NRC Work Session Packet 02122025
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION WORK SESSION MEETING AGENDA
February 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights
1. Roll Call
2. Call to Order
3. Discussion
a. Commissioner Resignation and Introduction of New Commissioners
b. 2025 Workplan Committee Assignments
c. 2024 Oak Award Recipients
d. Partners in Energy Update
e. Shoreland Ordinance
4. Adjourn
Next Meeting
March 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Information is available in alternative formats or with the use of auxiliary aids to individuals
with disabilities upon request by calling city hall at 651-452-1850 or by
emailing cityhall@mendotaheightsmn.gov.
Page 1 of 44
3.a
Natural Resources Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: February 12, 2025
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: Commissioner Resignation and Introduction of New Commissioners
DEPARTMENT: Natural Resources CONTACT: Krista Spreiter, Natural
Resources Coordinator
ACTION REQUEST:
Commissioner Resignation and Introduction of new commissioners to the Commission.
BACKGROUND:
Commissioner and Chair Heidi Swank has submitted her resignation from the Commission.
Staff would like to thank Commissioner Swank for her service and work that she has done on
the Commission and her service to the City, including serving on the Education and Outreach
and the Strategic Planning Committees, as well as Chairing the Commission throughout her
term.
Two new commissioners, Mika Emily Thuening, and Jennifer Daul, were appointed to the
Natural Resources Commission by the City Council at their regular meetings on January 21st
and February 4th. The appointments will fill two open spots on the Commission due to recent
resignations by Commission Chair Heidi Swank and Commissioner Fahnhorst. New and current
commissioners are invited to introduce themselves.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Page 2 of 44
3.b
Natural Resources Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: February 12, 2025
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: 2025 Workplan Committee Assignments
DEPARTMENT: Natural Resources CONTACT: Krista Spreiter, Natural
Resources Coordinator
ACTION REQUEST:
The Commission should discuss 2025 Goal Committees and volunteer for assignments as
desired.
BACKGROUND:
The Commission uses an annual work plan to accomplish its goals, as well as aid in
accountability, resource allocation and proceed through commission priorities. The 2025 Work
plan has identified five goals for the Commission:
Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy Development
Goal 2: Education and Outreach
Goal 3: Urban Forestry and Restoration
Goal 4: Strategic Planning
Goal 5: Sustainability
The Commission establishes committees for each goal as a way to focus on and accomplish
the initiatives for each goal of the work plan. Committees are limited to three voting members
in order to comply with open meeting law. A committee may have four members if one of the
members is a student commissioner. The current commission committee members are:
Goal 1: Commissioners McCaslin and Stein
Goal 2: Commissioners Sheets and Student Commissioner Trudeau
Goal 3: Commissioners Husbands, Knosalla, and McCaslin
Goal 4: Commissioners Knosalla and Sheets
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Goal 5: Commissioners Husbands, Knosalla and Stein
Commissioners should discuss their preferences for which committee(s) they would like to
serve on and come to a consensus on committee assignments.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2025 Work Plan
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Goal Initiative Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy
Development Draft a Shoreland Ordinance for recommendation of approval by City Council X X X X
Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy
Development Review Planning Review Checklists to offer natural resources considerations X X
Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy
Development Explore deconstruction policy for city-owned buidlings and facilities X X
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Create and hold a community engagement event X
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Collaborate with Sustainability Committee to implement Partners in Energy Action Plan X X X X
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Develop educational topics and event schedule for Earth and Arbor Day Celebration X X
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Host site tour of natural resources site X X
Goal 3: Urban Forestry and
Restoration Complete a turf-to-native vegetation conversion project within a city park X X
Goal 3: Urban Forestry and
Restoration Host tree planting event X
Goal 3: Urban Forestry and
Restoration Support implementation of EAB Bonding Grant X X
Goal 4: Strategic Planning Identify and explore funding sources for Natural Resources X X X X
Goal 4: Strategic Planning Explore development of a Natural Resources Management Plan for Valley Park X X
Goal 5: Sustainability Implement Partners in Energy Action Plan X X X X
Goal 5: Sustainability Explore deconstruction policy for city-owned buidlings and facilities X X
Goal 5: Sustainability Host residential energy saving education event X X
TimelineNatural Resources Commission Work Plan 2025
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3.c
Natural Resources Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: February 12, 2025
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: 2024 Oak Award Recipients
DEPARTMENT: Natural Resources CONTACT: Krista Spreiter, Natural
Resources Coordinator
ACTION REQUEST:
Discussion
BACKGROUND:
The Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission created the Oak Awards Program in 2023
to celebrate leadership, education and outreach, and project efforts that advance natural
resources within the City. Recipients are recognized in the following categories:
• Acorn award – recognizes exemplary youth leadership in the advancement of our city’s
natural resources. Eligible youth include individuals or groups 18 years of age and
younger, or a current student in 12th grade or under.
