The Watershed District and the Scott Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) have been working together to identify the best locations in the upper watershed (mostly agricultural lands that drain to Spring Lake) for increasing water storage after rainfall. By holding back water on the landscape, extreme high and low elevations in Spring and Prior lakes should be reduced, resulting in improved water recreation and enjoyment potential.
By focusing on locations favorable for wetland restoration, the District and the SWCD hope to use the naturally existing features of the landscape to their advantage, reducing the overall effort and cost of the project. Another benefit is that targeting wetlands for restoration or enhancement may allow the use of the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Wetland Reserve Enhancement Program funding.
This fall farmers within the Watershed District may receive letters from the District and the SWCD about this opportunity.