Drawdowns aim to improve water quality and habitat conditions in watershed
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in coordination with the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District and other partners, will begin a planned drawdown this fall of Hubbard, Schultz and Wheeler lakes in western Kandiyohi County near Atwater.
“The project is part of a long-term effort to restore lake health, improve water quality, and enhance habitat conditions within the watershed,” said Josh Kavanagh, DNR senior wildlife specialist.
The drawdown is expected to begin no later than Sept. 15 and might continue for one to two years, depending on how the lakes respond. Water levels will be lowered to 5 or 6 feet and there will be very little water in the basins as the drawdown target is reached and maintained.
Water level management is used to support healthy aquatic habitat, improve water quality and enhance the overall ecological function of the lake system. Downstream waters, including Diamond Lake, may also benefit from these improvements.
“The purpose of this drawdown is to reset and improve lake conditions by winterkilling undesirable fish species, consolidating bottom sediments and encouraging native aquatic plant growth,” Kavanagh said. “The drawdown may also help reduce curly-leaf pondweed, an invasive plant that contributes to poor water quality.”
Both drawdown and refill timelines are influenced by precipitation and seasonal weather patterns. Management actions will follow the approved comprehensive lake management plan for these waterbodies. Copies of the plan are available from the Area DNR office or the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District office.
Hubbard, Schultz and Wheeler are all shallow lakes. While all lakes support wildlife needs, shallow water, characterized by aquatic plants and generally less than 15 feet deep, provides the most important wildlife habitat. There are more than 5,000 shallow lakes larger than 50 acres in Minnesota. Hubbard is relatively small at 27 acres, while Schultz is 157 acres and Wheeler is 171 acres.
For more information on the DNR’s shallow lakes program, visit the Minnesota DNR shallow lakes webpage. Questions about the Hubbard, Schultz and Wheeler drawdowns can be sent to Josh Kavanagh at [email protected].