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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 approxin1ately 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 (tem1inal) end of the large drainage ditch empties directly <br />into the Big Sioux River, thus adding a tremendous volume of water to the river during <br />periods of high water. The completion of this drainage ditch effectively elirninated the <br />storage and holding capacity of this large wetland basin, thus effectively elirninating <br />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 phases. <br />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 <br />emptying into the Big Sioux River, lessening the effects of damaging downstream <br />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 <br />payouts, ect. are elirninated. Protecting the affected cropland with permanent <br />vegetation reduces siltation into the Big Sioux River. Repairs to local roads and bridges <br />resulting from high water levels are eliminated. Property and structures downstream <br />are protected. 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 />