Spectacle Lake Focused Activity
In the interest of protecting the health of a locally and regionally popular lake, this proposal will install four of eight cost effective, targeted and prioritized nutrient reduction projects within the Spectacle Lake watershed. The projects in this proposal include a treatment train of three bioretention basins to treat runoff from roads and properties in Wyanett Township and up to 15,000 square feet of additional near-shore stormwater reduction practices to treat runoff and erosion from high priority residential parcels. This proposal will work in concert with work being done by Isanti County Zoning to develop more restrictive shoreland ordinances. Finally, this proposal includes continued engagement or residents and local government staff and officials to promote a sustainable culture of lake stewardship.
Spectacle Lake, located within the Rum River watershed, is locally referred to as the ?gem of Isanti County?. The Rum River WRAPS (2014) and recent work completed by Paul Radomski identified Spectacle Lake as the second most likely lake in the watershed (behind Lake Mille Lacs) to see substantial declines in water clarity with increasing nutrient loads. Increased nutrient loads are likely to occur as development and redevelopment increases in the shoreland areas; 35 new homes are platted for development within the next five years. Additionally, Isanti County has seen an increase in the conversion from seasonal to year-round homes on the lake; these changes nearly always result in an increase in impervious surface.
The in-lake phosphorus goal set for the lake in the Rum WRAPS and other protection work is 13ug/L. This reflects a 21-pound reduction in watershed phosphorus loading. The proposed projects reduce phosphorus by 13.7 lbs annually.
A significant amount of work to prepare for this proposal has been completed; projects have been prioritized, cost estimates have been determined and all partners are committed and ready to rock.
Annie Felix-Gerth
(b) $16,000,000 the first year and $16,000,000 the second year are for grants to local government units to protect and restore surface water and drinking water; to keep water on the land; to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams; and to protect groundwater and drinking water, including feedlot water quality and subsurface sewage treatment system projects and stream bank, stream channel, shoreline restoration, and ravine stabilization projects. The projects must use practices demonstrated to be effective, be of long-lasting public benefit, include a match, and be consistent with total maximum daily load (TMDL) implementation plans, watershed restoration and protection strategies (WRAPS), or local water management plans or their equivalents. A portion of this money may be used to seek administrative efficiencies through shared resources by multiple local governmental units. Up to 20 percent of this appropriation is available for land-treatment projects and practices that benefit drinking water.
The most recognizable measurable outcome of this grant is a 13.7 lb annual reduction of TP. The outcome will bring the lake 62% of the way towards the protection load goal. Additionally, this project will reduce sediment by 7,100 pounds annually.
Grant funds funded Seven projects installed. TP goals exceed planned: Planned- 13.7lbs/yr. Actual-19.8 lbs/yr. Sediment exceeds planned: planned-2.83 tons/yr. Actual - 16.7 tons/yr
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS