Enhance Metro and SE MN Trout Stream Habitats, Phase 2

The popularity of trout fishing in southeast MN and the Metro area continues to soar. Anglers applaud our recent habitat projects but want to see many more undertaken. Badly degraded habitat on those trout streams that are most accessible to the public severely limits their productivity and public enjoyment. Minnesota Trout Unlimited ("MNTU") will directly enhance or restore degraded habitat on priority streams with existing protections under the Aquatic Management Area system or other public ownership. We will also extend the work of the conservation corps, drawn from urban youth, to restore healthy prairie, wetland and forest vegetation (i.e., habitat) on the larger parcels surrounding Metro trout streams. We propose to restore or enhance habitat in and along these public waters (in these counties):

1. Eagle Creek (Scott);
2. Vermillion River (Dakota);
3. Little Cannon River (Goodhue);
4. Spring Creek (Wabasha)*;
5. South Branch Root River (Fillmore);
6. Crooked Creek* (Houston);
7. Garvin Brook* (Winona);
8. Southeast MN streams (additional enhancements in numerous counties); and
9. Numerous streams (vegetation in numerous counties).

Individual project descriptions are provided in an attachment. Work on streams with an asterisk will occur only if the appropriation amount increases or substantial leverage is secured.

Goals and scope of work:
The goals of projects are to increase the carrying capacity and trout population of the stream, increase angling access and participation, improve water quality, and provide other benefits to aquatic, terrestrial, and avian wildlife. Each project will accomplish one or more of these objectives: (a) increase adult trout abundance, (b) reduce stream bank erosion and associated sedimentation downstream, (c) reconnect the stream to its floodplains to reduce negative impacts from severe flooding, (d) increase natural reproduction of trout and other aquatic organisms, (e) increase habitat for invertebrates and non-game species, (f) improve connectivity of habitat along aquatic and riparian (terrestrial) corridors, (g) improve riparian forest health and function, (h) improve angler access and participation, and (i) protect productive trout waters from invasive species. The scope of work and methods utilized vary by project site conditions and are discussed in the individual project descriptions provided in the attachment.

How priorities were set:
MNTU focuses habitat enhancement and restoration efforts on those watersheds likely to continue to support viable, fishable populations of naturally reproducing trout fifty years and more from now. Work is done only where degraded habitat is a limiting factor for a quality, sustainable fishery. Priority locations are determined through consultations with MNDNR professionals, MNDNR management plans and surveys, other habitat and conservation planning efforts, MNTU members' knowledge of watersheds, and science-based criteria. All things being equal, we consider the potential to draw new anglers outdoors, increase public awareness, engage landowners in conservation, foster partnerships, and increase public support for OHF projects.

Stakeholder support:
We continue receiving strong support from anglers, landowners, rural communities, and local civic and sporting organizations. Local governments are approaching us to partner on habitat work and we continue gathering local input and developing partnerships in the planning and implementation stages.