Protection of Bostic and Zippel Bays
Resort owners and recreational enthusiasts rely on Bostic and Zippel Bays to provide them with protected access to Lake of the Woods. Without these bays, access to the large lake would be very limited. Tourism, specifically water recreation, is a mainstay of the local economy. Complaints of limited navigability within the bays and reports of annual dredging made these watersheds the priority concern in the Local Water Management Plan.
To tackle the issues, Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District, with assistance from the North Central Joint Powers Board Engineers and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and other partners, has been conducting an assessment of the watershed. Excessive erosion upstream along with peak flows resulting from increasingly altered land seemed to be the most apparent culprits.
The assessment is not final, but the SWCD wanted to accomplish projects on the ground at the same time as conducting the assessment. This grant will enable the SWCD to conduct demonstration projects to promote and utilize grade and gully stabilization techniques. The projects will help reduce velocity, provide sediment reduction, and water retention benefits. The SWCD will continue working with the NRCS to develop water retention strategies using a highly accurate topographic map acquired through LiDAR technology. The plan will prioritize areas within both watersheds and identify successful strategies to implement in the future.
Nicole Clapp
(c) $3,000,000 the first year and $3,000,000 the second year are for nonpoint source pollution reduction and restoration grants to watershed districts, watershed management organizations, counties, and soil and water conservation districts for grants in addition to grants available under paragraphs (a) and (b) to keep water on the land and to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams, and to protect groundwater and drinking water. 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. Up to five percent may be used for administering the grants (2011 - Clean Water Assistance)
This grant will enable the SWCD to conduct demonstration projects to promote and utilize grade and gully stabilization techniques. The projects will help reduce velocity, provide sediment reduction, and water retention benefits.
This project has resulted in reductions of an estimated 31 lbs/yr phosphorus, 31 tons/yr sediment (TSS), 31 tons/yr soil loss and reduced runoff volume of 3 acre-feet/yr.