Wetland Restoration Project Update: Circle Lake Wildlife Management Area
- Jason Hotzler
- Jul 28
- 1 min read
Updated: Oct 8
Near Millersburg, MN & Rice County
Overview
We are moving forward with an important wetland restoration project at the Circle Lake Wildlife Management Area. This site, which originally underwent wetland restoration in the late 1970s, has experienced significant infrastructure failure. One of the smaller embankments has completely failed, and the larger embankment is currently being overtopped due to a deteriorating culvert and widespread muskrat damage. If left unaddressed, the larger wetland is at risk of draining entirely.
Construction Timeline
Contractor: Landwehr Construction was the low bidder and will carry out the work.
Start Date: Construction is expected to begin this fall.
Spring 2026: Water levels may be temporarily lowered to facilitate construction during the spring.
Completion: The project is scheduled to be completed by late spring 2026.
Once construction begins, we will provide further updates. We encourage everyone to stop by and see the progress firsthand.
Project Scope: To restore & protect these vital wetlands, we will be:
Rebuilding two embankments to ensure longterm structural integrity.
Stabilizing both outlet areas with riprap to prevent further erosion.
Installing a new outlet structure on the larger embankment. This structure will include a sheet pile weir and a stop log system to allow the Minnesota DNR to actively manage water levels. This management tool will help eliminate rough fish populations and rejuvenate native wetland vegetation.
Upon completion, this effort will restore or enhance approximately 52 acres of wetland habitat. The newly constructed embankments will be seeded with a diverse mix of native grasses and wildflowers to support pollinators and improve overall habitat quality.
Updated photos from Fall of 2025:
Thank you for your support of this project:
