Beebe Lake Project Continues to Move Forward

Past issues with Beebe Lake flooding and erosion due to changing water levels has now led to action to prevent it from happening in the future.

The St. Michael City Council held a public hearing in March, followed by a unanimous approval of a resolution for modifications to the DNR Beebe Lake permit.

During the March meeting, WSB & Associates, who completed a Beebe Lake water level analysis for the city, presented six possible options to alleviate the flooding and associated costs.  Ultimately, a three-phase approach was recommended – and approved by the St. Michael City Council at their March 26 meeting.

The first phase is to lower the normal water level of Beebe Lake by 1.5 feet, according to the March 26 meeting minutes.

"We intend to start the phase 1 drawing down of the water at Beebe Lake as soon as the ice is out," St. Michael City Administrator Steven Bot told Patch. "The draw down may take a bit longer than anticipated considering the abnormal weather and abundance of moisture we’ve received this winter/spring." 

The second phase is to construct a new outlet in Beebe Lake that would require less maintenance. The third phase is to construct new culverts “to allow more capacity of the Scharber wetlands.”

The project is estimated to cost approximately $103,000, according to the March 26 meeting minutes. The St. Michael City Council approved authorization for the city to apply for a DNR grant to help fund a portion of the remaining phases at its April 9 meeting. At the time the third phase of the project is completed, “it may include assessments to benefitting properties,” the March 26 meeting minutes.

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Related Content

• Beebe Lake Water Analysis (March 26 St. Michael City Council Agenda)
• Beebe Lake Improvement Association's 5th Annual Wine/Beer Tasting & Silent Auction Fundraiser (St. Michael Patch)