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development of waterfowl resources; and that it would be of national significance in that Bureau's migratory bird management program.

The Chief of Engineers has considered the needs of the area and recommends the construction of a dam and reservoir and appurtenant work on the Minnesota River, including improvement of about 2.5 miles of drainage ditch and acquisition of about 1,600 acres of additional land, modification of the Big Stone Lake outlet control dam and silt barrier; construct bank protection and related works on Whetstone River; and channel improvements on Minnesota River for about 3 miles below the Big Stone Lake outlet control dam.

Local interests would be required to, for the project as a whole, contribute 20 percent of the cost allocated to flood control presently estimated at $102,000, and hold and save the United States free from damages due to the construction.

For the project, exclusive of the dam and reservoir: provide all lands, easements and rights-of-way, currently valued at $16,000; maintain and operate after completion; make all necessary changes to highways and utilities; and prevent encroachment on the improved channel.

Total estimated cost of the project is $1,003,000, of which $3,885,000 is Federal and $118.000 is non-Federal. Total annual charges are estimated to be $166,700, and annual benefits are estimated to be $189,000, indicating a benefit-to-cost ratio of 1.1 to 1.

The States of Minnesota and South Dakota and the Departments of Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce comments on the proposed improvement are favorable. The Department of the Interior states that development of the National Wildlife Refuge as a major feature of the project plan will be a significant addition to the national migratory bird management program.

The refuge will serve a substantial portion of the migratory waterfowl which utilize the Mississippi, Central, and Atlantic flyways and will create substantial nesting and rearing habitat for waterfowl.

The Bureau of the Budget has no objection to submission of the report to Congress; however, it states that should the project be authorized and the lands for the project be acquired prior to enactment of H.R. 9032-now the Federal Water Project Recreation Act approved July 9, 1965-it would expect that the $28 million limitation provided for by section 1(f) of H.R. 9032 should be reduced by the amount which would have been chargeable to that limitation. The letter from the Bureau of the Budget is printed in House Document 193, 88th Congress, 2d session. The Secretary of the Army concurs in the report of the Chief of Engineers.

Mr. Chairman, this concludes my statement.

Mr. BLATNIK. Colonel, I notice you have no comments on the Bureau of the Budget. Could you explain the situation there?

Colonel PINNELL. The latest comments are contained in House Document 193 of the 88th Congress, 2d session, and in those comments the Bureau of the Budget concurs in the submission of this report with a stipulation that the cost of the wildlife lands will be deducted from the $28 million limitation contained in the act otherwise referred to in their correspondence.

Mr. BLATNIK. There is considerable opposition from the local people involved whose agricultural lands would be flooded; is that not true?

Colonel PINNELL. There has been opposition, sir. Whether it should be termed "considerable" I could not judge.

Mr. BLATNIK. The folks I talked to are certainly all steamed up about it.

What is the acreage of the land to be used, Colonel?

Colonel PINNELL. If we had a flood equal to the flood of 1952, we would have 6,000 acres inundated; 8,500 acres are required for the flood control and wildlife refuge features plus an additional 1,600 acres for the refuge alone giving a total of 10,100 acres.

Mr. BLATNIK. Is there some sort of rock quarry or limestone quarry in the area to be flooded?

Colonel PINNELL. Yes, sir; there is.

Mr. BLATNIK. What kind?

Colonel PINNELL. Granite, sir.

Mr. BLATNIK. I understand protection will be given to the quarry so that will not be flooded?

Colonel PINNELL. Yes, sir. Just south of Odessa is a quarry operation which will be protected by a levee which Mr. Burke is now indicating.

Mr. BLATNIK. It would be a sort of island in the flooded area, would it not?

Colonel PINNELL. Not an island, sir. However, protection is required.

Mr. BLATNIK. What kind of land is in the 6,000 acres that you refer to?

Colonel PINNELL. Some farmlands and some marsh. I guess wetlands would be a proper description. Perhaps Mr. Gottschalk could reinforce me on this.

Mr. BLATNIK. Would you care to give a statement, Mr. Gottschalk, before you answer?

Mr. GOTTSCHALK. I have a statement to leave with the committee which I would like to have inserted in the record with your permission. Mr. BLATNIK. Without objection, it is so ordered.

(The prepared statement of Mr. Gottschalk follows:)

STATEMENT OF JOHN S. GOTTSCHALK, DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

We are pleased to endorse and urge the authorization of the Big Stone Lake-Whetstone River project as recommended by the Chief of Engineers. A central feature of this proposed project is a national wildlife refuge in westcentral Minnesota which will fill a particularly vital niche in our system of refuges. The project is located near the fringe of the prairie pothole complexthe principal "duck factory" of the United States outside of Alaska. The area is a rather remarkable focal point over which several flights of migratory waterfowl intermingle and cross. Hundreds of thousands of waterfowl funnel through this area into three of the four continental flyways each year.

Despite the importance of the area, there is now a serious lack of refuge facilities which can offer protected water and feeding grounds. As a result. the important prairie flock of Canada geese, for example, is subject to heavy and continued shooting pressures throughout its fall migration until it reaches the Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri. The Minnesota refuge also will provide superb production habitat. It is estimated that about 7.500 waterfowl will be produced annually, including about 500 geese. Our field biologists estimate something over 12 million waterfowl-use days annually on the refuge.

In brief, we expect that the refuge as planned as a part of this multiplepurpose project will be an outstanding contribution to the Federal waterfowl

management program. The project has the full support of State conservation agencies and Senator Mundt, of South Dakota, introduced S. 2472 in the 88th Congress to authorize the project. We are pleased to urge, with considerable enthusiasm, your approval of this project.

Mr. GOTTSCHALK. Our interest in this particular project, by reiterating what we have stated before and what the colonel has said, we consider this to be a unique opportunity to augment the national migratory waterfowl protection and development program.

The location of the Big Stone-Whetstone area in relation to the migratory flyways primarily for Canada and blue and snow geese are such that it is in a key position. Each fall and again in the spring we have almost literally millions of ducks and geese that come down through this section of Minnesota and the eastern side of North and South Dakota and returning in the fall.

The areas that we have there are at the present time literally overwhelmed by large numbers of these migrating waterfowl. To the extent, as a matter of fact, that with the reduction in the amount of natural habitat brought about by increased land development generally through the area, the reserves that are available are being gradually overused.

The opportunities for waterfowl development and protection on this particular project are, therefore, unique. We would propose to operate the peripheral land which would be acquired in addition to those needed for flood control purposes as feeding areas for waterfowl; that is to say, we would actually farm them to produce crops which would be utilized by these migrating birds.

The balance of the area is now in a mixed agriculture, marsh, wetland, flood plain, timber complex, so that there is a variety of land involved. There is, however, a considerable amount of farmlands that would have to be acquired to make this project feasible, most of it lying around the periphery of the refuge as indicated on the map.

I will be happy to answer any questions the committee might have. Mr. BLATNIK. You speak of the peripheral land. That is farmland with people living on it now. Is that true?

Mr. GOTTSCHALK. That is correct.

Mr. BLATNIK. How many people are involved?

Mr. GOTTSCHALK. I would have to defer to the corps on the landownership status. I don't have that information.

Colonel PINNELL. May I supply that for the record, Mr. Chairman? Mr. BLATNIK. You certainly may. I believe there are a considerable number of people on this prime farmland.

(The information to be supplied follows:)

There are about 70 people living on the peripheral farmland.

Mr. BLATNIK. Are there any questions?

Mr. BALDWIN. I have one question of the colonel. As I understand it, Colonel, the Bureau of the Budget's comments have been superseded with the passage of the Land and Water Conservation Act.

Colonel PINNELL. Substantially; yes, sir.

Mr. BALDWIN. So if we simply approve the project as described in House Document 579 and House Document 193, this would authorize the Corps of Engineers to proceed and carry out the project as the Corps of Engineers has set it forth in those documents?

Colonel PINNELL. Correct, sir.

Mr. BALDWIN. Thank you.

Mr. BLATNIK. Thank you, Colonel.

(The following statement was furnished for insertion:)

STATEMENT OF HON. BEN REIFEL, MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM SOUTH DAKOTA

Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, it is a pleasure to add my words of support to the Big Stone Lake-Whetstone River project.

The Big Stone-Whetstone project is designed to bring the benefits of flood control and preservation of wildlife areas to the residents of northeastern South Dakota and west-central Minnesota.

The proposed project will stabilize the water level at Big Stone Lake, a popular recreation area on the South Dakota-Minnesota border. The lake has been subject to intensive siltation, particularly in the southern reaches where the Whetstone River drains into the lake. The project has the backing of the major civic, recreational and sporting interests in the area.

Mr. Chairman, it was only this year that the people of the Minnesota River Valley suffered one of the worst floods in recent history. The Big Stone-Whetstone project will aid in correcting the threat of future flooding in this area.

The project will provide improvements for the outlet structure from Big Stone Lake into the Minnesota River, regulating the water level on the lake and controlling flooding on the Minnesota River. The project also includes the construction of a dam on the Minnesota River to assist in the flood control aspect of the program.

The benefits expected with the completion of the Big Stone-Whetstone project extend beyond these normal ones of flood control, bank stabilization and silt control. In addition to these, the project encompasses the creation of a wildlife refuge believed by many to possess the potentiality of becoming one of the Nation's outstanding refuges.

The refuge would include the large marshy flood plain below Big Stone Lake. It is located in the Mississippi flyway and its close proximity to the Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area and Marsh Lake afford an unparalleled opportunity for the development of a national wildlife refuge of high value to waterfowl resources.

Mr. Chairman, the Big Stone-Whetstone project presents a unique opportunity to provide a lasting and important contribution to the stabilization and development of water resources in the Minnesota River Valley and, at the same time, to make an important contribution to the preservation and protection of American wildlife. I urge the committee to give favorable consideration to this

project.

Mr. BLATNIK. Our next witness is Mr. Donald Koch, secretary, Greater Minnesota River Improvement Association, Odessa, Minn. Mr. ERDAHL. I am here with Mr. Kaercher.

Mr. BLATNIK. Identify yourselves for the record.

STATEMENT OF LEM KAERCHER, COPUBLISHER OF THE ORTONVILLE INDEPENDENT AND GRACEVILLE ENTERPRISE

Mr. KAERCHEP. My name is Lem Kaercher. I am copublisher of the Ortonville Independent and Graceville Enterprise. I have lived in Ortonville all my life-73 years. I am chairman of the group who sponsors the Whetstone project.

I testified before the Subcommittee on Public Works on April 21. There is nothing now to add to this hearing so far as I am concerned, only to say, as I said then, that I favor this project as recommended by the Corps of Engineers.

Mr. BLATNIK. Mr. Kaercher, if there are any details you want to add you have permission to extend and revise your remarks.

Regarding your reference to testimony before the Senate committee, the report says:

The Senate committee, after careful consideration of the views of all interested parties regarding authorization of this project, is of the opinion that the

project is meritorious and accordingly has included language providing for the construction as recommended by the Chief of Engineers.

Is that not correct?

Mr. KAERCHER. That is correct.

Mr. BLATNIK. You have been a leader on behalf of this project for many, many years.

Mr. KAERCHER. I was, but I guess the objectors have given up the fight.

Mr. BLATNIK. Mr. Erdahl.

(The following statements were furnished for insertion.)

STATEMENT OF LEM KAERCHER, COPUBLISHER, ORTONVILLE INDEPENDENT AND

GRACEVILLE ENTERPRISE

My name is Lem Kaercher. I have been a resident of Ortonville, Minn., all my life-73 years. I am publisher of the Ortonville Independent and Graceville Enterprise.

I am here today in support of the project recommended by the Corps of Army Engineers for wildlife conservation and development, flood control, and recreation in the vicinity of Big Stone Lake and the Whetstone River, in the head. waters area of the Minnesota River. I speak as an interested citizen concerned with the development and control of the water resources of this area and as the general chairman of the following organizations which have testified in favor of this project at previous meetings, namely: The Greater Big Stone Lake Association; the City Council, City of Ortonville; the County Board of Big Stone County; the Kiwanis Club; the junior chamber of commerce; Ortonville Rod & Gun Club, Civic and Commerce Association, Minnesota Conservation Federation, the YMCA of Sioux Falls, S. Dak.; Appleton Rod & Gun Club; and several other groups.

Under existing conditions, we have two major problems: siltation of Big Stone Lake and the periodic high water stages on both the lake and the Minnesota River, downstream. I have been assured by the Corps of Army Engineers that the proposed improvement plan represents the only economically feasible solution to our water problems-and that this conclusion was reached after detailed studies of many possible improvement plans. Further, it is my understanding, that the States of Minnesota and South Dakota have both reviewed and approved the proposed improvements.

I can assure you that the residents of our area are in favor of this project, including those with homes and property on Big Stone Lake, residents and businessmen of Big Stone City, S. Dak.; Ortonville, Graceville, Clinton, and Beardsley, Minn.; together with a number of farm operators, whose properties would be taken for the project. I am convinced that values to be realized by the proposed works are in the public interest, and are not only of local but of national significance.

Thus, I urge your favorable action to the prompt authorization of the Big Stone Lake-Whetstone River project, as planned by the Corps of Army Engineers. I am grateful to you for the privilege of appearing before you. Thank you.

STATEMENT OF JIM KAERCHER,' COPUBLISHER, ORTONVILLE INDEPENDENT AND

GRACEVILLE ENTERPRISE

Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, my name is Jim Kaercher. I am editor and copublisher of the Ortonville Independent and Graceville Enterprise, weekly newspapers printed and published in Big Stone County, Minn. I am 35 years old and was born and reared in Ortonville. I have lived all my life in Ortonville, except for 4 years attending the University of Minnesota and 2 years in the U.S. Air Force.

I speak for no organized group, but rather for the younger generation and for those to follow.

I firmly believe the proposed Big Stone Lake-Whetstone River project, as planned, is of extreme importance to the direct economy of our entire area.

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The above testimony was offered at the hearing held by the Senate Committee for Public Works and appears in the printed record on p. 424 of pt. II, 1965.

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