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TCTU SPONSOR
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Red Wing, Minn. A stream restoration project on Hay Creek was completed last week, further increasing trout and wildlife habitat on the stream.
The Twin Cities chapter of Trout Unlimited along with the Hiawatha chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources worked to restore a 2,200- foot section of the stream. Eroding streambanks were rebuilt and deep pools in the stream were created for trout habitat. In addition, the group planted prairie plants alongside the stream, creating cover for fish and wildlife.
"Eroded, slumping stream banks were sloped and reconnected to the floodplain, as well as adding much needed overhead and winter habitat for the wild trout of Hay Creek," said Josh Nelson, of the Twin Cities Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
Funding and volunteers for the restoration project came from the Twin Cities and Hiawatha chapters of Trout Unlimited, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Last year, the group restored 2,500 feet above this year's project on Hay Creek.
Restoration projects have proven that fish populations increase in places where restoration has taken place by as much as 700% in just several years.
In 2010, the Twin Cities chapter of Trout Unlimited will work to restore another section on Hay Creek. Both of the restored sections of Hay Creek as well as the projects to be funded next year through the Outdoor Heritage Fund have public fishing access.
Minnesota's Trout Unlimited Council was recently awarded $2,050,000 from Minnesota's newly-created Outdoor Heritage Fund for 12 specific on-the-ground projects in 10 Minnesota counties. The grant will be used to restore over 14 miles of coldwater habitat throughout the state. The state's seven TU chapters will complete the work over the next two years.
The funding comes from a state Outdoor Heritage Fund which was created as a result of a constitutional amendment passed by state voters in 2008. For the next 25 years, 33 percent of a new state sales tax will be dedicated to the restoration, protection and enhancement of wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game and wildlife.
The following projects will be funded by the grant: Hay Creek, in Goodhue County; Kabekona Creek in Hubbard County; Lawndale Creek in Wilkin County; Little Rock Creek in Benton County; Whitewater River in Olmsted County; Mill Creek in Fillmore County; Pickwick Creek in Winona County; Trout Run Creek in Fillmore County; Straight River in Becker and Hubbard counties; Sucker River in St. Louis County and two projects on the Vermillion River in Dakota County.
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