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Vermillion Info
A Shock on the Vermillion
Our chapter has always been plagued by one unfortunate characteristic. While other chapters were planning projects and practicing stewardship on home waters we've suffered the fate of the Urban Angler and commuted to our favorite waters. Perhaps we've overlooked a gem in our own backyard.
The Vermillion River has a sketchy reputation among local anglers of on occasion producing some large fish. A one time brook trout stream it fell on hard times as a result of traditional agricultural practices. In recent years it's trout population has made a significant comeback. The Vermillion represents a unique habitat for the Metro area. Unlike it's cousins in western Wisconsin this river is that rare trout stream which meanders through the prairie of Minnesota. Whether trophy trout is what the future holds for the river or if this is a last Hurrah is the real question. With the southern Metro undergoing the most rapid growth in the Twin Cities the Vermillion is at a crossroads. Literally! Recently I was invited to assist the DNR in a shocking survey with some shocking results. What I saw and handled was truly astounding. Many of us gaze at the magazines dream of the world class trophies of Argentina and New Zealand. Did you know that brown trout like that live here in the Metro? Key to this success has been some monumental changes to how the watershed has been managed. TCTU has helped with habitat projects in the past which has led to fish both surviving and reproducing. We saw spawned out fish and redds up and down the river with fish as large as 30-28 inches and most important plenty year of the young. However, water quality and habitat continue to be central to the river's future. Fecal coliform contamination warnings are posted through out the watershed. A more imminent and immediate threat is in the form of thermal pollution. Dakota County is currently experiencing tremendous growth. Along with this comes development and the usual sources of warm water which threaten a trout stream. The Vermillion truly represents the Last metro trout stream with angling potential. As the newsletter goes to press we have begun to partner with a number of organizations to work on preserving and improving the Vermillion. This partnership includes the groups 'Friends of the Mississippi River' and 'Lands for the Public Trust'. The MN DNR has provided excellent support and we are soliciting Federal involvement from the Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Fish & Wildlife. 
So how can we ensure a promising future for the Vermillion?
There is plenty that can be done with minimal effort. First off we need to have our voice heard by legislators and local governments in the watershed. Most immediate is a need for action in Farmington. Currently, a big box retail mall is planned for near the river. The developer has been discussing the impact with us however, the city government needs to hear public support for protecting the river. It takes a mere few minutes to write your legislator or the city council or county commissioner. Contact information for the state legislature and the city of Farmington may be found below. Please take the time to voice your wish to save this river and the magnificent trout living there. More details will be available on the TCTU website. By Kevin Biegler, Chapter President http://www.leg.state.mn.us/ http://www.ci.farmington.mn.us/ http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/ Contact Info: City of Farmington 325 Oak Street Farmington, MN 55024 General Information: 651-463-7111 Dakota County Administration Center 1590 West Highway 55 Hastings, MN 55033 651-438-4313
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