Accelerated Shallow Lakes and Wetland Enhancements Phase 15
This proposal will accomplish shallow lake and wetland enhancement and restoration work on over 555000 acres. The proposal is comprised of two components - (1) nine projects to engineer and/or construct infrastructure such as water control structures, dikes, and fish barriers that will lead to enhanced or restored wetland wildlife habitat, plus aerial cattail spraying of hybrid cattails; (2) Continued funding for four shallow lakes specialists.
Minnesota wetlands and shallow lakes, besides being critical for waterfowl, also provide other desirable functions and values - habitat for a wide range of species, groundwater recharge, water purification, flood water storage, shoreline protection, and economic benefits. An estimated 90% of Minnesota's prairie wetlands have been lost and more than 50% of our statewide wetlands. In the wetlands that remain, benefits are often compromised by degraded quality. This programmatic proposal will accomplish wetland habitat work throughout Minnesota and is comprised of two components - (1) Projects and (2) Shallow Lakes Program.
1. Projects identified on the parcel list were proposed and reviewed by DNR Area and Regional supervisors. Planned work includes replacement/renovation of wetland infrastructure to bring about habitat enhancement, wetland restorations, and direct wetland management activities.
- Engineering and construction of seven infrastructure projects will provide 3,033 acres of enhancement.
- One project will provide restoration work totaling 19 acres in Lyon County
- One project will provide engineering for a project in Murray County.
- Efforts will continue to spray dense stands of monotypic hybrid cattails, with 2,500 acres planned for treatment on parcels that will be identified by wildlife staff and listed in the Final Report.
2.The Minnesota Shallow Lakes Plan identified the overall poor water quality and habitat condition of shallow lakes in Minnesota. This deteriorated quality dramatically reduced wildlife use. The Minnesota DNR has developed a unique programmatic approach to shallow lake management. This programmatic approach is an example of how staff dedicated to a specific task and provided with additional finances can successfully implement a clear strategic plan. Data shows that actively managed shallow lakes have dramatic habitat improvements and better waterfowl use. Past management of shallow lakes was limited until an investment was made in dedicated shallow lakes specialists to support our area wildlife staff and who only worked on shallow lake management. Work by these specialists includes conducting habitat evaluations, guiding the designation of wildlife management lakes, identifying lake problems, recommending lake management strategies and developing management plans, and, alongside property managers, implementing shallow lake management. Past OHF funding made it possible to expand the number of shallow lake specialists available to do work. This proposal will continue funding four Shallow Lakes Specialists. The Shallow Lakes Program has celebrated the 60th designated lake and has been recognized with a DNR Commissioner's Award, and the USFWS Blue-winged Teal Award for the quality and scope of its work.
The parcel list may be modified as needed by the program manager. The Final Report must reflect an accurate and complete parcel list.
To improve efficiency and meet mutual goals, projects may be done cooperatively with Ducks Unlimited.
$3,695,000 the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources to enhance and restore shallow lakes and wetland habitat statewide. A list of proposed shallow lake and wetland restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
Improved availability and improved condition of habitats that have experienced substantial decline - Intensive wetland management and habitat infrastructure maintenance will provide the wetland base called for in numerous prairie, shallow lake and waterfowl plans. Area wildlife staff and/or shallow lakes staff will monitor completed projects to determine success of
implementation and to assess the need for future management and/or maintenance.
Wetland and upland complexes will consist of native prairies, restored prairies, quality grasslands, and restored shallow lakes and wetlands - Intensive wetland management and habitat infrastructure maintenance will provide the wetland base called for in numerous prairie, shallow lake and waterfowl plans. Area wildlife staff and/or shallow lakes staff will monitor completed projects to determine success of
implementation and to assess the need for future management and/or maintenance.
Protected habitats will hold wetlands and shallow lakes open to public recreation and hunting - Intensive wetland management and habitat infrastructure maintenance will provide the wetland base called for in numerous prairie, shallow lake and waterfowl plans. Area wildlife staff and/or shallow lakes staff will monitor completed projects to determine success of
implementation and to assess the need for future management and/or maintenance.
Protected, restored, and enhanced shallow lakes and wetlands - Intensive wetland management and habitat infrastructure maintenance will provide the wetland base called for in numerous prairie, shallow lake and waterfowl plans. Area wildlife staff and/or shallow lakes staff will monitor completed projects to determine success of
implementation and to assess the need for future management and/or maintenance