Community Corner

Proposed Tree Cutting Project Put on Hold in East Plymouth

The project called Four Seasons Water Quality Improvement Project will not be done this year.

The Four Seasons Water Quality Improvement Project was intended to address an excess nutrient impairment in Northwood Lake in New Hope, which is downstream from the Four Seasons Mall in Plymouth (see attached map of area).

Based on feedback received to date on the project, the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission has requested additional review of alternatives to the stream restoration and ponding project. The project is postponed pending additional review of alternatives and is no longer scheduled for construction during the winter of 2013-2014.

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Background

A stream that runs through the shaded woods erodes the soil and flushes excess levels of phosphorus into Northwood Lake. As a result, water quality is poor and the lake violates state water quality standards. The Commission considered several water quality improvement options, including ponding, stream restoration, wetland restoration, flow restriction, alum treatment and partnerships.

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The ultimate goal of the project was to reduce 73 pounds per year or more of phosphorus loading to Northwood Lake. 

Through development of the feasibility report, it was determined that a combination of water quality ponding and stream restoration was the most viable and cost effective option to meet water quality goals.

The project design included tree removals, rock protection of stream banks, vegetative restoration (wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs), and other elements. If implemented, trees would be cut down 30 feet on each side of the creek and a holding pond would be created to capture runoff and prevent erosion. Water quality ponding was proposed near 40th Avenue North and Pilgrim Lane. The proposed stream restoration extended from Lancaster Lane upstream for approximately 3,700 feet. 

The city of Plymouth recommended the Commission not proceed as designed, but explore other alternatives to improving the water quality in Northwood Lake.

(Information provided by a city of Plymouth press release.) 


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