This plan was prepared as a means of slowing or halting the wetland disturbances caused by human activity This Wetland Protection and Management Plan meets the requirements of Minnesota Rules, Chapter 8420, part 8420.0650. The plan is consistent with the pertinent goals and policies of the watershed districts and the watershed management organization that have jurisdiction in portions of the City. It also addresses the requirements of Hennepin County and the Metropolitan Council. One must understand why it is important to preserve wetlands before one can see the need for the recommendations presented in this plan. It provides a home and a source of food for many types of native and migratory birds and wildlife.
Wetlands provide numerous recreational and educational opportunities.
In some cases, wetlands even provide commercial benefits, such as wild rice production. The ability of a wetland to perform particular functions is often directly related to the degree of human influence on the tributary drainage area of a wetland. Wetland inventory City staff inventoried approximately 300 wetlands in Bloomington. Wetlands located in or below the Minnesota River Valley were not included. The City ranked wetlands based on their functions and values, how they are managed, and their susceptibility to storm water and snow melt runoff.