Chain of Lakes Targeted Reduction

The Chain of Lakes Targeted Reduction project will utilize Clean Water Funds to address bank erosion and install vegetated buffers along tributaries to the Eden Valley Chain of Lakes using the SRWD's incentivized Hayed Buffer Program. The Eden Valley Chain of Lakes (Vails Lake, Eden Lake and North Browns Lake) drain into the main segment of the Sauk River Chain of Lakes (SRCL) from the south. Impaired for excessive nutrients, this southern series of lakes is influenced by inflows from private ditches and perennial and intermittent streams. The 2014 TMDL study for the entire SRCL identifies 85-90% of the total phosphorus loading from agricultural runoff. The SRWD will be working with the Stearns County SWCD, Meeker County SWCD, Stearns County NRCS and Pheasants Forever to address the nutrient runoff concerns identified for these three lakes in the 2014 SRCL TMDL. The SRWD's Hayed Buffer Program and stream stabilization will complement conservation BMPs administered by the Stearns County SWCD as part of the Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI) program focused in the lower Sauk River Chain of Lakes region. CWF will be utilized to conduct landowner outreach efforts, technical assistance for project design, and cost share for riparian BMP implementation. Funds will also be utilized as a sign up incentive in the amount of $100/ac to enroll in the SRWD Hayed Buffer Program established by the SRWD's Farmer-led Council. CWF funds will be used to make progress in achieving goals outlined in the District's 2014-2023 plan which includes three miles of priority site specific bank stabilization on Luxemburg Creek for overall annual sediment reduction of six tons. Estimated phosphorus reduction of 20 pounds per year is anticipated from native buffers and stream bank restoration.