Nonpoint Source Restoration and Protection (formerly "Shoreland Stewardship")

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2024 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,600,000
2023 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,250,000
2022 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,250,000
2021 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,000,000
2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,000,000
2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$950,000
2018 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$950,000
2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,000,000
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,000,000
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,000,000
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,000,000
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,220,000
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,220,000
2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$250,000
2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$250,000
Fund Source
Clean Water Fund
Status
In Progress
Start Date
July 2009
Activity Type
Demonstration/Pilot Project
Education/Outreach/Engagement
Preservation
Restoration/Enhancement
Technical Assistance
Counties Affected
Statewide
Statewide
Project Overview

DNR regional clean water specialists and area hydrologists work with local partners to provide technical assistance on implementation projects and related outreach, resulting in cleaner water through healthier watersheds, shorelands and floodplains. We help partners identify, develop, target, design and/or implement on-the-ground projects that improve water quality, enhance habitat and protect infrastructure. We help design restorations that provide lasting benefits by mimicking features of healthy ecosystems. Land use experts work with communities interested in strengthening local policies that help protect sensitive areas like shorelands and floodplains.

About the Issue

Healthy watersheds (the area of land that drains to the water body) and healthy shorelands and floodplains (areas where the land meets the water) are critical for clean water in streams and lakes. The shoreland is home to the majority of plants and animals in the lake ecosystem. Trees, shrubs, and deep-rooted native grasses and wildflowers prevent shoreline erosion and trap sediment, excess phosphorus and other pollution, preventing it from entering lakes. Healthy floodplains and streams restored using natural channel design principles help manage increased stream flows, reduce sediment-related pollution and protect aquatic and riparian habitat. However, many of our shoreland and floodplain ecosystems are severely degraded or vulnerable to erosion and damage. We use information from our studies of stream flow, stream stability, streambank erosion, lake levels, and lake biology to work with local partners on enduring solutions that address the root causes of water quality issues, restore or protect habitat and increase the resiliency of land and infrastructure near water (especially at road/river crossings).

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2023, Ch. 40, Article 2, Section 5(f)
Appropriation Language

$1,600,000 the first year and $1,600,000 the second year are for technical assistance to support local implementation of nonpoint source restoration and protection activities and targeted forest stewardship for water quality.

2024 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,600,000
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Watershed planning: Participate in all 15 to 20 One Watershed One Plan (1W1P) projects in progress to develop or update Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans (CWMPs) by contributing relevant data and information and reviewing plans.

Implementation technical assistance: Continue building on our participation in 1W1P and using our hydrology, stream geomorphology, and connectivity information and expertise to help local partners identify, develop, propose, target, design, implement, and/or monitor the effectiveness of actual, planned, or proposed on-the-ground water quality or water management projects, including many identified as priorities in approved CWMPs. Our past assistance to local partners in evaluating, designing and implementing culvert/bridge replacements using the geomorphic approach has spawned a new grant program which will fund this work in the FY24-25 biennium.

Protecting lakes, shoreland and floodplains: Update the Lake Phosphorus Sensitivity Index and related datasets and continue to help watershed partners use the information to prioritize lakes for protection. Continue helping local partners develop and apply higher standards for water quality in local shoreland and floodplain ordinances, via training and the Innovative Shoreland Standards Showcase, adding pages related to climate change and vanishing shorelines. Collaborate with local partners to provide forest stewardship plans, cost share and technical assistance to private forest landowners to help protect or restore water quality in priority lakes identified by local partners in CWMPs in northern Minnesota.

Fish contamination: Continue providing technical guidance to the interagency fish contaminant monitoring program.

Watershed science outreach: Continue outreach on the topics above to help stakeholders and practitioners understand root causes of water quality problems and use scientific data and information to apply multiple-benefit solutions.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2021 First Special Session Ch. 1 Art. 2 Sec. 5(f)
Appropriation Language

$1250000 the first year and $1250000 the second year are for technical assistance to support local implementation of nonpoint source restoration and protection activities.

2023 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,250,000
Direct expenses
$1,013,806
Administration costs
$180,271
Number of full time equivalents funded
7.9
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Watershed planning:Serve on advisory committees for around 25 One Watershed One Plan (1W1P) projects to develop or update Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans (CWMPs). Continue to contribute relevant data and information and to review draft and final plans.

Implementation technical assistance: Continue building on our participation in 1W1P and using our hydrology, stream geomorphology, and connectivity information and expertise to help local partners identify, develop, propose, target, design, implement, and/or monitor the effectiveness of actual, planned, or proposed on-the-ground water quality or water management projects, including many identified as priorities in approved CWMPs. Continue to evaluate and help partners implement culvert and bridge replacements using the geomorphic approach to connect stream channels to floodplains, improve safety and resilience, and reduce maintenance needs, while also improving stream stability and ecological functions. (Specially designed floodplain culverts distribute channel-overtopping flow in floodplains instead of confining it to a main culvert or bridge.)

Protecting lakes, shoreland and floodplains: Update the Lake Phosphorus Sensitivity Index and related datasets and continue to help watershed partners use this information to prioritize lakes for protection. Continue helping local partners develop and apply higher standards for water quality in local shoreland and floodplain ordinances, via training and the Innovative Shoreland Standards Showcase.

