Restoration Strategies for Ditched Peatland and Scientific and Natural Areas

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$100,000
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$100,000
Fund Source
Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund
Recipient
MN DNR
Recipient Type
State Government
Status
In Progress
Start Date
July 2011
End Date
June 2015
Activity Type
Analysis/Interpretation
Inventory
Modeling
Monitoring
Research
Counties Affected
Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods
Project Overview

PROJECT OVERVIEW
Thirty-seven percent of the naturally stored carbon in Minnesota occurs in a unique ecosystem type called peatlands that covers only 10% of the state. Peatlands form where water levels are near the surface and drainage is poor, which slows decomposition of plant debris and results in an accumulation of these organic materials in a partially decomposed mass called peat. Peatland ecology is largely governed by the water flowing through them and disruption of this flow can have profound impacts on the accumulation of peat, landforms, and vegetation. One peatland located in Lake of the Woods and Roseau counties, the Winter Road Lake Peatland, experienced such disruption in the early 1900's when a failed attempt to drain the lands for agriculture left behind numerous drainage ditches. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is using this appropriation to evaluate the effects of this ditching on peatland hydrology and habitat in order to understand options for peatland restoration and possibly create potential for wetland banking credits. Findings will be used to guide restoration strategies for peatlands throughout the state.

Project Details
Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04q
Appropriation Language

$100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to evaluate the hydrology and habitat of the Winter Road Lake peatland watershed protection area to determine the effects of ditch abandonment and examine the potential for restoration of patterned peatlands. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$100,000
Direct expenses
$100,000
Number of full time equivalents funded
1.31
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".

Measurable Outcome(s)

Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 04q
Appropriation Language

$100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to evaluate the hydrology and habitat of the Winter Road Lake peatland watershed protection area to determine the effects of ditch abandonment and examine the potential for restoration of patterned peatlands. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$100,000
Direct expenses
$100,000
Number of full time equivalents funded
1.31
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".

Measurable Outcome(s)

Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".

Project Manager
First Name
Michele
Last Name
Walker
Organization Name
MN DNR
Street Address
2115 Birchmont Beach Rd NE
City
Bemidji
State
MN
Zip Code
56601
Phone
(218) 308-2664
Email
michele.walker@state.mn.us
Administered By
Administered by
Location

500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone
651-296-6157
Email the Agency