Lower Wild Rice River Turbidity Project
This project is designed to reduce sediment in the Wild River River based on a state approved plan (TMDL). The estimated water quality benefits completed by this project are 12,980 (120 truckloads) tons of soil saved per year, which will assist in reducing turbidity impairments downstream on the LWRR.
Through this project, activities will primarily be focused on the installation of Best Management Practices (BMP) in Phase 1 upstream sub-watersheds, South Branch of the Wild Rice River, Moccasin Creek and Marsh Creek. Sediment loading reductions in these sub-watersheds will in turn result in sediment load reductions on the LWRR downstream. Priority will be given to BMPs installed within 1 mile of the main stem channel in each sub-watershed or within 1/2 mile of tributaries and within 120 feet of all other man-made ditches. We will work with landowners to install BMPs within targeted locations through existing federal, state and local conservation programs. The conservation practices that will be supported by this project will provide erosion control and reduce sediment properties, which will reduce the sediment load at the LWRR. The water quality and natural resource enhancements of these practices will also provide valuable habitat benefits.
Nicole Clapp
(b) $2,800,000 the first year and $3,124,000 the second year are for grants to watershed districts and watershed management organizations for: (i) structural or vegetative management practices that reduce storm water runoff from developed or disturbed lands to reduce the movement of sediment, nutrients, and pollutants or to leverage federal funds for restoration, protection, or enhancement of water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams and to protect groundwater and drinking water; and (ii) the installation of proven and effective water retention practices including, but not limited to, rain gardens and other vegetated infiltration basins and sediment control basins in order to keep water on the land. The projects must be of long-lasting public benefit, include a local match, and be consistent with TMDL implementation plans or local water management plans. Watershed district and watershed management organization staff and administration may be used for local match. Priority may be given to school projects that can be used to demonstrate water retention practices. Up to five percent may be used for administering the grants (2010 - Runoff Reduction)
The estimated water quality benefits completed by this project are 12,980 (120 truckloads) tons of soil saved per year, which will assist in reducing turbidity impairments downstream on the LWRR.
This project resulted in the installation of 100 acres of buffer strips saving 800 tons of soil a year. Forty water and sediment control basins were installed, saving 2,100 tons of soil a year. Thirty-six side inlet structures were installed saving 10,080 tons of soil a year.