costs of waders, nets, and other necessary equipment. It also ensures that our natural resource professionals can provide instruction and help students discover what their data means. Any group willing to provide financial assistance can please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

An early thaw and record-breaking warmth have turned the typical spring emergence of ticks into an explosion of them. Anoka County is a high-risk area for tick born disease according to the MN Dept. of Health. The two primary types of ticks Minnesotans are likely to pick up afield are American dog (wood) ticks and Blacklegged (deer) ticks. While wood ticks can transmit disease to humans, it is rare. Blacklegged ticks (or deer ticks) however, carry a bevy of diseases transmittable to humans. Some of these diseases can cause lifelong illness and suffering. Luckily, there are some easy strategies to implement while outdoors to reduce your chances of being bitten and infected: 

1. Treat clothing with Permethrin. Unlike typical "bug spray", permethrin is used to treat clothing before going outdoors. It should not be applied to the skin. Permethrin is the most effective deterrent against ticks, and it also keeps mosquitoes and flies away.

2. Wear long pants, sleeves, and boots. Tuck your pants into your socks and shirts into your pants to reduce openings to your skin. Light colored clothing makes ticks easier to see.

ACD wraps up another successful annual tree sale! Over 26,000 trees were purchased as bare-root seedlings in bundles of ten or twenty-five. We offered a variety of species including black cherry, mixed oak, maple, lilac, pine trees, and a variety of native prairie seed mixes. We had perfect weather on pick-up day and our staff enjoyed getting the chance to meet and engage with the 466 tree sale customers. Thank you to everyone who purchased trees and helped support local conservation efforts! Check out a recap of our 2025 Tree Sale below! 

ACD makes it easy to spread the word about conservation by developing a series of "Conservation Starts at Home" tabletop displays and brochures. Whether you're hosting a table at an event or distributing information in another way, like at a public library, church, or school, ACD's educational materials make it easy for community members to have an impact. These resources are available to the public free of charge. 

Each year community members and agency partners use these materials at local events and distribute hundreds of brochures to the public across a wide variety of topics including :

• Backyard Habitat* - Attracting Wildlife to Your Property
• Ecosystem Health - Improving Landscapes by Increasing Diversity
• Groundwater* - Protecting Drinking Water for Generations to Come
• Invasive Species - Combating a Threat to Native Ecosystems
• Lakeshore Restorations* - Bringing Water Quality & Wildlife to Your Shore
• Native Plants* - Restoring Habitat in Anoka County
• Natural Resource Threats - Threats to Our Natural Resources
• Open Space Protection - Establishing an Enduring Legacy
• Pollinators* - Enabling Our Farms, Gardens and Natural Spaces to Thrive.
• Rain Gardens* - Treating Runoff at the Source
• Riverbank Stabilization* - Understanding Flow & Managing Erosion
• Soil Health - Unlock the Secrets in the Soil
• Stormwater Management* - Improving Water Quality and Reducing Runoff
• Water-smart* - Conserving Water at Home
• Wetlands* - Benefiting Wildlife and People

(*Display has companion brochure)

Up to three displays typically fit nicely on a table. Many of the displays have companion brochures. We are happy to provide up to twenty brochures for each topic free of charge, if you'd like. For more information contact Kathy Berkness, Office Administrator, at Kathy.Berkness@AnokaSWCD or 763-434-2030x100.

Funding is intended to incentivize the adoption of new practices. Will not pay for past projects or continuing current practices. Practices that we can currently fund include:
For areas that are not currently row crops. 10-year commitment unless otherwise noted.

• Conservation cover. This involves planting long-term native plant cover – essentially, a prairie restoration. Pollinator planting falls in this category. Rates are $350 per acre for native species and $500 per acre for pollinator species.
• Forage and biomass planting. $150/ac
• Prescribed grazing. $40/ac/yr, 3-year commitment.

• Cover crops $50-$60/ac/yr
• Residue and tillage management. $20/ac/yr
• Conservation tillage. $10/ac/yr
• Conservation crop rotation. $30/ac/yr

Contact Jamie Schurbon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information contact Kris Larson, Water Resource Specialist, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Here are ways you can help pollinators and birds in your yard:

• Plant Native Plants
• Don't Buy Plants Treated with Neonicotinoids
• Avoid Pesticides
• Provide Water or a Birdbath
• Leave Bare Soil and Old Stems for Bee Nests

Apply to ACD's Lawns to Legumes Pollinator Pathway Native Plant Grant:
Eligible project practices include:

• Native pocket plantings
• Beneficial flowering tree and shrub plantings
• Pollinator-friendly lawns
• Pollinator meadows

Applications can be submitted via Google Forms or paper applications are available upon request. Questions can be directed to Jordi Johnson: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Stephanie Finch was hired as ACD's Seasonal Technician. Stephanie holds a B.S. degree in Earth Sciences from the University of Minnesota with a specialization in groundwater and geomorphology. She brings experiences from the Aitkin SWCD, the Minnesota GreenCorps program, and a seasonal position with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, collecting water quality samples across the state. She is excited to work in Anoka County's diverse range of landscapes and hopes to learn more about the county over the next few months! 

Balin (Bayl'n) Magee accepted a position as a Restoration Technician. Balin has a B.S. in Forest Management and a B.A. in Spanish. He is a certified arborist and has received training in firefighting, chainsaw operation, and pesticide application. Balin is adept at plant identification at all stages of development, from seed to senescence. Balin started down the forestry track but got the restoration bug along the way and has pivoted in recent years. Reach out to Balin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Jordi Johnson joins ACD as a Restoration Technician. Jordi holds a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies. She joins the team with extensive experience on burn crews, leading Conservation Corps MN crews, invasive species treatment, plant and insect surveys, woodland plant identification, chainsaw use, and herbicide application. Reach out to Jordi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Anoka County residents will benefit from a new $70,000 clean water grant that will provide assistance to seal unused wells to protect groundwater resources from contamination. This grant is an extension of ACD's current well-sealing program which has made great progress over the past four years. The proposed grant will enable ACD to seal up to an additional 30 unused wells, targeting those within DWSMAs and deep wells intersecting multiple aquifers. 

If you have an old well that you no longer use, you may be eligible for cost-share funding to seal it! Unused wells could be direct conduits for pollution to reach our drinking water supply, so it is important to have unused wells sealed by a professional. Learn more about the program and see if you qualify here: www.anokaswcd.org/well-sealing.html. For more information contact Kris Larson, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Where the Money Goes

ACD finances vary annually due to the ebb and flow of competitive grants. 2024 included several large project installations, funded primarily with state grants. Many state grants are from sales tax dedicated to natural resource activities. ACD is committed to accessing these funds to benefit Anoka County taxpayers in proportion to the sales tax paid in the county. ACD strives to keep overhead costs down while expanding services. 

Making Sense of the Dollars
Although governed by an elected board, conservation districts do not have taxing authority and must secure funds from many sources. State funds increased in 2024 due to several large project installations. Product sales also exceeded $1M for the first time in 2024. County funds are critical for general operations because many grants do not cover overhead expenses.

Making Dollars of the Cents
ACD collaborates with cities, watershed management entities, state agencies, county departments, non-profits, and landowners on projects of mutual interest. On average, for every locally derived dollar, ACD leverages over four dollars from outside the county.

