DNR Accelerated Shallow Lakes and Wetland Enhancements Phase 14
This programmatic proposal will accomplish 6,195 acres of shallow lake and wetland enhancement and restoration work. The proposal is comprised of two components - (1) INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS: Nine projects to implement shallow lake and wetland restoration and enhancement through engineering and construction of infrastructure, three engineering only projects, and three management action projects (wild rice seeding and management, cattail control, and water level manipulation); (2) INCREASING PROJECT MANAGEMENT CAPACITY: Hiring a wetland project manager to coordinate and speed implementation of wetland and shallow lake habitat projects.
Minnesota wetlands and shallow lakes, besides being critical for waterfowl, also provide other desirable functions and values - habitat for a wide range of species, groundwater recharge, water purification, flood water storage, shoreline protection, and economic benefits. An estimated 90% of Minnesota's prairie wetlands have been lost and more than 50% of our statewide wetlands. In the wetlands that remain, benefits are often compromised by degraded quality. This proposal will accomplish wetland habitat work throughout Minnesota, with a focus on the prairie region.
Shallow Lake / Wetland Enhancement Restoration - This proposal seeks to engineer and construct wetland infrastructure, such as dikes and water control structures, and to implement management techniques such as wetland restoration, water-level manipulation and sediment removal. The shallow lake and wetland projects identified on the parcel list were proposed and reviewed by DNR Area and Regional supervisors. Projects include engineering feasibility and design work, replacement/renovation of wetland infrastructure to bring about habitat enhancement, wetland restorations, and direct wetland management activities. Two projects will provide restoration work, both in the prairie region. Another 3 projects will use funding for surveys and engineering to prepare for future implementation of wetland enhancement projects. Funding will be used to continue efforts to spray dense stands of monotypic hybrid cattails. 4,600 acres will be treated over two field seasons on parcels that will be identified by wildlife staff and listed in the Final Report. OHF funds will be used to expand wild rice enhancement activities which are extremely valuable to waterfowl and other wetland wildlife. Funding will be targeted to wild rice enhancement work such as seeding and channel cleanouts to manage water-levels. DNR will collaborate with tribal biologists to identify, plan and initiate wild rice enhancement projects. One project will be undertaken to perform a drawdown through pumping.
Wetland Project Management - Numerous plans pertaining to wetlands/shallow lakes call for an increase and acceleration of wetland management activities for wildlife. The Minnesota Duck Action Plan notes the need to expand the Wetland Management Program (WMP) in Minnesota. The WMP assesses wetlands and initiates management to produce quality wetland habitat. It is conservatively estimated that each Natural Resource Specialist working in the WMP will impact 1,125 acres of small wetlands over the life of an appropriation. With the addition of two additional wetland management specialists planned for summer 2021, bringing total number to four, the quantity of projects initiated by these specialists has presented a challenge for DNR engineering and business office functions. It is recommended that a project manager be hired to address this workload and expand capacity. The project manager would oversee implementation of complex wetland and shallow lakes infrastructure projects, acting as a focal point between field biologists, engineers, and business office staff.
The parcel list may be modified as needed by the program manager. The Final Report must reflect an accurate and complete parcel list.
To improve efficiency and meet mutual goals, projects may be done cooperatively with Ducks Unlimited.
$2,301,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources to enhance and restore shallow lakes and wetland habitat statewide. A list of proposed shallow lake and wetland restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
Improved availability and improved condition of habitats that have experienced substantial decline - Intensive wetland management and habitat infrastructure maintenance will provide the wetland base called for in numerous prairie, shallow lake and waterfowl plans. Area wildlife staff and/or shallow lakes staff will monitor completed projects to determine success of
implementation and to assess the need for future management and/or maintenance.
Wetland and upland complexes will consist of native prairies, restored prairies, quality grasslands, and restored shallow lakes and wetlands - Intensive wetland management and habitat infrastructure maintenance will provide the wetland base called for in numerous prairie, shallow lake and waterfowl plans. Area wildlife staff and/or shallow lakes staff will monitor completed projects to determine success of
implementation and to assess the need for future management and/or maintenance.
Protected, restored, and enhanced shallow lakes and wetlands - Intensive wetland management and habitat infrastructure maintenance will provide the wetland base called for in numerous prairie, shallow lake and waterfowl plans. Area wildlife staff and/or shallow lakes staff will monitor completed projects to determine success of
implementation and to assess the need for future management and/or maintenance