2023 Continued Implementation of BMPs in the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed

Over the past 10 years, the Chisago SWCD has invested heavily in the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes watershed. In 2020, the fruits of that investment paid off when North and South Center Lakes, formerly impaired for excess nutrients, were de-listed from the MN Impaired Waters List. The other 16 lakes within the watershed are showing improving trends in Total Phosphorus (TP) and Chlorophyll-a concentrations and increasing clarity of the water. The SWCD believes it is imperative to continue work in the watershed to maximize the momentum that has been built and to both maintain and improve water quality throughout the Chain of Lakes watershed. As part of the Lower St Croix Partnership, the SWCD helped develop the One Watershed, One Plan for the Lower St. Croix River watershed. ?Regionally Significant Lakes? have a total reduction goal of 1,375 lbs (1,275 lbs/yr from rural areas and 100 lbs/yr from urban areas). The Year 3-4 (2023-2024) goal for rural TP reduction is 225 lbs and the urban goal during the same period is 20 lbs for a combined total of 245 lbs. With this application, the SWCD will implement at least 15 BMPs and reduce TP by a minimum of 125 lb/yr (51% of the Year 3-4 goal, 9% of the total goal). The high priority lakes (North and South Center) will reduce 80 lbs TP, second priority lakes (Chisago and Green) will reduce 30 lbs, and 15 lbs will be reduced from remaining lakes (North and South Lindstrom, Kroon, Spider, Wallmark, School, Little Green, Emily). On occasion, the opportunity to complete a project located outside of the priority lakes, but that has substantial benefits and potential impact comes up. The project may be time sensitive, may include working with a landowner that has been reluctant in the past, or may be identified as a top project in an assessment for another lake in the chain. The SWCD doesn't want to lose the opportunity to complete good projects because they are outside of the priority target zones.