Ward 11 Date Book

City Council – Ward 11

Scott Benson

Benson's Minnehaha Creek

Minnehaha Creek Visioning Report

Minnehaha Creek is a valuable asset, not only to south Minneapolis, but to several communities stretching from Lake Minnetonka to the Mississippi River. But how should it be managed and what should be done to make the use of the creek more enjoyable to residents. Over a year ago, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) convened a committee residents from communities along the creek known as the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC took a detailed look at the condition of Minnehaha Creek in the past, the current conditions of the creek, and finally where the residents would like to see the creek in the future. The CAC recently delivered their recommendations for safeguarding the future of the creek. This report is part of a larger watershed-scale planning and design effort for the watershed. The recommendations will be considered by both the MCWD and the USACE as they move forward with plans and designs. It is also intended as guidance for other organizations, such as cities and the Minneapolis Park Board, which share creek corridor management responsibilities. The hope is that all organizations can work together toward a common vision for the creek.