MN DNR completes new geological map for Kandiyohi County / Redwood County mapping project continues

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources geologists recently completed a new resource map showing the potential for sand and gravel deposits in Kandiyohi County.

Almost all of the accessible aggregate (sand and gravel) resources in Kandiyohi were deposited more than 10,000 years ago, when meltwater streams from glacial land formations deposited sand and gravel in different areas of the state.

Aggregate resource maps are an important tool to assist in local land use planning and identifying local resources needed to construct roads, bridges, trails and buildings. Today, 20 Minnesota counties have access to completed aggregate resource maps. The DNR is currently working on geological maps for Redwood, Swift, and Sibley counties.

DNR geologists use geologic mapping techniques like field surveys and drilling combined with computer programs to find sand, gravel, and crushed stone resources and characterize the quality of a deposit.

The project’s datasets, including a map to locate sand and gravel and a countywide gravel pit survey, are publicly available on the DNR’s online interactive statewide mapping website.