Corps seeks comments on proposed Lower Otter Tail River Restoration project

ST. PAUL, Minn. –The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is seeking comments on its draft feasibility report and integrated environmental assessment for the proposed Lower Otter Tail River restoration project in western Minnesota.

The proposed project, planned in collaboration with the Buffalo-Red River Watershed District, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and other partners, would reconnect oxbows and increase the lateral connectivity of the Lower Otter Tail River.

The plan would include the implementation of overflow structures, rock riffles, toe wood sod mats and channel excavation, adding additional length and habitat to the Lower Otter Tail River. The project would convert disconnected oxbows into stream habitat, benefitting the riparian area and wetlands adjacent to the river.

A draft feasibility study and integrated environmental assessment describing the project and the environmental impacts in detail is available to the public and can be viewed and downloaded from the St. Paul District website at: www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Home/PublicNotices.aspx.

Any comments on the draft feasibility report should be provided by February 21. Persons submitting comments are advised that all comments received will be available for public review, to include the possibility of posting on a public website. Questions about the project or comments on the draft EA can be directed to David Potter, project biologist, at (651) 290-5713 or at David.F.Potter@usace.army.mil. Please address all formal written correspondence on this project to the St. Paul District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ATTN: Regional Planning and Environment Division North, 180 5th St. E., Suite 700, St. Paul, MN 55101.

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