Preventing Forest Fragmentation and Protecting and Restoring Lake and Stream Habitat in the St. Louis River Watershed
This project prevented forest fragmentation and protected lake and stream habitat in the St. Louis River watershed through the fee acquisition of 2555 acres.
The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is pleased to report that we exceeded our proposed acreage goal to prevent forest fragmentation and to protect and restore lake and stream habitat in the St. Louis River watershed. Following appraisal of the priority parcel it was determined that excess funding would be available to acquire additional lands. This project includes acquisition of a 440-acre priority property containing an 80-acre lake, acquisition of 375 acres directly adjacent to the St. Louis River, acquisition of 236 acres with 2,000 feet along the St. Louis River, and 1504 acres of St. Louis County tax forfeit parcels. This project protects the water quality of the St. Louis River, provides expanded opportunities for public fishing and hunting, and prevents forest fragmentation.
I. Acquired the 440-Acre Priority Property: Chi-wizo zaaga’iganing (Simian Lake)
The priority for this project was the acquisition of a 440-acre property (“Priority Property”), which was one of the largest privately owned properties within the Fond du Lac Reservation and is being marketed by a real estate broker. The Priority Property contains 83 acres of wetlands and an 80-acre lake, Chi-wizo zaaga’iganing (also known as Simian Lake), which is classified as a high-priority fishery and drains into the St. Louis River. Preventing development of this lake will contribute to the restoration efforts of the St. Louis River by eliminating potential sources of sediment and nutrient loads. By purchasing the Priority Property in its entirety, the Fond du Lac Band will prevent fragmentation of the 194 acres of forest habitat on the Property.
II. Acquired 611 Acres Along the Main Stem of the St. Louis River
The Fond du Lac Band acquired 236 acres containing 2,000 feet of frontage along St. Louis River in one acquisition and 375 acres containing 3.7 miles of frontage along the St. Louis River in a second acquisition. These acquisitions ensure public access ensure conservation of critical habitat along the St. Louis River.
III. Acquired 1504 Acres of St. Louis County Tax Forfeit Lands
This large acquisition of lands scattered throughout the Fond du Lac Reservation prevents future development of and further fragmentation of forested lands. A secondary benefit is that these lands will be managed in a similar fashion as the adjacent Band lands. These acquisitions make permanent public access to land for outdoor recreation available.
$2,800,000 in the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for a contract with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to acquire lands in fee in the St. Louis River watershed to be managed for fish and wildlife purposes. A list of proposed land acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
Forestlands are protected from development and fragmentation - The nearly 400 total acres of forestland at the project sites will be measured against a baseline year as to age classification and diversity of tree types.
Increased availability and improved condition of riparian forests and other habitat corridors - The age class and diversity of tree types in the riparian corridor will be measured against a baseline year.
Healthy populations of endangered, threatened, and special concern species as well as more common species - Periodic surveys will be conducted at Simian Lake, Simian Creek, and upland areas to evaluate the size and biodiversity of plant and animal populations..
Greater public access for wildlife and outdoors-related recreation - Number of visitors will be measured by car counts in parking lots, school visits, and game harvest registrations.
Improved aquatic habitat indicators - Fisheries surveys on a 5 year cycle, benthic macroinvertebrate community composition sampled annually, and water quality sampling four times per year will be continued at Simian Lake and Simian Creek along with existing sampling of the St. Louis River and compared to existing baseline data.
FDL Band, Fond du Lac Band