Leech Lake River Watershed Implementation
The Leech Lake River 1W1P process has generated a protection based strategy for this watershed. 11 minor watersheds have been identified as having top priority. The 1W1P policy and advisory committee's have agreed that the following tools are the best for enhanced protection:
1. Private Forest Management Plans-will add 5,000 additional protected acres within the first 2 years, The following are the acres needed to obtain the targeted 75% protection. Inguadona-577 acres, Big Deep Lake- 977 acres, Mann Lake-1367 acres, Woman Lake-1416 acres, Pleasant Lake-3936 acres.
2. Comprehensive Inventory culvert database-Locate and inventory existing culverts to create and accurate representation of connectivity of each priority watershed.
3. Municipal storm water mapping-Creation of accurate maps of the 4 municipalities, Akeley, Hackensack, Longville and Federal Dam.
4. Storm water BMP installation in the City of Walker. This will remove 15 tons of sediment annually from entering Leech Lake.
5. Culvert Work-repositioning or replacement of existing culverts, 2 were previously identified by MPCA watershed assessment.
6. Chloride Reduction- Working with local road authorities to acquire new technology to reduce the amount of chloride needed annually within the watershed.
7. Ag BMP's- Working with producers to acquire and install cattle exclusion fences and alternate watering systems.
Marcey Westrick
[Watershed Based Implementation Funding 2020] (a) $13,591,000 the first year and $13,375,000 the second year are for performance-based grants with multiyear implementation plans to local government units. The grants may be used to implement projects that protect, enhance, and restore surface water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams; protect groundwater from degradation; and protect drinking water sources. Projects must be identified in a comprehensive watershed plan developed under the One Watershed, One Plan or metropolitan surface water management frameworks or groundwater plans. Grant recipients must identify a nonstate match and may use other legacy funds to supplement projects funded under this paragraph.
5000 newly protected forested acres, replace problem culverts, accurate connectivity and flow of targeted watersheds, removal of 15 tons pounds of sediment annually, acquisition of new technologies for chloride reduction, municipal storm water maps.
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS