State gathering input on waterway restoration project in NW MN

ROSEAU — A proposed project aims to restore the hydrology and natural habitats in a vast wetland and peatland complex in northwestern Minnesota.

The Roseau River Watershed District is leading the Juneberry Area project that is primarily taking place within the Roseau River and Beaches Lake wildlife management areas in Kittson and Roseau counties.

It includes abandoning some state ditch laterals (69 and 72), recreating the meander of Badger Creek and establishing a two-stage floodplain, and restoring the beds and slopes of state ditches 69 and 20.

"Following restoration, the natural habitats will regenerate and provide improved functionality, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience," states a project brief.

There will also be construction of the Whitney Lake floodwater impoundment to provide flood damage reduction in the Whitney Lake sub-watershed.

The restoration goals of the project aim to undo some of the decisions made a century ago in Minnesota.

During the early 1900s, the state implemented a public drainage effort to promote agricultural production and settlement. In the Roseau River and Two River Watershed area, this meant the construction of many state ditches and lateral ditches to improve the production of the land.

Some rivers and streams were straightened and converted into state ditches. These efforts resulted in degraded wetlands, peatlands, and natural habitats within the surrounding landscape of the proposed project area.

Because of the scope and scale of the planned realignment of waterways, state law requires the organization to prepare an environment assessment worksheet. These documents lay out the facts of a project, including permit information, to help determine if a more stringent environmental impact statement is required.

The state is accepting public comments on the EAW through Sept. 25. Physical copies of the worksheet and plan can be found at the Roseau River Watershed District Office, 714 Sixth St. SW in Roseau.

More information is available at the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board website or from Tracy Halstengard of the Roseau River Watershed District at 218-463-0313.