Root River 1W1P 2018-2019
This grant will fund an expected 44 projects in 4 subwatersheds (South Fork Root River, Crooked Creek, Rush-Pine and portions of the headwaters of the Middle and South Branch Root) and 2 DWSMAS (Chatfield and Utica). Projects include grassed waterways, WASCOBs, grade stabilization structures and cover crops, plus field walkovers, project development, and technical assistance. The anticipated sediment reduction from this work will be 2,285.5 tons, or 2.2% of the 10-year goal for the entire planning area. Total estimated reduction in nitrate leaching is 4,092 pounds/yr from planting 620 acres of cover crops in the DWSMAs and Rush-Pine (promoted by the Rush-Pine Farmer Led Council). Cover crop practices represent 11% of the goal of 146.4 BMPs/yr. Landowner contacts (15 in the headwaters farm walkovers, 60 on the Rush Pine mailing list of interested landowners, 15 in the South Fork identified through PTMApp analysis, and ten landowners in the DWSMAs) will achieve the target of 100 contacts/yr with the goal of 75% using plan initiatives. Two outreach events in the DWSMAs and 2 in Rush-Pine (4/yr) is 11% of the total goal of 6 per year per SWCD. Funding from this proposal will also support the Area Soil Health Technician and the Nutrient Management Specialist to provide technical assistance to landowners particularly in areas targeted for nitrate reductions. The Root River has numerous impairments with sediment as the primary pollutant. The overall PTMApp estimated reduction in sediment needed to attain water quality standards is 102,899 tons. The 10-year plan goal is 42,264 tons (41% of the reduction needed) for the entire planning area if fully funded. PTMApp does not provide load reduction goals for nitrate leaching to groundwater, so number of BMPs is used as a goal. More projects will be completed utilizing federal RCPP funds which are estimated to be $500,000 over four years.
Annie Felix-Gerth
Watershed Based Funding Pilot 2018 - (a) $4,875,000 the first year and $4,875,000 the second year are for a pilot program to provide performance-based grants 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.
Reduce sediment by 2,285.5 tons in the planning area (2.2% of overall sediment goal). Reduce nitrate-N leaching by 4,092 pounds. in the planning area (11% of the overall BMP goal).
This project funded local implementation of 112 agricultural best management practices including cover crops, one livestock waste management project, and two streambank stabilization projects in the Root River plan area. The work resulted in a reduction of 2,939 tons/year of sediment, 2,909 pounds/year of phosphorus, 1,201 pounds/year of nitrate.
Funds covered the costs of staff to design and engineer projects and assist landowners, including a Soil Health Technician and a Nutrient Management Specialist who contacted and/or provided technical assistance to 194 landowners in vulnerable drinking water supply management areas and nitrogen-impaired watersheds and townships. 207 field walkovers and multiple outreach events were focused in priority areas. Most outcomes were achieved in those priority areas and addressed surface water quality and groundwater protection, both of which are priority issues in the plan. Work also included refinement of analysis used to identify areas where implementation will yield the most benefit.
All work was completed on time and on budget. Clean Water Funds provided leverage for the partnership to pursue and secure additional federal funds totaling $582,751 from the Regional Conservation Partnership Program; the partnership also secured state funds: $226,000 from the Cover Crop Demonstration Program and $269,356 from the Projects & Practices ? Drinking Water Program.
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS