Photo: MN PCA

From the Cook County News Herald - January 31, 2020

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) approved $13.9 million in Clean Water Fund grants on January 22 to improve water quality in streams, lakes, and groundwater across the state. One of the grants awarded went to Cook County Soil and Water who will use the $91,245 received to help clean up the sediment from the Flute Reed River.

The Flute Reed River is not meeting state water quality standards for sediment. This proposal aims to reduce sediment into the river by applying multiple strategies. Anticipated benefits include reduction of sediment loading into the system, cooler water temperatures, and community understanding of the watershed.

The project will re-stablize and restore a slump midway up in the watershed. Moving down into the main river, the removal of a fish barrier and stabilization of an eroding bank will take place. In addition, there is approximately 3,000 linear feet identified in need of additional attention to reduce sediment into the river.

All proposed projects are estimated to reduce sediment loading by 263 tons per year or 30 percent of the sediment reduction. 

BWSR

The majority of the BWSR grant funding is allocated for voluntary conservation projects across Minnesota, including $2.1 million for projects that specifically focus on improving and protecting drinking water. Multipurpose drainage management projects will receive $734,441.

“Clean water is fundamental to the health and well-being of the people who call Minnesota home,” said BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke. “These grants will improve water quality throughout our state and help provide more Minnesotans with the clean water they expect and deserve.”

The $13.9 million will fund separate grants, 37 of which are dedicated to specific projects and practices. Five grants will support multi-purpose drainage management, and ten grants will focus on projects that specifically address drinking water issues.