2020 Crow River Gully Stabilization to Reduce Turbidity Phase Four

The Wright Soil and Water Conservation District has partnered with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on phase four of this comprehensive sediment reduction project to focus on stabilizing seven of the most active gully erosion sites in the targeted DNR 12 digit HUCs 070102040602, 070102040603, 070102040604 and 070102040605 on the North Fork Crow River, as well as use the installed best management practices (BMPs) to help promote future conservation practices. The first three phases have been very successful in terms of landowner interest and strong partnerships with NRCS leading to more matching cost share dollars than anticipated, resulting in additional projects. In total, 34 water and sediment control basins and 17 grade stabilization structures have been installed using $324,579.79 in CWF grants while also leveraging $239,653.08 through NRCS's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and $87,587.42 in landowner match. A LiDAR study and follow-up field inspections were done on a number of gully sites within the aforementioned HUCs and 15 priority sites were identified. These particular HUCs were chosen due to the high level of turbidity and low dissolved oxygen within that stretch of the North Fork Crow River, which has led to biological and turbidity impairments. This project will drastically reduce the amount of sediment and phosphorus being exported from the targeted stretch of the Crow River by constructing BMPs, including grade stabilization structures and water and sediment control basins, at the headward eroding extent of these gullies. The installed BMPs will stop the gullies' advancement and thus help to heal the lower stretch over time. This project is targeting the western half of the North Fork Crow River in Wright County, after the first three phases of the project focused on a similar area with great success and will be using the original BMP sites as examples for future potential project landowners.