The Nine Mile Creek Watershed District

The Nine Mile Creek Watershed District is a public entity that works together with our partners and community stakeholders to manage, protect and enhance water resources for everyone’s benefit. We manage approximately 50 square miles that encompasses the land area draining to Nine Mile Creek. We serve the residents, property-owners and visitors of the cities in our district: Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Richfield.

About the District

Formed in September 1959, Nine Mile Creek Watershed District was the fourth watershed district established in the state. The District was established under what is now Minnesota Watershed Act. This act provides planning, regulatory and taxing authority to conduct watershed management efforts. Our watershed has a five member Board of Managers appointed by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners to three year terms. Our staff carries out the work of the District. Our work is guided by a water management plan, which sets the vision, guidelines, and proposed tasks for managing surface water within the boundaries of the NMCWD.

 

Discovery Point is our headquarters and a unique educational facility. Visitors learn best practices in water management and conservation in a natural setting. The 5.3 acre site connects to walking trails and a wetland.

 

Story Map: Our History

Check out this story map to discover more about the District’s history and future goals.

Learn more about our watershed’s rich history

Program Areas

Monitoring

The District’s lake and creek monitoring program monitors the water quality of all of its major lakes on a rotating basis. The District also routinely monitors Nine Mile Creek.

Regulatory

In order to protect the water and natural resources in the watershed, we issue construction permits for private and municipal development projects. These permits specify standards for stormwater management, wetland management, erosion and sediment control, and more. To find out if a permit is required for your project, please refer to our permits page, or contact our permitting staff at permitting@ninemilecreek.org.

Projects

The District undertakes Capital Improvement Projects and other other project types to reduce flooding, improve water quality in Nine Mile Creek and local lakes, and plan for future work. Often in partnership with cities or other partner organizations, the District uses its resources to complete creek restorations, install raingardens, and more. In addition to the current projects underway around the District, the watershed has completed many projects in the past.

Education

We offer a variety of programs, workshops and trainings for all ages. These programs help you understand your role in keeping lakes and creeks clean and give you ways to take action. Check our upcoming events calendar to see what is happening soon.

Grants

Cost share grant funds are available to residents, associations, nonprofits, schools, businesses, and cities for projects located within our boundaries. Many types of projects are eligible for grant money. A few examples include: raingardens, shoreline restoration, permeable pavers, and native habitat restoration. Learn more about cost share grants.