Rochester Resident Hears Tree Fall in Planned Stormwater Project

City officials say the tree removal is part of a larger effort to reduce sediment and improve drainage in the area.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A Rochester resident inquired about the recent removal of trees in a field just south of Foster-Arend Park, concerned that the trees were being cut down unnecessarily. However, the city's spokesperson explained that the trees were removed as part of a planned stormwater improvement project that will create new infiltration basins and restore the existing drainage channel to reduce sediment and improve water flow in the area.

Why it matters

The tree removal is part of a larger effort by the city to address ongoing issues with stormwater runoff and erosion in the area, which has caused problems for the nearby trail system. While the loss of trees is regrettable, the project aims to improve the overall environmental health of the site and make the trail more accessible for residents.

The details

The project will create two new stormwater basins - a wet pond that will collect water from the East River Road culverts, and an infiltration basin designed to absorb runoff from over 90 acres of hard surfaces. The entire area will then be replanted with native vegetation and trees to improve habitat and water quality. The existing trail through the site will also be improved to reduce maintenance needs after storms.

  • The trees were recently removed to prepare for the upcoming stormwater improvement project.
  • The project is a long-planned effort to address issues with sediment and water flow in the area.

The players

Megan Moeller

Spokeswoman for the city of Rochester.

Rochester Tree Fan

A resident who inquired about the tree removal in the area.

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What they’re saying

“This long‑planned project will create a large stormwater infiltration area and restore the existing channel that flows into the South Fork Zumbro River. The goal is to reduce the amount of sediment reaching the river and improve how stormwater moves through the area.”

— Megan Moeller, Spokeswoman for the city of Rochester (postbulletin.com)

“The entire area will be replanted with native vegetation and trees to improve habitat and water quality. The existing trail through the site will remain, with improvements near the river where stormwater has historically overtopped it. These upgrades will make the trail more accessible and reduce the maintenance needed after storms.”

— Megan Moeller, Spokeswoman for the city of Rochester (postbulletin.com)

What’s next

The city plans to begin construction on the stormwater improvement project in the coming months, with the goal of completing the work by the end of the year.

The takeaway

While the loss of trees is always regrettable, this project represents a proactive effort by the city to address longstanding issues with stormwater runoff and erosion in the area. By creating new infiltration basins and restoring the drainage channel, the city aims to improve the overall environmental health of the site and make the nearby trail system more accessible for residents.