Lake Bronson Watershed Runoff Reduction

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$100,000
Fund Source
Clean Water Fund
Recipient
Kittson SWCD
Recipient Type
Local/Regional Government
Status
Completed
Start Date
January 2011
End Date
December 2013
Activity Type
Preservation
Counties Affected
Kittson
Kittson
Project Overview

Kittson County and the Two Rivers Watershed District both have plans that emphasize the use of Best Management Practices to improve the water quality of Lake Bronson. Lake Bronson State Park is one of only a handful of state parks in the Northwest corner of Minnesota and the Friends of the Lake Bronson State Park met with Watershed District staff to explore how to improve the water quality of the lake. The lake is subject to sediment and nutrient loading from several upstream ditches. A significant algae bloom during July of each year, at the height of the seasonal use of the lake, is most likely due to the current inflow conditions. Two Rivers Watershed District is partnering with the Kittson Soil and Water Conservation District, Roseau SWCD, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Farm Service Agency to help address these algae blooms. The goal is to improve water quality of the lake and upstream ditches/streams by adding native plant diversity (grass filter strips) to these incoming waterways. Contacting landowners began in the fall of 2010. The goal of adding 100 acres of grass filter strips is expected by summer of 2012. This conservation practice will slow storm water allowing sediment (up to 70%) to be deposited in the grass filter strips rather than in water features that feed Lake Bronson. The project area includes 4,800 acres of crop and pastureland. An acre of installed grass filter strip in this landscape will trap up to 66 tons of soil and 64 lbs of phosphorus each year.

About the Issue

The lake is subject to sediment and nutrient loading from several upstream ditches.  A significant algae bloom during July of each year, at the height of the seasonal use of the lake, is most likely due to the current inflow conditions.

Competitive Grant Making Body
Conflict of Interest Disclosed
No
Conflict of Interest Contact

Nicole Clapp

Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota 2009, Chapter 172, Article 2, Section 6 (b)
Appropriation Language

(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)

2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$100,000
Other Funds Leveraged
$25,000
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

The goal of adding 100 acres of grass filter strips is expected by summer of 2012. This conservation practice will slow storm water allowing sediment (up to 70%) to be deposited in the grass filter strips rather than in water features that feed Lake Bronson. The project area includes 4,800 acres of crop and pastureland. An acre of installed grass filter strip in this landscape will trap up to 66 tons of soil and 64 lbs of phosphorus each year.

Measurable Outcome(s)

12 Contracts for 104.1 acres of grass filter strips are established which reduces sedimentation 3,077 tons per year and phosphorous 3,021 pounds per year and improves wildlife habitat.

Project Manager
First Name
Darren
Last Name
Carlson
Organization Name
Kittson SWCD
Email
darren.carlson@mn.nacdnet.net
Administered By
Administered by
Location

520 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone
651- 296-3767