Of the five Minnesota streams that drain directly into the Mississippi River Lake Pepin watershed (MRLP), Hay Creek is likely the best known. With its abundant brown trout population, one-hour proximity to the Twin Cities, and multiple easements creating easy public access, Hay attracts both local and metro-area anglers, who can easily stop by for an afternoon of casting. Restoration efforts over the past several decades have bolstered both the quality of its fish habitat and its correlating popularity.
Read MoreBullard Creek: upland water storage limits erosion, but its sediment still impacts Wacouta Bay
Bullard Creek is a coldwater trout stream and one of the smallest creeks in the Mississippi River-Lake Pepin watershed. Like others, it is considered impaired for high levels of e-coli and is vulnerable to precipitation runoff and erosion. A long legacy of conservation efforts focused on water storage has protected Bullard from major erosion problems and the stream is considered to be in good condition overall. Sediment concentrations meet water quality standards, but it still carries sediment to Wacouta Bay, an area at the head of Lake Pepin that is also impacted by sediment from the Mississippi River via the Minnesota River.
Read MoreRed Wing graduate reflects on Lake Pepin's far-reaching importance
Jayden Jech graduated from Red Wing High School in 2019 and is currently pursuing a degree in Biology and Environmental Studies at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. Over the last two years, he completed a high school and college internship with the Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance. Learn what Jayden discovered about Lake Pepin this past summer, how it connects to what he observes along the coast of Florida, and what it all means for his future aspirations!
Read MoreWells Creek: a dynamic stream with many trout, but rising sediment concerns
Wells Creek flows into Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River after passing through Frontenac State Park in Minnesota. Naturally dynamic, its flow and course have exhibited big changes over time. It runs through erosive terrain where sediment flows easily and is exacerbated by a century+ of agricultural land use. Its trout populations have been successfully re-established, but sediment concerns are rising again. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is now poised to designate Wells as impaired for aquatic life due to excess sediment.
Read MoreLow Water Uncovers Sediment Problems
In a year defined by lows, Lake Pepin water level is no exception. This year’s drop in water level is somewhat dramatic because it comes on the heels of last year’s record high water, which together, illuminates the sedimentation problem in Lake Pepin. High water pushes sediment to the lake and low water uncovers it, along with a slew of transportation issues. The Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance (LPLA) responded to recent boat groundings by visiting affected areas and discussing channel maintenance with the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE).
Read MoreExecutive Director Note: Sediment Mitigation & Policy
Wow! August was a busy month for the Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance! The Mississippi River and Lake Pepin received some special attention and LPLA was glad to have a seat at the table for those important conversations.
Read MoreA Lifetime Protecting Lake Pepin: Dave Smith Member Profile
For generations, people have been sounding the alarm about Lake Pepin’s sedimentation. The alarm has been ringing for so long that a new concern is whether or not we are still hearing it. For too many, it is easy to shrug one’s shoulders at the muddy Minnesota River as it discolors the Mississippi River just upstream of Lake Pepin. “It’s been like that my entire life,” we’ve heard old-time river users say. But the fact is— time doesn’t make it right. If anything, it simply means that change is long overdue.
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