Major Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan
(MWRPP)

The newest development in the Pomme de Terre River Watershed is the proposed Major Watershed Study to address many different river impairments. This plan was approved by the Joint Powers Board on April 15th, 2011 and is currently under way. This study will help us understand where the problem spots are, and what we can do to address the issue on a widespread scale. This will involve TMDLs, and more intensive lake monitoring, stream monitoring, and the potential for increased funding for incentives programs. This could mean some intensive work on the river which could pay big dividends in the future. We hope to involve the communities in as many ways as possible to make this feel important to everyone so we can all feel we’ve made a difference.
The water quality impairments that will be involved are still being sorted out. The MPCA did what is called Intensive Watershed Monitoring on the Pomme de Terre and its tributaries from 2007 until 2010 so there's plenty of data to analyze. Work currently underway in the watershed includes both lake and stream monitoring. Details of other tasks within the plan are still being worked out but will likely include stakeholder meetings, and priority site determinations for future funding opportunities. Stay tuned for more info.

Potential impairments could include but are not limited to:

Turbidity - Too much sediment causing reduced light penetration.

Fecal coliform - Bacteria found in the intestines of warm blooded animals, causes sickness in humans who are exposed.

Biological indicators - Too few of certain plant and animal species including bugs, fish, reptiles and amphibians.

Excessive nutrient/Eutrophication - Nutrients causing advanced aging of lakes or streams.