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Tuo small dikes will be constnictcd. both of which will plug ditches that were dug before <br />1945. The snuller of these will be only 25 to 30 feet long and three feet high. It v^ill <br />have a natural K>ulder overflow which wdl carry water into the lower wetland. ITie <br />primary wetlarnl will outflow over a dike that will be built on the west side of the wetland <br />and that will measure 80 to 100 feet long by four feet high. This dike will also be <br />designed with a Kiulder spillway but will have a control structure built into it that can <br />provide for the retention or dispersal of water as needed The proposed normal water <br />level is 956 feet above sea level. The outflowing water will travel approximately 1000 <br />feet west through another wetland and then on into Long Lake itself. <br />Excavation of organic soils from this wetland basin is needed to create open water, <br />increase water holding capacity, provide habitat for a w ider diversity of species, and <br />enhance the esthetic character of the site. Appro.ximately 48.000 cubic yards of material <br />w ill be removed from an area of about 7.5 acres. The maximum depth at normal water <br />elevations will be ten feet, but the average will be close to four feet. Gradual underwater <br />slopes and substantial shallow flats have been designed to help facilitate maximum <br />wildlife. 1 he peaty soils being removed will be trucked to the owner's upland pasture <br />sites within U mile or will be sold and taken off-site lor use as top.soil. <br />Restoration efforts will include seeding of all disturlx'd soil areas as well as the excavated <br />soil piles. Only native species will be used. Wetland grasses, sedges, rushes and <br />wildflowers will be planted along the disturbed shoreline and in shallow water areas. In <br />addition, an extensive 5000 square foot wildllower garden will be e.stablished on an <br />adjacent wooded rise. Trails will be added, perhaps including a wetland boardwalk. <br />Cunclusion: <br />1 his project has been conceived and designed primarily as an enhancement to tin already <br />beautiful natural area. Becau.se the natural resource base is the main priority, every ellort <br />will be made to protect the adjoining soils, waters and plants. Obviously there will be <br />disruption during the construction process, but the end results should far outweigh any <br />short-term problems. <br />This project will be of considerable public value. Added storm water contaimnent and <br />control may be the most obvious, but there will Ik many other gains as well. It will be a <br />state-of-the-art restoration which could have significant educational value to other <br />projects throughout the midwest and, notably, it will be done with private funds. In <br />summary, this is an unusual project with great opportunities for both the general public <br />and the private landowner to gain long term benefits.