CD-96-21-16 Gully Control and Buffer Implementation

The Pennington SWCD has collaborated with Pennington County for several years to identify priority County Ditch reaches that are in need of buffers and grade stabilization structures. This cooperative effort has resulted in the reduction of nutrient and sediment delivery to the Red Lake River Watershed. Pennington SWCD has recently inventoried buffer and grade stabilization needs on three different County Ditch systems: 96, 21 and 16. A total of 23 miles of ditch has been inventoried, 15 miles of buffer are needed along with 81 grade stabilization structures. The installation of these conservation practices will result in the reduction of 2428 tons of sediment per year entering the Red Lake River near St. Hilaire. Near this location, the Red Lake River becomes impaired for Turbidity. The Pennington SWCD also has a long history of working with NRCS, the Red Lake Watershed District and landowners to implement grade stabilization structures throughout the county. With the inventory of needs already complete, these practices can be readily installed with the interest of landowners that receive incentives to assist in the reduction of sediment entering the Red Lake River.