Lake Pepin is filling with sediment, much of it coming from the Minnesota River. This report explores a targeted approach to reducing that sediment by focusing on ravine erosion, an often overlooked but significant source.

• 1% of the land, 15% of the problem: Ravines are small in footprint but can contribute significant sediment during major runoff events.

• 60-85%: Most sediment comes from near-channel sources like ravines, bluffs, and streambanks

• Targeting ravine erosion is a practical, cost-effective way to reduce sediment at scale

This scoping document outlines where ravine erosion is most significant, why it matters, and a set of practical strategies to reduce it through conservation practices, policy, and targeted investment.