Lake Wakanda Enhancement Project
Kandiyohi County with Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council’s grant was used to address the ecosystem and critical lake habitat on Lake Wakanda. This shallow lake is part of a prairie chain of lakes located south of Willmar at the headwaters of the South Fork of the Crow River, which flows into the Mississippi River. The (4) new water control structures with fish barriers will enhance fish and wildlife habitat through active management, resulting in improved aquatic plant growth and distribution, wetland wildlife habitat, and a more diverse and balanced fishery with greater recreational opportunities for the public.
Kandiyohi County entered into contract with Landwehr Construction of St. Cloud to construct the four water control structures. The completed Enhancement Project moves forward The Cooperative Enhancement Plan for Lake Wakanda, which was developed by bringing multiple partners together including Kandiyohi County, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, Kandiyohi County Soil and Water Conservation District, Crow River Organization of Water, the Wakanda and Big Kandiyohi Lake Association, Blomkest Sportsmen's Club and Ducks Unlimited.
The completed project included:
• Variable crest water control structures (2) with fish barriers on the south side of Lake Wakanda, connecting it to Big Kandiyohi Lake and the other replaced a sheet-pile structure on County Road #8 to assist with fish movement from downstream lakes and streams entering Lake Wakanda.
• Concrete box culverts (2) with one along County Road 123 to isolate fish from the west bay, improving wildlife habitat and the other was a replacement of a former cart-way crossing that connects the east bay of the lake to Little Kandiyohi Lake.
$921,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Kandiyohi County to enhance aquatic habitat within and adjacent to Lake Wakanda in Kandiyohi County. A list of proposed land enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
Enhanced 1,754 acres
Kandiyohi County