DNR seeks comment on Washington County trout stream habitat project

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on a proposal to restore a section of Valley Creek, a designated trout stream in Washington County.

The project will improve trout habitat, increase trout spawning areas and increase long-term channel stability. Comments on the project, outlined in an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW), will be accepted through Aug. 30.

"This effort will help improve an important trout resource in the Twin Cities area," said Charlotte Cohn, environmental review project manager for the DNR Division of Ecological Services. "In addition, we're benefitting sensitive cold-water native species."

Valley Creek, one of 15 streams that support trout in the Twin Cities area, begins as an intermittent tributary in Woodbury and ends at its confluence with the St. Croix River in the city of Afton. It contains brook, brown and rainbow trout. The project involves creating a 400-foot channel to replace 305 feet of existing channel on Valley Creek. Under state law, an EAW is required for work to realign or divert a designated trout stream.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is providing funding through the "Partners in Wildlife" program, which supports habitat restoration projects that will benefit native species. Project construction is planned to occur during September, before fall trout spawning activity begins.

A copy of the EAW is available for public review at:

- DNR Library, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul

- DNR Regional Headquarters, 1200 Warner Road, St. Paul

- DNR Afton State Park contact station, 3959 Peller Avenue South, Hastings (park hours generally 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with later closing times, call (651) 436-5391 to confirm when office is open)

- Minneapolis Public Library, Technology and Science Department, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

- Legislative Reference Library, 645 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., St. Paul

- Park Grove Cottage Grove Branch of Washington County Library, 7900 Hemingway Avenue South, Cottage Grove

- Valley Branch Lakeland Branch of Washington County Library, 380 St. Croix Trail South, Lakeland

- R.H. Stafford Woodbury Branch of Washington County Library, 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury

The EAW is also posted on the DNR's Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us. (Click on "Public Input," then select "Valley Creek Stream Habitat Restoration Project" from the scroll-down list under "Environmental Review"). Additional copies may be requested by calling (651) 259-5072.

Written comments must submitted by 4:30 p.m., Aug. 30, to Charlotte Cohn, DNR Ecological Services, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55155-4025.

Comments may be e-mailed to environmental.review@dnr.state.mn.us with "Valley Creek Restoration" in the subject line. People should include name and mailing address when submitting comments electronically. Written comments may also be sent by fax to (651) 297-1500.

For additional information or copies of the EAW, call (651) 259-5072.