|
About the District
The Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District (PLSLWD) was formed on March 4, 1970 at the
request of local citizens. The District covers about 42 square miles in Scott County, MN. Water in the PLSLWD
flows mainly from the southwest to the northeast through Spring, Upper Prior and Lower Prior Lakes, and then north
through the Prior Lake Outlet Channel to the Minnesota River near Valley Fair amusement park. The highest ground in the watershed is 1,100 feet above sea level and is found along the eastern
boundary of the watershed in Section 23 of Spring Lake Township. The lowest ground in the
watershed that is tributary to Prior Lake is the shore of Lower Prior Lake. The water level of
Prior Lake varies around elevation 901 feet above sea level. Prior Lake was essentially a
landlocked basin until an outlet structure and channel were constructed in 1983.
The District mission statement is:
Our mission is to manage and preserve the water resources of the Prior Lake-Spring
Lake Watershed
District to the best of our ability using input from our communities,
sound engineering practices, and
our ability to efficiently fund beneficial projects which
transcend political jurisdictions.
|
 |
| Walkway at Jeffers Pond |
Who is the PLSLWD?
The PLSLWD is administered by a five-person Board of Managers appointed by the Scott County
Commissioners. All of the District's policies, goals, and accomplishments are directed by the citizens who serve on
the Board.
Board member contact information
The District also employs five staff members.
This team handles the day-to-day operation of the District, from reading Prior Lake levels, to reviewing development
plans, to managing monitoring data, to answering calls from interested citizens.
Staff contact information
What does the PLSLWD do? The Board of Managers oversees many efforts to conserve, protect and manage water resources
within the PLSLWD. The District works closely with local cities, townships, Scott County and state agencies to
accomplish its goals. All of the District's activities are outlined in its comprehensive plan, called the Water
Resources Management Plan. Ongoing activities include:
- Water quality monitoring
- Land management (filter strips, wetland restoration)
- Lake water quality improvement efforts (aquatic plant management, water quality education, cost-share projects)
- Permitting and inspection of development and other land-disturbing activities
- Prior Lake outlet operation and maintenance, and long-term planning for Prior Lake water levels (including
enhancement of the Prior Lake Outlet Channel)
- Business, homeowner, and school age education
Click here for a District Map or go to the reports page.
|
