Valley Branch Watershed District to remove flooded Legion Avenue homes; offers restored parcels to city

A representative of the Valley Branch Watershed District told the Lake Elmo council that the district has acquired five flood‑impacted properties along Legion Avenue and plans to remove the homes and restore the shoreline in 2026.

The watershed representative said Legion Pond is a roughly 17‑acre, landlocked pond without an outlet; over time rising impervious cover increased flooding and shoreline erosion in adjacent properties. The district acquired five parcels after an evaluation and through mitigation programs. "Four homes along Legion Avenue are scheduled to be removed this month in the May, and the fifth is expected to be removed later this summer," the representative said.

The district plans to restore as many existing trees as possible and to plant native grasses, then monitor the shoreline for one to three years before turning the restored parcels over to the city. If the city declines to accept the restored parcels, the district said it would offer them for public auction with conservation easements restricting future building on those lots.

City staff and council discussed possible uses and constraints: the watershed and staff said restoration will be largely native and passive (benches, light trail connections) with limits on impervious surfaces. Staff noted potential trail connections from the golf course area to downtown and that any acquisition would have fiscal and maintenance implications for parks and public works. The council asked about mowing and maintenance; staff said the city could incorporate minimal mowing into current contracts or add a seasonal position if needed.

What’s next: staff will take the concept to the parks commission for review and return with recommendations on acquisition, maintenance costs and potential trail connections. No formal acquisition vote occurred at the workshop.