Lower Otter Tail River Restoration - Head-Cut Stabilization

The Buffalo-Red River Watershed District (BBRWD) will partner with the Wilkin SWCD and landowners in a continued effort to restore 8.2 miles of the Lower Ottertail River (LOTR) that has experienced degradation and surface water impairment since it's channelization in the early 1950's. This application's priority is to address a head-cut along the upper end of 8.2 miles stream restoration project (Section 27 of Foxhome Township). When stabilized, sediment load to the river will be reduced by 2,500 tons/yr, and total phosphorus will be reduced by 300 lbs/yr. The advancing head-cut has become the most critically eroding portion contributing excessive sediment to the LOTR. The total sediment reduction associated with this project is 36 percent of the 6,868 ton/yr goal set by the TMDL for the LOTR (2021) and 27% of the 9,186 tons/yr goal set by the BRRW CWMP. The focus of the LOTR Restoration project will improve water quality by reducing sediment associated with streambank failure, erosion, and channelization, and to restore some of the river's natural flood reduction features. Along with the channel restoration, the Wilkin SWCD is applying for an additional Clean Water Fund Grant for $195k to implement other sediment BMPs along the LOTR.