DNR Accelerated Shallow Lakes and Wetland Enhancements - Phase 16
This proposal will establish shallow lake and wetland enhancement and restoration work on 4,153 acres. This programmatic proposal has two components - (1) Ten projects to engineer and/or construct infrastructure such as water control structures and dikes and other work leading to enhanced or restored wetland habitat, plus aerial spraying of hybrid cattails; (2) Continued funding for two wetland habitat specialists. This work supports the goals of Minnesota habitat and species plans, but specifically supports the Minnesota Long-Range Duck Recovery Plan, Minnesota Duck Action Plan, and Managing Minnesota's Shallow Lakes Plan for Waterfowl and Wildlife.
Minnesota wetlands and shallow lakes, besides being critical for waterfowl, also provide other desirable functions and values - habitat for a wide range of species, groundwater recharge, water purification, flood water storage, shoreline protection, and economic benefits. An estimated 90% of Minnesota's prairie wetlands have been lost and more than 50% of our statewide wetlands. In the wetlands that remain benefits are often compromised by degraded quality. This programmatic proposal will accomplish wetland habitat work throughout Minnesota and is comprised of two components - (1) Projects and (2) Wetland Management Program.
1. CONSTRUCTION/ENGINEERING/MANAGEMENT PROJECTS - Projects identified on the parcel list were proposed and reviewed by DNR Area and Regional Wildlife supervisors and the Shallow Lakes and Wetland Management Programs . Planned work includes adding and improving wetland infrastructure to bring about habitat enhancement, wetland restorations, and direct wetland management activities. Engineering and construction of infrastructure projects will provide enhancement in the counties of Anoka, Le Seuer, Yellow Medicine, Mille Lacs, and Swift. Work will involve replacement or major renovation of water control structures and dikes that will lead to enhanced wetland habitat. Three wetland restoration projects are planned in Freeborn, Mahnomen, and Cottonwood counties. One project will involve survey and design work to prepare for future construction in Meeker County. Herbicide treatments will continue on approximately 2500 acres of dense stands of monotypic hybrid cattails. Specific parcels will be listed in the Final Report.
2.WETLAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM - Numerous plans pertaining to wetlands call for effective management of existing habitat to provide maximum benefits for wildlife. The 2020 Minnesota Duck Action Plan notes the need to expand the Wetland Management Program (WMP) in Minnesota. The WMP assesses wetlands and implements management to improve wetland wildlife habitat. The WMP addresses needed management needed for smaller wetlands that were often overlooked on the landscape including in our Wildlife Management Areas. This proposal will continue funding for two Wetland Management Specialist and allow continued work for three years in the prairie region of Minnesota. Management work includes water level manipulation, removal of undesirable fish and controlling invasive plants, and will be focused in wetland complexes. It is conservatively estimated that each Natural Resource Specialist working in the WMP impacts 600 acres of small wetlands over the life of an appropriation.
To improve efficiency and meet mutual goals, projects may be done in cooperation with Duck Unlimited.
Parcels may be added, modified, or deleted from the parcel list to accommodate engineering feasibility results, provide resources to new opportunities, or to address the challenges associated with complex shallow lake and wetland projects. All changes shall be in keeping with the scope of the project and will be fully reported in the Final Report.
$3,809,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to enhance and restore shallow lakes and wetland habitat statewide.
Improved availability and improved condition of habitats that have experienced substantial decline - Intensive wetland management and habitat infrastructure renovation and construction will provide the wetland base called for in numerous prairie, shallow lake and waterfowl plans. Area wildlife staff and/or shallow lakes staff will monitor completed projects to determine success of
implementation and to assess the need for future management and/or maintenance.
Wetland and upland complexes will consist of native prairies, restored prairies, quality grasslands, and restored shallow lakes and wetlands - Intensive wetland management and habitat infrastructure renovation and construction will provide the wetland base called for in numerous prairie, shallow lake and waterfowl plans. Area wildlife staff and/or shallow lakes staff will monitor completed projects to determine success of implementation and to assess the need for future management and/or maintenance.
Protected habitats will hold wetlands and shallow lakes open to public recreation and hunting - Intensive wetland management and habitat infrastructure renovation and construction will provide the wetland base called for in numerous prairie, shallow lake and waterfowl plans. Area wildlife staff and/or shallow lakes staff will monitor completed projects to determine success of implementation and to assess the need for future management and/or maintenance.
Protected, restored, and enhanced shallow lakes and wetlands - Intensive wetland management and habitat infrastructure renovation and construction will provide the wetland base called for in numerous prairie, shallow lake and waterfowl plans. Area wildlife staff and/or shallow lakes staff will monitor completed projects to determine success of implementation and to assess the need for future management and/or maintenance