Root River 1W1P 2020-2021
This grant will fund an expected 68 projects in 6 subwatersheds (headwaters of the Middle and South Branch Root River, headwaters of the Upper Iowa River, South Fork, Money Creek, Torkelson Creek and Crooked Creek) and match for the RCPP projects. Projects include grassed waterways, WASCOBs, grade stabilization structures and cover crops, along with project development and technical assistance. The anticipated sediment reduction from this work will be 2,490.63 tons, or 5.9% of the 10-year goal of 42,264 tons for the entire planning area. Project development will include PTMApp refinement and hydroconditioning throughout the Root River 1W1P area, concept planning for the City of Mabel area, development and implementation of civic engagement plan and work with the Friends of the Root River Initiative. 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
(a) $13,591,000 the first year and $13,375,000 the second year are for performance-based grants with multiyear implementation plans 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 2,490.63 tons in the planning area (5.9% of 10-year sediment goal of 42,264 tons). Reduce nitrogen by 1,427.79 lbs. in the planning area. The planned 68 projects is 23% of the overall BMP goal of 292 BMPs over a two year period.
This project funded 68 agricultural best management practices and 1050 linear feet of streambank restoration resulting in 3727 tons/year of sediment and 42 pounds of nitrogen reduction in the Root River One Watershed One Plan planning boundary. The nitrogen reductions achieved are lower than proposed because of a discrepancy with estimators for proposed vs. actual outcomes; the partnership also found other funding to do practices with a primary benefit of nitrogen reduction.
Funds paid for two livestock waste storage facilities and four well sealings. Funds also covered costs of implementation targeting using geographic information systems, outreach and education, and technical and engineering work on projects funded with federal dollars. Work was done in priority areas and addressed sediment loading and groundwater quality, which are both priorities in the Root River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan.
Work was completed with a one year extension due to staffing changes. Clean Water Funds provided leverage for the partnership to pursue and secure six additional grants totaling $400,000, from sources including the BWSR Drinking Water Protection and Fishers and Farmers.
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS