DNR Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,834,000
Fund Source
Outdoor Heritage Fund
Recipient
DNR
Recipient Type
State Government
Status
Completed
Start Date
July 2018
End Date
January 1970
Activity Type
Restoration/Enhancement
Counties Affected
Becker
Carver
Cass
Chisago
Crow Wing
Dodge
Douglas
Faribault
Fillmore
Goodhue
Kanabec
Kandiyohi
Meeker
Mille Lacs
Pine
Pope
Redwood
Scott
St. Louis
Wabasha
Wright
Becker
Carver
Cass
Chisago
Crow Wing
Dodge
Douglas
Faribault
Fillmore
Goodhue
Kanabec
Kandiyohi
Meeker
Mille Lacs
Pine
Pope
Redwood
Scott
St. Louis
Wabasha
Wright
Project Overview

This DNR Aquatic Habitat appropriation used a programmatic approach to achieve prioritized aquatic habitat restoration, and enhancement of lakes and streams across all the LSOHC planning regions. Two stream restoration projects totaling 23 acres were completed with this appropriation. Also, habitat enhancement projects were completed on 43 Aquatic Management Areas, totaling 849 acres. Stream habitat work for this appropriation and LSOHC-funded projects from other appropriations was aided by funding for a stream restoration coordinator and interns. These positions aided in public outreach, survey work, design, permitting, contracting, and coordination with project partners on these complex projects

About the Issue

Stream projects were prioritized based on the DNR's Stream habitat Priority List, where projects were ranked based on a number of criteria surrounding support and outcomes. This appropriation funded two stream projects, both of which involved multiple external partners. Individual project details are outlined below.

Miller Creek Stream Restoration: Miller Creek is a designated trout stream that is located within the city limits of Duluth that was ditched in the 1930's. This project highlights an urban project that was successful in restoring 6100 feet of Miller Creek. This project restored the geomorphic stability of the stream by reconnecting the floodplain and remeandering the stream to a stable channel. This project also enhanced riparian corridors and buffers, improved fish habitat diversity, and addressed the bed and bank erosion. In addition, the project team was able to expand the project to include an important tributary to Miller Creek. This project will provide improved habitat, stability and water quality to the associated tributary and Miller Creek. Funding for the larger overall project of Miller Creek and the tributary has come from various sources USFS ($115,000) and NOAA ($95,000).

North Fork of the Zumbro River Stream Restoration: The North form of the Zumbro River was historically dammed near the City of Mazeppa. This damming disconnected the stream and altered the stream channel. This project was successful in restoring 3710 feet of the Zumbro River to a more stable form that is connected to the floodplain. Additionally, this project was able to address the dam remnants that were affecting the river stability, address the high unstable banks and improve instream habitat diversity. This project improved habitat for at least 28 species of fish documented downstream of where the dam was located. Fish will have easier accessibly to 40 miles upstream of the dam location.

AMA Enhancement: This appropriation includes funding for personnel tasked with assessing habitat needs on Aquatic Management Areas (AMAs), writing management guidance documents that outline projects, and overseeing project implementation. AMA Specialists completed 6 new site assessments, bringing the total number of AMAs assessed since June 2014 to 247. To date, 170 Management Guidance Documents have been completed. An additional 28 Management Guidance Documents are in various stages of review. Staff also planned or oversaw enhancement projects on 43 AMAs, totaling 849 acres.

The Restoration Coordinator has worked on project development for future projects, coordinated project meetings, been involved in design, written grant agreements, processed reimbursements, tracked budgets, and prioritized projects for funding. Additionally, the Restoration Coordinator hired and managed to interns to advance the culvert inventory and prioritization work. The Restoration Coordinator has developed the Natural Resources Specialist position and held interviews.

This past year the interns have completed the Crow Wing watershed culvert inventory. They also were able to get a portion of the Zumbro watershed completed too.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
ML 2018, Ch. 208, Art. 1, Sec. 2, subd 5(q)
Appropriation Language

$2,834,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to restore and enhance aquatic habitat in degraded streams and aquatic management areas and to facilitate fish passage. A list of proposed land restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.

2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,834,000
Other Funds Leveraged
$210,000
Direct expenses
$2,736,300
Administration costs
$90,800
Number of full time equivalents funded
5.0
Measurable Outcome(s)

There are 68 species of greatest conservation need that utilize headwaters to large streams, including birds, turtles, frogs, fish, and insects. Stream habitat projects are not designed with one species in mind, but instead are intended to benefit multiple functions and habitats of the river both within the stream and in the riparian area, which will have benefits for rare species.

Proposed Outcomes Achieved
A total of 872 acres were affected: 23 Restored, 0 in Fee Title, 0 in Easements, 849 in Enhance.
Source of Additional Funds

US Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA

Project Manager
First Name
Jamison
Last Name
Wendel
Organization Name
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Street Address
500 Lafayette Road Box 20
City
St Paul
State
MN
Zip Code
55155
Phone
651-259-5176
Email
jamison.wendel@state.mn.us
Administered By
Administered by
Location

500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone
651-296-6157
Email the Agency