View live flow and water level readings for Lambert Creek at the Lambert Creek waterbody page.
Wetlands in VLAWMO were formed 9,000-12,000 years ago by glacial activity. As the glaciers receded, depressions and glacial out wash were left on the land. Unlike deep glacial pothole lakes in northern Minnesota, the melt water and sediment dispersal in this region was relatively flat. These areas are where we find wetlands today.
A wetland is an area where water either covers the soil or is present near the surface. A wetland can hold water year-round or just part of the year, both of which influence vegetation, storage capacity, and local hydrology.
While wetlands have been avoided and looked down upon for many years, they're also a part of the Vadnais Lake area history. They are the original flood control infrastructure, a natural purifier for drinking water, valuable wildlife habitat, and they replenish groundwater for the future.
As seen in the map below, the VLAWMO watershed was historically a region of shallow lakes and wetlands. Upland areas consisted of wet meadow, prairie, oak savannah, and deciduous/mixed forest. Throughout the past 100 years, the region has largely been modified through drainage, channelization, and ditching as agriculture gave way to urban development. Some shallow lakes such as Lambert Lake no longer exist due to drainage and building over wetlands, and some wetlands were transformed and consolidated into shallow lakes due to increased runoff from landscape changes. While these changes aren't necessarily negative, they were also made without a goal of cooperating with shallow groundwater.
1940's-era Ramsey County Drainage Map
More than 50% of Minnesota contains shallow groundwater, a condition where a high groundwater table (saturated soil) is near the land’s surface. This is often indicated by the presence of wetlands. Unlike deep ground water, shallow groundwater moves according to gravity across the earth’s surface. Soil exposed to shallow groundwater becomes anaerobic, or hydric. While the water table changes year to year depending on rainfall and surface runoff, hydric soils retain the same chemical composure after shallow groundwater levels recede (part B in diagram below). When high rainfall follows a dry period, hydric soils quickly go back to acting like a wetland. While areas with wet soil can be a nuisance, it's important that the boundaries of our wetlands are maintained and respected because they are a crucial part of the water cycle.
Diagram courtesy of USGS
Why doesn't someone just dredge the ditches?
As ditch authority under Minnesota Statute 103B, VLAWMO is responsible for maintaining a reasonable function of the ditches and waterways in the Watershed. A 2018 feasibility study and Repair Report for Ditch 14 determined that the Ditch was adequately functioning and dredging repair urgency is not immediate, but should be planned and budgeted for. Click here for a list of reports and presentations on Lambert Creek/Ditch 14.
VLAWMO has since begun budgeting and planning for this repair, and has completed tree and debris clearing to restore and maintain more efficient flows. Hydrological studies determined that no structural damage was at risk after a 100-year storm event, except for one structure that was constructed illegally within a wetland boundary, and the substantial issue continues to be nuisance flooding. With this result, it was determined by the VLAWMO Board of Directors that dredging was not a cost-effective option at this time, and that high water levels will continue to be intensively monitored, and debris clearing will be conducted regularly.
As per the VLAWMO 10-year water plan, future dredging projects are to be conducted in partnership with Cities and Townships in the watershed. Branch ditches to Ditch 14 (Lambert Creek) fall under City and Township responsibility, again receiving help from VLAWMO on a project-by-project basis.
Living near a wetland or ditch can require some patience and flexibility. While it may be tricky to maintain a green lawn in such areas, it is possible to live in harmony with wetlands. With some planning and patience, VLAWMO is here to help create solutions that work for both people and water resources. Options include:
Every property has factors that could call for one or a combination of these strategies. Contact (651) 204-6071 to request a free on-site visit from VLAWMO staff to discuss your needs and the possibilities for your yard.
History of MN Drainage Policy:
The issues we face today are a reflection of our history with water. Understanding where we’ve been helps us face today’s challenges. See the BWSR history and DNR history web pages for more on this topic.