This contract is a component of larger project (Snake River E.coli Microbial Source Tracking Study – Cycle II) in the Snake River Watershed located in the St. Croix river basin. The study will address microbial water quality impairments in the watershed. This study will conduct fecal bacteria source tracking using genetic markers across impaired streams in the watershed during the spring and summer months of 2021.
This project will complete a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study for the impaired reaches of the Snake River Basin. The project includes development of a Generalized Watershed Loading Function (GWLF) model for nutrient sources and Total Suspended Sediment (TSS), a spreadsheet version of a BATHTUB model of lake response for four lakes, and a bacteria source assessment. Wenck will also provide all stream channel data as a spreadsheet and locational database.
The purpose of the project is to reduce sediment and nutrient deposition in surface waters within priority areas of the watershed. A five percent reduction goal has been established in the County Local Water Management Plan and Impaired Waters project in progress. Eleven Best Management Practice (BMP) installations are planned for this project in cooperation with local landowners, Cities, Townships and Lake Associations.
This phase of the project will complete a TMDL for the impaired reaches of the Snake River Basin. The project includes development of a Unit Area Load model for nutrient sources, a spreadsheet version of a BATHTUB lake response for four lakes, and a bacteria source assessment. Contractor will also provide all stream channel data as a spreadsheet database and in GIS.
The purpose of this project is to provide a new shared position in southeast Minnesota which will accelerate the adoption of soil health practices by leveraging the existing efforts of the National Resources Conservation Service and other organizations.
Oftentimes water conservation efforts are directed toward impaired waters. However, it is much more cost-effective to protect habitat and water resources before they become degraded. The Nature Conservancy is using this appropriation to create a broader, long-term, watershed-based framework for proactively protecting habitat and water resources in southeast MN, specifically the Cannon River and Zumbro River watersheds, before they become degraded.
This project will permanently protect critical habitat using conservation easements and fee land acquisition on approximately 590 acres and restore and enhance approximately 116 acres of declining habitat for species of greatest conservation need in strategically targeted public land assets of biodiversity significance in the Blufflands resulting in increased public access and improved habitat.
This program will protect approximately 1,900 acres using conservation easements and fee land acquisition and restore and enhance approximately 165 acres of declining habitat for important wildlife species in strategically targeted areas of biodiversity significance in the Blufflands of Southeast Minnesota resulting in increased public access and improved wildlife habitat.
