Targeting Conservation Practices to Reduce Sediment to the Whitewater and Zumbro Rivers

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$59,298
Fund Source
Clean Water Fund
Recipient
Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District
Recipient Type
Local/Regional Government
Status
Completed
Start Date
January 2012
End Date
December 2014
Activity Type
Restoration/Enhancement
Counties Affected
Olmsted
Olmsted
Project Overview

The Whitewater River is one of Minnesota's most scenic and best loved rivers. The Whitewater's pools are home to brown, brook and rainbow trout, making the river one of the state's most popular trout fishing areas. Yet, water quality is of concern. Abnormal rainfall events in Southeastern Minnesota have increased stormwater runoff which equates to increased flows, erosion and sedimentation into the Whitewater and other local streams like the Zumbro River.
Sediment has been the leading factor affecting the water quality of streams in Olmsted County. In cooperation with local landowners, this project will implement conservation practices such as terraces, water and sediment control basins and grassed waterways. These projects will reduce peak flows which will help mitigate down stream flooding and sediment delivery to local rivers to the Whitewater and Zumbro Rivers.

Competitive Grant Making Body
Board Members and Qualifications

The 20-member BWSR board consists of representatives of local and state government agencies and citizens. Members are appointed by the governor of the state of Minnesota consistent with Minnesota Statutes 103B.101. Board members at the time the grant was made were: County Commissioner Appointees: Quentin Fairbanks; Tom Loveall; Brian Napstad; Soil and Water Conservation District Appointees: Paul Langseth, Louise Smallidge and Bob Burandt; Watershed District or Watershed Management Organization Appointees: Gene Tiedemann, LuAnn Tolliver and Todd Foster; Citizen Appointees: Paul Brutlag ; Gerald Van Amburg; John Meyer; Cities & Townships: Sandy Hooker -Township; Christy Jo Fogarty -Metro City; Keith Mykleseth -Non-Metro City; Agency: Chris Elvrum - Minnesota Department of Health; Rebecca Flood - Pollution Control Agency; Tom Landwehr - Department of Natural Resources; Matt Wohlman - Minnesota Department of Agriculture; Faye Sleeper - Minnesota Extension Service;

Advisory Group Members and Qualifications

Wayne Zellmer -BWSR Grants Coordinator; Matt Drewitz -BWSR South Region Clean Water Specialist; Art Persons -MDH Planning Supervisor Drinking Water Protection; Jeff Hrubes -BWSR North Region Clean Water Specialist; Marcey Westrick -BWSR Metro Clean Water Specialist; Julie Westerlund -DNR Clean Water Coordinator; Robert L. Sip -MDA Environmental Policy Specialist; Anna Kerr -MPCA -Stormwater / TMDL Coordinator; Nick Proulx -DNR Central Region Clean Water Legacy Specialist; Karen Evens - MPCA -Watershed Projects Manager; Joshua Stamper -MDA Research Scientist, Pesticide & Fertilizer Management; Norman R. Mofjeld -MDA Hydrologist P.G. Well Management Section;

Conflict of Interest Disclosed
No
Conflict of Interest Contact

Nicole Clapp

Legal Citation / Subdivision
Minnesota 2011, First Special Session chapter 6, article 2, section 7
Appropriation Language

(a) $13,750,000 the first year and $13,750,000 the second year are for pollution reduction and restoration grants to local government units and joint powers organizations of local government units to protect surface water and drinking water; to keep water on the land; to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams; and to protect groundwater and drinking water, including feedlot water quality and subsurface sewage treatment system (SSTS) projects and stream bank, stream channel, and shoreline restoration projects. The projects must be of long-lasting public benefit, include a match, and be consistent with TMDL implementation plans or local water management plans.

2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$59,298
Other Funds Leveraged
$15,416
Direct expenses
$59,298
Administration costs
$1,250
Number of full time equivalents funded
0.13
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Proposed Reductions: 32 lbs/year Phosphorus and 32 tons/year Sediment

Measurable Outcome(s)

Estimated pollution reductions include 107 lbs/yr phosphorus, 90 tons/yr sediment (TSS), and 209 tons/yr soil loss reduction.

Source of Additional Funds

The source of additional funds varies from project to project, but generally consists of federal, local and non-public sources.

Project Manager
First Name
Floyd
Last Name
Whitaker
Organization Name
Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District
Street Address
1485 Industrial Drive NW
City
Rochester
State
MN
Zip Code
55901
Phone
(507) 280-2850
Email
floyd.whitaker@mn.nacdnet.net
Administered By
Administered by
Location

520 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone
651- 296-3767