A Walk Through the Sauk

The watershed is subdivided into ten management districts. The geographic areas of the management districts are based on the planning zones that have been adopted and used for nearly 20 years. Click on a district for a summary of waterbody impairments.

• Osakis
• Sauk Lake
• Centre Sauk
• Adley Creek
• GUS Plus
• Saint Roscoe
• Chain of Lakes
• Cold Spring
• Grand Pearl
• Mini Metro

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) specifies a maximum amount of a pollutant allowed to enter a waterbody so that the waterbody will meet water quality standards for that pollutant. TMDLs also determine a pollutant reduction target and specify pollutant sources.

Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan Priority Resources were identified for each management district by local stakeholders.

Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan Actions include implementation actions to overcome concerns identified by local stakeholders. The full  Sauk River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan  is available on the Sauk River Watershed District website.

Additional  Sauk River watershed documents  are available on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website.

Review the  Conservation Plans  developed as part of the Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS).

A summary of each management district includes:

• Impairments
• Lake TMDL phosphorus sources and needed reductions
• Stream TMDL sources and needed reductions
• Priority resources
• Resource-specific actions
• Final, Ongoing, and/or future project examples

Summary of implementation actions for the targeted priority resources.

Based on the implementation actions, projects are developed for improvements of the targeted priority resources. Some projects have been completed or have begun within the management district to meet Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan goals. Example projects are shown below.

• Priorities Addressed
  • Excess nutrients and sediment
  • Groundwater quality

In 2002 and 2003, two ponds were built from the main Judicial Ditch 2 (JD2, also known as Crooked Lake Ditch) channel near the city of Osakis to capture sediment before the sediment entered Osakis Lake. Because of a massive rain event shortly after the original construction, the ponds were reconstructed in 2004 and 2005. Water is now diverted off the ditch channel, as shown on the right side of the figure below, and into the primary pond. The primary pond is narrow and deep and covers approximately 0.75 acre in surface area to capture the larger particles. Water flows from the primary pond to the secondary pond, which is significantly wider and shallower and covers ten acres.

The finer, smaller particles are captured in the secondary pond. The water is then routed back into the ditch through a culvert. The designed plans estimated a sediment reduction rate of 50 percent or more. Particulate phosphorus (attached to sediment) was also estimated to be reduced by 20 to 30 percent. Over the past several years, the Sauk River Watershed District (SRWD) has performed water quality monitoring to understand the performance of the ponds. In 2009 and 2012, the primary JD2 ponds were cleaned out. In 2009, 600 cubic yards of sediment were removed at $23 per yard, and in 2012, 606 cubic yards were removed at $26.73 per yard. Since the 2012 maintenance, the primary pond has collected 1,002 cubic yards of sediment. A secondary pond has never been maintained and has captured 16,687 cubic yards of sediment. The total amount of sediment removed was approximately 17,689 cubic yards; therefore, the ponds are working as designed to keep this sediment out of Osakis Lake. To maintain the performance of the ponds, periodical maintenance is needed. The operation and maintenance plan states that the ponds need to be cleaned out when 25 to 30 percent of their capacity has been reached so that the ponds will properly operate. Based on the rate of sediment buildup in the primary pond, cleanout may be required more frequently than the estimated 5 years. To date, the primary pond has been cleaned out twice (2009 and 2012). The secondary pond has not been cleaned out since the pond was constructed. For more information contact SRWD at srwd@srwdmn.org.

• Priorities Addressed
  • Excess nutrients and sediment
  • Groundwater quality
  • Habitat

Lake Osakis receives massive runoff from Lake Street and the surrounding developed areas. Installing a native buffer that is not mowed will slow and treat pollution from the upland public roadways before it reaches the lake. The lake itself pounds against the shoreline during ice freeze/thaw periods, which erodes the embankment with feet of shoreline removed every year as more sediment collapses into the lake. The landowner researched the best native pollinators and grasses to plant as the 42-foot x 100-foot buffer. The shoreline was also armored to protect it from further erosion, thus saving the current trees. The landowner planted oaks and red osier dogwoods to further increase shoreline stability. The project is expected to reduce sediment/soil loss by 14 tons a year and phosphorus loss by 12.75 pounds per year. The project was completed with a 50-percent cost share from the landowner and Todd County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). The total cost was approximately $13,000. For more information contact Todd County SWCD at deja.anton@co.todd.mn.us

• Priorities Addressed
  • Excess nutrients and sediment
  • Groundwater quality
  • Habitat

