2008 Red River Riparian Project - Priority Watersheds in NE North Dakota
In June of 2008 a new riparian project was started to address priority watersheds in North East North Dakota. The Red River Riparian Project was funded at 1.4 million dollars from the EPA's 319 program and is scheduled to last for 5 years. The main goal is to provide technical and financial assistance for riparian restoration to landowners, communities, water resource districts and soil conservation districts within targeted watersheds in the Lower Red River Basin of North Dakota. The Red River RC&D Council and the Red River Regional Council will review individual project practices and associated costs before dollars are expended. Project focus is to treat a reach of a river and not just individual sites.
The project started with the Red River Riparian Project Kick-off tour in August 2008. Partners from NRCS, EPA, North Dakota Health Dept. 319 and North Dakota Forest Service came together to review sites and discuss project goals.
In June 2008 the Red River RC&D assisted with a Riparian Range Workshop in Cavalier County at the Mt. Caramel Dam Recreation Area. Partners provided training on stream visual assessment, grazing systems and noxious weed programs within riparian areas.
Other projects that the RC&D Council assisted with were the Walsh County Stream Bank Stabilization Workshop, Raney Wetland Project, Tongue River Cutoff Project and the Stadstad River Restoration Project. These projects all serve as examples of needs that can be met by targeted efforts of riparian restoration and enhancement of water quality to reduce sediment loading.