Project Overview
The City of Elk River is home to 1256 wetlands, according to the National Wetland Inventory (NWI). Wetlands play a vital role in our community’s flood management, water quality, wildlife habitat, and aesthetics. In 2006, the city updated their ordinance to include a 25-foot Wetland Buffer Strip around all wetlands and stormwater ponds. The Buffer Strip does not allow for any mowing or plantings in order to maintain the wetland in its natural and constantly fluctuating state. In addition, there is a 20-foot Wetland Buffer Strip Setback which does not allow for structures (45-foot structure setback). Many properties within Elk River are not aware of these regulations and therefore, are non-conforming. The city seeks to educate residents and businesses of the regulations and identify which properties are not in compliance. Using aerial imagery and NWI data, this could easily be documented.
Geographic Information Systems (GEOG 321), David Kelley
Spring 2016
Students will map which properties are non-conforming, beginning with City property. These maps will provide needed information for the City to address other policy and public education and outreach efforts to increase compliance and improve wetland quality and function.
Project Overview Poster
Public Policy Masters Research, Andrew Erickson
Andrew Erickson will investigate wetland buffer policy options as well as incentives and education strategies to increase compliance.
From the SCP Blog: Public Policy Graduate Student Collaborates with Elk River and Wetland Policy
City Outcomes
The Environmental Division budgeted $5,000 for a buffer rebate program to start in 2017.
The program will encourage property owners to restore buffers along wetlands and other water bodies.
Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner.
Sustainable Communities Partnership Contact Info
University Faculty Contact
David Kelley
Geography
dwkelley@stthomas.edu
6519625569
Local Government / Community Contact
Kristin Mroz
Enviornmental Technician