Unimin Wetland Restoration Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Unimin Wetland Restoration project in Kasota, Minnesota, stands as a shining example of private sector-led efforts to enhance fish and wildlife habitats through wetland restoration.


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Summary

Completed in 2014 by I&S Consultants, this project transformed a 400-acre area into a fish and wildlife pond with a storage capacity of 2,400 acre-feet. The wetland restoration not only benefits local biodiversity but also contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem in Le Sueur County.

Located in S16 T109N R25W, the Unimin Wetland Restoration project is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that the site meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement standards. With a dam height of 12 feet and a length of 70 feet, the structure plays a crucial role in managing water flow from County Ditch, ultimately benefiting the surrounding 5,037-acre drainage area. Despite its low hazard potential, the project has not been rated for condition assessment, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts.

As climate change continues to impact water resources across the globe, initiatives like the Unimin Wetland Restoration project serve as beacons of hope for sustainable water management practices. By prioritizing the restoration of wetlands and supporting fish and wildlife habitats, this project exemplifies the vital role that private entities can play in preserving and enhancing our natural environment for future generations.

Year Completed

2014

Dam Length

70

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

COUNTY DITCH

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

400

Drainage Area

5037

Nid Storage

2400

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.