zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA Introduction - PDF document

zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA Introduction The following presentation was provided during a public meeting listening session on June 8, 2017 regarding the establishment of a protective elevation for White Bear Lake. This information summarizes the plethora of data utilized to determine the protective elevation for White Bear Lake. If you have any questions, please contact Jason Moeckel at jason.moeckel@state.mn.us or 651-259- 5240.

Establishing the White Bear Lake Protecti ve Elevation During the determination of the protective elevation, the commissioner shall consider: 1. � the elevation of important aquatic vegetation characteristics related to fish and wildlife habitat; 2. � existing uses of the water basin by the public and riparian landowners; and 3. � the total volume within the water basin and the slope of the littoral zone. Summary of Technical Analysis � • Water levels - frequency analysis of historical record – Above 923’ about 58% – Above 922’ about 73% – Above 921’ about 90% – Lowest recorded 918.84’ in Jan uary 2013 – Ordinary High Water (OHW) Level 924.89 ' – Lake outlet – 924.3 ' • Emergent aquatic vegetation needs periodic lower levels to regenerate (between elevation 923’-922’) • Fish habitat has benefited from diverse aquatic vegetation, especially nearshore emergent and floating leaf types • Water quality and clarity not substantially related to water elevation • Recreation – Dock extensions when below 923’ – Navigation impacts (esp. sailing) below ~921.5’ – Ramsey Cty Swimming beach closed ~921’ – Bellaire and Mahtomedi beaches remained open – Boat access compromised below 920’ June 8, 2017 1

Shoreline & lake bottom survey May – June 2016 White Bear Lake recorded Lake Level data w/ augmentation volumes June 8, 2017 2

2015 • Using current depth map ~500 acres of shallow water (<6 ft) that may support emergent and/or floating­leaved plants • ~1/4 of that area occupied by plant stands in 2015 June 8, 2017 3

Three-square bulrush • Emergent, rooted, flowering plant • 0 6 ft (mean 2.5 ft) - = • Clear water lakes - • Reported as more common in low water years • Well adapted to change and high - “ energy shores ” highest level average level lowest lake level June 8, 2017 4

June 8, 2017 5

Highlighted contour ≈ 923 � Ramsey County Beach boat ramp June 8, 2017 6

928 Ramsey County Beach boat ramp 926 924 median lake level Elevation (feet) 922 bottom - concrete ramp 920 lowest recorded lake level 918 916 914 0 40 80 120 160 200 240 280 320 Distance (feet) June 8, 2017 7

Ramsey County Beach � (adjacent park building) � 930 928 926 Elevation (feet) median lake level 924 922 lowest recorded 920 lake level 918 916 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 Distance (feet) Acres of permitted Eurasion Water Millfoil treatment (1988 - 2015 DNR permit records) 200 Acres of Treatment 150 100 50 0 925 919.5 920 920 920.5 921 921.5 922 923 923 923.5 923.5 924 924 Lake Level Data (ft above MSL) June 8, 2017 8

WBL Marinas 4/2004 (923.5’) WBL Marinas 9/2008 (921.5’) � VFW dock White Bear Boat Works (City) Tally's Docks of White Bear Lake June 8, 2017 9

WBL Marinas 4/2016? (922.0’) WBL outlet near Ramsey County Beach � Culvert inverts authorized elevation: 924.5 Constructed at 924.3 10 June 8, 2017

Summary of Technical Analysis � • Water levels - frequency analysis of historical record – Above 923’ about 58% – Above 922’ about 73% – Above 921’ about 90% – Lowest recorded 918.84’ in Jan uary 2013 – Ordinary High Water (OHW) Level 924.89 ' – Lake outlet – 924.3 ' • Emergent aquatic vegetation needs periodic lower levels to regenerate (between elevation 923’-922’) • Fish habitat has benefited from diverse aquatic vegetation, especially nearshore emergent and floating leaf types • Water quality and clarity not substantially related to water elevation • Recreation – Dock extensions when below 923’ – Navigation impacts (esp. sailing) below ~921.5’ – Ramsey Cty Swimming beach closed ~921’ – Bellaire and Mahtomedi beaches remained open – Boat access compromised below 920’ Questions? Contact: Jason Moeckel, Manager Inventory, Monitoring, and Analysis Section MN DNR Email: jason.moeckel@state.mn.us Phone: 651-259-5240 June 8, 2017 11

Groundwater use 2003-2015 - White Bear Lake area (2-mile buffer) Prairie du Chien-Jordan* and Jordan aquifers, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Township, White Bear Lake, and Mahtomedi area 3000 2500 Water Use, millions of gallons 2000 � 1500 � 1000 � 500 � 0 � 2010 � 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Year � PDCJ* Jordan Total June 8, 2017 12