SOUTH SHORE SUBWATERSHED PROJECT FACT SHEET
The Pope Soil and Water Conservation District worked with Houston Engineering to complete a Terrain Analysis study. This study identified high priority areas for sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen contributions downstream to Lake Minnewaska. This lead to the targeting effort on the South Shore of Lake Minnewaska. The Pope SWCD and NRCS worked with 3 landowners to implement best management practices. The projects were designed by the West Central Technical Service Area Engineers and the NRCS Engineering staff. There were 10
water and sediment control basins, 1 grassed waterway, and 1 grade stabilization structure built in the spring of 2015. More projects are planned for fall construction on the North side of County Road 18.
Pope SWCD in partnership with the Chippewa River Watershed Project has been monitoring the downstream impacts prior and after the construction of these projects. The water quality impacts are due mostly to storm events. Recent storm events have shown secchi tube readings as low as 7. There are also flooding concerns along South Shore Drive. The installation of the BMPs will reduce peak flooding by an estimated 70-80%.