Why the Project is Taking Place
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is committed to working with a range of partners using a watershed approach that addresses all of Minnesota’s 81, 8-digit HUC watersheds, within a ten year cycle. The major components of the approach include unified methods to: 1) monitor and gather information, 2) assess the data, 3) develop implementation strategies to meet standards and protect waters, and 4) implement water quality protection and restoration activities. Intensive watershed monitoring will begin in the West Fork Des Moines River (WFDMR) 8-digit HUCs in 2014. This monitoring work expands on previously established routine water quality and flow sampling to include extensive fish and aquatic invertebrate surveys. Following completion of the intensive watershed monitoring, subsequent steps include assessment of the monitoring data to determine impairments, identification of stressors that are causing impairments, development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) using identification of pollutant sources using computer modeling and other techniques, civic engagement, and public education as approaches in progress towards water quality goals. The project will culminate in a set of strategies to restore impaired waters and protect unimpaired waters. These strategies will ultimately be executed by state and local governments, citizen organizations, businesses, and individuals.
In this first phase, a framework will be established that the local government can use to guide their involvement as the WFDMR Watershed Project progresses over the next four years. This will be accomplished through conversations with the MPCA and among all of the local agencies to determine the needs of this watershed. Identifying these needs and developing a plan to see that some of these needs are met will enhance the success in developing strategies that will protect or restore the waters in the WFDMR watershed.
Subsequent phases in this project will perform the tasks and duties developed in the plan from the first phase. These will potentially include involving more partners and the public through the use of civic engagement activities, aiding the MPCA in data collection and developing restoration and protection strategies that would be implemented by the local partners.
Project start/End dates: July 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014
Total project cost: $31,642.78
