Project Titles:

• Repair Ditch 11 Erosion (FFS #R3GA)
• Rehabilitate Water Management Ditch (FFS #R3GB)
• Repair Shop Solar Heating System (FFS #R3GC)
• Employ 10 STEP Youth (FFS #R3NE*)

State: Minnesota

Project Description: The Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota is working toward the completion of the last of three projects funded from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to support much needed repair work to the refuge’s water management systems and bring alternative energy improvements. Agassiz NWR received approximately $2.3 million for completion of the three main projects, as well as $9,800 in funds to employ 10 STEP students.

The remaining project, with work already in progress, includes repairing the south side of Ditch 11 at the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge. It is expected to be complete by December 2012. The ditch was originally constructed in the early 1900’s and reached the point of failure. Several sections of the embankment failed causing obstructions to the water flow, stream bank erosion, and impacts to drainage of the adjacent Parker Pool.

Project work will complete portions of the ditch prism including ditch channels, embankment slopes and road surfacing on the embankment. In all, 8,000 lineal feet of ditch embankment will be improved to increase the structure’s stability. Ditch 11 is the major conduit that moves water from adjacent landowners, through the refuge, and finally into the Thief River. As Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge is one of the premier breeding habitats for migratory birds in the north central United States, this project will help keep one of the most important habitat resources in the Fish and Wildlife Service in good condition.

The completed two projects at the refuge include repairing the shop solar heating system to improve energy efficiency at the refuge, and a rehabilitation project for an additional water management ditch. Both of those jobs were completed by the summer of 2010.

For additional information about Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, please visit the Agassiz NWR website.

Photos:

News Releases:

Interior Secretary Salazar Announces $3.5 Million For Water Management Infrastructure and Energy Improvements at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge

Secretary Salazar Announces Contract Award for Repair of Water Management Structure on Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota

*Project R3NE is a Regionwide project impacting multiple sites. Visit the Youth Employment in the Midwest Region project page to learn more about the youth employment projects taking place in this region.

Originally posted 08/06/2009
Updated 08/07/2009
Updated 06/16/2010
Updated 11/09/2011