Knife River Habitat Rehabilitation-Phase IV
Two major stream reroutes:
**Constructed two beneficial off-channel ponds
Reworked two log jams:
**One removed
**One reconstructed/rechannelled
Built approximately 650 linear feet of toewood benches
Built 1,100+ linear feet of graded, inside point bars
Built 15+ grade control structures
**Boulder clusters (for habitat enhancement)
**Constructed riffles
Placed 20+ log roller, large wood, habitat structures
Placed 75+ cubic yards of spawning gravel
Planted 100's of trees/shrubs
**Deciduous
****Mt. Ash, Yellow Birch, Silver Maple,Red & Burr Oak, Red Maple, Basswood
**Coniferous
****Red/White/Jack Pine, Tamarack, White Spruce
**Shrubs/Pollinator Wildflowers
****Speckled/Green Alder, Swamp Milkweed, JoePye Weed
The goal of PH IV-Knife River Habitat Rehabilitation project was to improve instream habitat, stabilize slumping streambanks and restore the riparian tree canopy.
Site Selection:
The LSSA conducted a rapid stream survey to determine the Knife River's overall condition. As stream impacts were identified during the survey, impaired stream reaches were photographed and mapped using GPS. The LSSA also monitor water temperatures to determine where trout survival is the highest. Finally, biological data was collected to determine the quality of in-stream trout habitat. This data was combined to rank and prioritize restoration areas where the worst stream impacts are restored, that reside in coolest water zones, within the best habitat corridors. This data concluded that "first-priority reaches" were located in the upper main Knife River. This also achieves our goal of a top-down restoration approach
Riparian planting sites were determined by site accessibility, construction activity and stream assessment using procedures listed above. Specified project riparian species were determined by the existing riparian habitat, upland or wetland conditions and exposure to sunlight.
Restoration Techniques:
Natural Channel Design (NCD) utilizes a science-based process to bring an unstable eroding stream reach back to a stable state. This method surveys an impacted stream reach to collect data to compare it to several stable stream sections. All survey work is performed using a geomorphic trained Stream Specialist. The assessment data that is collected includes: stream width to depth ratios, floodplain elevation, erosion calculations, longitudinal profile, cross-section elevation, pebble count and vegetation cover. This assessment data is entered into a computer program called Geomorph to create plans and specifications that will redesign the impacted steam channel profile, dimensions and shape to mimic stable reaches within the Knife River Watershed. These plans create the basis for the construction project by depicting channel reconfiguration, placement of structures, location of streambed excavation, location and elevation of the floodplain and realignment of the channel.
The LSSA's NCD process also features a top/down restoration approach. This approach extends the habitat corridor downstream in three ways:
*Downstream habitats are protected because the upstream sediment load is reduced.
*Instream trout spawning success is more productive.
*Newly constructed stream channels are reconnected to the floodplain.
Riparian Zone Rehabilitation:
The species of trees/shrubs/seed mixes being incorporated into the planting plan depends on the area to be planted, based upon wetness and soil types.
* All seed mixes used in our projects are state certified for that specific area.
*Wet area species include: white spruce, tamarack, swamp white oak, river birch, silver maple and speckled alder.
*Higher elevation/dryer area species include: red pine, white pine, red maple, silver maple, bur oak, red oak, northern mountain ash, sand bar willow and speckled alder.
*Shrubs/Pollinator Species That Are Utilized: viburnum, red twig dogwood, black chokeberry, snowberry, downy arrow-wood.
*Several species listed above can be utilized in multiple planting locations.
* LSSA utilized dormant willow staking in this reach with excellent success.
*The LSSA uses locally procured stock for all of our plantings.
$891,000 the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Zeitgeist, in cooperation with the Lake Superior Steelhead Association, to restore and enhance trout habitat in the Knife River watershed. A list of proposed enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
The Knife River Habitat Rehabilitation Project meets many needs from instream areas to improved riparian zones.
*The primary beneficiary is the instream fishery populations and the first specie to benefit is the native brook trout. The enhancement of brook trout is very important to the MN DNR and to Minnesota anglers. Anadromous species that will benefit are steelhead and brown trout. Our project provides habitats needed for complete life cycles for these species: spawning, rearing and adult stages through the construction of riiffles, pools, habitat structures, improved tailout sections and greater overhead cover in the the toewood bench areas. Not only do these game fish species benefit but also the local non-game fish species benefit, including dace, shiners, chubs, sticklebacks and mudminnow.
*Macroinvertebrates also greatly benefit from the various instream habitats created throughout our project area. These species may included snails, crayfish, insects and worms. A very important part of this group are the mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies.
*We have noticed a very large increase in frog populations after the completion of stream reach construction activities. We have even had a wood turtle in our work zone.
*For the first time we have incorporated two off-channel ponds in the PH IV project area. These ponds are extremely interesting and very beneficial to local environment.
**Macroinvertebrates (see partial list above) find these ponds a great benefit and in turn, those creatures that feed on the macroinvertebrates also respond positively. These local creatures can be otter, blue herons, common mergansers and belted kingfishers. All four have been witnessed in an off-channel pond in the PH IV project area at various times.
*Riparian zone improvements include a variety of tree species that benefit local wildlife (ruffed grouse, whitetail deer, etc) throughout the year. From the Mt. Ash fruit that birds of all sort consume to flowering shrubs and native flowers that benefit pollinator species. A healthy riparian zone improves the quality of the entire watershed and all species that are found in it.
**Our varied riparian plantings will help offset losses caused by emerald ash borers and spruce budworm and any future pests.
Costal Grant, MN DNR, Private Source, Private Source: LSSA, Private Source: LSSA and Private Source: ZG and LSSA