Project summary
The Wild Rice Watershed District proposes to install a series of rock arch rapids within a 13-mile stretch of the South Branch Wild Rice River in Clay County, Minnesota. The proposed project is an effort to restore the river’s connection with its floodplain, thereby reducing flood damage, erosion, and sediment transport, as well as restore the floodplain habitats and provide continued fish passage. An environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) is required for the project.
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 8, 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
- Record of Decision - South Branch Wild Rice River Rock Arch Rapids Restoration Project
EAW documents
- EAW with attachments - South Branch Wild Rice River Rock Arch Rapids Restoration Project