St. Paul District
Description
Natural levees formed by the Minnesota River would trap higher river flows to create marsh areas, but there were no controlled outlets to the river. The existing outlet allowed Minnesota River floodwaters to back into the wetland, depositing river sediments. The natural levees were also topped by Minnesota River flood flows, allowing more sediment into the wetlands. This process was reducing water quality and increasing the aging rate of the marsh, substantially reducing the areas used by migrating birds for nesting, breeding, and feeding.
Quick Facts
- Approximate Acres: 807
- State(s) Covered: Minnesota
- Land Ownership: Federal
- Management Agency: USFWS
- Management Authority: Refuge
Milestones
- The Definite Project Report was completed in July 1995.
- Construction was initiated in December 1996 and completed in November 1998.
- The Operation and Maintenance Manual was completed in September 1999.