Drainage ditches in Minnesota watershed impacting groundwater levels and wild rice production.
The U.S. Geological Survey and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa studied the Stoney Brook watershed in Minnesota to understand its groundwater resources and the impact of ditching. They collected data on geology, groundwater, and surface water to estimate hydrologic properties. The study found that drainage ditches in the watershed have lowered water levels in connected lakes and nearby groundwater. Specific yields and hydraulic conductivities were similar to other studies in the area. Recharge estimates varied based on climate, geology, and proximity to ditches, with recharge near ditches influenced by ditch-water levels.