This unique project combines on-the-ground habitat restoration with landowner outreach and education to create tangible upland and in-stream habitat benefits and to engage the vermillion river…

This unique project combines on-the-ground habitat restoration with landowner outreach and education to create tangible upland and in-stream habitat benefits and to engage the vermillion river community about the importance of conservation and habitat restoration for water quality and healthy fish populations. The vermillion river is a state-designated trout stream located in the twin cities metro area of minnesota. Altered by decades of human influence and land use change, the stream is slowly returning to a healthy waterway that supports self-sustaining populations of fish and other wildlife. However, the stream still exists in an agriculturally-dominated landscape, with runoff carrying sediment and nutrients into the river, reducing water quality and degrading aquatic habitat. Meanwhile, upland natural areas along the river are dominated by invasive plant species, reducing habitat quality for insects and other wildlife. Friends of the mississippi river (FMR) has secured over 60,000 in state funding to assist the department of natural resources (DNR) in riparian and upland habitat restoration at the kamen parcel of the MN DNR s vermillion river aquatic management area. However, additional funding for restoration tasks, including additional site preparation and seed mix diversity, is needed. We propose to pair this active restoration project with landowner outreach and education on the importance of conservation and restoration. The kamen site will be used as a demonstration site to be toured by interested landowners, who will learn about habitat restoration practices and conservation options. This unique combination of on-the-ground restoration with landowner outreach and education will increase the impact of this site on the greater vermillion river community.