Eagle Creek Bank Stabilization

Eagle Creek is a two-mile designated cold-water trout stream in Scott County within the cities of Savage and Shakopee, MN. Trout streams can be extremely sensitive to temperature changes and other pollutant loading. Currently, the creek is sustained by groundwater and features many indicators of healthy water quality and habitat for trout. However, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has noted declines in the creek’s brown trout populations As such, managing erosion and sedimentation in Eagle Creek is critical to protecting trout habitat and preventing sedimentation in downstream waters such as the Minnesota River.

The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) is currently planning for the Eagle Creek Bank Restoration at Town & Country RV Park project. The LMRWD will develop a design and implement stabilization for hillslope failure near the campground on the Main Branch of Eagle Creek. The project is estimated to begin construction in 2025. An additional stabilization project is currently underway by the City of Savage underneath the Eagle Creek Parkway bridge, and the LMRWD has habitat improvement projects planned for 2027.

While sediment levels in Eagle Creek have improved, bank stabilization continues to be an important component of management to prevent additional sediment loading to the Minnesota River. Stabilization will also provide protection for the currently unimpaired waters that are close to the water quality standard so that they do not exceed drinking water or other water quality standards.

In Progress