Clearwater County Wetland Restoration

Across the prairie pothole region of Minnesota, greater than 90% of wetlands have been drained and approximately only 1% of native prairie remains on the landscape. This alteration is well documented and one only needs to drive across the rural country-side or look at aerial photos to see how drastically humans have changed the ecology of this landscape. This change has had two effects; first, wetland drainage and agricultural development has removed hundreds of thousands of acres of nesting and brood rearing habitat for waterfowl and other grassland game-birds and songbirds. Second, instead of holding water in the watershed in those wetlands and reducing erosion of uplands, precipitation flushes directly into our lakes and river systems negatively impacting water quality with increased sediment, nutrients, and pesticides. Because 85% of the land in the prairie pothole region is privately owned, addressing these issues at an effective scale requires working with private landowners. This project focuses on restoring and enhancing wetlands that will be protected in perpetuity by conservation easements. This work uses the best conservation science to strategically restore and enhance wetlands in existing grasslands to sustain and increase migratory bird, pollinator, and resident wildlife populations. The restoration of wetlands can also provide significant improvements in water quality at the local and landscape level, while also providing forage and water for livestock. The projects identified in this proposal help meet the goals and objectives of the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture, the Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan, the Minnesota Duck Plan, and the USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife program Strategic Plan through the restoration of wetland and prairie wildlife habitat on private land. Of the six tracts identified for restoration or enhancement in this proposal, all are located in the agricultural matrix area of the Minnesota Prairie Plan, but are in close proximity to Chester Hills core area. All the properties rank high on scoring criteria for priority protection of wetlands and grasslands according to the models for waterfowl and grassland bird habitat in the prairie pothole region of the state. Of the 188 acres identified for restoration or enhancement, 100% will wetlands to provide high quality habitat for waterfowl, pheasants, pollinators, and wetland-dependent wildlife.