Bloomington
Project Overview:
The Nine Mile Creek South Fork Streambank Stabilization Project will restore approximately 5,300 feet of streambank along two stretches of Nine Mile Creek in Eden Prairie and Bloomington.
The primary goal of the project is to stabilize the creek channel and restore eroding streambanks, reducing the amount of sediment and nutrients entering Nine Mile Creek. Additional benefits include improved fish passage and aquatic habitat, increased floodplain connectivity, and enhanced upland habitat.
Why This Project Matters:
In 2021, the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District completed a Baseline Stream Assessment of approximately 3.3 miles of the South Fork of Nine Mile Creek through Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Edina, and Bloomington. The assessment identified five stream reaches in Eden Prairie and Bloomington—totaling approximately 1.1 miles of creek—where streambank stabilization is needed.
Over time, fast-flowing water has deepened the creek channel and disconnected the creek from its floodplain. When connected, floodplains help store floodwaters, replenish wetlands, improve water quality, and provide important wildlife habitat. As the creek becomes disconnected from its floodplain, flows become concentrated within the channel, leading to increased erosion and streambank instability.
Project Details:
The restoration project will reconnect the creek to its floodplain to slow water flows, reduce erosion, increase flood storage, and improve habitat for fish and other aquatic life.
Restoration techniques include:
- Strategic placement of rock and rock riffles
- Root wads and brush bundles
- Vegetated rock slopes
- Native vegetation plantings
- Selective tree removal for use in streambank stabilization structures
- Invasive species removal, primarily buckthorn
Some trees from the surrounding upland to use in the streambank stabilization. The targeted tree removal will increase sunlight and improve streambank vegetation following invasive (mainly Buckthorn) removal.
Project Updates:
Eden Prairie Reach Completed
Construction of streambank stabilization improvements in the Eden Prairie reach was completed in Fall 2024.
This section of the creek frequently experienced low- or no-flow conditions during dry periods, creating barriers for fish movement. The restoration removed grade-control barriers and narrowed the channel to create more consistent flow conditions. Rock riffles were installed to improve aquatic habitat and fish passage.The project was tested shortly after construction during high-flow conditions. (Check out the video below)
Currently, Nine Mile Creek staff and consultants are addressing impairments of soil contaminants found in the Bloomington reach.
Project Timeline:
Tentative Schedule
- Permitting: Summer 2023
- Construction of Eden Prairie Reach: Completed Fall 2024
- Construction of Bloomington Reach: Tentative Summer 2026
Community Engagement:
Public Hearing
The District held a public hearing on August 17, 2022, at the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Office (12800 Gerard Dr, Eden Prairie, MN, 55346) for oral comments regarding the project design and draft feasibility study. Following this meeting, the Board of Managers ordered the project.
In the News
Eden Prairie Local News reporter Jeff Strate wrote a nice article on the progress he noticed on the Eden Prairie stretch of the South Fork. Check it out: https://www.eplocalnews.org/2025/07/16/summer-secret-eden-prairies-most-beautiful-valley/
Resources:
South Fork Nine Mile Creek Feasibility Study
Grants
We would like to acknowledge our partnership with Great River Greening on the award of Outdoor Heritage Funding, as well as the use of watershed based implementation funding through the Clean Water Fund
Contact Brett Eidem, Project and Planning Manager, at beidem@ninemilecreek.org or 952-356-1999