DNR seeks comments on EAW for the Lake Ogechie Wild Rice Restoration Project

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DNR seeks comments on EAW for the Lake Ogechie Wild Rice Restoration Project
(Released February 25, 2011)


The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting public comments until March 23 on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) that was prepared for a project to restore wild rice in Lake Ogechie within Mille Lacs Kathio State Park in Mille Lacs County.

The worksheet evaluates the environmental effects from a DNR and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe proposal to restore wild rice, enhance waterfowl resting/feeding, and enhance interpretive opportunities in Mille Lacs Kathio State Park.

This will be accomplished by lowering the existing water control structure (Buckmore dam) at the outlet of Lake Ogechie and constructing a new water control structure at the outlet of Mille Lacs Lake to replace the water level control function currently served by Buckmore dam. Lake Ogechie will be lowered approximately 2.5 feet while maintaining existing water levels in Mille Lacs Lake.

A copy of the EAW is available online. Additional copies may be requested by calling 651-259-5156.

A copy of the EAW is available for public review at:

DNR Library, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155
DNR Northeast Regional Headquarters, 1201 E. Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
DNR Central Regional Headquarters, 1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN 55106
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, 15066 Kathio State Park Road, Onamia, MN 56359
Minneapolis Public Library, Government Documents, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401
East Central Regional Library, 244 South Birch Street, Cambridge, MN 55008
Mille Lacs Community Library, 285 2nd Avenue South, Isle, MN 56342.
The EAW was published in the Feb. 21 EQB Monitor. Written comments on the EAW must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, to Randall Doneen, Division of Ecological and Water Resources, DNR, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025.

Electronic or e-mail comments may be sent to environmentalrev.dnr@state.mn.us with “Lake Ogechie EAW” in the subject line.

When submitting comments electronically, include name and mailing address.
Written comments may also be sent by fax to 651-297-1500.