• Leaf award – recognizes significant contributions of an individual, family, company or
organization that has demonstrated substantial leadership for the stewardship of our
city’s natural resources.
• Canopy award – recognizes lifetime achievement of an individual, family, company or
organization that has demonstrated extraordinary leadership for the stewardship of our
city’s natural resources.
Recipients for their achievements in Natural Resources within the City in 2024 for each
category include:
Acorn Award – Hannah Trudeau. Hannah led and coordinated a pollinator planting in Valley
Park as part of her Eagle Scout project. The project included the planting of a 330 square-foot
Page 6 of 44
plot that included planting of 16 different species of native pollinator plants. Hannah designed
a sign for the project site that promotes education and awareness of the project. Hannah also
co-authored an essay, entitled “Creating Pollinator Pathways in Your Own Backyard”, which
appeared in the May 24th, Mendota Heights City Newsletter. She has also served on the
Natural Resources Commission as a Student Commissioner since 2023.
Leaf Award – Kirsten Ramirez. Kirsten worked with City Staff to create and implement the
program 'Fresh Air Fridays' which encouraged residents to save energy and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions on Fridays throughout the summer. She provided content for social
media, newsletters, and fliers educating residents on the benefits of reducing emissions and
created incentives throughout the program to encourage participation.
Canopy Award - Sue Light. Sue is a Dakota County Master Gardener and has spent countless
hours volunteering and coordinating volunteers to create and maintain native planting, storm
water treatment and pollinator projects throughout the city. Some of these include the City
Hall Pollinator Garden and Raingarden project, the Par 3 Golf Course native planting and
raingarden, and the Victoria Road Boulevard restoration. She also volunteers and works with
staff to plan and plant the city's curb-cut raingardens. Sue has also led the initiative to create
and maintain a raingarden in her own neighborhood to help treat stormwater runoff before it
enters Rogers Lake. She co-chairs the Rogers Lake Improvement association and is also a MN
Tree Steward.
Nominees will be notified in February, and awards will be presented at the Natural Resources
Commission's regular meeting on March 12th.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
3aJe oI
3.d
Natural Resources Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: February 12, 2025
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: Partners in Energy Update
DEPARTMENT: Natural Resources CONTACT: Krista Spreiter, Natural
Resources Coordinator
ACTION REQUEST:
Discussion
BACKGROUND:
Partners in Energy is a 24-month partnership between Xcel Energy and local communities in
which Xcel Energy helps to develop an Energy Action Plan and assists with implementing that
plan. The plan was developed by the Energy Action Team, which included commissioners,
community members, and staff to address the city's unique energy needs, priorities, and
community vision. The Energy Action Plan was presented to the City Council and approved at
its regular meeting on December 3rd, 2024. The Plan has three goals for Mendota Heights:
increasing energy efficiency, decreasing energy costs, and avoiding greenhouse gas emissions.
The program is now in the 18-month implementation stage in which the community is asked
to take action within four focus areas to achieve its goals:
• Residential Energy Efficiency
• Business & Municipal Energy Efficiency
• Renewable Energy
• Beneficial Electrification
The kick-off meeting was held on February 4th, and was attended by city staff responsible for
leading implementation, as well as Natural Resources Commission members that were part of
the Energy Action Team throughout the planning stage. At the meeting the draft of the Work
Plan was discussed (attached) as well as implementation team members that may lead each
strategy.
