Bloomington
ABOUT
The District is studying the health of Penn Lake in Bloomington and will soon be kicking off a feasibility study to identify projects to help improve the health of the lake.
Project Description
The District, in partnership with the City of Bloomington, is undertaking a study of Penn Lake to identify potential water quality improvement projects to help improve the overall health of the lake. In October 2024, the Watershed District completed its initial Penn Lake Water Quality Study.
The District will initiate a feasibility study in 2025 to identify projects to help improve the health of the lake. The District also plans to start invasive carp and invasive goldfish removal from Penn Lake. These fish root around the bottom of the lake contributing to native vegetation loss and nutrient release. They also can outcompete native fish populations leading to limited lake biodiversity. The District knows invasive fish removal will be a key component to any successful water quality improvement projects on Penn Lake, so staff plan to start removals as soon as summer of 2025.
Education and Outreach
Visit the City of Bloomington’s Penn Lake Rehabilitation and Restoration webpage to:
- Share your Penn Lake story
- Review a Penn Lake Q&A and FAQ
- Register to get involved
- Read the Penn Lake Hydrology Report
- Read the Penn Lake Biotic Assessment Report
About Penn Lake
Penn Lake is a shallow lake located in Bloomington. Penn Lake‘s water quality is poor, with average phosphorus levels higher than state standards for shallow lakes. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has designated Penn Lake as impaired under a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) threshold. In simple terms, this means the lake is unhealthy. Nine Mile Creek Watershed District and the City of Bloomington are working together to develop a plan to improve water quality conditions in the lake.
Learn about Shallow Lakes
Shallow Lakes Webinar
Learn more about shallow lakes and their functions and values. What does a shallow lake look like, and why are plants so important? What are the rules and regulations regarding shallow lakes? Joe Bischoff, a Senior Aquatic Ecologist and Certified Lake Manger with Barr Engineering Co, presented a webinar on April 12, 2022, to answer these questions and more. View the full recording: Shallow Lakes Webinar Recording
Shallow Lakes Brochure
Shallow Lakes: Minnesota’s Natural Heritage (PDF)
Questions?
Contact Jordan Wein, Water Resources Project Manager, at 952-800-8307 jwein@ninemilecreek.org