Fish contamination: Continue providing technical guidance to the interagency fish contaminant monitoring program.

Watershed science outreach: Continue outreach on the topics above to help stakeholders and practitioners understand root causes of water quality problems and use scientific data and information to apply multiple-benefit solutions.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Watershed planning: Served on advisory committees for 25 1W1P plan development efforts, contributing data and information and reviewing draft and final plans.

Implementation technical assistance: Used our hydrology, geomorphology and connectivity data, analyses and expertise to help local partners identify, develop, propose, target, design, implement and/or monitor the effectiveness of more than 95 actual, planned or proposed water cleanup/management projects in 37 major watersheds, 35 of which we assisted for the first time this year. (Our assistance often spans a few years as projects progress from conceptual to on-the-ground.) Nearly 55% of the projects we assisted this year involve restoring stream channels and/or stabilizing streambanks and nearly 40% involve stream crossings, including at least 6 using the geomorphic approach for planned culvert/bridge replacements.

Protecting lakes, shoreland and floodplains: Updated the Lake Phosphorus Sensitivity Index, lake hydrology dataset and cost-benefit data with new water quality data and helped local partners use these data to prioritize lakes for protection. Helped develop and launch a new interactive lake information tool in DNR’s Watershed Health Assessment Framework. Helped local partners use higher water quality standards in shoreland and floodplain ordinances, via training and the Innovative Shoreland Standards Showcase, to which we added pages on riprap and retaining walls.

Fish contamination: Provided technical guidance to the interagency fish contaminant monitoring program. Helped develop fish sampling protocols, mercury in fish tissue trend analysis, and PFAS monitoring and analysis.

Watershed science outreach: Reached nearly 1000 local, state and federal government staff at local, regional and statewide events; 125 professionals at a national conference; and many TV viewers and local radio listeners.

 

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2021 First Special Session Ch. 1 Art. 2 Sec. 5(f)
Appropriation Language

$1250000 the first year and $1250000 the second year are for technical assistance to support local implementation of nonpoint source restoration and protection activities.

2022 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,250,000
Direct expenses
$901,868
Administration costs
$148,250
Number of full time equivalents funded
7.5
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)
  • Continue using DNR hydrology, stream geomorphology and connectivity information and expertise (see Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies) and building on our participation in One Watershed One Plan projects (see below) to help local government units (LGUs) and other partners identify, develop, propose, target, design implement and/or monitor the effectiveness of on-the-ground water quality or water management projects – including many identified as priorities in Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans (CNMPs).
  • Participate in advisory committees for 28 1W1P projects and contribute information to aid CNMP development. Participate in one or more CNMP plan review and update efforts.
  • Continue evaluating sites for specially designed floodplain culverts at road/river crossings and quantifying their environmental benefits. (Floodplain culverts allow runoff to flow naturally during a flood distributing high flows and energy across a stream’s floodplain instead of confining it to a main culvert or bridge.) Continue promoting the approach; planning for potential accelerated future implementation to make transportation infrastructure more resilient to climate change; and quantifying the effects on floodplain and channel connectivity at the watershed scale, where projects are being implemented.
  • Update the Lake Phosphorus Sensitivity Index with new water quality data from MPCA. Continue education and outreach on prioritizing lakes for protection to targeted audiences.
  • Provide technical guidance to the interagency fish contaminant monitoring program.
  • Continue outreach to help water managers and other stakeholders understand specific aspects of watershed science, including the root causes of water quality problems and multiple-benefit ways to address them.
Measurable Outcome(s)

Watershed planning: Served on advisory committees for 26 1W1P plan development efforts, contributing relevant data and information and reviewing draft and final plans.

Implementation project assistance: Used our hydrology, geomorphology, and connectivity data, analyses, and expertise to help local partners identify, develop, propose, target, design, implement, and/or monitor the effectiveness of more than 80 actual, planned, or proposed water cleanup or management projects in 33 major watersheds. Our technical assistance often spans several years as projects progress from conceptual to on-the-ground; this year we assisted at least 30 projects for the first time. More than 55 of the projects we assisted this year involve restoring stream channels and/or stabilizing streambanks and more than 20 involve stream crossings, including 9 using the DNR’s geomorphic approach to evaluate culvert/bridge replacements. More than 35 of the projects we assisted this year were identified as priorities in local water plans.

Lake, shoreland and floodplain protection: Updated the Lake Phosphorus Sensitivity Index and cost-benefit data with new MPCA water quality data. Added Lake Health Scores to an existing lake hydrology dataset. Continued helping local partners use these data to prioritize lakes for protection. Further developed and helped local partners use higher standards for water quality in their shoreland and floodplain ordinances, via training and the Innovative Shoreland Standards Showcase.

Fish contamination: Provided technical guidance to the interagency fish contaminant monitoring program.

Watershed science outreach: In presentations on the above topics, reached 75 high school students, at least 160 local watershed management planning partnership or stakeholder groups in several Minnesota watersheds, and more than 475 practitioners from Minnesota and other states.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2019 First Special Session Ch. 2 Art. 2 Sec. 6(f)
Appropriation Language

$1000000 the first year and $1000000 the second year are for technical assistance to support local implementation of nonpoint source restoration and protection activities.

2021 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,000,000
Direct expenses
$952,288
Administration costs
$132,765
Number of full time equivalents funded
8.3
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)
  • Continue using DNR hydrology stream geomorphology and connectivity information and expertise (see Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies) to help local government units (LGUs) and other partners identify develop propose target design and/or implement on-the-ground water quality projects.
  • Participate in all active One Watershed One Plan (1W1P) advisory committees (for an estimated 25 plan development projects) by providing information to aid plan development and reviewing draft plans. Participate in plan mid-term review and update efforts for up to five existing plans.
  • Update the Lake Phosphorus Sensitivity Index with new water quality data from MPCA; Update the Lakes of Biological Significance dataset. Continue outreach on prioritizing lakes for protection to targeted audiences.
  • Continue outreach on higher water quality standards in local shoreland and floodplain ordinances via training and the Innovative Shoreland Standards Showcase.
  • Continue evaluating potential sites for specially designed 'floodplain culverts' at road/river crossings and quantifying their environmental benefits. Floodplain culverts allow runoff to flow naturally during a flood distributing high flows and energy across a stream's floodplain instead of confining it to a main culvert or bridge.
  • Continue educational and outreach efforts to help water managers' and other stakeholders' understand specific aspects of watershed science including root causes of water quality problems and the potential to address them in ways that provide multiple benefits.
Measurable Outcome(s)
  • Used our hydrology and geomorphology and connectivity data to help local partners identify develop propose target design implement and/or monitor the effectiveness of more than 95 on-the-ground water quality or water management projects in 39 major watersheds. Most relate to stabilizing stream banks and/or restoring stream channels; others involve removing or modifying dams improving lake shorelines or outlets designing ecologically resilient 'floodplain culverts' at problematic road-river crossings and more. Project development planning and implementation can take years. Many of the projects assisted this year were identified by LGUs as priorities in watershed management plans.
  • Participated in advisory committees for 26 1W1P planning projects involving contributing information for plan development and draft plan review and comments. Participated in one plan mid-term review/update.
  • Provided technical guidance and statistical analyses to the interagency fish contaminant monitoring program.
  • Improved data used to help prioritize lakes for protection: Updated lake water quality data in the DNR Phosphorus Sensitivity Index and related cost-benefit data. Developed new lake hydrology metrics available at https://gisdata.mn.gov/dataset/env-lake-hydrology.
  • Reached over 200 state and local government staff in presentations related to prioritizing lakes for protection. Reached hundreds of Minnesota professionals and stakeholders in presentations on stream restorations projects featured in a multi-state symposium a DNR Roundtable video and a Clean Water Council field tour. Provided culvert design and inventory training to over 100 state and local government staff.
  • Reached at least 125 participants in five 1W1P projects with presentations about DNR Evaluation of Hydrologic Change (EHC) findings. Completed two watershed posters that reached at least 80 1W1P participants and completed or worked on similar fact sheets or posters for four other watersh
Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2019 First Special Session Ch. 2 Art. 2 Sec. 6(f)
Appropriation Language

$1000000 the first year and $1000000 the second year are for technical assistance to support local implementation of nonpoint source restoration and protection activities.

2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,000,000
Direct expenses
$1,019,070
Administration costs
$146,921
Number of full time equivalents funded
8.7
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Technical assistance with implementation projects:

  • Continue applying our hydrology stream geomorphology and connectivity information and expertise (see Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies) to help local government units (LGUs) identify develop propose target design and/or implement on-the-ground water quality projects.

 

Conservation planning:

  • Participate in 24 One Watershed One Plan (1W1P) planning projects by contributing information serving on 1W1P advisory committees and reviewing draft plans.
  • Continue training 1W1P consultants in using the Zonation conservation planning tool to help local 1W1P partnerships identify watershed management priorities.
  • Update the Lake Phosphorus Sensitivity Index with new water quality data from MPCA. Continue outreach on prioritizing lakes for protection to targeted audiences. Update the Lakes of Biological Significance dataset.
  • Continue outreach on higher water quality standards in local shoreland and floodplain ordinances via training and new content on the Innovative Shoreland Standards Showcase webpage.
  • Continue evaluating potential sites for specially designed “floodplain culverts” at road/river crossings and quantifying their environmental benefits. Floodplain culverts allow runoff to flow naturally during a flood distributing high flows and energy across a stream’s floodplain instead of confining it to a main culvert or bridge. This alternative to traditional culverts has great potential to improve watershed health and resiliency. Increase our outreach efforts including a paper accepted at the Transportation Resilience International 2019 Conference in Washington D.C.

 

Other outreach and education:

  • Continue educational and outreach efforts to help water managers’ and other stakeholders’ understand specific aspects of watershed science including root causes of water quality problems and the potential to address them in ways that provide multiple benefits.
Measurable Outcome(s)

Used our hydrology geomorphology and connectivity data to help local partners identify develop propose target design and/or implement at least 75 on-the-ground water quality projects in 33 major watersheds. Most involve stream channel restoration or stream bank stabilization. Identified and helped implement design or advance floodplain culverts as a solution at road/river crossings in at least 7 watersheds and presented the approach at a national conference on climate change and transportation infrastructure resilience. Worked with consulting foresters Soil & Water Conservation Districts the Board of Water & Soil Resources and others to complete landscape stewardship plans with forestry recommendations for five major watersheds that supply drinking water to St Cloud and the Twin Cities and have completed or approved local watershed management plans. DNR collaborated with partners in these watersheds to write 223 stewardship plans covering 32 088 acres of private forestland and worked with landowners to protect 21 262 acres of working forestland via the Sustainable Forestry Incentives Act—mostly in subwatersheds considered high-priority for water quality. Participated in 21 One Watershed One Plan advisory committees providing information to aid plan development and reviewing draft plans. Updated the Lakes of Biological Significance dataset lake water quality data in the DNR Phosphorus Sensitivity Index and cost-benefit data that MPCA and LGUs use to prioritize lakes for protection. Reached over 200 state and local government professionals in related presentations. Presented on enhanced water quality protection in local ordinances to about 175 professionals throughout the state. Reached over 250 local decision-makers natural resource managers and others in at least ten other watershed science presentations in nine watersheds. Reached 20 higher education students and others in geomorphic and culvert inventory training events.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2017 Regular Session Ch. 91 Art. 2 Sec. 6(f)
Appropriation Language

$950000 the first year and $950000 the second year are for technical assistance to support local implementation of nonpoint source restoration and protection activities.

2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$950,000
Direct expenses
$848,977
Administration costs
$106,081
Number of full time equivalents funded
7.9
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Technical assistance: In FY19 DNR regional staff will continue helping local governments identify prioritize develop target design and implement clean water restoration and protection projects designed to provide enduring water quality and other environmental and economic benefits. Conservation planning: In FY19 DNR field staff will contribute to 22 local watershed planning (One Watershed One Plan) projects by communicating DNR priorities participating in advisory committee meetings and reviewing plan or chapter drafts. We will help local partners prioritize lakes for investment and set measurable protection and restoration goals using water quality phosphorus sensitivity and benefit-cost data. The DNR Land Use Unit will create a webpage showcasing local examples of high shoreland management standards and continue “floodplain culvert” outreach and technical assistance as well as sediment analysis and advanced modeling of this alternative practice to determine effectiveness at the watershed scale. Forest stewardship: In FY19 the DNR will continue to provide forest stewardship plans to landowners in targeted watersheds. We will also complete three to five landscape-level stewardship plans in association with local watershed management planning (One Watershed One Plan) in headwaters of the Redeye River and Rum River watersheds. The landscape-level plans will help local governments incorporate forestry recommendations into comprehensive watershed management plans. Outreach & education: In FY19 DNR staff will continue educational and outreach efforts to help water managers’ and other stakeholders’ understand specific aspects of watershed science including root causes of water quality problems and the potential to address them in ways that provide multiple benefits.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Technical assistance with implementation projects: Used our hydrology, geomorphology and connectivity information to help local governments (LGUs) identify, develop, propose, target, design and/or implement over 80 water quality projects in 39 major watersheds. Most involve stream restoration or dam removals.

Conservation planning assistance:                                 

• Participated in 22 One Watershed One Plan projects. Provided information, served on advisory committees and reviewed draft plans.

• Refined the lake phosphorus sensitivity index that MPCA and LGUs use to prioritize lakes for protection. Reached over 300 lake association and LGU professionals at workshops, trainings and presentations on this topic, including cost-benefit analysis.

• Created an Innovative Shoreland Standards Showcase webpage to highlight examples of enhanced water quality protection in local ordinances and presented it to 120 LGU staff. Worked with LGUs in 8 watersheds to incorporate higher water quality standards in local ordinances or land use plans.

• Continued to evaluate potential sites for “floodplain culverts” at road/river crossings and quantify their environmental benefits. These specially designed culverts can improve watershed health and resiliency.

Forest stewardship: Worked with landowners, Soil & Water Conservation Districts and consultant foresters to write 44 stewardship plans covering 6,842 acres of privately owned forestland in targeted subwatersheds of the Pine and Leech Lake major watersheds. Continued working with partners to develop landscape-level forest stewardship plans for selected watersheds.

Other outreach and education: Reached over 1,000 local decision-makers, natural resource managers, youth and others in 32 presentations and trainings about watershed science in 24 watersheds. Organized a River Restoration conference that drew over 200 natural resource professionals.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2017 Regular Session Ch. 91 Art. 2 Sec. 6(f)
Appropriation Language

$950000 the first year and $950000 the second year are for technical assistance to support local implementation of nonpoint source restoration and protection activities.

2018 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$950,000
Direct expenses
$829,695
Administration costs
$104,624
Number of full time equivalents funded
7.4
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Technical assistance to local implementation efforts:
In FY18 DNR regional staff will continue helping local governments identify prioritize develop target design and implement clean water projects leading to more enduring water quality and other environmental benefits.

