This project targets sediment and TSS reduction in the Lake Emily subwatershed. Funded Best Management Practices will address non-point source pollution from agricultural lands, specifically those on steep, erodible slopes and ravines (root cause) that are delivering sediment and phosphorus to the Chippewa River and Lake Emily, an important local resource as it passes through several highly recreated and populated lakes within Pope County along with highly productive agricultural and wildlife lands. These lands have been converted to row crop production.
The Elm Creek Commission had previously completed subwatershed assessments in two areas of the watershed. The Rush Creek Headwaters subwatershed includes much of western Corcoran and parts of Rogers, which are drained by North Fork Rush Creek. The Diamond Creek SWA assessed the direct drainage area to French and Diamond Lakes, and the area tributary to downstream Diamond Creek. This project would support implementation of projects and practices identified in the Rush Creek Headwaters and Diamond Creek SWAs.