Project Contact
Steve Young
Headwaters TU President
youngs@paulbunyan.net

Project Description
Kabekona is one of the best trout streams in north central Minnesota and one of the state's premier brook trout fisheries. It is not stocked, but relies entirely on natural reproduction. Therefore, issues of habitat protection are critical to the continued success of the trout population. Currently between 150 and 300 cattle run on a farm and have direct access to a stretch of the stream. Their presence has resulted in hillside erosion, loss of vegetative cover (and loss of vegetative shading), widening of the stream channel, animal waste entering the stream, increased siltation, and consequent increased water temperatures. DNR Fisheries has noted this area as a concern for several years.

Project Updates
In mid September TU volunteers spent four days constructing approximately one-half mile of four strand barbed wire fence, with gates, along the river bank. They also fenced off a stream crossing, to allow livestock passage in a controlled area while keeping the river open for canoeists. Next spring the eroded banks will be seeded with native grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers, while the livestock crossing will be protected with gravel. The project is a collaboration of Trout Unlimited, DNR Fisheries in Park Rapids, the Park Rapids NRCS office, and Jim Pierce, the landowner. As a result of unplanned donations of materials and equipment, particularly steel pipe from Aqua Well Drilling in Bemidji and Mr. Pierce's heavy equipment, the fencing portion of the project came in under budget.

Project Partners
Minnesota DNR Fisheries has agreed to provide design assistance, oversight, and landscaping assistance, without charge. Trout Unlimited volunteers, along with landowners, will provide all construction labor. Some necessary machinery and equipment will also be donated.