Watershed Modeling

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2021 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$165,000
2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$170,000
2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$165,000
2018 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$176,762
2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$202,000
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$202,000
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$185,000
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$185,000
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$230,000
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$230,000
2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$95,000
2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$85,000
Fund Source
Clean Water Fund
Status
In Progress
Start Date
July 2009
End Date
June 2023
Activity Type
Analysis/Interpretation
Assessment/Evaluation
Modeling
Planning
Research
Restoration/Enhancement
Technical Assistance
Counties Affected
Statewide
Statewide
Project Overview

The DNR provides technical support related to the causes of altered hydrology and watershed management solutions. We use state-of-the-art models and statistical methods to look at cumulative impacts of drainage and land-use practices and determine the benefits of best management practices. This involves collaboration with multiple partners at multiple scales. For example, we partnered with Discovery Farms Minnesota and the MN Department of Agriculture to help evaluate on-farm water quality management practices and we worked with Mower SWCD on a model to evaluate how implementation projects are moving the county toward its flood and nutrient reduction goals.

About the Issue

Understanding the impacts of land use on drainage is critical to our ability to protect and restore clean water. Since European settlement, native landscapes - which allow water to filter through healthy vegetation and soils to replenish aquifers - have been replaced by agriculture and urban development with constructed drainage systems designed to move water off the land as quickly as possible. These alterations to the way water flows across the land as well as practices that reduce the capacity for soils to hold water contribute to widespread erosion and habitat loss, as well as increased sediment loading, excess nutrients, bacteria, and other pollution reaching Minnesota's lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands.

Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY24, the DNR has sunset its CWF watershed modeling activities. Instead, program staff will primarily be focusing on the culvert replacement incentive program funded by the CWF. The Cascade Creek hydrology study will be completed under the nonpoint technical assistance program. Outcomes from this effort will be reported in that section of the report.

Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY23 DNR will complete the water storage sensitivity analysis for cover crops using at least two existing watershed models. The goal is to provide local watershed planning groups with a simple approach to estimate water storage benefits from different levels of cover crop adoption. The DNR is also initiating a second effort to provide guidance on water storage benefits that looks at the benefits of channel restoration and reconnecting them to their floodplains.

Measurable Outcome(s)

The DNR initiated a study on the Cascade Creek restoration project with the aim to quantify the hydrologic benefit of providing water storage through channel restoration and reconnecting floodplains. DNR completed modeling analysis of water storage benefits of cover crops and presented this work at the Minnesota Water Resources Conference as well as at several other internal and external venues. Data from the watershed modeling effort was provided to the USACE Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), to incorporate into their research efforts.

Direct expenses
$72,509
Administration costs
$6,760
Number of full time equivalents funded
0.5
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Program priorities in FY22 include technical support for geomorphic design of stream crossings and expanded analysis and dissemination of the results from the evaluation of hydrologic change.

Specific projects for this geomorphic design of stream crossings will include Dry Creek and Gorman Creek. DNR will continue to develop methods and tools to improve efficiency of the analysis and design process. We will also seek additional opportunities to enhance and expand this effort by collaborating with other agencies and organizations.

DNR will also assist with the ongoing statewide analysis of hydrologic change including the synthesis of results into statewide maps depicting patterns in climate and stream flow. Help develop watershed hydrology report cards to improve the communication of these results to local partners and other state agencies involved in watershed planning efforts.

Measurable Outcome(s)

The DNR was expanded upon previous watershed modeling efforts. Modeling for the Dobbins Creek Watershed was completed in the previous year to help Mower County SWCD quantify the benefits of their best management practices. This year, the results from this were incorporated into a document and presented as a case study for a two-day hydrology workshop. In addition, program staff initiated a new effort to use existing models to conduct a sensitivity analysis on the water storage benefits of cover crops. When complete, this work will be useful a useful guide for local watershed when developing the water storage strategy required as part of One Watershed One Plan.

2021 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$165,000
Direct expenses
$131,364
Administration costs
$6,473
Number of full time equivalents funded
0.8
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY21 program staff will continue efforts to expand modeling capabilities. One area of interest is exploring options for incorporating downscaled climate model results into GSSHA to simulate climate change impacts. Staff are participating in the project funded by the Water Research Foundation to look at innovative approaches for flood mitigation planning and under extreme wet weather events. We will also continue to engage with watershed modelers at the University of Minnesota to improve our processes. This will include exploring the applications of machine learning to predict watershed hydrological changes under the impacts of climate and land use changes.

Clean Water modeling applications for FY 21 include completing the analysis of Dobbins Creek watershed and a report evaluating best management practices and a second report evaluating impact of agricultural drainage tile. We also anticipate using the model develop the Dry Creek (Olmsted County) to study land-use scenarios climate change and effects of various stressors on floodplain and channel connectivity.

Finally staff will continue to provide technical support for the evaluation of hydrologic change analysis for the remaining gaged watersheds and assist with report.

Measurable Outcome(s)

DNR watershed modeling staff completed a report for Dobbins Creek watershed on the effectiveness of BMPs to address water quality and flooding issues. A separate report was completed that analyzed the effect of drain tiles and cover crops. Results from these reports were shared with state and local partners through presentations and factsheets.

DNR provided technical support for stream channel stability and geomorphic design for potential culvert replacement projects. This program promotes a natural design approach for stream crossings to reduce flooding and erosion as well as improve fish passage. As part of this effort DNR developed a model for Dry Creek to assess hydrology and sediment transport. DNR is involved in several other potential stream crossing design projects throughout southern and central Minnesota.

DNR also continued to play a key role in implementing a standardized approach for evaluating altered stream hydrology. The evaluation of hydrologic change was completed for 63 stream gages across Minnesota. DNR is using this information to develop plain language communications aimed at participants in local watershed planning efforts.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2019 First Special Session Ch. 2 Art. 2 Sec. 6(g)
Appropriation Language

$700000 the first year and $700000 the second year are for applied research and tools including watershed hydrologic modeling; maintaining and updating spatial data for watershed boundaries streams and water bodies and integrating high-resolution digital elevation data; and assessing effectiveness of forestry best management practices for water quality.

2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$170,000
Direct expenses
$84,437
Administration costs
$16,527
Number of full time equivalents funded
0.8
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY20 DNR watershed modelers will:
-Continuing to work with the Minnesota Supercomputer Institute to adapt GSSHA for the supercomputer in order to increase modeling program capacity.
-Explore potential collaboration with the University of Minnesota using machine learning to improve watershed modeling and management.
-Run additional scenarios for Shakopee Creek tributary model.
-Run drain tile scenario and additional land use scenario for Shakopee Creek parent model.
-Finish calibration and validation of Huse Creek model.
-Develop and run model scenarios for Dobbins Creek to assess effectiveness of proposed management activities on reducing peak flow.
-Help finalize the methods guidance document for altered hydrology tools and assist with staff training on procedures.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Clean Water modeling program staff continued to explore avenues for expanding modeling capacity. Staff participated in a symposium hosted by the University of Minnesota focused on using machine learning to improve watershed modeling and management.

Program staff extended existing modeling applications for Dobbins Creek GSSHA (Mower County) model to analyze water quality and flooding issues. Staff developed and ran model scenarios to assess effectiveness of proposed management activities on reducing peak flow. Additional scenarios were run to evaluate the impact of agricultural drainage tiles and perennial cover on hydrology.

Program staff also played a key role in developing a comprehensive standardized approach to evaluate altered hydrology for streams. Staff provided technical support for method development developed programming scripts to automate the analysis assisted with training and helped write the documentation. In addition staff assisted with a pilot project to implement these analysis methods.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2017 Regular Session Ch. 91 Art. 2 Sec. 6(g)
Appropriation Language

$675000 the first year and $675000 the second year are for applied research and tools including watershed hydrologic modeling; maintaining and updating spatial data for watershed boundaries streams and water bodies and integrating high-resolution digital elevation data; and assessing effectiveness of forestry best management practices for water quality.

2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$165,000
Direct expenses
$84,437
Administration costs
$16,527
Number of full time equivalents funded
0.8
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY19 DNR watershed modelers will:
• Work with the Cedar River Watershed District to model the effect of adopted and proposed land use practices on flood flows and water quality.
• Finalize and provide report to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) on a Shakopee Creek tributary report assessing the effect of six land use scenarios on hydrology and sediment transport.
• Help refine the DNR’s approach to evaluating watershed hydrologic change. Help review altered hydrology assessment techniques and train staff to do the assessments.
• Collaborate with the University of Minnesota Supercomputing Institute and the ACE on developing steps to use the supercomputer to simulate how land use changes may alter hydrology sediment and nutrient processes to better address clean water initiatives. This will result in faster more efficient simulations `and more representative presentations.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2017 Regular Session Ch. 91 Art. 2 Sec. 6(g)
Appropriation Language

$675000 the first year and $675000 the second year are for applied research and tools including watershed hydrologic modeling; maintaining and updating spatial data for watershed boundaries streams and water bodies and integrating high-resolution digital elevation data; and assessing effectiveness of forestry best management practices for water quality.

2018 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$176,762
Direct expenses
$114,407
Administration costs
$47,765
Number of full time equivalents funded
1.1
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY18 DNR watershed modelers will:
• Finalize a report on the Discovery Farms modeling project in Goodhue County and present key findings at the 2017 MN Water Resources Conference.
• Continue to collaborate with modeling experts at the University of MN and the Army Corp of Engineers to evaluate and improve limitations in the current suite of models including developing and evaluating values for sediment transport parameters.
• Collaborate with the MN Pollution Control Agency in using the larger Shakopee Creek Watershed model developed in FY17 to help evaluate water quality benefits for the MN Board of Water & Soil Resources (BWSR)’s Working Lands Watershed Restoration Program.
• Continue to collaborate with Mower County Soil & Water Conservation District on how to use watershed models to help document measureable improvements as on-the-ground projects are implemented.
• Finalize a report on previous years’ Shakopee Creek modeling efforts for the MN River Integrated Watershed Study.
• Incorporate results from watershed modeling studies into a DNR report on altered hydrology at the request of the interagency Drainage Management Team led by BWSR.
• Work with the Discovery Farm Program’s technical team to identify additional modeling priorities and next steps.
• Gain access to a University of MN supercomputer to reduce model run times.

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY18 DNR watershed modelers:
• Provided final report to the Discovery Farm in Goodhue County describing the modeled results relating the effect of existing land use practices and proposed best management practices on the hydrologic sediment and nutrient processes.
• Provided the final report on the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Working Lands Shakopee Creek project to BWSR and presented results at the 2018 MN Water Resources Conference. Simulated the effect of BWSR and DNR recommended land use changes on hydrologic sediment and nutrient processes.
• Provided technical assistance on hydrology sediment and nutrient -process modeling in the GSSHA model to a University of Minnesota researcher.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2015 First Special Session Ch. 2 Art. 2 Sec. 6(g)
Appropriation Language

(g) $675000 the first year and $675000the second year are for applied research and tools including watershed hydrologic modeling; maintaining and updating spatial data for watershed boundaries streams and water bodies and integrating high-resolution digital elevation data; assessing effectiveness of forestry best management practices for water quality; and developing a biomonitoring database.

2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$202,000
Direct expenses
$10,622
Administration costs
$44,566
Number of full time equivalents funded
1.4
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY17 the DNR will:
• Complete Shakopee Creek modeling and summarize the results in a detailed report on land management scenarios for local watershed initiatives and decision-support products being developed by the Minnesota River Integrated Watershed Study partnership.
• Work with the Cedar River Watershed District to evaluate one or more BMP strategies review BMP effectiveness and complete a report on project outcomes.
• Sponsor a University of Minnesota research project to compare the ability of existing GSSHA vs. SWAT models for Dobbins Creek to predict rates of nutrient loss.
• Expand modeling at existing Discovery Farm sites to add nutrient loss rates and sediment erosion to BMP evaluations.
• Develop a fine-scale GSSHA model to test its capacity to help inform decisions on proposed drainage improvement projects and selection of associated BMPs.
• Present modeling results at an International Drainage Symposium hosted by the University of Minnesota.
• Continue to provide technical expertise to drainage-related technical and policy workgroups and issues in various forums.

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY17 DNR watershed modelers:
• Collaborated with modeling experts at the University of MN and the Army Corp of Engineers to evaluate the capacity to model nutrient loss rates identify modeling limitations and discuss potential solutions.
• Completed a modeling project with Discovery Farms Program (Goodhue County site); expanded the model to include sediment transport and nutrient loss estimates; examined water quality benefits associated with practices that increase soil organic content; completed a draft report and presented the results.
• Gave four presentations at a University of MN International Drainage Symposium highlighting key areas of learning from the DNR’s watershed modeling work.
• Finished Shakopee Creek modeling runs of six alternative land management scenarios to help inform local watershed initiatives and decision-support products being developed by the MN River Integrated Watershed Study partnership. Presented the results at several forums.
• Collaborated with Mower County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) to complete a model predicting the reduction in sediment erosion and hydrologic flow when all projects in the Cedar River Watershed District’s Targeted Watershed grant project are implemented. Presented the results to SWCD staff and discussed how to track future implementation success.
• Continued to provide technical expertise to drainage-related technical and policy workgroups.
• Developed a GSSHA model for the larger Shakopee Creek Watershed to enhance comparisons with MPCA’s modeling products.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2015 First Special Session Ch. 2 Art. 2 Sec. 6(g)
Appropriation Language

(g) $675000 the first year and $675000the second year are for applied research and tools including watershed hydrologic modeling; maintaining and updating spatial data for watershed boundaries streams and water bodies and integrating high-resolution digital elevation data; assessing effectiveness of forestry best management practices for water quality; and developing a biomonitoring database.

2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$202,000
Direct expenses
$277,403
Administration costs
$44,144
Number of full time equivalents funded
2.4
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY16 the DNR will collaborate with the Army Corps of Engineers and other partners of the Minnesota River Integrated Watershed Study to complete fine-scale modeling and translate products into guidance for selecting best management practices at the basin scale. We will complete model scenarios for Shakopee Creek case studies and start developing “scaling” rules to help translate field-research findings on BMP effectiveness into decision-support guidance for restoration and protection efforts throughout the Minnesota River Basin.

We will continue the Discovery Farms research by further developing the field-scale GSSHA models of selected research plots using data collected during edge of field monitoring. The model format for Discovery Farms data is designed to help the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center evaluate how well BMPs work over a wider range of climatic conditions compared to the actual period the practices were monitored.

We will also support a Cedar River Watershed District (CRWD) watershed restoration initiative by refining an existing GSSHA model for Dobbins Creek to evaluate one or more BMP implementation strategies identified by the CRWD.

We will continue to work with MPCA’s HSPF model on the St. Louis River Watershed. We will adapt the Swedish RIM “RIM” model or “Riparian Profile Flow-Concentration Model ” for use with HSPF to model a number of parameters in the St. Louis River (dissolved organic carbon total mercury methylmercury iron and sulfate concentrations). We will incorporate an extensive set of chemical and flow data collected in 2013 by the DNR into the model. This involves extending MPCA’s initial hydrologic calibration from 2012 to 2014

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY16 the DNR used fine-scale GSSHA modeling results to support several projects and partnerships to improve the selection placement and design of agricultural best management practices (BMPs) in southern Minnesota. Specifically we:
-Continued collaborating with the Army Corps of Engineers and other Minnesota River Integrated Watershed Study partners to complete fine-scale modeling in the Shakopee and Seven-Mile Creek subwatersheds and develop products to guide the selection of BMPs at the basin scale.
-Developed and delivered modeling results to the Chippewa River Board and stakeholders to guide planning efforts to reestablish shallow lakes that were previously drained.
-Assembled a video for the Smithsonian WaterWays Exhibit showing how hydrologic models can help guide management decisions to protect important recreational lakes in the Shakopee Creek system.
-Completed models for two Discovery Farm sites that will be used by the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center and partnering farmers. The models indicate that changes in soil organic matter content and modifications to tile drainage practices will reduce runoff and soil erosion and increase soil water availability.
-Completed three models at different scales for the Dobbins Creek Watershed to help the Cedar River Watershed District decide which BMPs to implement as part of the Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources (BWSR)’s Targeted Watershed Grant Program.
-Continued providing technical expertise to drainage-related technical and policy workgroups and issues in various forums.

Staff in the DNR Division of Lands & Minerals collaborated with MPCA staff to write a peer-reviewed paper published in the Journal of Environmental Management about the St. Louis River research described in the proposed outcomes above for FY16.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2013 Ch. 137 Art. 2 Sec. 6(g)
Appropriation Language

$675000 the first year and $675000
the second year are for applied research
and tools including watershed hydrologic
modeling; maintaining and updating spatial
data for watershed boundaries streams and
water bodies and integrating high-resolution
digital elevation data; assessing effectiveness
of forestry best management practices for
water quality; and developing an ecological
monitoring database.

2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$185,000
Direct expenses
$170,831
Administration costs
$41,287
Number of full time equivalents funded
1.9
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY15 the DNR will collaborate with the Army Corps of Engineers and other Minnesota River Integrated Watershed Study partners to complete fine-scale modeling and translate products into best management practice (BMP) guidance at the basin scale. Staff will complete model scenarios for Shakopee Creek case studies and start developing “scaling” rules to help translate field-research findings on BMP effectiveness into decision-support guidance for restoration and protection efforts throughout the Minnesota River Basin.

In coordination with the MN Agricultural Water Resource Center and MN Department of Agriculture modelers will aid Discovery Farms research by developing field-scale GSSHA models of selected research plots to help evaluate BMP effectiveness and reduce uncertainty in interpreting the monitored data. A model format for Discovery Farms data will help evaluate BMP effectiveness over a wider range of climatic conditions than occurred during the monitoring period and improve site-to-site comparisons.

Staff will also support a Cedar River Watershed District (CRWD) watershed restoration initiative by refining an existing GSSHA model for Dobbins Creek to incorporate drainage tile so the effects of tile drainage practices can be accurately evaluated together with other BMPs. The results will help refine BMPs recommendations.

The DNR will continue collaborating with soil scientists to understand and model soil health management to support drainage and water quality goals. Staff will compile soil health research from multiple sources to ensure the best science is used to explain how soil characteristics change in response to changing tillage practices and other BMPs and accurately incorporate soil physics into reliable model parameters.

Staff will continue to coordinate with the Drainage Work Group and provide technical support for the Drainage Management Team as they review Minnesota’s drainage policies and code.

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY15 the DNR continued to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and other Minnesota River Integrated Watershed Study (MRIWS) partners. The goal is to improve the predictions these models make about the effectiveness of potential watershed restoration activities.

We developed a tool that will help combine land use land cover and crop management practices with soil type in the model which will estimate differences in water flow as these relationships change.

Maps showing locations for targeted BMPs that will significantly reduce sediment loading are being used by local SWCDs to work with individual landowners. The use of detailed maps at a fine scale in this targeting exercise demonstrates the value of the GSSHA modeling in identifying the effectiveness of BMP implementation at both field and watershed scales.

We worked with the Discovery Farms research team to develop a field-scale GSSHA model based on actual monitoring data. The model gives a detailed summary of water balance with and without a pattern tile drainage system for both corn and soybean rotations helping evaluate BMP effectiveness and interpret monitoring data in a pattern tiled field.

The DNR’s mining hydrologists worked with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to enhance their HSPF (Hydrologic Simulation Program Fortran) model for the St. Louis River watershed by: 1) improving the mining discharge information in the model and; 2) developing user input files that incorporate “chemical tracers” to mine waters so that impacts from mining and other activities can be evaluated more quickly and accurately. This work will help better identify sources of pollution problems make mine permitting decisions and target restoration plans.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2013 Ch. 137 Art. 2 Sec. 6(g)
Appropriation Language

$675000 the first year and $675000
the second year are for applied research
and tools including watershed hydrologic
modeling; maintaining and updating spatial
data for watershed boundaries streams and
water bodies and integrating high-resolution
digital elevation data; assessing effectiveness
of forestry best management practices for
water quality; and developing an ecological
monitoring database.

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$185,000
Direct expenses
$122,059
Administration costs
$32,439
Number of full time equivalents funded
1.3
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY14 the DNR watershed modeling team will continue its work with the Cannon River stakeholders and use the modeling experience developed for the Maple Creek Subwatershed to evaluate how to target and select BMPs for the adjacent Turtle Creek Subwatershed.

The DNR watershed modeling team will complete the Shakopee Creek case studies (JD 27 and JD29) as well as third subwatershed (Huse Creek) which will serve as a reference watershed. The DNR will combine the results of the Shakopee Creek case studies with those of the Army COE modelers (who are modeling 7-Mile Creek) to address historical impacts of wetland loss and drainage in the Minnesota River Basin and to help develop a watershed strategy to address TMDL goals.

The DNR’s Drainage Engineer will continue to coordinate with the Drainage Work Group on drainage policy and reshaping state drainage code. The modeling team will work cooperatively with University of Minnesota researchers and others to increase our understanding on how BMPs change soil properties that are used in models to interpret hydrologic response. The modeling team will also cooperate with University of Minnesota researchers on a pilot project that will help evaluate how drainage alters the value of land. This project may lead to improvements in determining the benefits and impacts from drainage and who should pay for maintenance of drainage systems and drainage system improvements that may benefit others than the landowners where the improvements are made.

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY14 the DNR continued to work with the Army Corps Of Engineers and other partners involved in the Minnesota River Integrated Watershed Study (MRIWS). DNR’s three modeling case studies in the Shakopee Creek watershed were not completed. Instead effort was focused on stakeholder meetings and MRIWS team meetings to identify the specific series of landscape conditions (model scenarios) that need to be evaluated. Because improved soil health management will be a critical component of water restoration and protection strategies existing research on soil physics was carefully reviewed to insure that our models accurately represent those processes.

Significant effort was also invested in FY14 to improve how climate and rainfall data are incorporated into our models. Climatic parameters are key drivers of how water (and pollutants) moves across and through landscapes. Accurately incorporating this information is critical if our modeling efforts are going to simulate physical processes in the landscape and provide reliable decision-support guidance. A guidance document on radar precipitation estimation was prepared.

The DNR’s Drainage Engineer continued to provide expert technical input into the effort being led by the Board of Water and Soil Resources to review Minnesota’s drainage policy and code. Input was provided to both the Drainage Work Group (DWG) and the Drainage Management Team (DMT).

The DNR continued to participate on the Interagency Clean Water Research Sub-Team led that prioritizes and guides research studies paid for by the clean water fund. These studies are designed to improve understanding of BMP effectiveness and develop guidance for targeting and installation of these beneficial practices.

The Cannon River/Straight River GSSHA pilot study with the MPCA and Cannon River stakeholders is on hold after the lead modeler left state service.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2011 First Special Session Ch. 6 Art. 2 Sec. 6(g)
Appropriation Language

$1725000 the first year and $1725000 the second year are for shoreland stewardship TMDL implementation coordination providing technical assistance to the Drainage Work Group and Drainage Management Team and maintaining and updating data. Of this amount $235000 each year is for maintaining and updating watershed boundaries and integrating high-resolution digital elevation data with watershed modeling and $40000 each year is for a biomonitoring database. TMDL implementation coordination efforts shall be focused on major watersheds with TMDL implementation plans including forested watersheds.

2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$230,000
Direct expenses
$266,359
Administration costs
$37,517
Number of full time equivalents funded
1.3
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY13 the DNR watershed modeling team will work with the Cannon River stakeholders to complete the Straight River prioritization of Management Zones (PMZs) in support of TMDL implementation strategies. A report summarizing this effort will be completed.

The Shakopee Creek case studies will be completed to address impacts of wetland loss and drainage impacts with assessments reflecting historic land use changes. Coordination with the MRIWS team will help identify additional watershed assessment needs to begin the development of a strategy for targeting BMPs that will support the framework for a Decision Support System (DSS). A draft report of modeling outcomes will be prepared.

CW Modeling Team will work with the States’ CW team to coordinate other critical modeling needs that can be initiated in FY13. The CW Drainage Engineer will continue to coordinate with the DWG and others doing drainage research to identify critical gaps in this research.

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY13 the DNR watershed modeling team worked with stakeholders in the Cannon River watershed to target and prioritize the placement of best management practices (BMPs) in the Maple Creek Subwatershed (part of the Straight River watershed). The analysis predicted that a combination of the most effective BMPs would reduce suspended sediment by up to 40% and reduce peak storm flows by up to 6% if implemented at realistic landowner adoption rates. The results provided information based on the specific characteristics of the Maple Creek subwatershed on how to target the types and locations of BMPs to maximize improvements in runoff quality and quantity. A draft report summarizing this effort was completed and is available to the partners for their inclusion in the development prioritized and targeted implementation activities.
The Shakopee Creek case studies were not completed as scheduled in FY13 because the overall project is behind schedule due to reduced levels of federal funding. DNR’s watershed modeling team began establishing a process for incorporating radar derived precipitation estimates into the model so the model better represents that local rainfall conditions resulting in a more accurately calibrated model.

DNR’s Drainage Engineer continues to coordinate with the Drainage Work Group and others doing drainage research to identify critical gaps in our knowledge and decision-support capacity. Coordination with the team developing the Agricultural Certification Pilot in Minnesota identified opportunities for using the GSSHA model to help document the effectiveness of that program to deliver desired outcomes and progress toward meeting TMDL goals.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2011 First Special Session Ch. 6 Art. 2 Sec. 6(g)
Appropriation Language

$1725000 the first year and $1725000 the second year are for shoreland stewardship TMDL implementation coordination providing technical assistance to the Drainage Work Group and Drainage Management Team and maintaining and updating data. Of this amount $235000 each year is for maintaining and updating watershed boundaries and integrating high-resolution digital elevation data with watershed modeling and $40000 each year is for a biomonitoring database. TMDL implementation coordination efforts shall be focused on major watersheds with TMDL implementation plans including forested watersheds.

2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$230,000
Direct expenses
$107,171
Administration costs
$38,473
Number of full time equivalents funded
1.2
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY12 DNR hydrologists will apply the "Gridded Subsurface Surface Hydrologic Analysis" (GSSHA) model to evaluate BMP alternatives for clean water restoration and protection studies and will participate in Drainage Work Group and Drainage Management Team meetings to help identify research needs and shortcomings in outdated State Drainage Code language
Modeling:
* Calibrate Shakopee Creek wetland and lake restoration GSSHA models to support restoration and BMP prioritization efforts in Chippewa River Basin.
* Finalize Straight River (Cannon River Watershed) GSSHA Model Calibrations for TSS and work with CRWP on Prioritizing Management Zones in Straight River Watershed in support of TMDL implementation.

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY12 DNR watershed modelers updated data inputs for GSSHA models in Shakopee Creek and the Straight River to reflect more precise watershed characteristics now available with the release of detailed LiDAR digital terrain data. This improvement will result in improved modeling of BMP alternatives.

Support for the Straight River TMDL implementation is under way. The Turtle Creek model has been calibrated and preliminary BMP targeting in the Maple Creek Watershed is being coordinated with our partners in the Cannon River Watershed.

Work continues on the Minnesota River Integrated Watershed Study (MRIWS). Watershed modelers met to prioritize where case studies will be performed and to determine what issues are critical outcomes of these case studies. Work continues with the stakeholders in Shakopee Creek to determine critical outcomes from this case study and how this information will support the MRIWS. Desired outcomes will include wetland restoration benefits and impacts of lost storage due to drainage of shallow lakes.

The Clean Water Drainage Engineer attended all Drainage Work Group (DWG) meetings in addition to supporting the CW research committee in reviewing grant applications for BWSR and MDA CW research.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2009 Ch. 172 Art. 2 Sec. 5(a)
Appropriation Language

$1240000 the first year and $2460000
the second year are for assisting in water
quality assessments in supporting the
identification of impaired waters.

2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$95,000
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY11 DNR hydrologists will apply "Gridded Subsurface Surface Hydrologic Analysis" (GSSHA) model to evaluate BMP alternatives for clean water restoration and protection studies:
* Shakopee Creek wetland and lake restoration GSSHA analysis
* Straight River (Cannon River Watershed) GSSHA Model Calibrations

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY11 DNR hydrologists participated in all Drainage Work Group and Drainage Management Team meetings.
Modeling:
* Shakopee Creek: continued work with national science team to review model options that will provide the best framework for a decision support system that will give data access and guidance to stakeholders.
* Prepared preliminary report on GSSHA model calibrations in the Straight River. Models will be used to better identify sources of sediment in the watershed for support of a clean water restoration (Total Maximum Daily Load) study.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2009 Ch. 172 Art. 2 Sec. 5(a)
Appropriation Language

$1240000 the first year and $2460000
the second year are for assisting in water
quality assessments in supporting the
identification of impaired waters.

2010 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$85,000
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY10 DNR will apply the "Gridded Subsurface Surface Hydrologic Analysis" (GSSHA) model to evaluate BMP alternatives for clean water restoration and protection studies:
* Cedar River culvert sizing
* Shakopee Creek wetland and lake restoration
* Straight River (Cannon River Watershed)

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY10 DNR hydrologists participated in all Drainage Work Group and Drainage Management Tram meetings.
Modeling:
* Finalized Cedar River culvert sizing analysis. Presented model results to local governments and watershed science peers.
* Shakopee Creek: worked with national science team to review model options that will provide the best framework for a decision support system that will give data access and guidance to stakeholders.
* Worked on GSSHA model calibration and refinement to better identify sources of sediment in the watershed for support of a clean water restoration (Total Maximum Daily Load) study.

Project Manager
First Name
Steve
Last Name
Kloiber
Organization Name
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
State
MN
Phone
(651) 259-5155
Email
steve.kloiber@state.mn.us
Administered By
Administered by
Location

500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone
651-296-6157
Email the Agency