Minnesota Trout Unlimited Coldwater Fish Habitat Enhancement and Restoration, Phase 11
Minnesota Trout Unlimited (“MNTU”) proposes to directly restore or enhance degraded habitat on priority streams with existing protections under the Aquatic Management Area system or public ownership. We propose to restore or enhance habitat in and along these public waters (and counties):
1. Trout Brook (Dakota);
2. Hay Creek (Pine County);
3. Beaver Creek (Houston);
4. Cedar Valley Creek (Winona);
5. Rice Creek (Fillmore);
6. Split Rock River (Lake);
7. Manitou River (Lake);
8. Keene Creek (St. Louis);
9. Duluth area streams (St. Louis);
10. Numerous streams statewide (prioritized maintenance list).
We will also protect via trout stream easements segments of native brook trout streams in Pine County and the Duluth area. Once acquired the easements will be held by the MNDNR.
If contracting efficiencies or success leveraging funding enable us to, we will extend project lengths, work on one or more of the projects originally proposed but temporarily "cut" by us due to lower funding than requested [Gilbert Creek (Wabasha), Mill Creek (Fillmore), Pine Creek (New Hartford Creek)(Winona),and Torkelson Creek (Fillmore)], and/or work on additional streams. The Split Rock River project will be designed and permitted, and construction funding sought in the next funding cycle.
Individual project descriptions are provided in an attachment.
Goals and scope of work.
The goals of each project 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 and terrestrial 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 forests as appropriate, (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 and are discussed in the individual project descriptions provided in the attachment.
How priorities were set.
MNTU focuses on those watersheds likely to continue to support viable, fishable populations of naturally reproducing trout and steelhead 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 using MNTU members’ knowledge of watersheds, MNDNR management plans and surveys, other habitat and conservation planning efforts, consultations with MNDNR professionals, 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 local communities, anglers, landowners, partners and the public.
$2,359,000 the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with Trout Unlimited to acquire permanent conservation stream easements using the payment method prescribed in Minnesota Statutes, section 84.0272, subdivision 2, and to restore and enhance habitat for trout and other species in and along coldwater rivers, lakes, and streams in Minnesota. Up to $40,000 is to establish a monitoring and enforcement fund as approved in the accomplishment plan and subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.056, subdivision 17. A list of proposed land acquisitions and restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
Improved aquatic habitat indicators - Measured through surveys of fish, macro invertebrates and/or exposed substrates. Abundance, size structure and species diversity are considered..Improved aquatic habitat indicators - Measured through surveys of fish, macro invertebrates and/or exposed substrates. Abundance, size structure and species diversity are considered..Enhancement of in-stream and riparian corridor habitat creates miles of connected habitat. Outcomes in aquatic life are measured through surveys of fish, macro invertebrates and/or exposed substrates. Abundance, size structure and species diversity are considered. .
NRCS and USFWS, TU