Roseau River Habitat Restoration

The Roseau River is currently classified as Minnesota State Ditch 51 starting at the Canadian border and continuing 45 miles upstream to County Road 28. This reach of the river was channelized in the early 1900s causing habitat degradation of the river and its riparian corridor. The increased slope of the river has led to entrenchment, disconnected oxbows, high bank erosion, reduced access to floodplain and loss of critical habitat. Altered hydrology affects turbidity and water temperature leading to reduced biodiversity and vulnerability to climate change. The Roseau River Watershed District (RRWD) and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) are leading implementation of a plan to restore this reach of the Roseau River. The project will restore degraded habitat, increase the resilience of the ecosystem surrounding the river, reestablish natural levels of connectivity between the river and its floodplain, strengthen biodiversity, and restore overall watershed hydrology to the area.

When all phases are completed, the project reconnects 13.6 miles of the Roseau River for a total restoration of 22.5 miles of river, floodplain and associated riparian habitat located almost entirely within the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area (RRWMA). Estimated restoration length for Phase 1 is approximately 5 miles. Restoration will include rehabilitation of natural river habitat, and enhancement of wetland and prairie plant communities in both form and function. The river restoration will be based on the principles of natural channel design with an understanding of the hydrology and fluvial geomorphology at the site. The restored river and associated riparian wetlands and prairie will improve habitat for several species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) such as Black sandshell, Yellow rail and Nelson's sparrow, as well as game fish such as Lake sturgeon, walleye, Northern pike and Channel catfish.

The restoration is located within the MN DNR's Aspen Parklands Conservation Focus Area (CFA) identified in the Minnesota Wildlife Action Plan 2015 ? 2025 (WAP) as well as the Kittson-Roseau Aspen Parkland Prairie Core Area identified in the Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan. The Roseau River and its riparian corridor is considered a key habitat for SGCN and received a high score (high priority for restoration) in the Wildlife Action Network. Almost all of the land required for restoration is already part of the RRWMA, eliminating the need for major land acquisition and bypassing one of the most difficult steps in conservation projects.

Outdoor recreation within the WMA already includes hunting, fishing and birding. The MN DNR constructed three large waterfowl pools located approximately 1 mile north of the project area. These pools are a rich source of wildlife habitat and are part of the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail. Outdoor recreation will benefit from the restoration by expanding opportunities to enjoy wildlife through improved kayaking and canoeing along the river as well as other activities compatible with the WMA's conservation mission. The restored river would be an excellent candidate for the MN Water Trail.