Conservation planning assistance:
DNR regional staff will participate in each of the 14 One watershed One Plan (1W1P) projects that will be active in FY18. This work will include actively participating in 1W1P advisory committee meetings providing DNR priorities to local governments and reviewing drafts of key sections of each plan under way. Where invited DNR staff will also continue using the Zonation conservation planning model to help communities identify water quality and water management priorities as part of 1W1P projects or community engagement in the development of watershed restoration and protection strategies (WRAPS).

Forest Stewardship Plans:
In FY18 the DNR will continue to provide forest stewardship plans to landowners in targeted watersheds. Work will shift into the Pine River Watershed to leverage a grant from the U.S. Forest Service.

Outreach & education:
In FY18 DNR staff will continue educational and outreach efforts to enhance water managers’ and stakeholders’ understanding of watershed health the root causes of water quality problems and solutions that provide multiple benefits.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Technical assistance: In FY18 DNR helped local governments in 34 watersheds identify develop target design and/or implement water quality projects designed to provide enduring water quality and other environmental and economic benefits.

Conservation planning: In FY18 DNR contributed to all 14 local comprehensive watershed management planning (One Watershed One Plan) projects that were active in FY18 by communicating DNR priorities serving on advisory committees and reviewing draft plans. In five projects we helped communities identify conservation priorities using the Zonation model – in the process helping partners see how to replicate the approach for potential use in other projects. We provided early input on 20 other local water planning efforts and 23 local land use planning efforts involving at least 16 watersheds. Six cities/counties used our updated shoreland model ordinance to adopt or amend shoreland ordinances with higher standards to better protect water quality. We took key steps to help permit applicants learn about environmentally beneficial “floodplain culverts” and continued advanced modeling to evaluate this optional practice.

Forest stewardship: In FY18 DNR worked with landowners Soil & Water Conservation Districts and consultant foresters to write 14 forest stewardship plans covering 3 604 acres of private forestland in targeted watersheds as well as two landscape-level stewardship plans for Pine and Leech Lake River subwatersheds leveraging federal funds and other state funds to work with private landowners on forest stewardship.

Outreach & education: In FY18 DNR delivered over 65 presentations on watershed science topics to more than 1 575 water managers land use planners engineers and others at local venues in at least 20 watersheds as well as larger regional and statewide venues.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2015 First Special Session Ch. 2 Art. 2 Sec. 6(f)
Appropriation Language

(f) $1000000 the first year and $1000000 the second year are for technical assistance to support local implementation of nonpoint source restoration and protection activities.

2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,000,000
Direct expenses
$742,515
Administration costs
$100,753
Number of full time equivalents funded
6.3
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Technical assistance to local implementation efforts: DNR staff will continue helping local government units (LGUs) identify prioritize develop target design and implement clean water projects leading to more enduring water quality and other environmental benefits.

Conservation planning assistance: We will join advisory committees for 7 new One watershed One Plan (1W1P) projects and comment on draft and final plans developed by LGUs in 5 1W1P pilot projects. We will continue using the Zonation conservation planning model to help communities identify water quality and water management priorities where invited by the MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) or LGUs engaged in 1W1P or watershed restoration and protection strategy (WRAPS) efforts.

Connecting water quality and land use: In two Upper Mississippi River Basin watersheds we will pilot tools to help LGUs and the MPCA incorporate local land use ordinance information and strategies in WRAPS reports and begin refining these tools for use in other watersheds. We will develop a webpage with ideas for updating local ordinances to include beyond-minimum standards for protecting water quality. We will complete and disseminate a fact sheet for permit applicants about designing culverts that protect floodplains.

Forest Stewardship Plans: We will continue working with landowners Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and consultant foresters to write up to 30 stewardship plans covering an estimated 30 000 acres of forested land in targeted watersheds. This work may expand into the Pine and Kettle River watersheds.

Outreach & education: We will continue educational and outreach efforts to enhance water managers’ and stakeholders’ understanding of aspects of watershed health. This will include presentations at small venues throughout the state as well as large statewide conferences.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Technical assistance to local implementation projects:
In FY17 staff assisted local governments with more than 85 water quality projects in 28 watersheds. We helped target 35 projects in 18 major watersheds. This work leads to more lasting water quality results and other environmental outcomes.
Conservation planning assistance:
We provided early input on 39 local water planning efforts and 11 local land use planning efforts involving 37 watersheds. We participated in all 12 of the One Watershed One Plan (1W1P) projects active that year; we reviewed plans for 4 of the 5 pilot projects provided input on the remaining pilot and communicated priorities to 7 new projects. In 5 watersheds where invited we led communities in identifying priorities using the Zonation conservation planning model. We updated the DNR Shoreland Model Ordinance with options that provide better water quality protection and disseminated this information to planners. Several counties are now exploring ordinance updates using the model. In 2 watersheds staff began testing a shoreland protection analysis tool to help identify opportunities to strengthen existing ordinances. We finalized and disseminated a package of information on “floodplain culverts ” an approach to infrastructure design at road-river crossings that takes stream stability and floodplain connectivity into account.
Outreach & education:
We gave about 30 presentations to over 800 water managers land use planners engineers and others. Venues ranged from local and regional meetings to large statewide conferences.
Forest Stewardship Plans:
Wed worked with landowners Soil and Water Conservation Districts and consultant foresters to write 43 forest stewardship plans covering 4 287 acres in targeted watersheds with lakes that are home to tullibee an important prey fish that requires cold clean water. We also targeted plans and project work to forested watersheds in parts of southeastern Minnesota.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2015 First Special Session Ch. 2 Art. 2 Sec. 6(f)
Appropriation Language

(f) $1000000 the first year and $1000000 the second year are for technical assistance to support local implementation of nonpoint source restoration and protection activities.

2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,000,000
Direct expenses
$674,676
Administration costs
$99,317
Number of full time equivalents funded
6.3
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY16 DNR staff will continue to work with local governments to identify priority areas for targeting actions to protect and improve water quality including continuation/completion of the five One Watershed One Plan (1W1P) pilot projects. We will continue to use and adapt the Zonation model and associated surveys to create conservation priority maps for the following watersheds: Mississippi River-Headwaters and Cannon Rivers. DNR foresters will work with Soil and Water Conservation Districts and consultant foresters to write stewardship plans for forested land in targeted watersheds including an expansion of tullibee lakes from new counties and more work on the Healthy Forests for Healthy Water project in southeast Minnesota.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Technical assistance to local implementation efforts: DNR staff assisted local governments (LGUs) with water quality projects in 49 watersheds. We helped design over 80 projects; identify prioritize or find funding or partners for potential projects in over 25 watersheds; target effective sites for over 35 projects; and improve water quality protection measures in local ordinances in 8 watersheds. This work leads to more enduring water quality and other environmental outcomes.

Conservation planning assistance: We advised 5 One Watershed One Plan pilot projects supplying often substantial technical data on request. We led communities in using the Zonation conservation planning model to identify priorities in 3 watersheds where invited by LGUs or the MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

Connecting water quality and land use: We started developing several new products: Tools to help LGUs and the MPCA add local land use ordinance information and strategies to watershed restoration and protection strategy (WRAPS) reports; an inventory of local ordinances with beyond-minimum standards that protect water quality; a model ordinance that includes some of these higher standards; and a fact sheet for permit applicants about designing culverts that protect floodplains.

Forest Stewardship Plans: We worked with landowners Soil and Water Conservation Districts and consultant foresters to write 42 forest stewardship plans covering 3 743 acres in targeted watersheds with lakes that are home to tullibee—an important prey fish that needs cold clean water to survive. We also targeted plans to forested watersheds in parts of southeastern MN to improve water quality in streams and rivers.

Outreach & education: We reached well over 800 water managers and stakeholders in educational presentations posters and newsletter articles on watershed health topics. Audiences at 35 or so presentations ranged from small groups in over 12 watersheds to large statewide conferences.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2013 Ch. 137 Art. 2 Sec. 6(f)
Appropriation Language

$1000000 the first year and $1000000
the second year are for technical assistance
to support local implementation of nonpoint
source restoration and protection activities
including water quality protection in forested
watersheds.

2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,000,000
Direct expenses
$915,714
Administration costs
$94,779
Number of full time equivalents funded
6.3
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY15 staff will continue to help local governments identify target and design implementation projects to protect and restore water quality. Staff will also participate in One Watershed One Plan interagency core teams for pilot watershed projects. The 4-step zonation framework will be applied and adapted in additional watersheds including the Mississippi River –Winona Leech Lake River Middle Minnesota River and St. Louis River. We will also apply the framework in the Lake Superior- North watershed at the invitation of the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources as part of the One Watershed One Plan pilot projects in those watersheds. Staff will also continue to enhance local capacity by building understanding of watershed systems through presentations and workshops. DNR foresters will work with Soil and Water Conservation Districts and additional landowners to write stewardship plans for forested land in targeted watersheds.

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY15 DNR staff worked with state agency partners and assisted local governments on clean water restoration and protection issues. We participated in five One Watershed One Plan pilot programs (Red Lake River Root River Lake Superior North North Fork Crow River Yellow Medicine River and Root River. In each watershed one lead staff person (supported by the Clean Water Fund) served as the DNR’s main contact on the locally-led technical advisory team so that our agency’s participation was streamlined efficient and effective.

We worked with local governments to help develop 58 project ideas that will provide water quality and other ecosystem benefits. We provided technical assistance with funding design or implementation on 79 specific water quality projects in 30 watersheds. The result is water quality projects that are selected located and designed for long-term sustainability. We also developed new model ordinances with higher standards for water quality and worked on approaches to identify priorities for protection of lakes and rivers. As part of this work with communities we gave 36 different presentations for local communities or groups to build their understanding of watersheds. In total 1175 people attended these presentations and workshops.

DNR staff worked with local governments to identify priority areas for targeting actions to protect and improve water quality. We used Zonation a value-based model with surveys and a mapping exercise to produce priority maps for 5 watersheds.

