Marshall County project marks milestone for flood control, habitat
Despite damp ground from recent rains, stakeholders gathered at the downstream end of the channel northwest of Warren to mark the beginning of Phase 1 construction on what proponents call "a transformative, multi-benefit water management project."
Speaking during the event, Bill Petersen, president of the Middle-Snake-Tamarac Rivers Watershed District board, emphasized the practical importance of the project for local farmers.
"This is a project for people," Petersen said. "We didn't pursue this to create habitat, though that's a great outcome. We pursued this to provide long-term flood control and improved drainage capacity for our landowners."
Landowners played a key role in the the project, Petersen said, as did the collaboration among local, regional and state agencies, including the Red River Watershed Management Board (RRWMB), Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) and other state funding partners.
Phase 1 of the project covers approximately 248 acres and includes channel reshaping, the creation of floodplain overflow areas, setback levees, side inlet controls and native vegetation buffers. Designed to handle a 10-year rainfall event, this phase addresses sediment transport, phosphorus reduction and a sustainable perpetual habitat corridor in the heavily agricultural landscape.
The cost of Phase 1 is approximately $5 million, supported through contributions from LSOHC, BWSR, Red River Watershed Management Board, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Middle-Snake-Tamarac Rivers Watershed District.
Mori Maher, administrator of the MSTRWD, credited the Clean Water Fund and LSOHC-funded Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) program for playing pivotal roles in securing project momentum. He specifically thanked Matt Fischer of the Board of Water and Soil Resources for his support in securing state funding for Phase 1 construction and Lynda Ponting, also of BWSR, for her initiative in permitting and cost-saving approaches under the Wetland Conservation Act.
Maher also acknowledged state Rep. John Burkel, R-Badger, for his ongoing legislative support. "We miss him, as he is still in the legislative battle to secure our interest in the extended legislative session," Maher said during the event.
Planning for Phase 2 is well underway, targeting an additional 492 acres. With perpetual easement funding already secured, the watershed district is now pursuing construction funds through LSOHC and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, Maher said.
Phase 2 will address upper reaches of Swift Coulee, further reducing sediment and phosphorus, while increasing benefits to wildlife, pollinators and downstream landowners.
According to Maher, the groundbreaking marks not just the beginning of construction, but the culmination of more than 20 years of planning and trust-building. With over 100 contributors across all levels of government and community, Swift Coulee is now a model for how Minnesota watersheds can simultaneously protect water quality, restore habitat and serve agriculture, Maher said.
For more information or to discuss participation in Phase 2, contact the MSTRWD office at (218) 745-4741 or email Maher at
morteza.maher@mstrwd.org
.
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