Impacts of Drainage on Aquatic Ecosystems: A Literature Review

Gary Sands, Associate Professor
Kristen Blann, Post-doctoral Associate
Bruce Vondracek, Professor, Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology
Jim Anderson, Co-Director, Water Resources Center
The Nature Conservancy
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)

Funding Source

USDA-NRCS

Objective

Provide a comprehensive review of literature on the biological community impacts associated with subsurface drainage systems. Write a white paper on the implications for these impacts in the Red River of the North Basin.

Need or Impact

Subsurface drainage is finding increased adoption rates in northwest Minnesota. This literature review will help policy makers and practitioners understand the linkages between water management decisions and the downstream biological communities.

Project Status

Ongoing.