Minnesota River Basin Data Center | Developing Basin Policy with Comprehensive Data

The Minnesota River Basin: Hydrologic Overview and Assessment of Spring Resurges

B. Magner, J.A.

The Minnesota River follows the path of the Glacial River Warren. The valley is a hydrologically dynamic system cut through glacial sediments deposited by the Des Moines Lobe of the Laurentide ice sheet. From west to east across the basin precipitation increases while total dissolved solids, sulfates and trace element boron decrease. Upland storage has been decreased during the past century through the use of tiling and ditches. This decrease is believed to result in lower numbers of wetland acres and accelerated movement of soil and dissolved minerals to the river and its tributaries.

High Density Riain Guage Monitoring

BWSR

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Groundwater

Lac qui Parle Project: A Preliminary Report on Environmental Impacts, Agency Policy, Investigations and Management Recommendations Regarding Annual Snag Removal From the Upper Minnesota River

Zachmann, W

The removal of snags and vegetation from river channels is a common practice. It is believed that through this practice water will move faster through the system, thus reducing the threat of flooding and damage. However, the data presented in this study demonstrate that the benefits of snag removal are weak in comparison to the effects it has on biological conditions and the sediment load of the stream. The author suggests that best management practices are alternatives.

Water Resources of the Yellow Medicine River Watershed, Southwestern Minnesota

Novitzkl, R.P.

The Yellow Medicine River Watershed is located in Southwestern Minnesota and drains approximately 665 square miles. The hydrologic atlas describing the characteristics of the watershed contains three sheets. These sheets describe the water budget, ground water, and surface water of the drainage area.

Project River Bend, Six County River Management Plan

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources proposed a management plan for the Minnesota River. Part of that plan was the designation of the Minnesota River as a Wild and Scenic River. This proposal was unacceptable to the counties involved. The counties feared that a Wild and Scenic designation would remove their decision making power. Instead, the counties proposed Project River Bend.

Creel Survey of the Blue Earth River, 5 May-21 September, 1984

Peterson, D.L.

Rapidan Dam is located on the Blue Earth River. A permit was granted for the redevelopment of this dam for electricity production. the operation of this dam had been observed to have adverse effects on the fish communities of the river. This study was completed prior to the dams renewed operation so that it might be used for comparison with a study after the dam began producing power. The researchers found that the major sport fish harvested in 1984 was channel catfish. Secondary sport fish caught were walleye and northern pike. Fish-kills were observed due to low levels caused by the dam.

Hydrologic Unit Maps

Seaber, P.R.

A set of four-color "Hydrologic Unit Maps" show the approved boundries of, and numerical codes for river-basin units of the United States. These maps, developed by the U.S. Geological Survey, present information on drainage, culture, hydrography, and hydrologic boundaries. Plotted at a scale of 1:500,000 units, the Geological Survey State base-map are a complete list of all the hydrologic units, along with their drainage area names and the States in which they reside.

River Survey Report, Minnesota River (Part) M-55

The River Survey Report contains a variety of studies performed on the Minnesota River between Mankato and the Mississippi River. First, there is an explanation of the geology and topography of the area. The next section contains physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the river. The findings of the survey indicated that the Minnesota River is highly susceptible to quick runoff and the erosion that results. The authors do not believe that a full scale river reclamation project is practical, however, they do suggest that limiting the pollution inputs is possible.

Bevens Creek Watershed Hydrology Study and Water management Plan I and S Engineers INC

Surprenant, K.F.

The Bevens Creek Watershed has an extensive creek-ditch drainage system. At the time of this report there was recent crop loss due to flooding. Also, creek and ditch maintenance needs, potential for increased runoff and peak flow due to urbanization, and peak discharge limitations were of concern. The report contains a management plan designed to address these issues. It was determined that the flooding existed due to the area's flat terrain, poorly designed ditches (too shallow), and the drainage of natural storage areas such as wetlands, lakes and marshes.

A Biological Reconnaissance of the Minnesota River from the Lac Qui Parle Dam to Mankato

Schneider, J.A.

This publication is the first biological survey of the section of the Minnesota River that flows from Lac Qui Parle Dam to Mankato. The purpose of the study was to gain an understanding of what fish species were present and in what numbers so that fisheries managers could make informed decisions. The survey contains a list of the fish species that were collected and some of its tributaries. Also included are a description of the watershed and river, discussion of the effects of pollution, and a history of fisheries management.

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