2020 - Sediment Reduction in the Flute Reed River Watershed

An approved Total Maximum Daily Load study (TMDL) and other studies and plans for the Flute Reed River have led to sources with identified areas and methods for reducing sediment into the river. It has been identified that some of the largest sediment loading into the river takes place in the mid-section of the watershed with heavy clay soils and flashy hydrology from near channel sources. Other sources identified include overland flow through open lands management and forestry practices, beaver activity, tributaries, ditch maintenance, and improper culverts.
The proposed projects' purpose is to apply multiple strategies, identified within the TMDL, as a watershed approach within the granting period to improve water quality. Anticipated benefits include reduction of sediment loading into the system, cooler water temperatures, and community understanding of the watershed.
Midway up in the watershed, a tributary beginning to slump will be re-stabilized and restored. Moving down the watershed into the main river, the removal of a Hewitt Ramp identified by the MN DNR as a fish barrier and eroding the banks will be removed and the banks re-stabilized and re-vegetated. Working with willing landowners, areas will be re-vegetated with species that are not the first preference to beaver and that are adaptable for climate change. The main road system has a connected ditching system that leads to the river. There is approximately 3,000 linear feet identified in need of additional attention to reduce sediment into the river. Through re-vegetation and rock-checks as needed after final assessment, practices will be installed. All proposed projects are estimated to reduce sediment loading by 263 tons/year, a reduction estimated of 30% of sediment loading from throughout the watershed into the river. Continued outreach through neighborhood meetings will provide landowners with the opportunity to visit previous and current project sites expanding their watershed understanding.