Two local lakes and the Sunrise River will benefit from an upcoming wetland restoration project. ACD has secured a $221,375 Clean Water Fund grant, from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. The new wetland will receive water from Ditch 20 to remove phosphorus. That nutrient is responsible for "impaired" conditions, including excessive algae blooms, in downstream waters. The project is immediately upstream of Typo Lake, which in turn drains to Martin Lake and the West Branch of the Sunrise River. Construction is anticipated in 2026. For more information contact Jamie Schurbon, Watershed Projects Manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

ACD's pollinator conservation programs were made possible by grant funding from BWSR and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Monarch Conservation program. For more information contact Logan Olson, Restoration Technician, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

This ACD video showcases a successfully completed rain garden that was built on a city outlot in St. Francis, MN. This rain garden was funded through the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment, with additional funds from the Upper Rum River Watershed Management Organization. The City of St. Francis will provide project maintenance. This video combines real footage, motion graphics, and 3D animation to showcase the entire construction process and illustrate the process of building a rain garden with an underdrain system. The underdrain system is largely hidden underground, so this video is intended to help inform on what a underdrain system may look like. For more information contact Brian Clark, Natural Resource Technician, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In Anoka County, 330,000 residents (94%) depend on groundwater for drinking water, using about 12 billion gallons annually. Wells (residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial) that are unused and unsealed pose a significant health and safety hazard by creating a direct conduit to introduce contaminants (e.g. pesticides, nutrients, pathogens) into groundwater supplies. The highly permeable sands of the Anoka Sand Plain are likely a significant source of groundwater recharge for several of the major aquifers that supply water needs throughout the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Visit the Minnesota Department of Health webpage for more information on well sealing in MN. 

Anoka County was one of the few counties in Minnesota that lacked a program to assist landowners with paying to seal unused wells. In response, ACD established a well sealing cost-share program, using a FY20 Clean Water Fund (CWF) grant. As awareness of the program grew, demand increased, highlighting the need for such financial assistance. Since 2020, ACD's well sealing program has made significant progress. ACD staff has worked with hundreds of landowners, promoting and educating on well sealing, resulting in the sealing of 67 high-priority unused wells.

Apex Pond in the City of Fridley was enhanced in 2023 to improve water quality in both Springbrook Creek (County Ditch #17) and the Mississippi River. Originally constructed in 1999 with a ponding depth of 1-foot to slow the rate of runoff entering Springbrook Creek, the enhanced pond is ~6-feet deep and provides water quality treatment for nearly 90 acres of residential neighborhoods. The increased ponding depth enables sediment and nutrients to settle and accumulate in the pond. Runoff enters the pond via three inlets and a single outlet serves as the connection to Springbrook Creek. 

Total annual reductions to Springbrook and the Mississippi River include 16.80 lbs-TP/yr and 6,617 lbs-TSS/yr. The City of Fridley funded pond maintenance, and a combination of Watershed Based Implementation Funds from the Board of Water and Soil Resources, a Coon Creek Watershed District Water Quality Cost-Share Program grant, and the City of Fridley funded the pond enhancement. For more information contact Mitch Haustein, Stormwater & Shoreland Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ACD is collaborating with Anoka County Parks to enhance wetland basins in the Cedar Creek Conservation Area. Efforts are underway to increase plant diversity and to shift the wetland plant communities to sedge meadow and wet meadow. Both basins were initially dominated by reed canary grass. In 2021, two sheet pile plugs were installed in the ditch system and reed canary grass scrapes occurred in the east side basin (see map below). Native plants emerged where reed canary grass was scraped away. Management including mowing, spot herbicide treatment and seeding continue in this area to increase plant diversity. 

The upland – wetland basin in the CCCA has the potential to be restored to native dry prairie and sedge meadow habitats. Many of the remaining sedge meadows are often only fragmented narrow strips, adjacent to non-native cattails, making them difficult to manage. It is feasible to create a burn break around this unique wet meadow and prairie habitat to restore and maintain the plant communities. There is an opportunity to include this area with an adjacent dry prairie that is part of a regularly scheduled prescribed burn management plan. Additionally, the soil type along the wetland margin in this basin are known to support rare plant species. Once restored, this site could be a recipient site for rescued rare plants. For more information contact Carrie Taylor,Restoration Ecologist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.