Continuation of Hay Creek/Stinking Lake Sediment Reduction
A partnership of local, state and federal organizations has used multiple funding sources to target nonpoint pollution reduction efforts to the Hay Creek Watershed, a 24-square-mile area in Becker County that features several high- quality lakes. Clean Water Legacy grants were received in 2008 by the Buffalo-Red River Watershed District and in 2011 by the Becker SWCD. The grants leveraged both local and federal dollars, and it built on previous efforts to identify locations where conservation projects could provide the greatest benefits for water quality and wildlife habitat.
Stinking Lake is a shallow lake in the watershed that provides high-quality waterfowl habitat and flood water storage. Protecting the lake has been a major concern of the watershed district and other organizations, including the Becker Soil and Water Conservation District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Ducks Unlimited.
In 2009, the watershed district, in partnership with the Becker SWCD and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service developed a plan to install water and sediment control basins and buffer strips of native vegetation along either side of Hay Creek. In 2009 and 2010, forty five basins and 11 miles of buffer strips were installed. This 2011 grant has allowed for 28 additional basins to be installed in the watershed. An additional 15 basins will be installed in 2012.
Nicole Clapp
(b) $2,800,000 the first year and $3,124,000 the second year are for grants to watershed districts and watershed management organizations for: (i) structural or vegetative management practices that reduce storm water runoff from developed or disturbed lands to reduce the movement of sediment, nutrients, and pollutants or to leverage federal funds for restoration, protection, or enhancement of water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams and to protect groundwater and drinking water; and (ii) the installation of proven and effective water retention practices including, but not limited to, rain gardens and other vegetated infiltration basins and sediment control basins in order to keep water on the land. The projects must be of long-lasting public benefit, include a local match, and be consistent with TMDL implementation plans or local water management plans. Watershed district and watershed management organization staff and administration may be used for local match. Priority may be given to school projects that can be used to demonstrate water retention practices. Up to five percent may be used for administering the grants. (2011 - Runoff Reduction)
In 2009 and 2010, forty five basins and 11 miles of buffer strips were installed. This 2011 grant has allowed for 28 additional basins to be installed in the watershed. An additional 15 basins will be installed in 2012.
The final design called for the installation of 30 water and sediment control basins on six different property owners' land. All 30 of the basins have been installed and the result will be a reduction of 812 pounds of phosphorous and 706 tons of sediment per year to the watershed.