The roseau lake rehabilitation project will restore the shallow lake basin of roseau lake within the roseau lake wildlife management area (WMA)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received a $150,000 Cooperative Agreement award dated August 1, 2025, from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service under the Migratory Bird Joint Ventures program (CFDA 15.637). The award funds Phase IV implementation of the Roseau Lake Rehabilitation Project within the Roseau Lake Wildlife Management Area in Minnesota, with an ultimate completion date of December 31, 2028. The DNR will work collaboratively with the Roseau River Watershed District to restore shallow lake functionality to a significant portion of the lake basin north of the Roseau River through construction of water control structures that enable water level management.

The project will deliver multiple ecosystem benefits including improved wetland habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife species, enhanced flood control capabilities, and improved water quality. The restoration work addresses the historical impacts of the 1914 Roseau River channelization and legal ditch system that drained the original lake basin. Upon completion, the restored habitat and water management infrastructure will benefit both recreational users—including hunters and wildlife watchers—and regional migratory bird conservation objectives aligned with the Joint Venture's Implementation Plan goals.

This lake was drained in 1914 when the roseau river was channelized and a legal ditch system was created through the lake basin. The project will restore shallow lake functionality to asignificant portion of the lake north of the roseau river by creating new water control structures that allow for water level management. This will result in improved habitat for waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife. IT will also provide other ecosystem services such as flood control and improve water quality. The minnesota department of natural resources will work with the roseau river watershed district to carry outthis project. Funds from this grant will be used to implement phase IV of this multiphase project. The project will improve wetland habitat within the basin and benefit hunters and wildlife watchers utilizing roseau lake WMA.