Upper Cannon River Watershed BMP Targeting and Watershed Database Development

The Cannon River is a designated Wild and Scenic River that originates in Rice County and joins the Mississippi River 120 miles downstream near Red Wing. The Upper Cannon, which encompasses 29% of the entire watershed, has been identified as a priority subwatershed.

This project will utilize Geographic Information System analysis of LiDAR data as well as soils and land-use data to identify areas with high erosion potential on the landscape. In addition to analyzing erosive potential, this project will determine ideal locations to store runoff on the landscape. This information will be used to target landowners where practices can make quantifiable water quality improvements.

Additionally, this project includes the creation and implementation of a web-based tool used within Steele, Waseca, Rice, and Le Sueur Counties to effectively and efficiently manage drainage systems. The software will track activities associated with public drainage systems, including history, digital archives, determinations, repair orders, improvements, inspections, and maintenance. The database will allow the county Drainage Authority to assess the needs and condition, prioritize, and make water quality improvements.