North Cannon River Watershed Runoff Reduction Project
Through this project, the North Cannon River Watershed Management Organization (NCRWMO) works cooperatively with the Dakota Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD) and landowners to establish best management practices (BMPs) that reduce runoff and decrease the movement of sediment, nutrients, and pollutants into the Cannon River and its tributaries including, Trout Brook, Chub Creek, and Pine Creek.
There are two components to this project. The first initiative provides costshare funding incentives and technical assistance to landowners who install structural BMPs such as raingardens, water and sediment control basins and grassed waterways. The second initiative uses grant funding to provide 10-year extensions to expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts that are not eligible for federal re-enrollment. Fields that are highly susceptible to erosion are targeted for protection through this initiative. The grasses and native prairie vegetation on these highly sensitive lands retain runoff and hold soil in place while providing high quality wildlife habitat.
In 2010, several BMPs were installed through this project. A 500 square foot raingarden installed at Highview Christiana church will treat and infiltrate stormwater from a large parking lot for years to come. The reconstruction of a grassed waterway in Hampton Township will reduce erosion from cultivated land adjacent to a ditch and six water and sediment control basins installed in the Trout Brook watershed will eliminate approximately 104 tons of sediment per year caused by gully erosion. Additional projects are planned for subsequent years.
Nicole Clapp
(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 (2010 - Runoff Reduction)
This project proposes to achieve a reduction in soil loss of 525 tons/yr and phosphorus reduction of 717 lbs/yr.
This project resulted in the installation of 4 grassed waterways totaling 8.82 acres; 1 shoreland protection practice covering 113 linear feet; 1 bioretention basin, and 5 water and sediment control basins. Total estimated pollution reductions of 270.2 tons/yr sediment loss reduction and 239.42 lbs/yr were achieved.