A hidden gem in Carlton County is getting some attention thanks to two vital grants.
The Little Net River is a scenic trout stream near Holyoke. Starting in the Nemadji State Forest, the river flows north toward Lake Superior. The river cuts through some of the wildest parts of Carlton County, confined by steep forested banks. The combination of steep banks and unstable soils have led to some erosion problems, especially where roads cross this wild river.
The Great Lake Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program recently awarded the Carlton Soil and Water Conservation District, in partnership with the Carlton County Transportation Department, a $200,000 grant to repair an unstable bank near County Road 8.
This landslide area not only endangers the road — it also adds sediment to the Little Net River. This sediment covers fish spawning habitat and affects downstream water quality, including Lake Superior.
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The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources Clean Water Fund Grant awarded $596,300 for the needed matching funds. In addition to addressing the slide on County Road 8, stormwater practices, especially near roads, will be installed to reduce future landslides and erosion problems.
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“These funds and the partnership will allow our department to reduce sediment loading to the Little Net River while at the same time strengthening our infrastructure and improving public safety along county roads. The long-term reductions in future maintenance costs for the county and for downstream residences will also be great,” Will Bomier of the Carlton County Transportation Department said.
The Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program provides grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations to install sediment control projects in the Great Lakes Basin. Funding for the program comes from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The Clean Water Fund grant funding comes from Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment three-eighths of 1% sales tax.
Melanie Bomier is the water resources manager for the Carlton Soil and Water Conservation District. Her columns focus on environmental topics and stewardship.
