Coon Creek Park Stream Restoration

A portion of Coon Creek, located within Andover Coon Creek Park, was restored to improve water quality, reduce pollution, and enhance habitat.

Background

Coon Creek is currently listed as impaired for failing to meet federal Clean Water Act standards. Coon Creek is impaired for aquatic life and aquatic recreation due to excess sediment, phosphorus, poor habitat, and altered hydrology. This restoration project directly addresses several of these issues.

Learn more about the Clean Water Act and Aquatic Life Impairments.

Project Goals

• Reduce sediment and nutrient pollution
• Improve connection with the floodplain
• Enhance habitat for native species

Project Highlights

Flood Protection

The center portion of the creek channel was excavated up to 2 feet to provide need flood protection for upstream properties. The non-excavated portion of the creek was left at its original elevation, creating a ‘floodplain bench’. Floodplain benches accommodate higher water flows while keeping the creek within a channel. This provides floodplain protection, stability for drainage, and more habitat diversity.

Project Funding

This project was funded by the Coon Creek Watershed District with grant funding from the MN Clean Water Fund. The project was completed in partnership with the City of Andover.

Project Contact

Tyler Thompson, Operations & Maintenance Coordinator