Minnesota funded $1.918 million for Shell Rock River habitat; 588 acres protected or restored by 2025

Shell Rock River Watershed District (Image Credit: www.shellrock.org) In 2020, Minnesota approved $1.918 million for the Shell Rock River Watershed Habitat Restoration Program - Phase IX. According to a 2025 final report from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, the program ultimately protected, restored or enhanced 588 acres of habitat in the Shell Rock River watershed, exceeding its original goal of 483 acres.A habitat program takes shapeThe funding was provided under Minnesota Laws 2020, with the appropriation directed to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for an agreement with the Shell Rock River Watershed District. The funding was intended to support land acquisition as well as the restoration and enhancement of aquatic habitat within the watershed. The program focused on several types of conservation work, including acquiring properties, restoring wetlands and improving aquatic habitat. The projects were selected using conservation planning and monitoring intended to identify areas where habitat improvements could provide significant benefits.The Shell Rock River Watershed is a shallow-lake system that supports fish, waterfowl and other wildlife. According t...