Mississippi River Habitat Restoration and Mussel Reintroduction Study

minneapolis park and recreation board, Minneapolis, MN, 2023-2026

Background
The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic sights in Minneapolis, but as it’s developed over many decades, it has also lost natural aquatic habitat functions. Young Environmental collaborated with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) to bring the habitat back by reintroducing mussels and aquatic habitat to the river shoreline. This project was funded through an Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to restore lost habitat and revive shoreline and river islands. 

Strengths & Solutions
Young Environmental served as project manager to coordinate this large-scale restoration project to further enhance natural resources and aquatic habitats for the Mississippi River islands. We helped keep project milestones on track by developing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to hire the consultant team, which included a pre-proposal meeting, solicitation development, interviews, and contracting. Together, the project team prioritized targeted sites to implement habitat restoration, including grading, vegetation, and aggregate placement around the islands. The construction began in 2026, with Young Environmental supporting contractor selection and construction management. The construction of targeted restoration occurred at Olson’s Island, where evidence of mussel habitat was already shown to be intact during the bathymetric survey and exploratory diving.

Project Impact
Restoring the mussels in the river will help improve water quality and restore natural function, as freshwater mussels can serve as natural water filters, eating plankton, debris, and algae that passes over them. Following the completion of habitat construction, up to four species of native mussels were reintroduced into the restored environments. This critical step aims to support ecosystem recovery and enhance the ecological function of the river system. It also establishes a framework to guide additional habitat improvements in the Mississippi River.

Project Management, Request for Proposal Process, Quality Control, Construction Oversight