Like the vast differences in how land is used within the Wild Rice River Watershed, water quality varies widely, according to two new reports by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Water quality is generally good in the eastern third of the watershed, where undeveloped land is covered by wetlands and forestlands, but is more impaired in central and western areas, where extensive changes to the land have caused erosion and damaged aquatic habitats. The reports outline strategies to both protect and restore the watershed’s lakes, rivers, and streams.
Monitoring staff fully assessed 35 stream or river segments for aquatic life use (fish and aquatic insect communities) and 25 for recreation such as swimming, boating, and fishing. Nestled between Moorhead and East Grand Forks, most lakes with monitoring data are generally in good condition for swimming and boating, but the entire watershed has experienced a loss of aquatic habit for fish and insects, despite its diverse ecology.
The reports find:
- Of the 35 stream and river segments fully assessed for aquatic life use, 21 are healthy for fish and bugs, and of the 25 stream and river segments fully assessed for recreation use, 10 meet standards.
- Seven stream/river segments have poor fish and/or bug communities, seven have excessive levels of turbidity or total suspended solids (TSS), and 15 have excessive E. coli. This is consistent with agricultural use and efforts to reduce pollutants will likely improve fish and bug communities.
- Of more than 400 lakes greater than 10 acres in size, the reports track monitoring data for 19 lakes. All those assessed for aquatic life meet standards for fish and bug habitats. All but two lakes, Rockstad and Tulaby, meet standards for recreation.
The first report is a compilation of total maximum daily load (TMDL) studies that establish the amount of each pollutant a waterbody can accept and still meet water quality standards, and the amount of pollutant reductions needed to meet the standards. TMDLs are required by the federal Clean Water Act.
The second report is a watershed restoration and protection strategy (WRAPS) report required by the state Clean Water Land and Legacy Act. It uses TMDL studies, monitoring results, and other information to develop strategies for restoring polluted/impaired waters and protecting healthy ones. Local partners use this information to develop detailed implementation plans and set priorities for projects.
Restoration strategies for the central and western areas address intensified bank erosion, damaged aquatic habitats, and increased sediment, nutrient, and bacteria. The reports recommend best management practices that include increasing vegetative cover/root duration, improving drainage, removing fish passage barriers, limiting livestock access to waterways, and other strategies.
For the eastern third of the watershed, recommendations focus on preserving water quality with strategies that include protecting and stabilizing banks and bluffs, protecting buffers and natural features, maintaining good forestry management, and mitigating agricultural drainage projects.
The MPCA invites the public to submit feedback to these two reports, including suggestions for additional or different strategies to protect and restore water quality. The draft reports are available on the MPCA’s Wild Rice River Watershed web page. Submit comments to or request information from Danielle Kvasager (email: danielle.kvasager@state.mn.us): 218-846-8117, 800-657-3864), MPCA, 714 Lake Ave. Ste. 220, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 by 4:30 p.m. on April 13, 2022.