Project summary
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the University of Minnesota (UMN) propose to conduct a stream-re-meander project at Cedar Creek located approximately 3.8 miles southeast of Isanti, Isanti County, Minnesota to address ditching and degraded in-stream habitat to restore the ecological and hydrologic functions of the creek and adjacent floodplain. The project will include reconnecting the creek to historic meanders in the floodplain, installing riffles for grade control, installing woody material for instream habitat, and restoring native riparian vegetation. The project area occurs within the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve and will be funded through a mixture of public and private funds, including a Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) grant awarded to TNC in collaboration with the Anoka Sandplain Partnership. The Cummins Foundation will also provide funding, and UMN will provide access to the site and conduct monitoring and assessment support.
Record of Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet
The DNR, as the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU) for environmental review of the Maple Creek Habitat Enhancement Project, has issued a Record of Decision (ROD) regarding the Need for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project.
The DNR has concluded that an EIS is not required because the project does not have the potential for significant environmental effects. The justification for this determination is contained in the Record of Decision. The Record of Decision also contains the Department's responses to all substantive written comments received on the EAW during the 30-day public review and comment period. Public notice of the availability of EAW documents for public comment was in the May 12, 2026 EQB Monitor.
Issuing this Record of Decision concludes the state environmental review process for this project according to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board rules, Minnesota Rules, part 4410.1000 to 4410.1700.