Rice Creek WD proposes completion of three projects during this WBIF cycle: 1) Clearwater Creek Stabilization Scoping: The portion of the Main Trunk of Anoka Washington Judicial Ditch 3 (AWJD3, also known as Clearwater Creek) downstream of I-35E has a steep grade with heavily scoured and sloughing banks due to high peak flows and channel velocities and unstable sandy soils.
We will carry out activities selected by the Rum River metro watershed convene group including the Upper and Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organizations, Anoka Conservation District, and a city representative.
Implementation of Vadnais Lake Area WMO (VLAWMO)'s existing Landscape Level 2 Grant Program to install at least 1 BMP project between 2023-2025 to make progress on water quality impairments within four priority subwatersheds: Lambert Creek, Goose, Birch, and Gilfillan-Tamarack-Black-Wilkinson-Amelia. Eligible BMPs include project types identified in the Board-approved Landscape Level 2 Grant Policy. The anticipated outcome is a reduction in phosphorus by at least 0.3 pounds annually. This activity will also result in strengthened partnerships with Vadnais Lake Area WPA communities.
According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's (MDAs) Final Township Testing Nitrate Report for Benton County, significant portions of Langola, Watab, Minden, and Maywood townships have high aquifer vulnerability ratings due to the geologic setting in Benton County. The purpose of this project is to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination in critical drinking water areas in Benton County through the process of sealing unused wells.
The Lower St. Croix (LSC) Partnership will implement projects and practices in order to achieve a cumulative phosphorus reduction of 381 lb/yr to priority waterbodies identified in Table 5-2 and Table 5-3 of the LSC Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (CWMP). It will also implement practices in order to protect groundwater, particularly in areas identified in CWMP Figure 5-1 Vulnerable Groundwater in Agricultural Areas. Projects and practices will include structural agricultural BMPs, structural urban BMPs, non-structural ag and urban BMPs, and wetland restorations.
