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INTRODUCTION
Spring Brook is a cold water trout stream, the only trout stream in Rice County
and one of the few in the state that have native brook trout. Because of this unique
fish population, the state Department of Natural Resouces harvests fish eggs from
Spring Brook to help establish brook trout in other streams in the state. The brook
drains an agricultural area of approximately 7 square miles, starting near 1-35 and
ending in the Cannon River at the southwestern edge of Northfield. In addition to
providing a habitat for brook trout, it drains agricultural land and provides a scenic
and wildlife corridor enjoyed by the residents of the area.
Land uses along the stream have been compatible with the survival of trout so
far, but future changes could affect the stream, including urban development,
increased rural housing, changes in agricultural practices, gravel mining, etc. In order
to remain cold enough for trout, the stream depends on water soaking into the ground,
then coming out through springs. It also depends on the forest cover at its lower end'
to keep the water cool.
The creek's watershed (the land that drains into the creek) includes parts of
Northfield, Dundas, and unincorporated areas of Bridgewater Township. The last mile
of the stream is within the planning boundaries for Northfield and Dundas, which are
both rapidly growing communities. Because there were no imminent plans for
activities that would degrade the stream, there was an opportunity to work with the
local residents to gauge their interest in protecting it and, ifinterest were shown, to
make plans for measures that would protect.the stream in the future.
In 1997 the Cannon River Watershed Partnership, with a 2-year grant from the
Legislative Committee on Minnesota Resources, began working with a committee
composed ofloca1landowners, representatives of the various jurisdictions, fishing
enthusiasts, and the Dept. of Natural Resources. The committee learned about the
requirements for trout streams, the local land use plans for the area, and ways in
which streams can be protected. This report summarizes the status of the stream
and watershed, and the recommendations of the committee.
Funding tor this proj~ was approved by the MN Legislature, ML 1997, Chapter' 216, Sec, 15, Subd 17(b),
as recommended by the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources from the Minnesota Future
Resources Fund.
Committee members:
Meetings were open to the public and other watershed residents who requested
invitations were specifically notified of each meeting.
Meeting Schedule:
Why is Spring Brook a trout stream? What is its condition? What does it need
in order to remain a trout stream?
Sept. - Ditch management; DNR fisheries mgmt. (Roman Kalina, Rice Co.
Ditch Inspector, Brad Carlson, Rice Co. Extension, Desiree Hendrickson,
DNR)
PhY8ical Environment
Hydrology: The Spring Brook drainage area is approximately 7 sq. miles in size;
located between two larger drainage basins (WolfCreek, 45 sq. mi. and Heath Creek,
38 sq. mi.) in Rice county, MN. It flows from west to east. The upper 2/3 of the
watershed is drained by Co. Ditch 22, which was dug in 1948. The ditch joins the
natural creekjust north of 100th St.
Spring Brook has significant recharge from springs, producing cold temperatures.
Springs are found throughout the brook and ditch, especially west of Decker Ave.
where two branches of the brook come together. Based on monitoring during the
summer of 1998, he temperature of the ditch at 100th St. and Cates Ave. can reach
70 0 F (the maximum for brook trout), but cools down by the time it reaches Decker
Ave.
Soil maps show hydric soils in the upper part of the watershed where the ditch now
flows. Some of these former wetlands were fed by springs (now directed into tile lines).
According to the Fish & Wildlife Service's NWI (National Wetlands Inventory) map,
several small wetlands still exist in the watershed, primarily in the flat upper reaches
and along the creek where the land is seasonally flooded.
Gates Ave.
NORTHFIELD
Hydric soils
.•
••••••
RA ••'
6/29/99 1
Geology: The surficial geology is composed of thin glacial deposits, underlain by
sedimentary rock. The upper layer of bedrock is the Prairie du Chien group, with a
layer of St. Peter Sandstone over it at the higher elevations. Limestone bluffs of the
Prairie du Chien are visible along the lower part of Heath Creek and Spring Brook.
West of Old Dutch Road, bluffs of white St. Peter sandstone are visible along Heath
Creek. St. Peter Sandstone caps some of the low hills in the Spring Brook watershed.