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ATTACHMENTS:
1. PiE-MN-Mendota Heights Implementation Kickoff
2. PiE-MN-Mendota Heights Strategies Work Plan DRAFT 2 3 25
Page 9 of 44
MENDOTA HEIGHTS ENERGY ACTION PLAN
KICKOFF MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2025
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WHO’S IN THE ROOM?
Name & Affiliation
One question or curiosity you
have about Partners in Energy
and/or the Energy Action Plan
2
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OBJECTIVES
3
Review and familiarize ourselves with the Mendota Heights Energy Action Plan (EAP)
Clarify roles for Energy Action Plan implementation
Identify City departments, resources, and initiatives that sync with EAP
Prioritize strategy rollout
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WHAT IS PARTNERS IN ENERGY?
Partners in Energy is a two-year collaboration with Xcel Energy to develop and implement your
individual community energy plan goals.
Opportunity to engage stakeholders, create goals and strategies, and develop a work plan to be
successful.
4
Developing the Plan
(4-6 months)
Implementation with
Partners in Energy
(18-20 months)
Continued Implementation
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MENDOTA HEIGHTS ENERGY ACTION TEAM
Residents
Natural Resources Commission members
Students
City Staff
Dakota County Economic Development
official
Expertise in utilities, sustainability
management, communications, and more
Xcel Energy representatives & facilitators
5
Just a few of our Energy Action Team members
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VISION
Mendota Heights is a leader in the transition to a clean
energy future. This plan guides the city, residents and
businesses to take action to increase energy efficiency and
use renewable resources to create a more resilient
community.
6
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7
FOCUS AREAS
Residential
Energy
Efficiency
Business &
Municipal
Energy
Efficiency
Renewable
Energy
Beneficial
Electrification
Page 16 of 44
UTILITY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLES PROGRAMS
Xcel Energy offers programs to residents and businesses
to access energy efficiency and renewable energy
Energy, emissions, and cost savings from these
programs can be measured
Programs Examples:
Residential Home Energy Squad®
Residential Equipment Rebates
Commercial HVAC+ Rebates
Business Energy Assessments
On- and Off-Site Renewable Energy Programs
8
Source: Microsoft Online Images
Home Energy Squad® is provided by CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy. Home Energy Squad®
is a registered trademark of Xcel Energy
3DJHRI
GOAL
9
By 2030, the Mendota Heights community will
save an estimated $1.6 million through energy
efficiency projects and avoid 9,000 MTCO2e of
greenhouse gas emissions.
That’s like removing 200 gas-powered cars from the roads each year through 2030!
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GOAL MODELING - ASSUMPTIONS
Business as Usual Scenario
•Similar participation rates and
energy savings for efficiency
and renewable energy
programs as 2021-2023
baseline
•Xcel Energy meets its 2030
goal of 80% carbon-free
electricity
Goal Modeled Scenario
•Select energy efficiency
program participation grows
50% annually
•Program participation in Xcel
Energy renewable energy
offerings grows annually by
3% for residents and
businesses
10
Page 19 of 44
RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Marketing &
Communications
Program Expertise
Data Tracking &
Measurement
Project Management
Page 20 of 44
PARTNERS IN ENERGY ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
12
WEBINARS
Ask questions and
share experiences.
EVENTS
Learn and network together.
WEBSITE
Connect to resources.
TOOLKITS
Start from the best ideas.
E-NEWSLETTER
Stay current
and share success.
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STRATEGIES
13
Residential Energy Efficiency
1.Create outreach campaign to promote residential energy efficiency programs, rebate
information and approved contractors.
2.Showcase local residential energy efficiency projects.
3.Explore sources of funding to support residential energy efficiency and renewable projects.
Business & Municipal Energy Efficiency
4.Showcase business energy efficiency projects.
5.Partner with area businesses to promote progress to current and prospective Mendota
Heights businesses.
6.Explore a suite of energy efficiency practices for the City of Mendota Heights.
7.Direct business outreach with existing programs.
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STRATEGIES (CON’T)
14
Renewable Energy
8.Highlight Mendota Heights solar gardens to lead by example.
9.Explore residential and business funding opportunities for solar projects.
10.Share and educate about existing solar success stories.
Beneficial Electrification
11.Design and execute education and outreach campaign for existing electrification
opportunities.
12.Explore opportunities to connect residents, businesses and the City with funding for
electrification projects.
