Top-Down: Buffalo Watershed Accelerated Improvement-Phase II
This project strives to make further, substantial steps towards the sediment and nutrient reduction goals for Buffalo River Watershed District's (BRRWD) Mainstem and Lakes Planning Region and the objectives of the Buffalo-Red River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan adopted in 2021. This project will provide the needed funding to continue the booming momentum of small and large scale erosion control implementation and provide the cost share and technical expertise necessary to keep local producers moving forward as Becker SWCD and BRRWD both strive to meet the sediment reduction goals for the entire Becker County portion of the Buffalo Red River Watershed. Coupled with USDA-NRCS EQIP and landowner contributions, this funding will increase the number of agricultural best management practices implemented to reduce both sediment and phosphorus contributions to the Buffalo River. Specific targeted or planned practices and quantities include Water and Sediment Control Basins (110), Grade Stabilizations (7), Grassed Waterways (10), Critical Area Plantings (12), Filter Strips (45 ac.), Cover Crops (2,500 ac/year), Rotational Grazing/Use Exclusion (320 ac), Wetland Restoration (86 ac). In total the project is anticipated to reduce sediment loading to the Buffalo River by an estimated 32,712 tons/year, phosphorus loading by 21,083 lbs/year, and nitrogen loading by 24,322 lbs/year, as well as offer unmeasured reductions in fecal coliform bacteria. Upland management, conservation tillage, conservation crop rotations and incorporation of cover crops enacted under this effort will also yield significant gains in soil infiltration, microbial activity, fertility and resiliency.
http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/board
http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/board
Annie Felix-Gerth
(b) $10,762,000 the first year and $11,504,000 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. Up to 20 percent of this appropriation is available for land-treatment projects and practices that benefit drinking water.
This project is expected to reduce annual sediment loading to the Buffalo River by 32,712 tons, phosphorus loading by 21,083 lb/year, and offer a 24,322 lb/year reduction in nitrogen as well as decreased bacterial levels and increased soil health.
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS