Gilchrist watershed was selected by the Natural Resources Conservation Service for the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI). There were only three watersheds nationwide selected. All three watersheds are impaired due to sediment and turbidity. The Gilchrist Lake watershed is also impaired due to nutrients. In addition, all three watersheds have at least one impaired water body. These watersheds are approximately 20,000 acres in size. The Gilchrist Lake watershed is a tributary to the Chippewa River and is located in the southeast portion of Pope County. The primary land use in this watershed is cropland and pasture.
Landowners in this priority watershed can be eligible for additional funding for putting conservation on the ground to improve water quality.
If you are in this priority watershed and are interested in completing a conservation practice contact the NRCS office at 320-634-5143.