DNR foresters worked with landowners soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) and consultant foresters to write 23 forest stewardship plans covering 3 058 acres in targeted watersheds of lakes that are home to tullibee an important prey fish that requires cold clean water to survive. We are also doing targeted forest stewardship in southeast Minnesota to improve water quality in streams and rivers.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2013 Ch. 137 Art. 2 Sec. 6(f)
Appropriation Language

$1000000 the first year and $1000000
the second year are for technical assistance
to support local implementation of nonpoint
source restoration and protection activities
including water quality protection in forested
watersheds.

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,000,000
Direct expenses
$734,146
Administration costs
$69,391
Number of full time equivalents funded
6.6
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY14 DNR staff will continue to work with state agency partners and assist local governments on clean water restoration and protection issues. Work will be a continuation of the outcomes stated for FY13.

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY14 DNR staff worked with state agency partners and assisted local governments on clean water restoration and protection efforts enhancing locally led projects through expertise in hydrology geomorphology and biology.

Field staff helped strategically target conservation for 68 project ideas that will yield water quality and other ecosystem benefits and provided technical assistance on funding design or implementation for 84 projects. The result is water quality projects selected sited and designed for long-term sustainability. For example DNR consulted with several local governments about a natural-channel approach to stream channel stabilization which lasts longer and enhances habitat more than traditional armoring of stream banks. Field staff also worked with 44 communities or groups to build understanding of watersheds and enhance capacity to address water quality challenges through presentations and workshops attended by over 1 120 people.

Foresters worked with landowners and SWCDs to write 92 forest stewardship plans covering 10 141 acres in targeted watersheds – a dramatic increase in the number of plans in these watersheds which drain to sensitive lakes home to tullibee an important prey fish that requires cold clean water to survive. Forest stewardship plans increase landowners’ eligibility for land protection programs and improve forest health which is integral to protecting high quality lakes.

Staff helped local governments identify priority areas for targeting actions to protect and improve water quality using a framework that includes Zonation a value-based model; surveys of hundreds of people to determine how much they value specific conservation features; and a peer-review mapping exercise to synthesize personal knowledge about water quality risks and vulnerabilities in specific locations. Priority area maps were produced for the Chippewa River Mississippi River-St. Cloud and Yellow Medicine River watersheds.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2011 First Special Session Ch. 6 Art. 2 Sec. 6(g)
Appropriation Language

$1725000 the first year and $1725000 the second year are for shoreland stewardship TMDL implementation coordination providing technical assistance to the Drainage Work Group and Drainage Management Team and maintaining and updating data. Of this amount $235000 each year is for maintaining and updating watershed boundaries and integrating high-resolution digital elevation data with watershed modeling and $40000 each year is for a biomonitoring database. TMDL implementation coordination efforts shall be focused on major watersheds with TMDL implementation plans including forested watersheds.

2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,220,000
Direct expenses
$570,678
Administration costs
$69,821
Number of full time equivalents funded
5.0
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY13 DNR staff will continue to work with state agency partners and assist local governments on clean water restoration and protection issues. Field staff will promote strategies that benefit clean water as well as habitat and other ecosystem values through education technical help and partnership. This work will use natural resource information and conservation targeting tools to maximize conservation investments by matching the right strategies in the right places.

DNR will be a partner in building local capacity so that local governments are supported in: better understanding watershed systems; incorporating watershed information and analysis into local water and watershed plans; and targeting designing funding and implementing clean water restoration and protection strategies.

DNR foresters and Soil and Water Conservation Districts will work with landowners in watersheds of sensitive lakes in 7 counties to: write 50 forest stewardship plans totaling 7 000 acres; and distribute $45 000 in cost share funding for private forest management activities. The result will be an increase in land eligible for enrollment in land protection programs and an increase in forest health which is integral to protecting high quality lakes.

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY13 DNR staff worked with state agency partners and assisted local governments on clean water restoration and protection issues. DNR brings expertise in hydrology geomorphology and biology that enhances local projects so that conservation investments give maximum water quality and ecosystem benefits.

Field staff worked with local governments to strategically target conservation for 58 project ideas that will provide water quality and other ecosystem benefits and they provided technical assistance with funding design or implementation on 127 specific water quality projects. The result is water quality projects that are selected located and designed for long-term sustainability. For example DNR consulted with a number of local governments to use a natural channel design approach to stream channel stabilization projects; this type of project lasts longer and provides better habitat benefits than traditional armoring of stream banks. Field staff also worked with 32 communities or groups to build their understanding of watersheds and enhance their capacity through presentations and workshops that were attended by a total of over 1 150 people.

DNR foresters worked with landowners and County Soil and Water Conservation Districts to write 59 forest stewardship plans covering 6 458 acres of forested land in targeted watersheds. This represents an 80% increase in the number of stewardship plans in the targeted watersheds which drain to sensitive lakes that are home to populations of tulibee an important fish that requires cold clean water to survive. The forest stewardship plans will increase eligibility for enrollment in land protection programs and result in an increase in forest health which is integral to protecting high quality lakes.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2011 First Special Session Ch. 6 Art. 2 Sec. 6(g)
Appropriation Language

$1725000 the first year and $1725000 the second year are for shoreland stewardship TMDL implementation coordination providing technical assistance to the Drainage Work Group and Drainage Management Team and maintaining and updating data. Of this amount $235000 each year is for maintaining and updating watershed boundaries and integrating high-resolution digital elevation data with watershed modeling and $40000 each year is for a biomonitoring database. TMDL implementation coordination efforts shall be focused on major watersheds with TMDL implementation plans including forested watersheds.