13.Explore feasibility of incorporating electrification into City practices.
14.Facilitate peer-to-peer learning from residents who have already implemented electrification
measures (EVs, heat pumps, etc.).
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ENGAGEMENT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Community lead (Krista): serves as liaison and coordinator
Approx. 5-10 hours a month during implementation (18 months)
Energy Action Team: stakeholder group to develop goals and
strategies
Implementation support as needed (depending on team
enthusiasm)
Partners in Energy: provide direct implementation support
Primary point of contact throughout process
Provide six-month snapshots of Mendota Heights progress
15
Page 24 of 44
DISCUSSION: STRATEGIES & WORK PLAN
1)Review the EAP Draft Work Plan
2)Select three tactics that either:
Connect directly to your work with the City
You’d like to see happen in Mendota Heights
3) Identify next steps for at least one of your tactics
4) Share your tactics and next step(s) with the full group
What other questions or ideas do you have for implementing this tactic?
16
Page 25 of 44
DISCUSSION: TIMELINES
1)Review the timelines for each tactic in the EAP Draft Work Plan
2)Is there a tactic or tactic(s) that we should adjust the timeline for and why?
What should we begin sooner? Later?
3)Share with a partner
4)Share with the full group
17
Page 26 of 44
LAUNCH & NEXT STEPS
18
Opportunities for announcement (Social media, newsletters, website, etc…)
Bi-Weekly check-ins continue
Specific strategy next steps
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19
CHECK-OUT QUESTION
What’s one step you’ll take to help the
Mendota Heights Energy Action Plan move
forward?
3age oI
Partners in Energy Mendota Heights
Energy Action Plan – Draft Work Plan
Note: The timeframes for this workplan are tentative and can change based on on
staff and stakeholder input.
1
Residential Energy Efficiency
Strategy Tactic Lead Support Q1
’25
Q2
’25
Q3
’25
Q4
’25
Q1
’26
Q2
’26
Strategy 1: Create outreach
campaign to promote residential
energy efficiency programs,
rebate information and approved
contractors.
1A: Promote energy efficiency via
sustainability programs, City social media,
neighborhood groups and the Mendota
Heights Natural Resources Commission.
City PiE
1B: Add energy efficiency information to
City website.
PiE City
1C: Table at Mendota Heights events.
City PiE
1D: Promote refrigerator recycling as a
quick win first step for energy efficiency.
PiE City
1E: Promote energy assessments as a first
step to increasing energy efficiency. City PiE
Page 29 of 44
2
Strategy 2: Showcase local
residential energy efficiency
projects.
2A: Identify residents and businesses that
have implemented energy efficiency
projects.
City PiE
2B: Call for citizen-submitted content on
energy wins from residents.
City PiE
2C: Work with neighborhood groups.
City PiE
Strategy 3: Explore sources of
funding to support residential
energy efficiency and renewable
projects.
3A: Attend webinars and other resource-
sharing opportunities.
City PiE
3B: Research federal, state and other
grant and loan opportunities for these
projects.
City PiE
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3
Business & Municipal Energy Efficiency
Strategy Tactic Lead Support Q1
’25
Q2
’25
Q3
’25
Q4
’25
Q1
’26
Q3
’26
Strategy 4: Showcase business
energy efficiency projects.
4A: Call for business-submitted content
detailing these projects (e.g., a business owner
does a video or social media walkthrough of
their business or is interviewed about their
experience).
PiE City
4B: Incorporate this content into a business
outreach campaign. City PiE
Strategy 5: Partner with area
businesses to promote
progress to current and
prospective Mendota Heights
businesses.
5A: Reach out to businesses by tabling at City
events where business community will be
present, phone and email to share information
about Energy Action Plan and business-related
programs
PiE City
5B: Identify businesses with existing
sustainability policies. PiE City
3DJHRI
4
Strategy 6: Explore a suite of
energy efficiency practices for
the City of Mendota Heights.
6A: Explore a City LED light retrofit.
PiE City
6B: Consider energy audits for City buildings
PiE City
Strategy 7: Direct business
outreach with existing
programs.
7A: Promote business energy efficiency
projects to businesses with which City has
existing relationships.
PiE City
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5
Focus Area: Renewable Energy
Strategy Tactic Lead Support Q1
’25
Q2
’25
Q3
’25
Q4
’25
Q1
’26
Q2
’26
Strategy 8: Highlight Mendota
Heights solar gardens to lead
by example.
8A: Share information about community solar
gardens in City social media, Sustainable
Solutions and newsletters.
City PiE
8B: Share information about on- and off-site
solar options for residents and businesses.
PiE City
Strategy 9: Explore residential
and business funding
opportunities for solar projects.
9A: Identify active solar installers in Mendota
Heights.
City PiE
9B: Research funding opportunities and
publish in outreach campaign.
City PiE
9C: Explore specific sites in Mendota Heights
that would be suitable for solar installation.
City PiE
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6
Focus Area: Beneficial Electrification
Strategy Tactic Lead Support Q1
’25
Q2
’25
Q3
’25
Q4
’25
Q1
’26
Q2
’26
Strategy 11: Design and
execute education and
outreach campaign for existing
electrification opportunities.
11A: Promote electric lawncare equipment as
quick-win electrification measure.
PiE City
11B: Connect with neighborhood groups and
HOAs to educate and share resources about
electrification.
City PiE
11C: Meet residents and businesses where
they are on their electrification journey.
PiE City
Strategy 12: Explore
opportunities to connect
residents, businesses and the
City with funding for
electrification projects.
12A: Research electrification funding
opportunities.
City PiE
12B: Attend webinars and other resource-
sharing opportunities.
City PiE
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7
12C: Incorporate learnings into outreach and
education campaign.
City PiE
Strategy 13: Explore feasibility
of incorporating electrification
into City practices.
13A: Explore adding EV chargers to municipal
buildings and/or public spaces.
City PiE
13B: Evaluate City fleet for conversion to EVs.
City PiE
13C: Consider updating City permitting
process and development review to include
information on electrification options.
City PiE
13D: Explore group buy of electrification
infrastructure City PiE
Strategy 14: Facilitate peer-to-
peer learning from residents
who have already
implemented electrification
measures (EVs, heat pumps,
etc.).
14A: Use City social media to identify
residents and businesses who have already
installed electrification measures.
City PiE
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8
14B: Facilitate sharing these community
members’ experiences with electrification in
outreach campaigns. PiE City
14C: Consider hosting a workshop for these
community members to share their
experiences. City PiE
14D: Recruit residents who have already
installed electrification measures. City PiE
3aJe of
3.e
Natural Resources Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: February 12, 2025
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: Shoreland Ordinance
DEPARTMENT: Natural Resources CONTACT: Krista Spreiter, Natural
Resources Coordinator
ACTION REQUEST:
Discussion.
BACKGROUND:
As an initiative of Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy Development, of the Commission's 2025 Work
Plan, the Goal 1 committee is currently exploring the creation of a Shoreland Ordinance for
recommendation of approval by City Council. The Shoreland Ordinance, if adopted, would be
included in Title 15. Environmental Standards, of the Mendota Heights City Code.
A shoreland ordinance would help to protect natural water bodies within the city that are not
already protected under current city code. A summary of both current water body regulation
in Mendota Heights, as well as a summary of the city's newly adopted Chapter 4: Wetland
Conservation, within Title 15 of City Code, is also attached.
ATTACHMENTS:
1.MH Current Water Body Regulation
2.WETLAND REGULATION SUMMARY
Page 37 of 44
CURRENT WATER BODY REGULATION IN MENDOTA HEIGHTS
• Title 2. Chapter 2: Wetland Systems, is no longer applicable. This chapter was removed with the zoning code updates that came
into effect 1/1/2025. The chapter originally regulated all water bodies according to the "Wetlands systems map - Mendota Heights,
dated November 2, 1976". The water bodies encompassed in this map and made up the Wetland Systems District included most
lakes, streams, wetlands, and some stormwater ponds that were not naturally occurring (man-made). It also excluded some
naturally occurring wetlands.
• Currently, the Mississippi River and Minnesota River are regulated under the Critical Area Overlay District.
• Currently, all wetlands as defined by the Wetland Conservation Act are currently regulated under State Rule 8420, as well as Title
15. Chapter 4: Wetland Conservation. Wetlands are defined as established by the Wetland Conservation Act and the Army Corps
of Engineers, which may be revised or amended from time to time. For the purposes of regulation under this chapter, the term
wetlands does not include public waters wetlands as defined in subdivision 15a.(c) Notwithstanding parag (a), wetlands includes
deepwater aquatic habitats that are not public waters or public waters wetlands. For purposes of this paragraph “deepwater
aquatic habitats” has the meaning given in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual, United States Army Corps of
Engineers (January 1987). The WCA is administered by the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) and enforced by the
Local Government Units (LGU). The City is its own LGU.
• Public Waters: Minnesota Statute 103G.005, Subdivision 15
- Water basins assigned a shoreline management classification by the commissioner, under sections 103F.201 to
103F.221, except wetlands less than 80 acres in size that are classified as natural environment lakes;
- Waters of the state which have been finally determined to be public waters or navigable waters by a court of
competent jurisdiction;
- Meandered lakes, excluding lakes that have been legally drained;
- Water basins previously designated by the commissioner for management for a specific purpose such as trout lakes
and game lakes pursuant to applicable laws;
- Water basins designated as scientific and natural areas under Section 84.033;
- Water basins located within and totally surrounded by publicly owned lands;
- Water basins where the State of Minnesota or the federal government holds title to any of the beds or shores, unless
the owner declares that the water is not necessary for the purposes of the public ownership;
- Water basins where there is publicly owned and controlled access that is intended to provide for public access to the
water basin;
- Natural and altered watercourses with a total drainage area greater than 2 square miles in area;
- Natural and altered watercourses designated by the commissioner as trout streams; and
Page 38 of 44
-Public waters wetlands, unless the statute expressly states otherwise.
Public waters are not determined exclusively by the proprietorship of the underlying, overlying, or surrounding land or by
whether it is a body or stream or water that was navigable in fact or susceptible of being used as a highway for commerce
at the time this state was admitted to the union.
A Public Waters Inventory (PWI) Map is maintained by the DNR. The DNR only claims jurisdiction over the area below the
Ordinary High Water (OHW) elevation.
CURRENT IDENTIFIED GAPS
•Water bodies that do not fall under the Critical Area Corridor nor the WCA. These may or may not be Public Waters.
•These water bodies, including the public waters, do not require buffers, setbacks, or other land use regulations.
•The five major water bodies within the City that are not included in the Critical Area Corridor nor the WCA include: Lake Augusta,
Lake Lemay, Rogers Lake, Interstate Valley Creek, and Ivy Falls Creek.
3DJHCRI
CURRENT MAJOR WATER BODIES LACKING REGULATION ABOVE THE OHW
INTERSTATE
VALLEY CREEK
IVY FALLS
CREEK
ROGERS
LAKE
LAKE
LEMAY
LAKE
AUGUSTA
3MJH RI
DNR PUBLIC WATERS INVENTORY
3DJHRI
Title 15. Chapter 4: Wetland Conservation Summary
Effective 1/1/2025
• Ordinance must include language and requirements at least as restrictive as State Rule
8420 (Wetland Conservation Act (WCA))
• Structure Setbacks: Minimum of 25 feet from the delineated boundary; and comply with the
following Buffer Distances:
Table 12-4A-4.1 Wetland Required Buffers and Setbacks
Standard
Wetland Buffer Area (Minimum) 10’
Wetland Buffer Area (Maximum) 50’
Wetland Buffer Area (Average) 25’
Structure or Building Setback from
Buffer
10’
• New buffer and setback rules come into effect IF: New development activity occurs on the
property that includes any subdivision, a site plan review is required, planned unit
development, construction of a principal building on a vacant lot, proposed activity or
grading activities exceeding 50 cubic yards, when the proposed activity increases the
amount of impervious surface within 50-feet of the Wetland by more than 1,000 square feet
or construction activity that involves redevelopment where all the following occur:
(1.) Results in the removal of more than 50 percent of the market value of the
principal structure.
