Southeast Wetland Restoration
The City of Mankato is looking to restore a varied ecosystem that includes wetland restoration, upland prairie establishment, and stream improvements. A minimum of a 100 acre area would provide habitat that supports a diverse mix of plants and animals and will allow for different types of outdoor sporting opportunities. The project is a unique opportunity for habitat establishment and protection in an urbanizing area that will provide lasting benefits for region.
The project will restore a complex habitat of approximately 42 acres of drained wetland and minimum of 58 acres of upland buffer that will provide habitat and outdoor sporting and recreational opportunities. Additionally this project will stormwater on the landscape that will have a positive impact on the receiving stream by establishing a more uniform flow and improving the potential of future aquatic habitat. By storing the water on the landscape a variety of wetland and upland plant communities can be established. These varied communities will provide the habitats necessary for the various stages of life for waterfowl, grassland birds and other wildlife that thrive in these conditions. Because of the alterations to the landscape that have been made over time to drain the wetland basin, significant grading and drainage improvements will need to be made. These improvements will ensure that the proper hydrology is maintained and allow for adequate drainage to protect downstream ecology. Work will include grading to remove the drainage ditch, installation of storm sewer from urban stormwater treatment facilities and structural controls to optimize the water levels in the basin. In order to establish the highest value habitat and prevent negative impacts to neighboring landowners, acquisition of the restorable wetland basin and upland that is directly hydraulically active with this basin will be completed. Native vegetation will be established to promote habitat diversity. This project will also provide sporting and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to observe and enjoy the divers plant and wildlife community that this type of habitat will promote. Though this connection, education on how restoration and improvements such as this one provide a positive impact on the ecosystem while being contextually sensitive to the surrounding agricultural production and urbanization area. By developing the understanding that habitat, recreational activities and agricultural production can exist together in harmony, an increase in public support and acceptance of these types of restoration projects can be achieved.
$1,351,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Mankato to acquire land in fee in the city of Mankato for wetland and grassland restoration. A list of acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
Protected, restored, and enhanced shallow lakes and wetlands - Wetland monitoring will take place for a minimum of 3 years, and up to 10 years, depending on the types of wetlands established. This will determine the number of final acres that are restored within the wetland complex. Additional partnering may be practical with MnDNR to introduce select species of wildlife to this area depending on the final configuration of the ecosystem.
Sales Tax, Sales Tax, Sales Tax and Sales Tax