2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,220,000
Direct expenses
$276,675
Administration costs
$176,489
Number of full time equivalents funded
9.0
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY 12 DNR will provide assistance to local governments shoreland and woodland owners on clean water restoration and protection issues.

DNR will expand the number of people working to promote strategies that benefit clean water as well as habitat and other ecosystem values through education technical help and partnership. This work will use natural resource information and conservation targeting tools to maximize conservation investments by matching the right strategies in the right places. DNR will help local governments design get funding and implement clean water strategies.

DNR Foresters will work with property owners in priority areas within the central lakes region to write stewardship plans and promote enrollment in land protection programs.

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY12 DNR staff worked with state agency partners and assisted local governments on clean water restoration and protection issues. DNR brings expertise in hydrology geomorphology and biology that enhances local projects so that conservation investments give maximum water quality and ecosystem benefits.

Field staff worked with 18 local governments on strategically targeting conservation work for water quality and other ecosystem benefits and provided technical assistance with funding design or implementation on 48 individual water quality projects. The result is water quality projects that are selected located and designed for long-term sustainability. For example DNR consulted with a number of local governments to use a natural channel design approach to stream channel stabilization projects this type of project lasts longer and provides better habitat benefits than traditional armoring of stream banks.

Field staff also worked with 24 communities or groups to build their understanding of watersheds and enhance their capacity through presentations and workshops that were attended by a total of over 850 people.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2009 Ch. 172 Art. 2 Sec. 5(g)
Appropriation Language

$250000 the first year and $250000 the second year are for nonpoint source restoration and protection activities.

2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$250,000
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY11 DNR hydrologists will continue the workshops and implementation projects started in the south and east parts of the state in FY10. Fisheries staff in southwestern Minnesota will partner with the Blue Earth Soil and Water Conservation District and to promote aquatic habitat conservation practices with local landowners. DNR will also adapt the CD-Rom "Restore Your Shore" into a new interactive website to make this useful information accessible to a broader audience.

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY11 hydrologists and fisheries staff worked with local governments and property owners on clean water restoration and protection issues in the south and east parts of the state:

*Presented clean water strategies information at 9 workshops tours and other events including 6 "Our Water Our Choices" workshops led by DNR and attended by 93 people including local officials.

*Participated in St. Croix MIDS (Minimal Impact Design Standards) pilot steering committee. This project will help cities establish policies and programs that will give them a path to compliance with and a method for calculating credits for certain state stormwater requirements.

*Assisted with funding coordination design or installation of 10 restoration projects including 4 river restoration projects 2 raingardens one wetland restoration two native prairies and a high velocity fish barrier.

*Adapted the CD-Rom "Restore Your Shore" to an internet-based application that allows users to interactively explore ways that shoreline property owners can create enhance or protect healthy shorelines for habitat and clean water. The website includes step by step instructions for shoreland restoration and an online interactive plant selection tool.

* Worked with local governments to provide information guidance and technical assistance to landowners regarding conservation assistance easements and conservation projects. This work resulted in permanently protecting 348.8 acres of riparian land and floodplains through conservation easements.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2009 Ch. 172 Art. 2 Sec. 5(g)
Appropriation Language

$250000 the first year and $250000 the second year are for nonpoint source restoration and protection activities.

2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$250,000
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY10 DNR will provide assistance to local governments and shoreland owners on clean water restoration and protection issues. This work will be done primarily in two areas of the state. In the south DNR a hydrologist will lead the development and presentation of a workshop series "Our Water Our Choices" for citizens and local officials and work with local groups on clean water projects. In the St. Croix Basin a hydrologist will work partners and local communities to promote and implemement best management practices for clean water.

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY10 DNR hydrologists provided assistance to local governments and shoreland owners on clean water restoration and protection issues:

* Presented clean water strategies information at 22 workshops tours and other events including 10 "Our Water Our Choices" workshops led by DNR and attended by 257 people including local officials.

* Worked with partners to design and install 3 raingardens to capture runoff and prevent downstream pollution.

*Provided technical assistance and input to local partners on clean water strategies including agricultural best management practices and municipal stormwater infrastructure.

* Worked with Crow Organization of Waters on two river restorations near Forest City and Hutchinson.

* Coordinated and executed the High Island Lake drawdown in Sibley County with a collaborative of lake association local and federal partners.

* Restored two lakeshore lots on Lake Jennie as part of a hands-on shoreline restoration workshop.

* Developed and distributed informational materials about shorelines raingardens and agricultural best management practices.

Project Manager
First Name
Barbara
Last Name
Weisman
Organization Name
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Street Address
500 Lafayette Road
City
Saint Paul
State
MN
Zip Code
55155
Phone
(651) 259-5147
Email
Barbara.Weisman@state.mn.us
Administered By
Administered by
Location

500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone
651-296-6157
Email the Agency