Phase2-Covered Bridge Park Riparian Restoration

The Covered Bridge Park is city owed park located within the City of Zumbrota. The park boarders the North Branch of the Zumbro River encompassing 62 acres of floodplain forests and grasslands. The prominent feature in the park is the covered bridge, a historical marker, which still spans the North Branch of the Zumbro River. Throughout the park the North Branch of the Zumbro River is lacking quality instream habitat for game and non-game fish species. Limited streambank vegetation, incised channel, lack of deep pool areas and fish resting areas are some of the problems that this reach of stream is experiencing. The streambanks are 7 to 10 feet in height and are lacking vegetation. In-stream bank erosion is documented as a major contributor of sediment and this segment of the North Fork of the Zumbro River has a turbidity impairment listing. This CPL grant proposal will highlight the actions items that will improve the fish game and wildlife habitat in the Zumbro River while emphasizing the importance of our areas water resources. Actions such as streambank stabilization practices, woody debris and refuse removal from the riparian area, and the enhancement of in-stream fishing habitat are all part of this project proposal.