The goal to restore Phase 1 of this project is to deliver concept drawings and cost estimates to begin engineering, permitting, and constructing restoration projects within the Crooked Lake area on land parcels where the SRWD holds easements. The project also estimated the habitat and water quality benefits that could be realized from implementing alternative practices in the area. This project identified project sites and design options, added phosphorus treatment options, assessed probable operation and maintenance costs, identified the constructability of the project sites and permitting considerations, and reported habitat benefits. Five sites were identified within the area, where lateral ditch inlets to JD2 could be altered to create storage areas for ditch diversions. The five sites are all adjacent to the main trunk of JD2 on land parcels where the SRWD currently holds easements.  Sites 1, 2, and 3 are expected to begin construction in 2022 when funding from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council is approved. Sites 4 and 5 have water that extends outside the easement areas, which needs to be addressed before construction begins.

The Crooked Lake project is in the planning phase. Some easements have been established but none were restored as of May 2022. For more information contact SRWD at srwd@srwdmn.org.

Summary of implementation actions for the targeted priority resources.

Based on the implementation actions, projects are developed for improvements of the targeted priority resources. Some projects have been completed or have begun within the management district to meet Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan goals. Example projects are shown below.

• Priorities Addressed
  • Excess nutrients and sediment
  • Groundwater quality

This project aimed to evaluate the nitrogen fertilizer and cover crop management in irrigated crop production and their impacts on water quality. The object was to quantify the impact of a living mulch (Kura clover), cover crop (cereal rye), or no cover crop on nitrate leaching and nitrogen management for irrigated row crops. The study site is located at the Rosholt Research Farm in Westport, Minnesota. The 40-acre farm is owned by Pope County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and has a history that dates back to 1968. The farm is devoted to water quality research and crop production demonstration. Several monitoring methods were used to assess the effect of the Kura clover, cereal rye, and no cover crop on nitrate leaching and crop response. The cereal rye’s ability to reduce nitrate concentrations depended on crop rotation. In a corn following soybean crop rotation, nitrate-nitrite concentrations were reduced by nearly 50 percent, but there was no reduction in continuous corn or soybean following corn. The Kura clover substantially reduced nitrate leaching. However, management to minimize yield loss for cash crops needs further refinement. This project is an example of reasearch that is happening at the Rosholt Research Farm. There are other on going research projects at the farm including Kernza and Irrigation studies. More information on the research projects at the Rosholt Research Farm is available at the Pope County SWCD  website . For more information contact Pope County SWCD at Holly.Kovarik@mn.nacdnet.net.

Summary of implementation actions for the targeted priority resources.

Based on the implementation actions, projects are developed for improvements of the targeted priority resources. Some projects have been completed or have begun within the management district to meet Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan goals. Example projects are shown below.

• Priorities Addressed
  • E. coli
  • Excess nutrients and sediment
  • Groundwater quality

In 2017, a water management system was installed in the Sauk River Watershed. Partners included the landowner, Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District, Minnesota Department of Agriculture), Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Sauk River Watershed District. This project consisted of an earthen basin lined with a high-density polyethylene liner and a concrete-stacking slab. The runoff from the feedlot flowed to a waterway that emptied into a tributary of the Sauk River. The earthen basin now collects the feedlot runoff so that those nutrients do not enter the state's waters. The water from the feedlot is applied through the irrigation system. The concrete-stacking slab stores solid manure from the feedlot and is applied to the cropland at agronomic rates to use these nutrients better. The landowners are using a corn/soybean/alfalfa/small-grain rotation. The landowners are also experimenting with using cover crops as a nutrient source while helping to control erosion in their cropland. This project reduces pollution, improves water quality, leads to the environmentally sound and efficient application of manure, and sustains the agriculture industry. The project was estimated to reduce phosphorus by 41 pounds (lb) per year, chemical oxygen demand by 75 lb per year, 5-day biochemical oxygen demand by 661 lb per year, and nitrogen by 156 lb per year. This project used approximately $450,000 in federal funds and $25,000 in Minnesota Department of Agriculture funds. For more information contact SRWD at srwd@srwdmn.org.

• Priorities Addressed
  • Excess nutrients and sediment

The City of Sauk Centre had a 2018 petition project that included stormwater improvements and a street improvement project. The Sauk River Watershed District assisted in funding the installation of three stormwater retention ponds and a stormwater ceptor placed before stormwater discharges to Sauk Lake and the Sauk River. The project removed 16,882 pounds of total suspended solids (TSS) and 47 pounds of total phosphorus (estimated using the Program for Predicting Polluting Particle Passage through Pits, Puddles, and Ponds [P8 model]). For more information contact SRWD at srwd@srwdmn.org.

