Photo:  Flute Reed River Watershed Partnership

From Staff Reports from the Cook County News Herald - October 19, 2018

Flute Reed River sediment levels are higher than allowed under state standards and are impacting clean water and clean gravel stream habitat for trout, notes a recently released report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which recently approved the Total Maximum Daily Load report for the Lake Superior-North watershed and Flute Reed River. 

Nearly all lakes and streams evaluated in the Lake Superior-North watershed meet water quality standards, according to Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) studies. 

The MPCA studied 67 streams and 152 lakes in this northeast corner of the state, and only one stream—the Flute Reed River—failed to support standards.

The sediment impairs the trout’s ability to capture food and lay eggs, potentially leading to a population decline. For humans, too much sediment reduces the enjoyment for swimming and other aquatic recreation.

The related Lake Superior-North Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPs), approved by the MPCA in August 2018, outlines several strategies to protect the excellent water quality in this watershed.