Warroad River Sediment Source Assessment
Lake of the Woods is a world-class fishery and an important economic driver for Roseau County. The proposed project will investigate and quantify sources of sediment to the lower portion of the Warroad River near its confluence with Lake of the Woods. Sedimentation at the mouth of the Warroad River is a concern for several reasons including fisheries habitat, water quality and the drinking water supply for the city of Warroad.
High resolution electronic data will be used to estimate the volume of sediment delivered from overland sources. Historic dredging records will be compared with the estimated watershed contribution to estimate the amount of sediment contributed by eroding lakeshore on Lake of the Woods itself. This sediment balance will help to quantify the scale of the sedimentation problem and to focus implementation activities.
Results of the analysis will indicate areas with potential for excessive soil erosion where efforts to implement projects should be targeted. This outcome is particularly valuable to local resource managers for prioritizing and funding projects within the watershed and effectively managing efforts to reduce erosion/sedimentation that improve water quality overall. Results will help in addressing a problem that's been recognized in numerous studies and reports.
The 20-member BWSR board consists of representatives of local and state government agencies and citizens. Members are appointed by the governor of the state of Minnesota consistent with Minnesota Statutes 103B.101. Board members at the time the grant was made were: County Commissioner Appointees: Quentin Fairbanks; Tom Loveall; Brian Napstad; Soil and Water Conservation District Appointees: Paul Langseth, Louise Smallidge and Bob Burandt; Watershed District or Watershed Management Organization Appointees: Gene Tiedemann, LuAnn Tolliver and Todd Foster; Citizen Appointees: Paul Brutlag ; Gerald Van Amburg; John Meyer; Cities & Townships: Sandy Hooker -Township; Christy Jo Fogarty -Metro City; Keith Mykleseth -Non-Metro City; Agency: Chris Elvrum - Minnesota Department of Health; Rebecca Flood - Pollution Control Agency; Tom Landwehr - Department of Natural Resources; Matt Wohlman - Minnesota Department of Agriculture; Faye Sleeper - Minnesota Extension Service;
Wayne Zellmer -BWSR Grants Coordinator; Matt Drewitz -BWSR South Region Clean Water Specialist; Art Persons -MDH Planning Supervisor Drinking Water Protection; Jeff Hrubes -BWSR North Region Clean Water Specialist; Marcey Westrick -BWSR Metro Clean Water Specialist; Julie Westerlund -DNR Clean Water Coordinator; Robert L. Sip -MDA Environmental Policy Specialist; Anna Kerr -MPCA -Stormwater / TMDL Coordinator; Nick Proulx -DNR Central Region Clean Water Legacy Specialist; Karen Evens - MPCA -Watershed Projects Manager; Joshua Stamper -MDA Research Scientist, Pesticide & Fertilizer Management; Norman R. Mofjeld -MDA Hydrologist P.G. Well Management Section;
Nicole Clapp
(b) $3,000,000 the first year and $3,000,000 the second year are for targeted local resource protection and enhancement grants. The board shall give priority consideration to projects and practices that complement, supplement, or exceed current state standards for protection, enhancement, and restoration of water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams or that protect groundwater from degradation. Of this amount, at least $1,500,000 each year is for county SSTS implementation.
Hydrologically Conditioned DEM and Terrain Analysis Products including a Stream Power Index and RUSLE DEMs Warroad River delta sediment balance including terms for watershed contribution, accumulated sediment, and LOW and/or streambank erosion. Public Outreach and Education. Final Project Report
WRWD utilized Hydrologically Conditioned DEM and Terrain Analysis Products including a Stream Power Index and RUSLE DEMs resulting in the ability to use it to study how water moves through the watersheds landscape. Another goal was to quantify the amount of sediment contributed to the Warroad River from overland sources in the watershed. GIS terrain analysis including RUSLE was used to determine maximum potential sediment yield from each overland catchment.
The source of additional funds varies from project to project, but generally consists of federal, local and non-public sources.