The posted coordinates will bring you to a plaque describing some
stormwater issues faced by Golden Valley and other suburbs. This
isn't an issue people think about that much, but think about it:
Every time a new street gets paved, a new house constructed, or a
new driveway built, these impervious surfaces create a barrier
preventing stormwater from flowing the way it would otherwise flow.
Even a swimming pool is considered an impervious surface, somewhat
counter-intuitively.
But why does this matter? There are several reasons. First,
out-of-control stormwater can make flood control challenging.
Additional runoff can erode watercourses (streams and rivers) as
well as cause flooding after the stormwater collection system is
overwhelmed by the additional flow. Second, a lot of surface water
-- especially water traveling over roadways -- carries various
contaminants that can pollute the water bodies that serve as
destinations for stormwater. With the demand for water exceeding
the availability of readily available water, stormwater is also a
potential resource. Techniques of stormwater harvesting with point
source water management and purification can potentially make urban
environments self sustaining in terms of water.
In Minnesota, stormwater is typically managed by a watershed district, an obscure
unit of local government that crosses city and county lines. The
watershed district representing the area you're standing on was
created in 1969. The district includes portions of nine cities.
The Earthcache
To get credit for this earthcache, you must e-mail me the
answers to the following questions:
- Which creek forms the watershed in which you are standing?
- Into which body of water does that creek flow?
- List two advantages of the native flowers and grasses planted
in this area.
- Find the website for the governmental body that oversees water
runoff for this area. (Hint: Google the name of the creek plus the
words "Watershed Management Commission.") Name the nine cities
comprising the commission.
