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<br />Mickelson Memorial Wetlands <br /> <br />BACKGROUND <br /> <br />A large wetland basin of more than 1,000 acres existed adjacent to the Big Sioux River <br />and Stray Horse River for many years. Left in ther natural state, these wetlands stored <br />large amounts of water, In approximately 1910, a large drainage ditch almost three <br />miles in length was constructed running west to east directly through the middle of <br />this large wetland, The west (terminal) end of the large drainage ditch empties directly <br />into the Big Sioux River, thus adding a tremendous volume of water to the river dur- <br />ing periods of high water, The completion of this drainage ditch effectively eliminated <br />the storage and holding capacity of this large wetland basin, thus effectively eliminat- <br />ing the wetland's ability to reduce high water flows, <br /> <br />MITIGATION MEASURES EMPLOYED <br /> <br />The drainage ditch reduced the wetlands to approximately 57 acres, with a storage <br />capacity of 58 acre feet. This project restored the wetlands to over 700 acres with a <br />storage capacity of more than 1,500 acre feet. The project was carried out in two phas- <br />es. Phase one consisted of the acquisition of approximately 1,800 acres of flood-prone <br />private land, Phase two involved the actual construction work to restore the wetlands. <br />Four water control structures were placed at various points in the existing drainage <br />ditch. These structures created pools that greatly reduced the volume of water empty- <br />ing into the Big Sioux River, lessening the effects of damaging downstream floods. <br /> <br />BENEFITS <br /> <br />The one-time expense of this project will provide permanent flood control benefits, <br />Federal disaster payments for crop losses, deficiency payments, flood insurance pay- <br />outs, ect. are eliminated. Protecting the affected cropland with permanent vegetation <br />reduces siltation into the Big Sioux River. Repairs to local roads and bridges resulting <br />from high water levels are eliminated. Property and structures downstream are pro- <br />tected. Moreover, the aquatic habitat of the area is enhanced <br /> <br />PROJECT COST <br />$1,010,286 <br /> <br />FUNDING SOURCE <br />South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks; Ducks Unlimited <br />FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program <br />Friends of George Mikelson <br />