South Branch Buffalo River Restoration - Phase 2
The Buffalo-Red River Watershed District will partner with the Wilkin SWCD, the NRCS, and landowners to install 54 grade stabilization structures to stabilize gullies that are contributing sediment to the South Branch Buffalo River and complete 4.5 miles of stream restoration, through the construction of a two-stage meandering channel. With these practices implemented, sediment will be reduced by 1,599 tons/year and total phosphorus reduced by 692 pounds/year. This project continues an ongoing effort over the past decade to improve water quality, manage erosion, reduce sediment and enhance natural resources throughout the watershed. Based on prioritization analysis, side inlet structures were identified as a practice that should be used to stabilize gullies and to ensure reduction of future erosion. This project will be targeting gullies identified as highest priority between US Highway 9 and the Wilkin/Clay County border.
Annie Felix-Gerth
(Projects and Practices)(b) $16,000,000 the first year and $16,000,000 the second year are for grants to local government units to protect and restore surface water and drinking water; to keep water on the land; to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams; and to protect groundwater and drinking water, including feedlot water quality and subsurface sewage treatment system projects and stream bank, stream channel, shoreline restoration, and ravine stabilization projects. The projects must use practices demonstrated to be effective, be of long-lasting public benefit, include a match, and be consistent with total maximum daily load (TMDL) implementation plans, watershed restoration and protection strategies (WRAPS), or local water management plans or their equivalents. A portion of this money may be used to seek administrative efficiencies through shared resources by multiple local governmental units. Up to 20 percent of this appropriation is available for land-treatment projects and practices that benefit drinking water.
The 54 structures and 4.5 miles of channel restoration reduce sediment by 1,599 tons/year and total phosphorus by 692 lbs/yr. This is 15.4% of the TMDL goal 10,373 tons/yr.
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS