hubbard county

HUBBARD
COUNTY
LOCAL WATER MANAGEMENT
PLAN
JANUARY 24, 2007 TO JANUARY 24, 2012
1
HUBBARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
District 1
Don Carlson
22808 Deep Wood Lane
Nevis, MN 56467
District 2
Dick Devine
14122 Eagleridge Circle
Park Rapids, MN 56470
District 3
Greg Larson
319 East River Drive
Park Rapids, MN 56470
District 4
Lyle Robinson
30253 State 200, PO Box 58
Benedict, MN 56436
District 5
Cal Johannsen
38179 US 71
Lake George, MN 56458
LOCAL WATER MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
HUBBARD SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
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HUBBARD COUNTY WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Local Water Management Coordinator
Environmental Services Office
Hubbard SWCD Supervisor
Hubbard County Commissioner
Nevis City Mayor
Park Rapids City Administrator
Township Officer
Coalition of Lake Associations
Private Resort Owner
Logger
Real Estate
Member at Large
Agriculture
BWSR Board Conservationist
Hubbard SWCD Staff
DNR Wildlife Manager
DNR Fisheries Assistant Supervisor
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
University of Minnesota
Hubbard County Engineer
Leech Lake Watershed
Hubbard County Forester
Natural Resources Conservation
Service
Minnesota Department of Health
Michelle Prosser
Eric Buitenwerf
Doug Ralston
Dick Devine
Ray Melander
Brian Wueve
Howard Warmbold
Everett Miller
Floyd Frank
Steve Lof
Marvel Haynes
Jerry Lamp
Duane Becker
Dan Steward
Michelle Prosser
Rob Naplin
Edie Evarts
Tim James
Will Yliniemi
David Olsonawski
Duane Splittstoesser
Bob Hoffman
Russ Johnsrud
Beth Kluthe
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FREQUENTLY USED ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
BMPs
BWSR
COLA
CRP
CWI
DNR
DWSMA
ESO
EQIP
FSA
FWS
GIS
HLRP
ISTS
LWM
MDA
MDH
MPCA
NRCS
NWI
STORET
SWCD
WCA
WHP
WRAC
Best Management Practices
Board of Water & Soil Resources
Coalition of Lake Associations
Conservation Reserve Program
County Well Index
Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources
Drinking Water Supply Management
Area
Hubbard County Environmental
Services Office
Environmental Quality Incentive
Program
Farm Service Agency
Fish & Wildlife Service
Geographic Information Systems
Healthy Lakes & Rivers Partnership
Individual Sewage Treatment System
Local Water Management
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Minnesota Department of Health
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Natural Resources Conservation
Service
National Wetlands Inventory
MPCA Storage and Retrieval
Hubbard Soil & Water Conservation
District
Wetland Conservation Act
Wellhead Protection
Water Resources Advisory Committee
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
MAJOR WATERSHEDS
Crow Wing River
Leech Lake River
Mississippi River Headwaters
LWM PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PRIORITY CONCERNS
Groundwater-based Drinking Water Protection
Surface Water Quality & Quantity Protection
Wetlands & Habitat Protection
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE – PRIORITY CONCERNS
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE – ONGOING ACTIVITIES
APPENDICES
A. Land Use and Cover
B. Major Watersheds
C. Nitrate-Nitrogen Probability Map
D. Irrigated Farmland
E. DWSMA
F. Trout Streams
G. NWI
H. Priority Concerns Scoping Document
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INTRODUCTION
Hubbard County is located in north central Minnesota approximately two hundred
miles northwest of the Minneapolis – St. Paul metropolitan area and ninety miles
east of Fargo, ND/Moorhead, MN area. Hubbard County has approximately
640,000 acres, 28 townships, and 4 cities with 11 smaller communities.
The 2000 census showed Hubbard County with 18,376 residents. That is an
increase of 3,447 residents from 1990. According to the Minnesota State
Demographic Center, the county population will grow 56% by the year 2030.
This high growth rate will put greater demands on our natural resources.
Hubbard County reflects the effects of several periods of glacial activity which
swept the area until about 10,000 years ago. The county has three distinctive
geologic districts. The northern one-third of Hubbard County is a mixture of
ground and terminal moraine land forms. Approximately one-fourth of this area is
glacial outwash, sorted glacial deposits. The Bemidji-Bagley Sand Plain
occupies most of the extreme northern portion of the county. These deposits
have surficial aquifers close to the surface making them highly susceptible to
ground water contamination.
The middle one-third of the county is an area of complex terminal morainic
terrain. There are numerous lakes amid a generally hilly land surface. Many
lakes are connected in long chains with connecting channels while several have
no surface outlets. Recent investigations indicate the Itasca moraine to be an
area of regional groundwater recharge.
The southern one-third is part of the Pineland Sandplains, a 770 square mile
area of surficial glacial outwash aquifer. Irrigated and dry land farming are
concentrated in the southwestern third of this area. Three of the major cities in
the county are located here and utilize the groundwater. In addition, most of the
industry is concentrated here as well. This entire area is drained by the Crow
Wing River and its tributaries.
Hubbard County depends on water as the foundation for its agricultural, forestry,
manufacturing, and tourist/recreation economies. Land uses of the county
consist of 14% (89,500 acres) of cropland; 65% (416,000 acres) of forests;
wetlands, 313 lakes, 230 miles of streams cover 19% (123,100 acres) of the
county with water. (See Appendix A)
Land use trends indicate continued development of lakeshore and rural-urban
areas for residential use. Tracts of land continue to become smaller as larger
parcels are split, sold and developed. Agricultural land will likely remain steady,
but tracts of private land will become smaller and be utilized for recreation and
residential use. Center-pivot irrigation comprises over 22,000 acres of cropland
and is the major farming industry growing potatoes, corn and dry edible beans as
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the major crops. The county is divided into the following watersheds: Mississippi
River, Leech Lake, Crow Wing and Pine River.
In 2003, there were changes to the Minnesota Statutes sections 103B.301 to
103B.355. Any references to the Comprehensive Water Plan were changed to
the Local Water Management Plan to focus on local priorities, local control and
local implementation. The plan is written within a watershed context. The county
will be able to identify trends, problems and opportunities that are specific to a
watershed rather than assuming the problem or issue is confined to political
boundaries.
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MAJOR WATERSHEDS IN HUBBARD COUNTY
Crow Wing Watershed
About 20% of the land in this watershed is cultivated with center pivot irrigation
comprising most of that acreage. Crops grown under irrigation predominantly are
potatoes, corn, dry edible beans and small areas of alfalfa. The area consists of
the flatter outwash sands on the south side of the Itasca moraine.
This watershed encompasses the southern one- third of the county and contains
the highest amount of lakes and population. The lakes are generally surrounded
by extremely sandy soils. There is one large bog area in the southeast portion
known as the Badoura area. Hubbard County communities within this watershed
are: Chamberlain, Dorset, Emmaville, Hubbard, Nevis, Park Rapids and part of
Akeley.
Leech Lake Watershed
This watershed contains most of the steepest slopes in the county. These slopes
are most evident in the western portion of the watershed known as the Gulch
Lakes. These slopes consist mostly of till soils and are on the south slope of the
Itasca moraine. The remainder of the watershed has gently rolling to rolling
slopes with some bluffs and wetlands adjacent to lakes and streams.
This area has some growth also, but not to the current extent of the other two
major watersheds. Land use is forested, public, private and lakeshore
development with only 5%-6% of the land area under cultivation. Hubbard
County communities within this watershed are: Benedict, Guthrie, Kabekona,
Laporte, Nary and part of Akeley.
Mississippi River Watershed
This watershed lies north of the Itasca moraine with lakes and streams mostly
bordered by forested swamps and other wetland types such as shrub swamps
and sedge covered marshes. The topography is mostly gently rolling to rolling.
Extreme slopes can be found around the LaSalle lakes and isolated areas
around Beauty Lake. Approximately 40% of the land area is privately owned.
There are about 10,000 acres of open water in this watershed.
Higher residential growth is occurring here as a bedroom community to the city of
Bemidji. Only 5%-6% of the land area is cultivated. Hubbard County
communities within in this watershed are: Becida, Farris and Lake George.
* See Appendix B
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HUBBARD COUNTY LOCAL WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN DEVELOPMENT
AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Hubbard County Local Water Management Plan focuses on water and
related land resource issues within the county. The county has gathered and
studied available information relating to the physical environment, including, but
not restricted to, the surface and groundwater resources, and their related land
use.
Problems were analyzed within the context of watershed units and groundwater
systems where appropriate. The LWM plan applies to the entire area within the
county. It is also based on key economic and environmental principles, and is
consistent with other plans that exist for Hubbard County, including appropriate,
Soil and Water Conservation District, Environmental Service office, and
appropriate state and federal agencies.
The 2007 Hubbard County LWM plan will apply for a period of five years from the
date of State approval. In each subsequent fifth year, the County will examine
the LWM plan and update it for the next five-year planning period.
The Hubbard County SWCD, with authority delegated by Hubbard County, is
responsible for the LWM plan. The original LWM plan date was 1990 and has
been updated in 1995, 1998 and now in 2007. The expiration date of the current
plan is December 2006. The Water Resources Advisory Committee oversees
the Hubbard County LWM plan. This task force is a diverse group of individuals
from private and government sectors that establish the goals and objectives of
the plan and oversees the implementation of local projects and plans.
The purpose of this plan is to identify existing and potential problems and
opportunities for the protection, management and development of water and
related land resources; and develop objectives and carry out a plan of action to
promote sound hydrologic management of water and related land resource,
effective environmental protection, and efficient management.
Through the LWM plan update process, three priority concerns were identified to
focus water management efforts in 2007 through 2011; Groundwater-based
Drinking Water Protection, Surface Water Quality and Quantity Protection, and
Wetlands and Habitat Protection. The process through which these priority
concerns were identified is further detailed in the Priority Concerns Scoping
Document contained in Appendix H. These concerns and their objectives are
summarized in the following paragraphs.
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Priority Concern 1: Groundwater-based Drinking Water Protection
Many of the Hubbard County residents get their drinking water from the surficial
aquifers. These aquifers are shallow and can be easily contaminated if the
proper measures are not followed. Plan objectives for this priority area are to:
• Coordinate with State and Local entities to provide information and
technical support for drinking water well testing
• Continue working with Federal, State and Local agencies to provide
information and technical assistance for irrigation users
Potential Total Cost: __$4,358________
Priority Concern 2: Surface Water Quality and Quantity Protection
Surface water quality protection is very important to Hubbard County since 19%
of its area is covered by water. Lakeshore and river front development is the
biggest threat to all of our water resources especially to our many trout streams.
Water quantity issues arise with development pressures. Plan objectives for this
priority area are to:
• Work with State and Local agencies to provide support and input for the
County-wide Land Use Planning process
• Coordinate with the communities of Park Rapids, Nevis, Akeley, Laporte
and Hubbard County to develop Stormwater Management Plans
• Continue working with State, County, SWCD, and Private entities for water
quality and quantity monitoring
• All Lake Belle Taine information should be collected, documented and
managed by a single entity which will serve as the “clearinghouse” for
easy access
Potential Total Cost: __$6,510________
Priority Concern 3: Wetlands and Habitat Protection
Many of Hubbard County’s wetlands are adjacent to rivers and lakes that are
being developed for residential use. Since wetlands play an important role in the
environment, Hubbard County is taking an active role in the protection of this
diverse and unique natural resource. Development pressures in the urban areas,
recreational use of public lands, noxious weed control and invasive species are
just some of the ongoing issues that will continue to be addressed in the future.
Plan objectives for this priority area are:
• Collaborate with Federal, State and Local government agencies in
developing a Comprehensive Wetland Protection & Management Plan
• Educate and promote the importance of BMPs
Potential Total Cost: ___$1,200_________
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Clean Water Legacy Addition:
This update of the Hubbard County Local Water Management Plan was
completed after the legislature passed one year start-up funding for the Clean
Water Legacy, but just before they took action to make the CWL permanent in
the 2007 session. The county recognizes that most of the county's surface
waters are in a protection mode as they relate to the CWL. For the surface
waters currently in the protection mode, the county's objective is to preserve
them from further degradation. For the surface waters currently listed as
impaired, the county's objective is to work to improve their quality and remove
them from impaired status (recognizing that some impairments, such as those
resulting from mercury, are difficult to address from the local level).
The county sees the Clean Water Legacy as an opportunity to continue to work
to improve the quality of its lakes and rivers, and at the very least, protect the
county's valuable surface waters from degradation, especially if the program is
made permanent. The county also recognizes that the sandplain that includes
most of the county's lakes, goes a long way to protect lake water quality by
maximizing water infiltration, and minimizing runoff. The county's forest cover
and wetlands also provide protection by further buffering runoff. The water plan
recognizes the need to work on stormwater issues in developing areas, and lake
related wastewater issues, especially non-conforming septic systems. Shoreland
revegetation is another important component in the county's protection strategy.
Although not an exhaustive list, these issues represent the core of the county's
effort to protect water quality in cooperation with the Clean Water Legacy. The
North Central Lakes Project can serve as a useful forum for working to develop
additional strategies for protecting lake and stream water quality.
PRIORITY CONCERNS
Priority Concern 1: Groundwater-based Drinking Water Protection.
Hubbard County’s drinking water sources are from the surficial and buried
aquifers found throughout the county. The surficial aquifer is basically saturated
sand found just above the first confining layer. It is a shallow aquifer and is the
first aquifer to be contaminated from surface activity. The surficial aquifer is found
in the southern one-third of the county and smaller areas in the northern part of
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the county. Past ground water quality studies have shown elevated levels of
nitrates in ground water in some geographic areas over the 10-ppm MDH safe
drinking standard. (See Appendix C)
The majority of the farming industry is in the southern one-third of the County.
Most of the farmland consists of sand soils, so numerous center-point pivot
irrigation systems are used. (See Appendix D) The farmers continue to use
BMPs in their field work. Some of the practices used are: filter strips, crop
residue management, crop rotation, nutrient management, pest management,
and cover crops. Conservation programs such as CRP and EQIP, implemented
by FSA and NRCS, are great incentives for the farmers, land and surrounding
waters.
Along with following the goals and objectives, other recommended actions
include long-term monitoring of ground water quality. Long-term tracking of
ground water quality is imperative to accurately identify practices that will reduce
the amount of nitrates in ground water. The city of Park Rapids has recently
completed a Wellhead Protection plan. The Sunsrud’s Mobile Home Court WHP
plan will be completed within the next year. The LWM plan initiatives will include
placing a higher protection focus on the DWSMAs. (See Appendix E) Ground
water quality data will be added to a MDH database that is GIS compatible and
also ties in with the CWI Program.
Goals & Objectives
1. Coordinate with State and Local entities to provide information and
technical support for drinking water well testing.
a. Provide details on how and where to get testing kits
i. Types of tests are available
ii. Maximum allowable limits on groundwater and drinking
water contaminants
iii. Well contaminated? This is what you can do.
b. Provide one nitrate testing clinic per year
i. Test high nitrate wells for other contaminants
(causes/sources)
ii. Address Public Water Supply Systems with nitrate problems
and how they’re dealing with it
iii. Target information and education to people in sensitive
areas
c. Seal ten abandoned wells per year
i. Cost-Share available through the LWM plan and the State
(BWSR)
d. Educate and promote the importance of BMPs through at least one
news article per year
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2. Continue working with Federal, State and Local agencies to provide
information and technical assistance for irrigation users.
a. Provide irrigation scheduling
b. Implement uniformity tests on three systems per year
c. Test two irrigation wells for contaminants in Park Rapids Wellhead
Protection Area
d. Maintain the Evapotranspiration Hotline from May 1st through
September 10th each year
e. Educate and promote the importance of BMPs through one news
article per year
Priority Concern 2: Surface Water Quality and Quantity Protection.
Surface water quality protection is very important to Hubbard County because it
contains 313 lakes and numerous rivers, streams and wetlands. Lakeshore and
river frontage is a high-priced commodity and is being developed at an explosive
rate. Lakeshore that remains to be developed is often less desirable property
such as low areas and bluffs (second and third tier development is also a factor).
This is the biggest threat to water quality of our many DNR designated trout
streams.
(See Appendix F)
The surface water quality is generally good although at certain times of the year
there are a few lakes that decline in water clarity. MPCA lists mercury and
excess nutrients as the only contaminations of concern; this may change as
development and urban pressures impact surface waters.
One example of a water quantity issue in the county is the high-water situation on
Lake Belle Taine, which is at the bottom of the Mantrap chain of lakes. Belle
Taine Lake is prone to extreme fluctuations. The lake has a recorded range of
more than 14 feet in the past 70 years.
The Ordinary High Water mark is at an elevation of 1426.7 feet. The average
water level is 1424.5 feet. The lowest recorded water level was at 1415.4 feet on
November 4, 1936. The highest recorded water level was at 1429.8 feet on June
14, 2001. As of August 25, 2005, according to the DNR, the water level reading
for Belle Taine Lake is 1427.33 ft.
Since 1999, a group of landowners on Belle Taine has been trying to lower the
water levels on the lake. Groups ranging from citizen task forces, to technical
committees, and engineering firms have studied the issue over the past seven
years. After numerous public hearings, looking at a number of options, one
option was feasible. At the Hubbard County Board meeting on October 7, 2004,
this option was not accepted due to the high cost.
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Along with following the goals and objectives, other recommended actions
include continued surface water quality monitoring by the SWCD, COLA and
MPCA. Water quality monitoring will be added to STORET to assist the MPCA in
accurate tracking of the impaired waters list. Continued education and training
citizens in surface water protection is a high priority. The county recently
completed a County-Wide Land Use Planning process. The WRAC will use this
opportunity for input of measures to help protect the surface water base.
Goals & Objectives
1. Work with State and Local agencies to provide support and input for
County-wide Land Use Planning.
a. Maintain updated ordinance information on county website
b. Continue to enforce existing ordinances
c. Encourage alternative standards on development on trout streams
i. Support DNR studies and actions
d. Support the Governor’s Initiative - North Central Lakes Pilot Project
i. Increasing water quality education for local officials and
citizens
1. Clean water sustains the tourism industry
2. Clean water maintains property values
ii. Expanding the use of conservation easements
e. Support updating the county’s shoreland management rules
2. Coordinate with the communities of Park Rapids, Nevis, Akeley, Laporte
and Hubbard County to develop Stormwater Management Plans.
a. Support the development and implementation of Stormwater
Management Plans
b. Support building a new salt shack for the County
c. Educate citizens and local-decision makers on the importance of
BMPs through one news article per year
i. Proper yard waste disposal
ii. Proper storage of chemicals
iii. Maintenance of lots
3. Continue working with State, County, SWCD and Private entities for water
quality and quantity monitoring.
a. Monitor 29 DNR observation wells
b. Monitor 5 lakes for water quality and provide additional assistance
for up to 3 lakes involved in the Healthy Lakes and Rivers Program
4. Create clearinghouse for all Lake Belle Taine information
a. One single entity to collect, document and manage information on
Lake Belle Taine
b. Continue to update clearinghouse should any more information on
Belle Taine become available
Priority Concern 3: Wetlands and Habitat Protection.
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Hubbard County contains numerous wetlands. (See Appendix G) Many of
these wetlands are adjacent to rivers and lakes that are being developed for
residential use. Since wetlands play an important role in the environment,
Hubbard County is taking an active role in the protection of this diverse and
unique natural resource. The WRAC will promote the development of a
Comprehensive Wetland Protection and Management Plan as part of the
county’s ordinances.
Local governments have the authority to develop Comprehensive Wetland
Protection and Management Plans as an alternative to following parts of the
state’s WCA rules. These plans allow sequencing flexibility, replacement site
flexibility, and the integration of wetland protection into local land-use controls.
Discussions held in cooperation with all levels of government will determine the
adequacy of existing wetland policies. Additional protection measures will need
to be developed to achieve the “no net loss of wetlands.” The continuing
education of landowners will teach them what wetlands are and their unique
function and values.
Habitat protection encompasses the entire spectrum of native plant and animal
species’ needs for survival. Development pressures in the urban areas,
recreational use of public lands, noxious weed control and invasive species are
just some of the ongoing issues that will continue to be addressed in the future.
Goals & Objectives
1. Collaborate with Federal, State and Local government agencies in
developing a Comprehensive Wetland Protection & Management Plan.
a. Revise exemption allowances
b. Provide support and input for the county-wide land use planning
process
i.
Support resizing plats Æ A ratio between the wetland size
and the buildable area
2. Educate and promote the importance of BMPs
a. Provide technical and financial support for landowners to implement
BMPs
i. Cost-Share practices
ii. Enrollment in Conservation Programs
iii.
BMP low-interest loan program
iv. Importance of a wetlands functions and values
v.
Protect emergent vegetation
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3. Protect habitat and promote habitat restoration
a. Provide technical assistance for shoreline protection and
restoration
b. Assist in finding funding for habitat restoration
c. Set a fixed crest at the Fish Hook Dam
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IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
Priority Concerns
17
PRIORITY CONCERN 1
GOAL: Coordinate with State and Local entities to provide information and technical support for drinking
water well testing.
Implementation
Responsibility
Primary
Implementation
Responsibility
Secondary
Watershed or
groundwater
units
Objective
Schedule
Budget
Provide information
on testing kits
On-going
County
SWCD/MDH
In-Kind
ALL
Provide 1 Nitrate
Testing Clinic Per
Year
July
SWCD/MDA
County
$500
ALL
Seal 10 Abandoned
Wells Per Year
December
SWCD
BWSR
$938
ALL
Educate and promote
the importance of
BMPs through at least
1 news article per
December
SWCD/County
MDH
$1200
ALL
year
GOAL: Provide information and technical assistance for irrigation users
Objective
Provide Irrigation
Scheduling
Implement Uniformity
"Can-Tests" on 3
Systems Per Year
Test 2 Irrigation wells
for contaminants in
Park Rapids Wellhead
Protection Area
Maintain ET Hotline
from May 1 through
September 10 each
year
Related
goals
Goal 1a
Goal 1b
Goal 1c
Goal 1d
Schedule
Implementation
Responsibility
Primary
Implementation
Responsibility
Secondary
Budget
On-going
NRCS
SWCD
In-Kind
September
SWCD/NRCS
Support from
University of MN
$720
Watershed or
groundwater
units
Crow Wing
River
Watershed
Crow Wing
River
Watershed
October
City of Park
Rapids/SWCD
MDA/County
Unknown
Crow Wing
River
Watershed
Goal 2c
SWCD
Support from
University of MN
$1000
Crow Wing
River
Watershed
Goal 2d
September
Related
goals
Goal 2a
Goal 2b
18
Educate and promote
the importance of
BMPs through 1 news
article per year
December
SWCD/County
MDA
In-Kind
Crow Wing
River
Watershed
Goal 2e
PRIORITY CONCERN 2
GOAL: Work with State and Local agencies to provide support and input for the County-wide Land Use
Planning process.
Schedule
Implementation
Responsibility
Primary
Implementation
Responsibility
Secondary
December
County
On-going
Budget
Watershed or
groundwater
units
Related
goals
SWCD
In-Kind
ALL
Goal 1a
County
DNR
In-Kind
ALL
Goal 1b
On-going
County
DNR
In-Kind
ALL
Goal 1c
Support the
Governor's Initiative
On-going
County
SWCD/DNR
N/A
ALL
Goal 1d
Support updating
county’s shoreland
management rules
On-going
County
DNR
N/A
ALL
Goal 1e
Objective
Maintain updated
ordinance
information
Continue to enforce
existing ordinances
Encourage
alternative
standards on
development on
trout streams
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GOAL: Coordinate with the communities of Park Rapids, Nevis, Akeley, and Laporte to implement their
Stormwater Management Plans
Objective
Encourage
development and
implementation of
Stormwater
Management Plans
Support new salt
shack for county
Educate about Best
Management
Practices Through 1
News Article Per
Year
Schedule
Implementation
Responsibility
Primary
Implementation
Responsibility
Secondary
Budget
On-going
City of Park
Rapids, Nevis,
Akeley and
Laporte
County
In-Kind
May
County
MPCA
In-Kind
December
SWCD
County
$240
Watershed or
groundwater
units
Crow Wing
River
Watershed &
Leech Lake
Watershed
Crow Wing
River
Watershed
Crow Wing
River
Watershed &
Leech Lake
Watershed
Related
goals
Goal 2a
Goal 2b
Goal 2c
GOAL: Continue working with State, County, SWCD and Private entities for water quality and quantity
monitoring
Objective
Monitor 29
Observation Wells
Monitor 5 Lakes for
Water Quality and
Provide Additional
Assistance for up to
3 Lakes Involved in
Healthy Lakes and
Rivers Program
Schedule
Implementation
Responsibility
Primary
Implementation
Responsibility
Secondary
Annual
SWCD
September
SWCD
Budget
Watershed or
groundwater
units
Related
goals
DNR
$2670
ALL
Goal 3a
COLA/MPCA
$3500
ALL
Goal 3b
20
GOAL: ALL Lake Belle Taine information should be collected, documented and managed by a single
entity which will serve as the "clearinghouse" for easy access.
Crow Wing
Collection of
River
Information
2008
SWCD
County
$100
Watershed
Goal 4a
Crow Wing
River
Clearinghouse
On-going
SWCD
County
In-Kind
Goal 4b
Watershed
PRIORITY CONCERN 3
GOAL: Collaborate with Federal, State and Local government agencies in developing a Comprehensive
Wetland Protection & Management Plan
Objective
Revise exemption
allowances
Provide support
and input for the
County-wide Land
Use planning
process
Schedule
Implementation
Responsibility
Primary
Implementation
Responsibility
Secondary
On-going
SWCD/County
On-going
County
Budget
Watershed or
groundwater
units
Related
goals
BWSR
In-Kind
ALL
Goal 1a
DNR
In-Kind
ALL
Goal 1b
ALL
Goal 2a
GOAL: Promote and educate about Best Management Practices
Provide technical
and financial
support for
landowners to
implement BMPs
December
SWCD
NRCS
$1200
21
Objective
Provide
technical
assistance
for shoreline
protection
and
restoration
Assist in
finding
funding for
habitat
restoration
Set a fixed
crest at Fish
Hook Dam
GOAL: Protect habitat and promote habitat restoration
Watershed
Implementation Implementation
or
Responsibility
Responsibility
groundwater
Schedule
Primary
Secondary
Budget
units
Related
goals
December
DNR
NRCS/SWCD
In-Kind
All
Goal 3a
On-going
To be
determined
by City of
Park
Rapids and
DNR
SWCD
DNR
In-Kind
All
Goal 3b
Unknown
Crow Wing
River
Watershed
Goal 1c
City of Park
Rapids
DNR
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IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
Ongoing Activities
23
Activity/Initiative
Abandoned Well
Sealing
PROGRAM: Hubbard County Local Water Management Program
Watershed
Implementation Implementation
or
Responsibility
Responsibility
groundwater
Schedule
Primary
Secondary
Budget
units
December
SWCD
$938
ALL
Comments
Incentive to seal
abandoned wells
ET Hotline
September
SWCD
$1000
Crow Wing
River
Watershed
Freshwater Festival
May
SWCD
$2500
ALL
Evapotranspiration
information for irrigation
users
Water education for area
6th graders
$2500
ALL
Partnership that helps lake
associations with creating
and implementing lake
management plans
$3500
ALL
$500
ALL
Healthy Lakes &
Rivers Project
2007
SWCD
Lake Water Quality
Monitoring
September
SWCD
Nitrate Testing Clinic
July
SWCD/MDA
COLA/MPCA
Collect water samples from
lakes and test quality
Test private wells for
nitrates
24
Ongoing Programs
Schedule
Implementation
Responsibility
Primary
Implementation
Responsibility
Secondary
Activity/Initiative
5th Grade Education
Day
May
NRCS
SWCD
Hubbard County Fair
July
SWCD
Not applicable
Budget
Watershed or
groundwater
units
$300
ALL
In-Kind
ALL
Comments
Booth display at fair
Eco-Challenge
September
SWCD
Not applicable
$350
ALL
Envirothon
April
SWCD
MASWCD
$500
ALL
SWCD Newsletter
April,
September
SWCD
Not applicable
$300
ALL
Challenge to citizens and
businesses to help clean
up rivers
Participate, organize &
support attending the Area
Envirothon, as well as the
state Envirothon
Published & distributed to
approximately 1,200
citizens
N/A
ALL
Information to citizens
about conservation
programs/projects
$2,670
ALL
Newspaper articles
Observation Well
Monitoring
Poster Contest
Rainfall Monitoring
BMP State Revolving
Fund
Tree Program
Wetland Conservation
Act
December
SWCD
Not applicable
December
SWCD
DNR
May
December
SWCD
SWCD
Not applicable
Not applicable
$30
N/A
ALL
ALL
December
June
ESO
SWCD
SWCD
Not applicable
In-Kind
Varies
ALL
ALL
On-going
SWCD
ESO
$35,000
ALL
Presentations and
materials made available
to area students
Sell trees
Administer Wetland
Conservation Act for
Hubbard County
25
APPENDIX A
Hubbard County Land Use and Cover
26
27
APPENDIX B
Major Watersheds of Hubbard County
28
29
APPENDIX C
Nitrate – Nitrogen Probability Map of Hubbard County
30
31
APPENDIX D
Irrigated fields of Hubbard County
32
33
APPENDIX E
Drinking Water Supply Management Areas
City of Park Rapids and Sunsruds Mobile Home Court
34
35
APPENDIX F
DNR Designated Trout Streams of Hubbard County
36
37
APPENDIX G
Hubbard County National Wetlands Inventory
38
39
APPENDIX H
Priority Concerns Scoping Document
40
Hubbard County Priority Concerns Scoping Document
Introduction
County Primer
Hubbard County is located in North Central Minnesota with the county seat in Park Rapids (page 7).
Population of the county is 18,376 (2000 census). The county grew from 14,939 (1990 census). A growth
of 56% is projected by the State Demographers by the year 2030. The projected high growth rate will put
greater demands on our natural resource base.
Land Use
Land uses include 89,500 acres of cropland; 65% forests; and 313 lakes comprising over 57, 510 acres.
Land use trends indicate continued development of lakeshore and rural-urban areas for residential use.
Tracts of land continue to become smaller as larger parcels are split, sold and developed. Agricultural
land will likely remain steady, but tracts of private land will become smaller and be utilized for recreation
and residential use. Center-pivot irrigation comprises over 22,000 acres of cropland and is the major
farming industry growing potatoes, corn and dry edible beans as the major crops (see attached Land Use
Map) and Major Watershed Map (attached). The county is divided into the following major watersheds:
Mississippi River Watershed
This watershed lies north of the Itasca moraine with lakes and streams mostly bordered by forested
swamps and other wetland types such as shrub swamps and sedge covered marshes. The topography is
mostly gently rolling to rolling. Extreme slopes can be found around the LaSalle lakes and isolated areas
around Beauty Lake. Approximately 40% of the land area is privately owned. There are about 10,000
acres of open water in this watershed. Higher residential growth is occurring here as a bedroom
community to the city of Bemidji. Only 5%-6% of the land area is cultivated.
Leech Lake Watershed
This watershed contains most of the steepest slopes in the county. These slopes are most evident in the
western portion of the watershed known as the Gulch Lakes. These slopes consist mostly of till soils and
are on the south slope of the Itasca moraine. The remainder of the watershed has gently rolling to rolling
slopes with some bluffs and wetlands adjacent to lakes and streams. This area has some growth also, but
not to the current extent of the other two major watersheds. Land use is forested, public, private and
lakeshore development with only 5%-6% of the land area under cultivation.
Crow Wing Watershed
About 20% of the land in this watershed is cultivated with center pivot irrigation comprising most of that
acreage. Crops grown under irrigation predominantly are potatoes, corn, dry edible beans and small areas
of alfalfa. The area consists of the flatter outwash sands on the south side of the Itasca moraine. This
watershed encompasses the southern one- third of the county and contains the highest amount of lakes
and population. There is one large bog area in the southeast portion known as the Badoura area.
Plan information
Hubbard County Soil & Water Conservation District, with authority delegated by Hubbard County, is
responsible for the local water management plan. The original local water plan date was 1990 and the
41
plan has been updated in 1995, 2000 and now in 2005. The expiration date of the current plan is
December 2005. A Local Water Plan Task Force oversees the Hubbard County Local Water Plan. This
task force is a diverse group of individuals from private and government sectors that establish the goals
and objectives of the plan and oversees the implementation of local projects and plans. Attached is a list
of the local Water Plan Task Force (page 10).
List of the Priority Concerns
Priority Concern 1: Groundwater-based Drinking Water Protection.
Hubbard County’s drinking water sources are from the surficial and buried aquifers found throughout the
county. The surficial aquifer is basically saturated sand found just above the first confining layer. It is a
shallow aquifer and is the first aquifer to be contaminated from surface activity. The surficial aquifer is
found in the southern one-third of the county and smaller areas in the northern part of the county (see the
attached MDH Nitrate Probability Map). Past ground water quality studies have shown elevated levels of
nitrates in ground water in some geographic areas over the 10-ppm MDH safe drinking standard.
Recommended actions include long-term monitoring of ground water quality and the future development
of action items to alleviate this problem. Participation with local stakeholders and agencies is needed to
accomplish this goal. The city of Park Rapids has recently completed a Wellhead Protection Plan, which
will be implemented. The Local Water Plan initiatives can include placing a higher protection focus on
the Drinking Water Supply Management Area for the city. Ground water quality data will be added to a
MDH database that is GIS compatible and also ties in with the County Well Index Program. Long-term
tracking of ground water quality is imperative to accurately identify practices that will reduce the amount
of nitrates in ground water and also will reveal whether these practices are working over the long term.
Priority Concern 2: Surface Water Quality and Quantity Protection.
Hubbard County has 313 lakes and numerous rivers, streams and creeks. The three major watersheds
include the Mississippi Headwaters Watershed, Leech Lake Watershed and the Crow Wing Watershed.
Lakeshore and river frontage is a high commodity and is being developed at an explosive rate. Lakeshore
that remains to be developed is often less desirable property such as low areas and bluffs. Second and
third tier development is also a factor. The surface water quality is generally good although at certain
times of the year there are a few lakes that decline in water clarity. MPCA lists mercury as the only
contamination of concern; this may change as development and urban pressures impact surface waters.
Recommended actions include continued surface water quality monitoring by the SWCD, Coalition of
Lakes Association (COLA) and MPCA. Water quality monitoring will be added to STORET to assist
MPCA in accurate tracking of the impaired waters list. Continued education and training citizens in
surface water protection is a high priority.
The county recently completed a county-wide land use planning process. The LWP Task Force can use
this opportunity for input of measures to help protect the surface water base.
Priority Concern 3: Wetlands and Habitat Protection.
Local governments have the authority to develop Comprehensive Wetland Protection and Management
Plans as an alternative to following parts of the state’s Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) rules. These
plans allow sequencing flexibility, replacement siting flexibility, and the integration of wetland protection
into local land-use controls.
42
Many of Hubbard County’s wetlands are adjacent to rivers and lakes that are being developed for
residential use. Because wetlands play an important role in the environment Hubbard County is taking an
active role in the protection of this diverse and unique natural resource. The Local Water Plan Task Force
will promote the development of a Comprehensive Wetland Protection and Management Plan as part of
the county’s ordinances. Discussions held in cooperation with all levels of government will determine the
adequacy of existing wetland policies. Additional protection measures will need to be developed to
achieve the “no net loss of wetlands.” The continuing education of landowners will teach them what
wetlands are and their unique function and values.
Habitat protection encompasses the entire spectrum of native plant and animal species’ needs for survival.
Development pressures in the urban areas, recreational use of public lands, noxious weed control and
invasive species are just some of the ongoing issues that will continue to be addressed in the future.
Priority Concern Identification
A mailing went out in September, 2004 to all water plan coordinators, state agencies, county agencies and
townships with copies of the “Priority Concern Input” form and an invitation to respond. A special
bulletin was added to the Fall, 2004 issue of the District newsletter inviting citizen response to voice their
concerns on natural resource issues. The LWP Task Force met on January 26, 2005 and reviewed all
responses; they arrived at the three priority concerns listed. A copy of the minutes of the January 26, 2005
meeting is attached (pages 11-12). A summary list of issues identified by stakeholders is attached (pages
8-9).
Priority Concern Selection
The Local Water Plan Task Force chose three major priority concerns after reviewing comments by the
stakeholders and deliberating high priority issues. There was no conflict between the plan’s priority
concerns and those concerns expressed by state, local and regional inputs.
Priority Concerns Not Addressed By The Plan
The three priority concerns identified by the Local Water Plan Task Force were carefully chosen to
blanket all of the concerns expressed by the stakeholders. Some of the concerns expressed by the
stakeholders were actually “fixes” that will be addressed under the broad borders of the three major
priority concerns. Many of the “fixes” from past water plans will be adopted into the update, as they are
still pertinent and much time has been given to their development over the years. A number of
government units are already addressing some issues brought forward by citizens and government
agencies.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as well as legislative initiatives, are addressing off-road use
of our public lands. The new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program by the
Minnesota Pollution Control will help address stormwater runoff issues. Hubbard County is renewing its
efforts to develop a county-wide land use policy; hopefully, this initiative will help direct future public
policy in addressing development pressures.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has a number of initiatives through the
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) program that will help landowners address issues such
as tree planting, buffers, filter strips, nutrient management, irrigation management and wetland
restorations. These are voluntary programs and the landowner is the one to initiate participation in any
program.
43
The Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Coalition of Lake
Associations (COLA) continue to gather lake water quality information. Starting this year the SWCD will
begin building a ground water quality database compatible with the County Well Index system. If a grant
is successful the SWCD also plans to develop a “Local Domestic Ground Water Quality Monitoring
Program”. The SWCD also offers the EvapoTranspiration (ET) hotline to help irrigators with scheduling
irrigation frequencies and this year offers Irrigation Uniformity tests in the hope of protecting ground
water from any contamination from surface activities. The University of Minnesota also works closely
with irrigators and private agronomists in the potato industry to develop Best Management Practices.
With local water plan and state cost share monies an abandoned well sealing program is offered. The
SWCD’s State Cost Share Program also helps fund other good management practices such as field
windbreaks, lakeshore protection and erosion control practices. Our newsletters help educate the public
on a variety of programs and projects that protect our natural resources.
Hubbard County manages the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). SWCD staff serves on the Technical
Evaluation Panel and writes restoration orders for Cease and Desists that have been issued. This is a state
regulation developed to achieve a “no net loss of wetlands” in the state of Minnesota.
The Hubbard County Environmental Services (ESO) administers the septic and shoreland ordinances
which further protect our surface and ground water resources. The Minnesota Pollution Control (MPCA)
is in charge of the feedlot issues and addresses non-point pollution issues with the recently expanded
stormwater permit program which addresses runoff issues from construction sites. MPCA also has been
collecting baseline data on a few lakes in the county that have not been developed yet but have that
potential. The non-point pollution issue is also addressed by a number of programs and projects already
mentioned as well as through the educational process offered through the Minnesota Extension Service,
SWCD, ESO and COLA.
The Department of Natural Resources-Waters oversees a permit program to work in public waters and
issues irrigation permits. Some townships have land use ordinances and they vary in language from
township to township; most townships are financially unable to implement and administer a township
ordinance. The city of Park Rapids has recently developed a Wellhead Protection Plan in cooperation with
the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH); the SWCD helped by getting a grant to assist the city.
SWCD and NRCS staff serves on the Wellhead Committee and will assist in implementation of the plan.
44
45
Priority concerns listing from various sources – Local Water Plan
updating process
Citizen Voice in Priority Concerns ( 7 Responses to questionnaire in SWCD
newsletter)
Citizen’s response to the top four problems in Hubbard County:
Issues
#votes
Natural Habitat Destruction xxxx
Contaminated runoff
xxxxx
Over application of fertilizers xxxx
Ground water contamination xx
OHV use of state forests
x
Failing septic systems
x
Development pressures/impacts
xxxx
Lack of regulations
x
Lack of environmental Ed
x
Stormwater mgmt
x
Declining water clarity
xx
Top issue was Contaminated runoff. Development pressure, Natural Habitat
destruction and over application of fertilizers tied for second place followed by
declining water quality and ground water contamination. The remainder of issues had
one vote each.
Citizen response to what resources are most threatened (ranking 1-4)
Rank
Ground water
Wetlands
Lakes
Streams
1
4
3
2
4
2
1
3
4
2
3
1
4
3
1
2
4
3
2
1
4
1
2
3
Ranking ended up as a toss-up between lakes and streams for the number one and two
slots. Then it was wetlands followed by ground water.
46
Township Response in Priority Concerns
Thorpe Township
Number one concern Number two concern Number three concern -
Water contamination
Urbanization of shoreline and surface waters
Invasion of exotic species
State Agencies Response in Priority Concerns
DNR
Number one concern Number two concern Number three concern -
Ground water quality and quantity
Shoreland and river corridor protection
Point and Non-point source pollution
MDH
Number one concern Number two concern Number three concern -
Protect groun water-based drinking water resources
Seaaling unused, unsealed wells
Develop a local ground-water quality database
BWSR
Number one concern -
Number two concern Number three concern -
Development of a Comprehensive Wetland
Management Plan
Increase in storm water and non-point erosion
From commercial and residential construction
Impacts of development on Hubbard County
Lakes, rivers, and wetlands
47
HUBBARD COUNTY LOCAL WATER PLAN
TASK FORCE MEMBERS 2006
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Local Water Planner – Michelle Prosser
Environmental Services Office – Eric Buitenwerf
Hubbard SWCD Supervisor – Doug Ralston
Hubbard County Commissioner – Dick Devine
Nevis City Mayor – Ray Melander
Park Rapids City Mayor – Brian Wueve
Township officer – Howard Warmbold
Interest Groups
Coalition of Lakes Association – Everett Miller
Private Resort owner – Floyd Frank
Logger – Steve Lof
Real estate – Marvel Haynes
Member at large – Jerry Lamp
Agriculture – Duane Becker
Technical Members
BWSR Board Conservationist – Dan Steward
Hubbard County SWCD staff – Michelle Prosser
DNR Wildlife manager – Rob Naplin
DNR Area Fisheries Assistant Supervisor – Edie Evarts
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency – Tim James
University of Minnesota – Will Yliniemi
Hubbard County Engineer – David Olsanowski
Leech Lake Watershed – Duane Splittstoesser
Hubbard County Forester – Bob Hoffman
Natural Resource Conservation Service – Russell Johnsrud
Minnesota Department of Health – Beth Kluthe
48
LOCAL WATER PLAN TASK FORCE MEETING
JANUARY 26, 2005
The Hubbard County Local Water Plan Task Force met on January 26, 2005 at 9:00 a.m. at the
Extension Office meeting room in Park Rapids. Present were: Floyd Frank, Everett Miller, Ray
Melander, Edie Evarts, Russ Johnsrud, Marvel Haynes, Brian Weuve, Bill Best, Will Yliniemi,
Dick Devine, Bill Alden and Marilyn Berry
Chair Frank called the meeting to order. He asked that introductions be made and then asked
Alden to explain the requirements for updating the water plan. Alden gave background on the
development of the water plan for the benefit of new members and explained that the plan needs
to be updated this year. Priority concerns must be selected and actions listed for them. Citizen
and agency concerns had been received and Alden handed out a list with the tabulated results.
Concerns over quality of drinking water, stormwater management, and groundwater seemed to
be top priority.
Yliniemi asked Johnsrud to explain the Conservation Security Program (CSP). Johnsrud said
the CSP rewards producers that do a good job of conservation on their land. They can install
more conservation practices to build on their current ones. The EQIP program helps producers
get started in applying good conservation practices on their land. These will aid in protecting
groundwater and other natural resources. Formerly, the federal farm programs were directed
toward production whereas now they concentrate on conservation.
Frank directed discussion back to water plan priorities. He asked if there is any way to measure
septic system efficiency for seasonal users—people who are here in the summer and then gone
for several months. What effects, if any, does idleness have on septic systems? It was suggested
that that would be a good project for which to submit a grant application.
Major considerations for water plan initiatives are actions to address concerns, resources
available, and areas of concern in the county. Bill Best gave an overview of what is needed for
the water plan update. Alden said that the SWCD is pursuing hiring an additional new staff
person who would also be the local water plan coordinator. Haynes emphasized that dialog with
the new hire would be necessary in order to bring that person up to date on the history of the
water plan and past initiatives.
Alden listed projects for 2005 that the SWCD would recommend be addressed by the local water
plan: (1) Lake Water Quality Monitoring by COLA and SWCD. In past years the water plan
has contributed $1000 to help pay for lab tests on COLA’s lake water samples. It was agreed to
do this again in 2005; (2) Local Groundwater Database: the local groundwater database, in
cooperation with MN Department of Health, will tie in with the County Well Index and
information from nitrate testing clinics; (3) E.T. Hotline; (4) Abandoned well sealing; (4) Nitrate
testing clinic; (5) Healthy Lakes and Rivers; (6) River Watch; and (7) Freshwater Festival to be
held May 11
49
Johnsrud suggested that MDA should be asked to expand SRF funding to include loan assistance
for installing water quality systems.
Frank stated that the county is considering comprehensive land use planning county-wide. The
local water plan should show support for the county in the adoption of this plan.
Frank also expressed the hope that the new coordinator would compile available data on lakes
that have been monitored so the task force can be knowledgeable on how the monitored lakes are
faring. This information may be needed in the update of the water plan.
Alden spoke on the Healthy Lakes and Rivers Program. This project began with Wadena and
Hubbard counties working with the Northwest MN Initiative Foundation. Lakes involved were
Big Sand, Fishhook, Upper Twin, and Crow Wing in Hubbard County. Lakeshore owners met
with a facilitator for a visioning session and then developed management plans for their
respective lake. These plans will be due in June, 2005.
Yliniemi said he has volunteered to facilitate visioning sessions for the next Healthy Lakes and
Rivers project to be partially funded with a $50,000 grant from the McKnight Foundation for 10
lakes in Beltrami and Hubbard counties. Other funding is still being sought. The NWMIF is
again sponsoring this project and would like support from the water plan task force. This project
is scheduled to begin in May and Yliniemi strongly recommended supporting it with some
funding and in-kind dollars. Frank wanted to know who overviews these plans and sees if they
meet the local water plan requirements.
The next meeting of the task force will be March 14, 2005 at 9:00 a.m. at the Extension Office
meeting room.
Meeting adjourned at 11:05 a.m.
50
Priority concerns listing from various sources – Local Water Plan
updating process
51