Project summary
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to improve hydrologic connectivity, reestablish deep-water habitat, reduce invasive species, and enhance coastal wetland habitat at Mud Lake within the St. Louis River Estuary. The proposed project would create a new channel, deep water habitat and marshes, remove a concrete structure and install a new 50-foot bridge. This is part of a collaborative effort under the Great Lakes Area of Concern Program to mitigate degradation and loss of habitat from historic activities in the St. Louis River. An environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) is required for the proposed project located in St. Louis County.
Record of Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet
The DNR, as the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU) for environmental review of the project has issued a record of decision (ROD) regarding the need for an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed 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 ROD. The ROD also contains the DNR's responses to all 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 April 22, 2025, edition of the EQB Monitor. Issuing this ROD 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.
ROD documents
EAW documents
The DNR has prepared an EAW for the proposed project. Public notice of the availability of this document for public comment is in the April 22, 2025, EQB Monitor, a publication of the Environmental Quality Board (EQB). A 30-day public review and comment period will be open from April 15, 2025, until 4:30 p.m., May 22, 2025.