(2.) The building’s removal is followed by reconstruction (except as exempted by
subsection 3 of this section), and
(3.) Results in a net increase in the square footage of impervious surfaces that drain
to a Wetland, or results in the relocation of impervious surfaces closer to a Wetland,
or results in changes to drainage patterns (slopes, meander patterns, etc.) that t he
Public Works Director determines will increase the velocity or rate of runoff to a
Wetland.
OR Any project that involves the draining, fllling, excavating, or altering of a Wetland except
if:
(1.) Less than 50 cubic yards or 5,000 square feet of disturbance is completed, and
(2.) The city determines that the project improves drainage infrastructure and/or
the function or value of the Wetland. than 3,000 square feet.
• Areas withing wetland and buffer setbacks shall be preserved predominantly in their natural
states. Prohibited activities include placement of structures and impervious surfaces,
construction operations, tree and vegetation removal, introduction of non-native
vegetation, mowing, dredging, fllling, dumping, and storage.
• Permitted activities:
Page 42 of 44
1. Activities described within a Buffer Setback area landscaping or mitigation plan, or a
WCA application that was approved by the City. DRAFT 07.11.2024 Mendota Heights Title
15: Environmental Standards | Chapter 4 DRAFT 07.11.2024 4
2. The removal of Non-native Vegetation
3. Necessary alterations related to the establishment and maintenance of the native
vegetation within the Buffer Setback area.
4. Proposed alterations which are determined by the city to be consistent with the
vegetative standards and purposes of this Chapter.
5. The removal of dead or diseased trees, removal of any root structure for potential
impacts is subject to WCA rules.
6. The installation of utility poles, underground utility lines, light poles, traffic regulator signs
and signals, mailboxes, and other equipment that is determined by the City to provide an
essential public service.
7. The installation of public and private fiood control structures, ponding and drainage
facilities and associated accessory appurtenances as approved by the City,
8. The installation of environmental monitoring or control facilities, including those related
to water quality and wildlife regulation,
9. The mowing of or installation of permeable pathways not to exceed four feet in width to
allow reasonable access to the Wetland.
10. The installation of boardwalks, docks, or other structures to allow reasonable access to
the Wetland. These structures shall not exceed four feet in width or have poses greater than
eight inches in diameter. If footings are proposed, the Public Works Director shall make a
determination as to whether a permit is required.
11. The installation of public trails, if required. The temporary and permanent trail
disturbance shall not exceed eight feet in width and may not exceed the de minimis
exemption.
WCA - SUMMARY
All wetlands within Minnesota as deflned by the Wetland Conservation Act are currently regulated
under State Rule 8420. Wetlands as deflned by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental
Protection Agency: Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a
frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a
prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.
The WCA further deflnes wetlands as: For the purposes of regulation under this chapter, the term
wetlands does not include public waters wetlands as defined in subdivision 15a.(c)
Notwithstanding parag (a), wetlands includes deepwater aquatic habitats that are not public waters
or public waters wetlands. For purposes of this paragraph “deepwater aquatic habitats” has the
meaning given in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual, United States Army Corps of
Engineers (January 1987). The WCA is administered by the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources
(BWSR) and enforced by the Local Government Units (LGU). The City is its own LGU.
• Wetlands are delineated by Certifled Wetland Delineators. The delineated boundary is
determined using indicators from three required elements to determine wetland presence:
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Greater than 50% hydrophytic plant dominance, Presence of hydric soil, and Permanent or
periodic inundation (Hydrology).
• Rule 8420 of the WCA prohibits wetland impacts within the delineated boundary, unless
mitigated for by restoring or creating wetland area of equal public value.
• Several exemptions exist, including: certain agricultural and aquaculture practices,
incidental wetlands, Public Waters when under the jurisdiction of the State, activities under
an approved ‘no -loss’ determination by the LGU, public maintenance activities such as
stormwater projects or utility work, and projects that meet De minimus criteria.
• When impacting a wetland, an applicant must go through a sequencing process and
develop a replacement plan that:
a) Avoids direct or indirect impacts to the greatest extent practicable
b) Minimizes impacts
c) Rectifles impacts
d) Reduces or eliminates impacts over time
e) Replaces unavoidable impacts by restoring or creating wetland areas of equal or
greater public value
• Replacement ratio requirements range from 1:1 to 2.5:1 depending on the area of the state
and watershed.
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