Accelerated Shallow Lakes and Wetlands Restoration and Enhancement , Phase 3
Water control structures and dikes were designed and constructed on six Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) in the counties of Becker, Clearwater, Itasca, Lincoln, Roseau, and Yellow Medicine. Dike work at Roseau River WMA protects and enhances 3200 acres of wetlands wetlands in Pool 2 of the WMA. Roseau River WMA has 10 large water control structures, seven moist soil cells, and four large pools covering 11,800 acres. Cells for a moist soil unit were constructed at Lac Qui Parle WMA in Lac Qui Parle County. Engineering design work was initiated at Staples WMA in Todd County, but as is our policy for 'design-only' projects, no acres will be claimed until construction is initiated and completed in a future OHF grant.
Minnesota DNR wetland and shallow lake projects are identified by area wildlife managers and shallow lake specialists. Project identification often comes from either failing wetland infrastructure or shallow lake assessments. Potential projects are submitted by area wildlife managers into a project database with subsequent regional and central office review. Priority projects are selected based on available funding. Project survey, engineering design work, contract bid documents, and construction oversight are provided by regional DNR engineering staff. Needed permits are obtained by area wildlife or shallow lakes staff.
Completed projects provide habitat for wetland dependent species, especially for all stages of waterfowl life needs - spring and fall migration, breeding, and brood rearing. The completed projects additionally provide the benefits that result from managed and enhanced wetlands: hunting locations, clean water, floodwater retention, etc.
$936,000 the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources to develop engineering designs for shallow lakes and wetlands and restore and enhance shallow lakes.
Enhanced 7,262 acres of Wetlands