(from left) Mitch Cabek, IMPACK 6 (stands for the six SWCDs in the Technical Service Area for Non-point Engineering Assistance in Isanti, Mille Lacs, Pine, Aitkin, Chisago, and Kanabec Counties); Nicole Sternquist, IMPACK6; and Deb Hermel, NRCS meet to inspect installation (NRCS image -- click to enlarge) trumpeter swans and their cygnets have made the newly restored wetland their home (NRCS image -- click to enlarge)

NRCS, the Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently partnered with two landowners who wanted to restore a large wetland encompassing approximately 30 acres of their adjoining property. Originally approaching SWCD, the landowners inquired about developing a wetland habitat.  The four agencies met on-site with the landowners to discuss the resource concerns, means to successfully complete the project, and ultimately to plan for meeting the landowners’ objectives with funding provided through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP).  Through a contribution agreement, the SWCD and Joint Powers Engineering staff surveyed and designed the project and also provided construction inspection and checkout.  A dam was installed with cable concrete mats for erosion protection and a variable pipe weir to adjust pool depth.

The project was funded through EQIP and USFWS funds focusing on wetland projects in Chisago county.  The DNR provided technical assistance and aided the landowners with planting the native grasses.

Since implementation, a pair of trumpeter swans has made this wetland their permanent home.  This pair will migrate south and come back each year when the ice melts to produce their offspring and live for the summer.  Thanks to this wetland work, permanent water will remain for the swan habitat as well as for other wetland wildlife.

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Also bordering this wetland is 21.4 acres of native grasses and 2.0 acres of trees established from a corn/soybean rotation on 20 percent slope through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).   Approximately 15 tons of soil per acre per year are saved from converting this highly erodible field from row crops to CRP.
Your contact is NRCS public affairs specialist Julie MacSwain at 651-602-7859.