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

Selected Basin Characteristics and Water Quality Data for the Minnesota River Basin

Winterstein , T.A

The Minnesota River Assessment Project was designed to assess the potential for nonpoint source pollution and inventory the physical characteristics of the basin. In this report the results of this assessment are given for selected characteristics and water quality data. The characteristics include subbasins in the Minnesota Rive Basin, hydrology, geomorphology, soils, wetlands, precipitation, runoff, land use, population and nonpoint source pollution. The water quality data selected were BOD, nitrate-nitrite nitrogen, total phosphorus and suspended sediment.

Report on the Investigations of the Pollution of the Minnesota River from Above New Ulm to the Junction with the Mississippi River at Mendota

Whittaker, H.A.

This 1934 report tells of the effects of pollution on the Minnesota River for a period prior to the installation of many of the waste water treatment plants. During this period the majority of sewage and industrial wastes were being discharged directly into the river system with no form of treatment. Accurate means of analysis were not available so most of the data provided is in the form of visual observations. It was determined that the section of the Minnesota River tested was unsafe for human or livestock contact.

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.

SWCD Methodology of Land Use Assessment- MRAP Level III

Mueller, M

Level III of MRAP land use assessment is the methodology developed to inventory nonpoint sources of pollution within minor watersheds. The process includes the following steps: 1. Visual assessment of the waterbody 2. Landowner interviews 3. Land Use map development 3. Database and query Devolopment 5. GIS Devlopment 6. Implementation plan development based on best professional judgment of the SWCD staff. The SWCD land use assessment methodology allows a comprehensive view of the land and management practices in the study area.

Minnesota River Nonpoint Study

The Minnesota River nonpoint study was designed to determine the sources of nonpoint source pollution entering the Minnesota River and its tributaries.

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