Stevens County Water Quality Initiative
This project will establish up to 12 miles of riparian buffers along the Pomme de Terre River and its tributaries and install up to 5 raingarden within the cities of Morris and Chokio as identified in the Pomme de Terre TMDL Implementation Plan.
Nicole Clapp
(c) $3,000,000 the first year and $3,000,000 the second year are for nonpoint source pollution reduction and restoration grants to watershed districts, watershed management organizations, counties, and soil and water conservation districts for grants in addition to grants available under paragraphs (a) and (b) to keep water on the land and to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams, and to protect groundwater and drinking water. The projects must be of long-lasting public benefit, include a local match, and be consistent with TMDL implementation plans or local water management plans. Up to five percent may be used for administering the grants (2010 - Clean Water Assistance)
Actual Outcomes
Through the Stevens County Water Quality Initiative, the Stevens SWCD was able to assist with the enrollment of 94.2 acres into conservation practices such as (10) filter strips, (3) riparian buffers, 168.4 acres in 8 wetland restorations (CP 23), and 5 WRP/RIM easements comprised of 539.8 acres. Other projects include 4 water and sediment control basins and several rain gardens. During this period, SWCD also completed work on other existing contracts and assisted with other similar projects funded through different state grants. Enrollment of these filter strip contracts should result in an estimated average 46.09 tons per year reduction of Total Suspended Solids, an estimated average 13.68 tons per year soil saved, and an estimated 71.33 tons per year reduction in phosphorus. Leveraged funds of over $1.4 million do not include cost share for the projects, signing incentives, landowner costs, or state RIM/other funding.
This project enabled the enrollment of 94.2 acres into conservation practices such as (10) filter strips and (3) riparian buffers, 168.4 acres in 8 wetland restorations (CP 23), and 5 WRP/RIM easements comprised of 539.8 acres. Other projects include 4 water and sediment control basins and several rain gardens. Enrollment of these filter strip and riparian buffer contracts should result in an estimated 537 tons per year reduction of Total Suspended Solids, and an estimated 975 pounds per year reduction in phosphorus.