Summary of implementation actions for the targeted priority resources.

Based on the implementation actions, projects are developed for improvements of the targeted priority resources. Some projects have been completed or have begun within the management district to meet Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan goals. Example projects are shown below.

• Priorities Addressed
  • Excess nutrients and sediment

The goal of this project was to provide good soil health and wind and water erosion protection to Felix Lake and a nearby perennial stream. The project entailed planting of a cereal rye and radish cover crop on 37 acres of tillable land and resulted in a 1.95 ton/acre annual reduction in soil loss.  The total cost for the project was $2,822. For more information contact Todd Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) at tim.ebnet@co.todd.mn.us.

• Priorities Addressed
  • Groundwater quality

The goal of this project was to seal a well that had nitrates in the water. The project was cost-shared at 50 percent between the landowner and the Todd County SWCD. The total cost was approximately $480. Sealing unused wells protects children and small animals from accidentally falling into the well and can prevent surface-water runoff into groundwater. More information on sealing unused wells can be found at  Sealing Unused Wells (state.mn.us) . For more information contact SRWD at tim.ebnet@co.todd.mn.us.

Summary of implementation actions for the targeted priority resources.

Based on the implementation actions, projects are developed for improvements of the targeted priority resources. Some projects have been completed or have begun within the management district to meet Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan goals. Example projects are shown below.

• Priorities Addressed
  • Altered hydrology
  • Excess nutrients and sediment

Phase 1 of this project was completed in April 2022. The project included three areas that totaled approximately 1,700 lineal feet of stabilized streambank. The Sauk River Watershed District managed this project. For more information contact SRWD at srwd@srwdmn.org.

• Priorities Addressed
  • Altered hydrology
  • Excess nutrients and sediment

The Sauk River Watershed District evaluated opportunities for capital improvement projects to address issues in the Getchell Creek/County Ditch 26 Subwatershed. A feasibility study was conducted with cost and benefit estimates to evaluate the capital improvement projects intended to address the problems. Issues included stability of stream banks, flow restrictions from excess vegetation and misaligned culverts, ongoing impacts on the productivity of agricultural lands, and local expenses from continued maintenance and repair. Project partners included local landowners, the city of Freeport, Oak Township, Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District, Stearns County, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, Minnesota Land Trust, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sauk River Watershed District, and Houston Engineering. For more information contact SRWD at srwd@srwdmn.org.

Summary of implementation actions for the targeted priority resources.

Based on the implementation actions, projects are developed for improvements of the targeted priority resources. Some projects have been completed or have begun within the management district to meet Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan goals. Example projects are shown below.

• Priorities Addressed
  • Altered Hydrology
  • Excess nutrients and sediment
  • Habitat

All Acres for Our Water is a dedicated program that combines technical expertise, agronomic intelligence, and financial resources to enhance and restore natural resources in central Stearns County. This pilot project is a collaboration of public and private entities working to eliminate barriers to implement proven conservation practices that will make agricultural operations more efficient while doing right by water, soil, and wildlife.

This partnership is led by the Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Nature Conservancy, and the Minnesota Land Trust. Important support also comes from the Sauk River Watershed District and the University of Minnesota Center for Changing Landscapes. The project was funded by the Nature Conservancy, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the State of Minnesota. More information is available online at  https://www.acresforwater.com/ .

Summary of implementation actions for the targeted priority resources.

Based on the implementation actions, projects are developed for improvements of the targeted priority resources. Some projects have been completed or have begun within the management district to meet Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan goals. Example projects are shown below.

• Priorities Addressed
  • Excess nutrients and sediment
  • Groundwater quality

Shoreland stabilization was completed on Cedar Island Lake in 2009. Partners on this job were the landowner, the Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Board of Water and Soil Resources. This project combined a unique design and implementation that addressed an existing gully and erosion along the shoreline. Cedar tree revetments were used to stabilize the shoreline and allow the native vegetation to establish itself. The landowners preferred to leave a large area along the shoreline natural and unmown. This project was estimated to remove 6 pounds of phosphorus per year and 6 tons of sediment per year. The project used approximately $10,300 in state funds and $3,400 in landowner funds. For more information contact Stearns County SWCD at info@stearnscountyswcd.net.

