The Hopkins stretch of Nine Mile Creek is about to get twisted. The creek, which was dug into a straight channel in the 1960s and '70s, is going to be reformed to look more like it did before and redirected to follow its original course.
I don't know why anyone ever thought straightening rivers was a good idea, but it used to happen a lot in the U.S. Wikipedia lists a few advantages of channelization. Unfortunately, straight rivers flow much faster (try running in a straight line and then meandering along the same stretch--you'll see what I mean). This dramatically increases erosion and completely alters the ecosystem of the river or stream.
The goal of this restoration is to enhance the ecology of this section of stream. Erosion will be slower, fish will breathe easier, and birds will have fuller bellies. Hopkins is taking a small but important step toward protecting natural habitat, and Edina wants to follow suit with its section of Nine Mile Creek. Yay for my hometown!
This Star Tribune article will give you good information on the project.
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