Stack’s Slough Watershed Study & Analysis

The watershed faced numerous issues, including frequent flooding, a high water table, erosion in the channels and adjacent fields, high lake levels, road damage, sedimentation in the channels, and deteriorating water quality due to prolonged wet conditions in the area over several years. The study provided recommendations for the appropriate sizing of culverts and outlet channels within the watershed to help mitigate some of the overland flooding.

The project brought together a diverse group of stakeholders interested in the area. These included the Tri-County Joint Water Resource District, the Lake Elsie Property Owners Association, Brightwood Township, Waldo Township, the City of Hankinson, Lake Agassiz RC&D, the Richland County Commission, the Red River Joint Water Resource Board, the Hankinson Community Betterment Club, and the Richland County Wildlife Club. Their involvement was crucial in ensuring that the study addressed the varied concerns and needs of the community. The Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Fish & Wildlife Service, and the North Dakota Game & Fish Department played significant roles in the project. Their expertise and resources were instrumental in developing practical recommendations and securing the necessary permits and funding. This collaborative effort aimed to enhance the overall management and health of the Stack’s Slough watershed by addressing immediate flooding issues and providing long-term sustainability goals.