Project Challenge:  As part of on-going efforts to address flooding issues in the Red River Basin, the Roseau River Watershed District and City of Roseau were awarded a grant from the Economic Development Agency to construct a flood water diversion channel and implement a large scale wetland restoration plan.  The environmental review for the proposed project was considerably shortened due to EDA program constraints and the desire to get a project on the ground as soon as possible. 

Ecological Services Meets the Challenge: To assist the EDA in streamling environmental review for the project, the Twin Cities Ecological Services Field Office (TCFO) agreed to dedicate additional staff time for technical review of the wetland restoration plan.  As a condition of the grant, EDA requested the TCFO to work with the RRWD to adjust the Plan as necessary to ensure restoration goals were feasible, and to then complete the review and concur with the final Plan.  Implementation of the Plan, expected to begin in 2006, will successfully accomplish restoration of approximately 530 acres of wetland and grassland complex.  

Benefits: 530 acres of wetland/grassland complex restored and available for use by trust species, especially migratory waterfowl and other birds, a continued, viable working relationship with the local community regarding flood issues, and a new partnership forged between the FWS and EDA with potential for similar opportunities in the future.

Authorizing Legislation:  Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act