The "Ziegler" oxbow near the City of Princeton has historically been separated from the river via an artificial berm. This berm prevented the river from flooding into the surrounding farm field during spring high water. For decades, the berm improved farm access for planting, but it kept the oxbow dry except during the most severe flood events. The landowner placed the field under a conservation easement and plans to restore it to prairie and woods.
We have partnered with Isanti SWCD, USFWS, and The Nature Conservancy to create a project that will improve connectivity between the Rum River and its floodplain, enhancing over 7 acres of wetland habitat. Construction was completed in mid-September. Now we eagerly hope for high (enough) river levels this coming spring! For more information contact Jared Wagner, Water Resource Specialist, at