Wisconsin department of natural resources will implement natural flood management practices in the marengo river watershed to reduce stormwater runoff and erosion.activities:activities include…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 awarded the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources $290,113 under the Geographic Programs - Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (CFDA 66.469) on October 1, 2025, to implement natural flood management practices in the Marengo River watershed. The project, which extends through December 31, 2027, will deliver restoration design plans, stabilize 0.4 miles of streambank, and restore 6 acres of wetland. These activities are designed to reduce stormwater runoff and erosion while improving flood water storage and slowing runoff flow rates. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will oversee project activities and prepare a Quality Assurance Project Plan, with implementation support from a subaward to Ashland County awarded on November 12, 2025.

The project's expected environmental outcomes include prevention of 175,717 gallons of stormwater, 23 pounds of phosphorus, 73 pounds of nitrogen, and 40 tons of sediment from entering Lake Superior annually. The intended beneficiaries are the Marengo River watershed, Lake Superior, and Wisconsin residents of Ashland County. This initiative aligns with the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative's broader mission to restore and maintain the environmental integrity of the Great Lakes ecosystem through habitat restoration and water quality improvement activities across tributary watersheds.

Wisconsin department of natural resources will implement natural flood management practices in the marengo river watershed to reduce stormwater runoff and erosion.activities:activities include preparation of a quality assurance project plan and providing project oversight. Subrecipient:subaward activities include the project planning and design and implementing natural flood management practices.outcomes:the deliverables will include restoration design plans, 0.4 miles of streambank restored and stabilized, and 6 acres of restored wetland. The expected outcomes of the project will be an improved flood water storage and a slower flow of runoff, which will prevent 175,717 gallons of stormwater, 23 pounds of phosphorus, 73 pounds of nitrogen, and 40 tons of sediment from entering lake superior annually. The intended beneficiaries will be the marengo river watershed, lake superior, and the wisconsin residents of ashland county.