Whisky Creek Restoration Project

This project involves the restoration of 5.2 miles of channel in Barnesville Township, Clay County, Minnesota. The scope of work includes the construction of a two-stage channel with expanded vegetative buffers, spoil piles, side water inlets, grade control structures, and other sediment control best management practices. Native vegetation will be established to enhance the stream habitat corridor, and excavated material will be placed as spoil banks. The project aims to improve water quality, manage erosion, reduce sedimentation, and enhance natural resources, aligning with the goals of the BRRWD's Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. The estimated total cost for the project is $2,760,000.00, with funding from the BRRWD basic water management fund ($270,000.00), the water management district ($570,000.00), and the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund ($1,600,000.00). An estimated water management district fee of $40,000.00 may be applied annually for project implementation and future maintenance.