DNR Stream Habitat

Lake Carlos Dam Modification
During the winter and spring of 2021, the Lake Carlos Dam was replaced with a rock arch-shaped rapids to restore
upstream fish passage. We expect that migratory species from Lake Carlos and upstream Lake Le Homme Dieu will
benefit from improved access to 121 miles of river that could be used for spawning and rearing habitat. Rare
mussel species such as creek heelsplitter and black sandshell are found downstream of the outlet, and may also
find suitable habitat in tributary streams to Lake Carlos. The rock arch rapids structure is located within Lake
Carlos State Park, and will provide an opportunity to educate the public on the importance of lake and stream
connectivity.
Cottonwood Dam Modifications – Soldier’s and Sailor’s Park, Kuhar and Sanborn Golf Course Dams
This project was originally funded to provide fish passage at three dams by modifying the dams to rock arch rapids
structures. However during the course of project development, at two of the dam sites, the grantee opted to install
riffles along the river corridor to slowly step the river down and to provide more habitat than originally
anticipated. Two of the dam sites now have 6-7 riffles and deep pool associated with those riffles. Fish use these
pools as is evident by the fishermen seen at various riffles. Fish have also been seen passing through the riffles to
get upstream. Construction of this project started in February of 2020; that spring construction was put on hold
due to high flows and the COVID pandemic. However, as the flows were rising the contractor continued to work.
This proved to be an issue when the contractor was unable to finish installing that riffle. As a result, the unfinished
structure caused some significant erosion; this lead to additional work at that riffle site for the contractor once
flows receded. For the most part this project was constructed during the COVID pandemic which significantly
limited the availability of Department oversight during construction. Additional oversight by the Department
would have been beneficial in implementation and would likely have avoided the contractor working in rising
flows. Construction of the projects were finished in fall of 2020. Overall the project accomplished the goals of fish
passage and has the added benefit of additional habitat along the river corridor.
Prairie/Lizzie Dam Modifications
The Prairie Lake and Lizzie Lake dam outlets were modified to rock arch rapids to improve fish passage.
Construction finished in summer of 2019 and reconnected 2 consecutive dams, which when combined reconnected
20 stream miles. Recently, there has been some momentum in the Otter Tail watershed to improve fish passage.
Because of this support, the timeline went really quickly for Lizzie and Prairie and the construction was very
efficient. This was due, in part, to local DNR, the consultant and contractors’ experience working on prior dam
modifications. The Prairie Dam was unique in that we needed to do the modification on both sides of the
road/bridge. Since construction was completed the vegetation has reestablished and fish have been seen using the
rapids.P a g e 3 | 10
Hallock Dam Modification
Construction on the Hallock dam finished spring of 2021. This project has a unique river setting with the dam
immediately upstream of a meander bend and an incised reach of stream. This led to a unique design of modifying
the dam by installing two sections of rock arch rapids upstream and downstream of the meander. There were also
some riffles downstream of the rapids to partially address the incision and provide additional habitat. Fish passage
was achieved at the site by modifying the dam into a rock arch rapids; channel catfish movement has already
occurred and a variety of sizes were sampled earlier in the summer. Due to the drought this year, the vegetation
has been struggling to get established. The project partner (City of Hallock) has responded by setting up a pump
and watering the newly seeded area.
Drywood Creek Dam Removal and Channel Restoration
The Drywood Creek project removed the dam and restored the stream to a stable dimension, pattern and profile.
Toe-wood sod mat was used to protect the banks while vegetation establishes and 2 rock riffles were installed to
account for the grade change from the dam. After construction was finished, it was determine that one of the riffles
was built too narrow and not according to plan specifications. Construction of this project was consistently up
against high flows; which is likely why it wasn’t clear that the riffle didn’t meet specifications. DNR funding was
used to adjust the riffle to the correct width.
Coolridge Creek Restoration
Construction for the Coolridge Creek restoration project was completed in May 2019. The project removed 18
culverts from the stream channel and three additional culverts from side channels. Removing the culverts restored
1,800 feet of stream channel.
Shell River Culvert Replacement
Three culverts on the Shell River were replaced in fall 2020. The previously undersized culverts were replaced
with larger culverts to restore fish passage and improve stream conditions. One culvert replacement was funded
through ML 18 and two replacements were funded through ML 16.
Stream habitat work for this appropriation and other LSOHC-funded projects from other appropriations was aided
by funding for a stream restoration coordinator and interns. Here are some of the highlighted work of these
positions using funding from this appropriation:
• Project development and public outreach.
• Management of project funding.
• Analyze and prioritize culverts for replacement – Buffalo River, Cottonwood River and Otter Tail River
watersheds.
• Annual updates of the Stream Restoration Priority List
• Geomorphic monitoring of Buffalo River and Lake Shady
• Collected culvert data in Lake Pepin and Chippewa watersheds.
• Assisted with geomorphic monitoring of stream restoration projects.