2022 Big Elk & Mayhew Lakes Phosphorus Reduction Program

A completed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study has identified phosphorus loading as a significant stressor to lakes & streams within the Elk River Watershed (ERW). So far, we have reduced phosphorus by around 17% of the Big Elk Lake TMDL annual reduction goal and another 3% is underway. With the funding of this grant we expect to reduce phosphorus by an additional 7%. The study identified numerous first & second priority source zones known as Tier 1 & Tier 2 areas. These zones are located within the ERW?s sub-watersheds Mayhew Lake & Big Elk Lake. The TMDL Report identified spring phosphorus loading as the main concern for Mayhew Lake, whereas summer loads dominate the Big Elk Lake nutrient impairment and Elk River turbidity impairment. This study has pinpointed the locations within the watershed where the phosphorus originates from, as well as strategies that may be undertaken to reduce nutrient loading. While we have been able to provide outreach to landowners within these targeted high priority areas, develop site-specific BMPs, & design plans to implement projects, financial assistance is still needed to get this conservation work on the ground. BMPs were strategically chosen to achieve maximum pollution reduction benefits. Some example BMPs include, feedlot runoff control, manure storage, riparian pasture management, & cropland erosion control projects.

Using a 2021 CWF grant, projects are scored with TMDL criteria and funding decisions are subsequently made by the SWCD board. BWSR handles feedlot BMPs differently in that funding decisions are made during this grant proposal process. So, this proposal requests funds for 3 specific feedlot projects out of the 29 projects that our staff are assisting farmers with planning mitigation strategies. These 3 projects, as well as the highest scoring BMP projects as will be determined by the SWCD board are important to meeting the TMDL objectives.