TurtleRiverWatershedImplementati

The Turtle River Watershed (Implementation) Project is anticipated to begin Summer of 2009 and span the course of 5 years. The Grand Forks County Soil Conservation District in cooperation with the NRCS, ND Department of Health, and ND Forest Service will provide financial or technical assistance to implement non-point source pollution Best Management Practices (BMP's) to improve Turtle River water quality and watershed health. BMP's focus on preventing sources of pollution from entering waterways, allowing the watershed to cleanse itself. The following examples of BMP's describe a few of the conservation improvements that can be made. Residents of the Turtle River watershed interested in implementing similar conservation practices on their property are encouraged to contact the Grand Forks County Soil Conservation District.

Riparian Buffer Strip, Filter Strip, Field Borders: These BMP's consist of areas of permanent, typically native, prairie grasses planted along fields, drainage areas or streams. The grasses prevent soil erosion by wind or overland water flow, utilize excess nutrients such as Phosphorus and Nitrogen, utilize excess water to help with salinity management, and provide food and cover for wildlife. Field Border areas can be used for hay, following specific guidelines.

Streambank Stabilization: These BMP's vary depending on the conditions of the area they are applied to, but the goal is the same; preventing catastrophic erosion of stream channels. Erosion of stream banks on the Turtle River and its tributaries contribute excessive sediment loads, choking streams, promoting aquatic nuisance species growth, and inhibiting fishing and other recreation uses. Catastrophic failure of channel walls can threaten homes, cropland, grazing areas, roads, powerlines and other forms of infrastructure.

Stream Channel Restoration: This BMP, though seemingly similar to Streambank Stabilization Projects, restores the natural meander to portions of the Turtle River or its tributaries from artificially channelized flow. Restoring the natural meander of the stream slows water flow, reducing streambank erosion and catastrophic failure and provides increased storage during Spring snowmelt or storm events to alleviate flooding.

Prescribed Grazing and Livestock Watering Management: These BMP's have potential to directly economically benefit the land owner over the course of several years. When applied properly, prescribed grazing and associated watering management can improve animal health and productivity, prevent livestock injury associated with being stuck in mud around stream channels or falls from streambank failures, promotes forage vigor, and reduce short term drought impacts on production. Providing livestock with clean watering sources prevents e.coli and fecal coliform pollution of streams and promotes disease control.