CMSCWD Buffer Initiative

The purpose of this project is to complete habitat restoration and enhancement below the ordinary high water mark (OHW) and within the emergent zone of 13 lakes in the Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District, 10 are shallow lakes making them important habitat. This project will focus on the restoration of the transition zone between the lakes' emergent zone and the documented OHW. Since the OHW was marked prior to outlet modification on several of the lakes in CMSCWD, there is ample space for habitat restoration and enhancement below the OHW. Non-native species will be removed from the transition zone in target project areas and replaced with native emergent and transition zone species. The goal will be to enhance habitat for shoreland wildlife including waterfowl and fish that depend on the lakes shoreline area for reproduction, migration, spawning, food and cover. The project will also provide habitat for zooplankton, which provide food for fish and aid in water clarity.