DNR seeks comments on Vermillion River

[HD]

News Releases
DNR seeks comments on Environmental Assessment worksheet for Vermillion River Habitat Rehabilitation Project
(Released March 8, 2010)


The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks public comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) that was prepared for a project to rehabilitate a portion of the Vermillion River in Empire Township, Dakota County, Minn.

The worksheet evaluates the environmental effects from a DNR proposal to replace 3,454 feet of previously straightened channel with 4,555 feet of meandering stream, and to restore floodplain connectivity along 2,200 feet of stream to improve stream habitat for trout and associated cold-water organisms in the Vermillion River.

The EAW was published in the March 8 EQB Monitor. Public comments on the EAW will be accepted during the 30-day public review period, which runs through 4:30 p.m. on April 7. Written comments on the EAW must be submitted to the attention of: Jamie Schrenzel, EAW Project Manager, Environmental Policy and Review Unit, Division of Ecological Resources, Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, Minn., 55155-4025.

Electronic or e-mail comments may be sent to environmentalrev.dnr@state.mn.us with “Vermillion River EAW” in the subject line. People submitting comments electronically should include name and mailing address. Written comments may also be sent by fax to 651-297-1500.

A copy of the EAW is available online. Additional copies may be requested by calling 651-259-5115.

Also, a copy of the EAW is available for public review at:

DNR Library, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55155
DNR Regional Headquarters, 1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN 55106
Minneapolis Public Library, Government Documents, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55401
Farmington Public Library, 508 Third Street, Farmington, MN 55024
As a result of information gained during the EAW process, the DNR expects to determine if an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is needed this spring.

[Tyler Rother]

I'm going to look into this and go figure out where they are doing this and take a peek, I fish the Vermillion for trout all spring/summer/fall. See if my two cents are worth it, thanks for posting HD.