Legacy Grant Funds Miller Creek Streambed Restoration

Our office is very excited to announce that we have received funds from the State Clean Water Fund to restore a section of Miller Creek that was straightened many years ago. The Fund is one component of the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment that was passed by Minnesotans two years ago. So thank you, Minnesota! This section of Miller Creek is located behind Kohl's Department Store.

The $154,000 Miller Creek Urban Trout Stream Restoration grant will allow us -- in cooperation with the City of Duluth, DNR, MPCA and other agencies and individuals -- to restore the creek to its original, curvy channel. A restored, sinuous streambed helps the stream reconnect with its surrounding floodplain, increasing the wetland values of the parcel. It will also improve habitat for brook trout, decrease the temperature and velocity of the stream (high temperatures stress trout and high velocities cause erosion), and enhance the natural beauty of the area.

Most of 2012 will be spent completing an Environmental Assessment, acquiring all necessary permits, and surveying the land so that our engineers can draft restoration plans. The restoration work will take place during the summer of 2013, accompanied by a project dedication event with tree planting along the newly restored riparian area. Impaired for high water temperatures, this project will be the first step in formally restoring Miller Creek in an effort to remove it from the State's Impaired Waters list. Keep an eye on our facebook page and website for updates!

View our 2011 Clean Water Fund report (pdf). Legacy progress reports for all projects funded with amendment money.

Jumbo Gully project repairs big problem spot
In Fall of 2011, we completed long-needed work to control runoff from the parking lots and roof tops of Lake Superior College. Water from these impervious surfaces flowed cross-country to Miller Creek, carrying with it an estimated 30 tons of sediment per year over the past several decades. Known as The Jumbo Gully, it took careful engineering and 200 feet of 2-foot diameter pipe to solve the situation.

Read more about the Jumbo Gully project in the 2012 Conservation News.

Jumbo Gully slideshow

A lovely stretch along lower Miller Creek

Miller Creek Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)

Listed: 2002
Impairments: Biota (Absence of Trout) and Temperature
Progress: in progress, scheduled to be completed Summer, 2011

Current Status: The Miller Creek TMDL Study (Totals Maximum Daily Load) for water temperature is on schedule to be completed in summer of 2011. Public comment will be solicited in April or May. Then, the fun really begins.