Edina

ABOUT

The Edina Streambank Stabilization Project focused on stabilizing the streambanks of Nine Mile Creek through the City of Edina. The project worked on approximately 3.5 miles of the 5.7 miles of Nine Mile Creek as it flows through the City of Edina. The project resulted in improved stream health, stabilized stream banks, improved habitat, and the protection of property from erosion.

Project Details

Before and during restoration on Reach 1
Before and during restoration on Reach 1

The District used streambank restoration techniques including realigning the creek channel, native plantings, rock vanes, along with other methods. The 3.5 mile project was divided into 15 different reaches (sections) and two phases.

Phase 1

  • Totals about 2.2 miles of creek
  • Included stream reaches 1-11
  • From Lincoln Drive and Londonderry Road in Edina to 5400 of 70th Street West in Edina
  • Work started August 2017
  • Digging new stream channels (re-meandering)
  • Seeding and stabilizing old channels
  • Seeding and planting on banks and access areas

Phase 2

Restoration construction on Reach 1
Restoration on Reach 1

Work in phase two occurred in 2018-2019

  • Totals about 1.3 miles of creek
  • Included stream reaches 12-15
  • From the 5300 block of 70th Street West in Edina to the HWY 100 Edina Industrial Boulevard interchange in Edina
  • Removal of invasive plants and trees
  • Installed rock vanes and other practices in the creek channel

View: Edina Streambank Restoration Reaches (PDF)

 

Streambank Restoration Technique: Rock VaneStreambank Restoration Technique: Rock Vane
The Edina Nine Mile Creek Streambank Stabilization Project will use rock vanes, a restoration technique shown here. Rock vanes help prevent streambank erosion by redirecting flow toward the center of the creek.

Learn More:

Streambank Restoration Techniques (PDF)

Historical Nine Mile Creek Stream Channels Edina Reach 1 to 15 (PDF)

Water Quality Impact

The project reduced streambank erosion resulting in reduced sediment and phosphorus in Nine Mile Creek. It also improved habitat for fish and other aquatic life.

Restoring Nine Mile Creek

Image of rocks and sticks embedded in a streambank
Root wads used to protect creek banks

With the completion of phases 1 and 2 of the Nine Mile Creek Stabilization and Habitat Restoration Project in Edina, and a previously completed phase in Hopkins in 2010-2011, stabilization and restoration techniques have been completed along more than 4.5 miles of the creek. The projects incorporated both hard structure engineering such as rip-rap, and bio-engineering techniques that include root wads and biologs for stream bank protection. Other techniques included vegetated reinforced soil stabilization (VRSS) for stream bank stabilization, boulder rock vanes for grade control and in-stream flow control, and constructed riffles and pools for in-stream habitat.  These projects have reduced nutrient and sediment amounts in the creek, improved stream health, stabilized stream banks, improved habitat, and protected property from erosion.

Questions?

Contact Erica Sniegowski, District Administrator, at 952-358-2276.