• Priorities Addressed
  • Excess nutrients and sediment
  • Groundwater quality

Shoreland stabilization was completed on Cedar Island Lake in 2015. Partners for this job were the landowner, the Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This project incorporated multiple practices to stabilize a failing slope near Cedar Island Lake. Tile trenches were installed into the slope to intercept the surface water and groundwater for stabilization purposes. A stormwater-storage tank was installed to capture the runoff from the building site. This water is now used for irrigation purposes. The shoreline and adjacent slope were restored by regrading and planting with native vegetation. This project was estimated to remove 545 pounds of phosphorus per year and 474 tons of sediment per year. The project used approximately $22,800 in state funds and $6,200 in landowner funds. For more information contact Stearns County SWCD at info@stearnscountyswcd.net.

Summary of implementation actions for the targeted priority resources.

Based on the implementation actions, projects are developed for improvements of the targeted priority resources. Some projects have been completed or have begun within the management district to meet Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan goals. Example projects are shown below.

• Priorities Addressed
  • Altered hydrology
  • Excess nutrients and sediment

A 2018 petition project from the city of Rockville helped to restore approximately 275 ft of the Sauk River. The Sauk River Watershed District helped to fund the project with technical oversight by the Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District and a West Central Technical Service Area engineer. The project was expected to reduce phosphorus by 47 lbs per year and sediment by 47 tons per year. For more information contact SRWD at srwd@srwdmn.org.

Summary of implementation actions for the targeted priority resources.

Based on the implementation actions, projects are developed for improvements of the targeted priority resources. Some projects have been completed or have begun within the management district to meet Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan goals. Example projects are shown below.

A waste-storage facility was created on Mill Creek in 2015. Partners on this job were the landowner, the Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District, the West Central Technical Service Area, and the USDA/NRCS. The landowner also expressed interest in seeding the disturbed areas with pollinator habitat. Nutrients in surface water were identified as resources of concern because of a lack of long-term manure storage. The landowner gained 4 to 5 months of manure storage from the waste-storage facility and application to cropland during sensitive times of the year was no longer needed. The project allows for the dairy operation to have enough storage space for manure to properly apply the manure to cropland in areas identified in a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan. From 2013 to 2015, the project was in the design phase and plans were being completed. A waste-storage lagoon was installed to handle manure and water from the dairy barn. In addition to the lagoon, a stacking slab was installed to handle the manure from the feedlots. This project used approximately $250,000 in federal funds coordinated with assistance from the Stearns SWCD and $42,800 in landowner funds. For more information contact Stearns County SWCD at info@stearnscountyswcd.net.

Summary of implementation actions for the targeted priority resources.

Based on the implementation actions, projects are developed for improvements of the targeted priority resources. Some projects have been completed or have begun within the management district to meet Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan goals. Example projects are shown below.

• Priorities Addressed
  • Altered Hydrology
  • Excess Nutrients and Sediment

Dam removal and stream bank stabilization were completed on the Sauk River in St. Cloud at Whitney Park in 2016 and 2017. Partners on this job were the West Central Technical Service Area, the city of St. Cloud, the Sauk River Watershed District, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Whitney Park site had a severely eroded outside bank. This steep slope along 450 ft of stream bank has areas that are up to 30 ft in elevation. The city of St. Cloud approached the Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for technical and financial assistance to address the problem. The SWCD, along with the West Central Technical Service Area, designed a low-impact approach to stabilizing the stream bank. The project involved constructing a toewood bench and using field stone rock for stream barbs. In addition, when the slope was regraded, a native grass and wildflower seeding was completed. Trees and shrubs were also planted from potted stock. The entire site was covered with an erosion-control blanket to ensure stabilization. As a part of the project, the low-head dam in the river upstream of the slope failure was determined to be causing the stream bank erosion problem and was removed. This project was estimated to remove 389 lb of phosphorus per year and 88 tons of sediment per year. The project used approximately $338,000 in state funds and $15,800 in funds from the City of St. Cloud. For more information, contact the city of St. Cloud at publicworks@ci.stcloud.mn.us.

The Walk through the Sauk was developed by RESPEC Company LLC (respec.com) through a grant obtained by the Sauk River Watershed District. The agencies shown below participated in the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resrouces One Watershed One Plan which was used for the story map content.

Douglas County

Douglas Soil and Water Conservation District

Pope County

Pope County Soil and Water Conservation District

Sauk River Watershed District

Stearns County

Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District

Todd County

Todd County Soil and Water Conservation District

Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Minnesota Department of Health

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Natural Resources Conservation Service

City of St. Cloud

University of Minnesota Extension Service

Stearns County Coalition of Lake Associations

The Nature Conservancy

Pheasants Forever