Resource Inventory and Management Studies

lower minnesota river watershed district, chaska, mn, 2017-present

Background
The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) is home to many rare and unique resources including calcareous fens (rare wetlands), trout streams (cold water creeks), and the beautiful bluffs along the Minnesota River (which can erode into gullies). Many of these resources and their natural conditions are threatened by a changing climate and require an active management approach to understand the resource and prescribe protection measures.

Strengths & Solutions
Young Environmental has worked tirelessly to help the LMRWD fully understand these resources and develop management plans. We led inventories for different rare resources including trout streams, fens, and gullies. Staff completed field assessments to fill data gaps and document the state of the resources in real time. Because cold-water resources like fens and trout streams rely on rich groundwater sources, we studied the hydrology and hydraulics of these waterbodies to understand the interaction. This information helps us understand how to protect the groundwater feeding these resources. River bluffs can be prone to erosion, creating gullies that contribute excess sediment into the Minnesota River, threatening private and public infrastructure. Our team explored more than 500 gullies in the District to better understand their condition and identify hot spots for project implementation.

Project Impact
By arming the LMRWD with key data and information, they can better manage the District resources and adapt strategies effectively. These inventories, studies, and recommendations will help ensure these resources will continue to hold value and thrive into the future.

Water Resources Engineering, Fieldwork, Resource Management Studies