Watershed Operations Investing in the Whitewater August 2009 Watershed, Minnesota Introduction Project Description The purpose of this project is to • Location: Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona Counties, 1st Congressional protect the soil resource base for District sustained agricultural productivity • Federal Funding: $299,000 and improved ground and quality. The Whitewater River The watershed contains eight designated trout covering over 100 Watershed also includes State wildlife miles. To protect those streams, grassed waterways, water and management areas, two State parks, control structures, and terraces on agricultural lands will be installed. and a State-operated fish hatchery. Partners • USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service • Olmsted, Winona and Wabasha Boards of Commissioners • Olmsted, Winona and Wabasha Soil and Water Conservation Districts Benefits Whitewater The project will assist landowners to install conservation practices that River contribute to the overall project objectives to improve the environment. The Whitewater River outlets into Weaver Bottoms, part of the Upper Watershed l Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge. When complete, this project will provide over $581,000 in average annual benefits.

The project area is located in Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona Counties.

Funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, this project is part of the Obama Administration’s plans to modernize the nation’s infrastructure, jump-start the economy, and create jobs. NRCS is using Recovery Act dollars to update aging control structures, protect and maintain water supplies, improve water quality, reduce soil , enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and restore wetlands. NRCS acquires easements and restores to safeguard lives and property in areas along streams and that have experienced A picturesque river in southeastern Minnesota. The Whitewater River flows flooding. through this rugged terrain to the Mississippi River. Investing in the Whitewater River Watershed, Minnesota

Economic Opportunities Statewide Perspective For More Information Over 11,000 residents will benefit ARRA funds for the Whitewater USDA, NRCS from improved water quality, land River Watershed will accelerate 375 Jackson St. protection, and reduced soil erosion. the conservation and protection St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-1854 The Whitewater River has significant of the soil and water resources in Telephone: 651-602-7900 importance as a trout fishery, and this unique landscape of southeast Fax: 651-602-7914 also delivers water directly to the Minnesota. Already an authorized www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov Weaver Bottoms Upper Mississippi project through the Watershed National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Protection and Flood Prevention Funding will increase the workload of Program, the Recovery Act local land improvement contractors accelerates the protection of the area’s through installation of conservation natural resources. projects and help create or save jobs.

Grade stabilization structures stop and provide wildlife habitat.

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