Gravel deposits can be found near the lower end of Spring Brook. In 1975 a gravel
mine was proposed for the area. Different geologists had different ideas about the
sources of the springs in the creek and whether gravel mining would affect them. One
report said that the Jordan aquifer - below the Prairie du Chien - was the source of the
springs because the potentiometric surface of this aquifer was at the surface. (The
water was under pressure and could rise to the surface through artesian springs.)
Another report said that the source of the springs was likely sand and gravel
inclusions in the Prairie du Chien. Although it did receive a conditional use permit, the
gravel pit was not developed.
Soils: Most soils in the area are sandy loams developed on glacial till. Most are
classified as prime, with erodibility as their major limitation. The low-lying pasture
between Spring Brook and Heath Creek, and the area along the south side of Heath,
are underlain by shallow bedrock.
The ditch is bordered by farm fields and in some areas by grassed buffers. In one
small stretch, it flows through a patch of woods. Willows and other shrubs have been
removed from the ditch to keep it free-flowing.
A wooded corridor of varying width exists along the stream. The widest wooded
corridor is between Decker Ave. and Dundas Blvd. It is sparse at both ends due to
grazing, with a few willows remaining along the banks. In the center, lighter grazing
keeps the understory fairly open under the tree canopy. Buckthorn, an exotic
invasive shrub, is abundant.
6/29/99 2
Although the DNR has no records of stocking this stream, the story locally is that
brook trout were brought there by the Schilling family some time between 1910 and
1920. However, the contract of purchase drawn up in 1910 between the Schillings
and Joel Heatwolt, the previous owner, gave Heatwold permission to continue fishing
there - indicating that there may have been trout in the stream prior to the stocking.
Most other trout streams in the state have been stocked with brown or rainbow trout
at some time, leaving very few native brook trout populations intact. The DNR has
harvested eggs from Spring Brook fish in order to develop a breeding stock for
restoring brook trout to other streams in the state. DNA testing is under way to see
whether the brook trout in Spring Brook are different from those elsewhere in the
state.
Other wildlife using the watershed likely include deer, small mammals, reptiles,
amphibians and birds that are common in agricultural landscapes. The size and
quality of the woodlands makes it unlikely that rare species would be found there.
However, eagles that reportedly nest near the lower end of Heath Creek may use the
area for foraging.
Land Use
Current use of land: In the watershed ofSpring Brook, the land use is agricultural
with some rural residences. Around Heath Creek there is some industrial
development in the Armstrong Industrial Park. Rural subdivisions were developed
along Heath Creek near Old Dutch Rd. before the current county zoning ordinance
was adopted.
Spring Brook crosses under Dundas Blvd. and the railroad track before entering the
Cannon. Further north, between the road and the river, a yard waste composting site
and a city park (Sechler Park) are located.
Rice County has agricultural zoning, which limits rural residences to a low density.
West of Decker Ave., the County zoning is A (Agricultural). It is A-I (Agricultural/
Urban Expansion) east of Decker. The S (Shoreland) district includes a 300-ft.
corridor on each side of the creek.
6/29/99 3
County Shoreland Zoning: The county's Shoreland district controls development
within 300 ft. of streams and 1000 ft .. of lakes through setback requirements,
controls on vegetation cutting, slope grading, etc. Shoreland rules apply only to
DNR "protected waters," which are designated on Protected Waters maps.
Spring Brook from 100th St. to its mouth is designated a protected water. The
branch that runs north from Dundas and meets the main branch of Spring
Brook near.Decker Ave. is a protected water north of 100th St. This tributary
was designated a protected water in 1996. The DNR does not require county
shoreland zoning to be extended to this section, but the county can do it
voluntarily.
For agricultural uses, the ordinance says that "general cultivation farming,
grazing, nurseries, horticulture, truck farming, sod farming and wild crop
harvesting are permitted uses if steep slopes and shore and bluff impact zones
are maintained in permanent vegetation or managed under an approved
conservation plan..." (The shore impact zone is the land within 50 ft. of the
.ordinary high water mark.) "Land within 300 ft. of the ordinary high water mark,
that is used for grazing of livestock shall be managed under a Soil and Water
Conservation District approved Conservation Plan to control erosion of
shoreland and to protect the natural environment" (sec. 514.013 (b) 1).
