Knife River Implementation Plan for Turbidity Total Maximum Daily Load

The Knife River on the North Shore of Lake Superior has a unique character influenced most by historical human activities and distinct hydrologic qualities. The river's watershed was heavily logged in the past. This upland clearing, combined with the area's bedrock, makes the Knife a flashy, turbid river despite its cold water fishery. Fortunately, many agencies and citizens have long been involved with improving conditions in the Knife. The Knife River Implementation Plan for Turbidity TMDL represents a collaborative effort to identify, prioritize, budget and plan for future activities to reduce turbidity in the river. Future development of restoration priorities and strategies should follow a natural channel design process. Activities in this implementation plan are coordinated to reestablish the general structure, function and self-sustaining behavior of the stream system. This holistic process requires an understanding of the physical and biological components of the stream system and its watershed, as well as the collaboration of public and private landowners and agencies who are its stewards.