Systems Approach
Development of a systems-based approach to watershed & lake management
The purpose of the project is to develop a systems (holistic) approach to watershed management that considers the many factors that impact watershed health. The systems under consideration include those of both the natural and built environment. Examples of natural systems include ecosystems such as lakes and wetlands. Examples of built systems include roadways and stormwater conveyances.
Public Meetings
RPBCWD staff and consultants will host a series of public meetings about the project. The first round of meetings will each provide an overview of the project and its purpose. Two dates are offered. Option #1 will focus on the subwatersheds of Mitchell and Red Rock lakes. Option #2 will focus on the subwatersheds of Ann, Lucy, and Susan lakes.
| Meeting Schedule | Mitchell & Red Rock Subwatersheds | Ann, Lucy, & Susan Subwatersheds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | What we’re doing: Lake ecology and the development of a systems (holistic) approach to watershed management | 2/26/2026, 6 pm, Eden Prairie | 3/5/2026, 6 pm, Chanhassen |
| 2 | What we learned; characteristics of watershed and lake systems | Date & location TBD | Date & location TBD |
| 3 | Identification of potential projects, programs, initiatives, and process scoping [this meeting may be combined with meeting 2] | Date & location TBD | Date & location TBD |
Meeting Details
Due to limited space, meeting registration is required. Please sign up for only ONE meeting. The general content of each meeting will be the same but with a different subwatershed focus.
These meetings have already occurred.
OPTION #1: WHAT WE'RE DOING
- Focus: Subwatersheds of Mitchell and Red Rock lakes
- When: February 26, 2026, 6:00 pm
- Where: Cambria Room at Eden Prairie Community Center, 16700 Valley View Rd
- View the slide deck
OPTION #2: WHAT WE'RE DOING
- Focus: Subwatersheds of Ann, Lucy, and Susan lakes
- When: March 5, 2026, 6:00 pm
- Where: Training Room at Chanhassen Civic Campus , 7700 Market Blvd
- View the slide deck
- Watch the recorded presentation on YouTube
Planning is underway for the next set of meetings tentatively scheduled for late May.
About the Project
The project was ordered by the RPBCWD Board of Managers on October 2, 2024. See below for the board resolution as well as the list of tasks included in the project.
- Board of Managers Resolution 24-063 ordering the project
- Full list of tasks ordered with the project
Focus Areas
The project area includes the subwatersheds of Ann, Lucy, Susan, Mitchell, and Red Rock lakes. These lakes were identified by staff as high priority candidates for diagnostic study to help inform development of a systems approach to watershed management. Work currently underway includes the study of the many systemic factors impacting watershed health. District staff and consultants are gathering and analyzing data, running computer models, building data-driven maps, and more to inform the development of the systems approach.
Project Tasks
- Task 1: Perform watershed diagnostic studies for selected lakes
- Task 2: Develop a district-wide shoreline and aquatic vegetation management plan to support holistic watershed management
- Task 3: Develop a district-wide fiisheries assessment and management plan to support holistic watershed management
Submit a Comment
Please use the form below to provide feedback or submit questions about the project.