St. Louis River Watershed Restoration and Protection (WRAPS) Project - Phase 2

The St. Louis River watershed is one of the largest watersheds in northern Minnesota and the largest single contributing watershed to Lake Superior. Surface waters are abundant with 353 lakes and 97 streams segments. Large areas of forest and wetlands help to sustain areas of exceptional water quality. However, land use changes have degraded many lakes, rivers, and streams. 21 stream reaches have aquatic life impairments, as identified by high turbidity (1 reach), poor quality aquatic macro-invertebrate community (16 reaches), and/or poor quality fish community (12 reaches). 14 stream reaches have aquatic recreation impairments due to high concentrations of Escherichia coli. 7 lakes have aquatic recreation impairments as identified by eutrophication indicators. There are many lakes and streams that meet water quality standards and will be considered for protection measures. This project will complete the associated Total Maximum Daily Load and Watershed Restoration and Protection for the St. Louis River Watershed.