6/29/99 4
CountyAgricultural Zoning: The Agricultural (A)zone allows one farm dwelling
and one rural residence per 1/4 - 1/4 section (about 40 acres); the lot size maybe
as small as 2.5 acres. Residential building is subject to certain conditions.
Among the conditions is one designed to prevent building on prime farmland; it
states that the 1/4 - 1/4 section on which the rural residential dwelling is built
shall have a weighted average Crop Equivalency Rating (CER) of 65 or less.
However, that provision is rarely implemented. Currently there are about 50
residences in the Spring Brook watershed; ifbuilt out at allowable densities
(assuming 30 of the current houses are farm dwellings and the 65 CER provision
is ignored), there would be approximately 140.
Feedlots up to 1500 animal units are allowed in the A zone. In shorelands and
floodplains, no new or expanded feedlots are allowed (except existing ones can
expand up to 500 a.u. in the shorelands of natural environment lakes.)
Setbacks for feedlots using liquid manure are 300 ft. from a protected
watercourse for feedlots 10-300 a.u., and 500 ft. from a protected watercourse
for feedlots over 300 a.u. For feedlots using solid manure, the setback from
protected waters is 300 ft . for all feedlot sizes. Setbacks from other surface
waters that are not protected waters, are 150 ft. for feedlots 10-300 a.u. and 300
ft. for feedlots over 300 a.u. There are also setbacks from the municipal
boundaries of Dundas and Northfield, varying from 1/4 mile to 1 mile depending
on the size and type of feedlot operation.
Manure application setbacks from streams vary from 300 ft. to 750 ft.
depending on the application method. For other surface waters and streams
with buffers, the setback varies from 75- 300 ft. For ditches, the setback is 16.5
ft.
Sand and gravel mines, demolition landfills, and agricultural equipment sales are
among the conditional uses allowed in'the A district.
6/29/99 5
urban boundaries. The Northfield comprehensive plan (1988) shows industrial
use in the entire sector between Dundas Blvd. and Decker Ave., with open space
along the stream corridors. A parcel south of Spring Brook, at the corner of
Dundas Blvd. and 100th St. E., is considered by the Economic Development
Authority (EDA) as a future industrial site, but current lack of infrastructure
and the sensitivity of the trout stream are making it a long-range option.
The consultant on the industrial development study suggested that the area
between the two creeks be residential, because it is so scenic. (The area on high
ground overlooks the Cannon River towards downtown.) The Northfield
comprehensive plan is in the process of revision.
The portion of the Spring Brook watershed that is within the city limits of
Dundas is dsignated rural residential (5-acre lots). Dundas has not yet done
planning within its planned urban boundary.
.....
DNR
Gates
Rsheries Dunda~
easement urban .........
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DNR Easements: In the 1970s the DNR purchased perpetual easements along
a 3/4 mile stretch of stream on both sides of Decker Ave. The easements are 66
ft. wide on each side of the stream. The purpose of the easements is lito permit
the development offish habitat, including tree planting, fencing, erosion control,
installation ofinstream structures, posting of signs, and other such
6/29/99 6
improvements as are deemed necessary;" and lito permit angling by the public. II
Landowners must keep tillage at least 45 ft. back from the center line of the
stream and may not cut trees, dump, burn, or change the stream course. The
owners may continue to fish, cross the stream, and use the water for stock
watering and other purposes.
For more information on the various governmental bodies with jurisdiction over
the Spring Brook watershed, see the Summary of Jurisdictional Roles at the end
of this report (Attachment A).
Community Recreation
Existingfacilities: Sechler Park is a large city park located between Armstrong Rd.
and the Cannon River . The mouth of Heath Creek is at the southern edge of the
park, but the creek and river are not major features of the park. The main purpose of
the park is to provide playing fields. There is a trail from the intersection of 5th St.
and Hwy 3 through Sechler Park, connecting to the Mill Towns Trail which runs along
the ditch in Dundas Blvd. A trail bridge was constructed across Spring Brook in 1998.
The DNR did not allow the culvert under the road to be extended due to its effect on
fish habitat; consequently, The Mill Towns Trail, Cannon River Watershed
Partnership, and City of Northfield raised funds to construct the bridge.
Although Northfield has many parks and is developing a trail network, it has no
extensive public greenways along streams and rivers. The Cowling Arboretum is a
greenway along the Cannon River and Spring Creek that is owned by Carleton
College, and is very popular for running, walking and cross-country skiing. (Note:
Spring Creek is on the east side of town and is different from Spring Brook.) St. Olaf
College has trails through its restored prairie, woodland and wetlands that are also
popular. The City's comprehensive plan shows open space along Heath Creek and
Spring Brook, but the Park Development Plan (1995) shows no parks there. In
February, 1999, the Cty Council adopted a trail plan that shows extensive networks
of trails within the neighborhoods, along major roads, and along greenway corridors.
6/29/99 7,
Unpaved trails are shown along the north sides of both Spring Brook and Heath
Creek in this plan.
Access to the lower part of Spring Brook is from Dundas Blvd., Decker Ave. and
lOOthSt. E. A railroad track runs parallel to Dundas Blvd. on the CannonRiver side,
and this is one reason why the area around the creeks has been considered desirable
for industrial development.
There is no boating on the creek, since it is too small. However, the DNR easements
allow access for angling and for fisheries management.
In the future, Decker Ave. and 100th St. E. may be paved and Dundas Blvd. may be
widened. Long-range transportation plans may include a road between the two
creeks and one crossing Heath.
Other Infrastructure
Existingutilities: Water and sewer 's ervice do not currently extend to the Spring
Brook watershed. The sewer line connecting Dundas to Northfield is on the other side
of the Cannon River .
Future utility plans: The City of Northfield has a sewer plan and a surface water
plan, neither of which has been formally adopted by the council. The sewer plan
shows a sewer line down the corridors of both Spring Brook and Heath Creek, crossing
the creeks at some points. The surface water plan shows proposed ponding areas for
stormwater. These two plans are based on the comprehensive plan and assume that
the area will be industrial.
The City of Dundas has recently installed sewer, water and storm sewer in its existing
6/29/99 8
developed areas and the lands immediately adjacent. A new l60-unit subdivision is
under construction just east of the Spring Brook watershed boundary, but there are
no current plans for extending sewers into the Spring Brook watershed.
6/29/99 9
PART TWO - GOALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
During the.first few months of the Committee's work, information about trout stream
protection was gathered and summarized (see "Trout Stream Protection
Requirements," Attachment B). Chief among these requirements are the need for
cold water, clean water, stable flows, lack offish barriers, and a streambed with a
rocky or cobble bottom rather than silt. The maintenance of brook trout in the
stream is not only a one-species strategy, but also an indication that the stream and
watershed are in a relatively healthy state.
Although development of the areas near Northfield and Dundas may be many years
away, plans that are put in place now can have major impacts on that development.
Changes needed will involve altering the expansion plans for the City of Northfield and
incorporating standards for streets, sewers, stormwater and housing layouts that
have not been previously used in this area - for example: narrower streets, clustered
housing, stormwater conveyance and infiltration without storm sewers, and
6/29/99 10
placement of sanitary sewers away from the stream. Professional consulting will be
sought in order to gather the information needed on infrastructure placement and
zoning codes.
Planning for the future of this watershed will also involve care in rural development,
farming practices, road building, and resource management. Continued education and
outreachwill'be needed for that effort," . ".
The Spring Brook Committee makes the following recommendations, which may be
used as the basis for funding applications and requests for policies or actions.
Recommendations:
6. Monitor the stream to detect any change in fish populations, stream stability,
temperature or water quality. Use the data to form the basis for additional
research and protection measures if they are warranted.
Expected results:
1. The City of Northfield will change its Comprehensive Plan, Sewer Plan, and
Surface Water Plan so that they no longer call for industrial development
around the stream with stormwater ponds and a sewer line down the stream
corridor. A Stream Protection Overlay zoning district will be drafted, specifying
the types of development, uses, and stormwater management that will be
permitted in the watershed. This language, or variations of it, will be adopted
by Northfield, Dundas and Rice County.
6/29/99 11
buffer establishment.
6/29/99 12
Attachment A
• Issue permits for work in a stream below the ordinary high water level, or work
that affects the course, current or cross section of a protected water.
• Administer the state Wild and Scenic River program (along Cannon River).
• Manage fisheries and do fish sampling in streams.
• Acquire and manage fisheries easements 66 ft. on each side of creek.
Minnesota Pollution ControlAgency
Rice County
Bridgewater Township
• Build and maintain township roads and culverts, cemeteries, parks, etc.
• Provide for trash disposal.
• Approve, deny or request annexation of areas into the city.
6/29/99 13
Cities ofNorthfield and Dundas
• Plan for land use and transportation in the city and within the planned urban
boundary.
• Offer comments on conditional use permits in unincorporated areas within the
Urban Expansion Zone around. the city.
• Annex property into the city:
• Zone the density and type of development in the city. Set requirements
regarding subdivisions, streets, parking, drainage, etc.
• Provide water, sewer and storm sewer service. Build and maintain street
system.
• Issue building permits and conduct inspections.
• Administer shoreland, floodplain and Wild and Scenic River rules as part of
zoning ordinance.
• Acquire parkland and trails through purchase, donation, or easement.
• Designate areas to be set aside as parkland, roads, etc. in future development.
• Require erosion control and stormwater management measures in new
developments.
• Provide assistance to businesses locating or expanding within the city.
6/29/99 14
fJ
2/16/98
..
10
Site PI4nn/ng fOT urlHJi, Strt!llltl Protedio"
The SI!VeIf elements ofan ejfectfve local stnam protection strategy roughly follow each stap oftM dnelopmentcycle _
from zoning. planning. site design, construction, stabilization. andfinal occupancy,
12
·'.
Stream Protection Through Land Use Management
John Hunt, P.E.
6121832-2777
I. Introduction
V. Stream Protection
VI. Summary
A. Well-Planned Development can be Compatible with Resource
Flood damage has been minimized by restoring some of the wetlands in the
watershed, making sure bridges are large enough, and preventing development in
the floodplain.
The lower end of the watershed is in Northfield and Dundas. The stream corridor
from Dundas Blvd. to 100th St. is a park with a trail along it. This trail connects to a
network of other trails and is a popular scenic attraction. There is no other active
recreation next to the creek, but limited fishing takes place, and the creek is not
overfished. A naturally-reproducing population of brook trout live in the creek.
Other wildlife and birds are often seen in the stream corridor, and they use it to move
back and forth to the Cannon River.
Housing has been built away from the creek in clusters to minimize paved surfaces,
and additional trees and prairie vegetation have been planted between the creek and
the homes. This open space area is protected with conservation easements.
Srormwater is managed through infiltration and overland flow , so there is no piped
discharge to the stream and no need for holding ponds.
By mutual agreement, the cities, township and county have decided to design and
locate roads and utilities to minimize impacts to the creek. Consequently, sewers do
not run along the stream, the bridges allow fish passage, and the road ditches are
designed so that runoff is collected and filtered before entering the creek.
Impervious surfaces in the watershed are kept below 400 acres.
·! ~
GILL
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I 4.9 acres
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54 .1 acres
GILL
94.4 ac res
PRAWER
PRAWER 174 .6 acres
119.3 acres
Gill!.:
9;4.'1 acres
.
P.RAWER ----II~---.tt7r.st6 !ii'er;s_,
119.3 acr es
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Prawer/ Gill Annexation Legend
Request I::l Anne xation Request - - Existi ng Trail/S idewalk
.
Context Water
_ Core
Environmentally Significant Area
0702300001 ,0703400001 , Center M Preserve
070235000~0702351001 _ Corridor
FRA!\<lEWORK District
NORTHFIELD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Educationa l Distric t
'y
\ ........
33
36
NW
Wcu r
PRAWER
54.1 acres
GILL
94.4 acres
04
PRAWER PRAWER
119.3 acres 174.6 acres
09 10 11 12
Legend
PTaNer/G illAnnexatbn 1999 Ann exation Agreement
Requa Priority Growth Area