Restoration of Norway Brook connectivity to the Pine River
The Norway Lake Dam was removed and replaced with a rock-arch rapids in 2022 by the City of Pine River. Replacing the high hazard dam with a rock riffle enhanced fish passage, biological connectivity, habitat, safety, aesthetics, fishing, and recreational access to the river. The riffle pools and channels enhanced recreational opportunities wading, fishing, paddling and other water-based fun. This work restored fish passage and connectivity between the Whitefish Chain of Lakes and reconnected 134 lakes (11,338 acres) and 80 miles of river and stream corridors benefitting fish, mussels and many game and non-game animal species.
The Norway Lake Dam was removed and replaced with a rock-arch rapids in 2022 by the City of Pine River. Work in preparation for the project included environmental review, surveying, engineering (civil, geotechnical, structural and water resources), landscape architecture and water/wetland permitting (Wetland Conservation Act, DNR Public Waters and Dam Safety, Corps of Engineers, NPDES Construction Stormwater). Landscape architectural drawings were helpful to convey project concepts to citizens and funding partners. A sheet pile weir was installed within the rock-arch rapids and was useful for bypassing flow and in the dewatering of the construction site. Removal of the dam and construction of the rock rapids was done in the winter. Flows in the river were low but the cold and snowy conditions also added construction complications. The contractor's use of GPS survey equipment allowed precise boulder placement which helps to evenly distribute flow throughout the riffle.
$2,267,000 the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Pine River to restore and enhance riverine habitat in the Pine River and provide fish passage by removing the dam and modifying and installing structures at the Norway Lake dam site.
Removal of the dam and construction of the rock riffle has restored fish passage and connectivity between the Whitefish Chain of Lakes and 134 lakes and 80 miles of rivers and streams. This work has restored the ecological connection between Outstanding Lakes of Biological Significance for fish community-Whitefish Chain and upstream Lake Hattie as well as additional Outstanding Lakes of Biological Significance in headwaters: Lizzie, Brockway, Lind, Bowen, Pine Mountain, Beuber and Deep Portage. Removing the dam and reconnecting these high quality, diverse habitats and stream corridors benefits fish, mussels and many game and non-game animal species. Riffle habitat has been constructed in a 325-foot length of boulder-arch rapids. Long-ear Sunfish, Northern Sunfish, Silver Redhorse, Sand Shiner and Black Sandshell (mussel) are present below the dam but have not been found upstream of the Pine River Dam. Northern Sunfish (special concern) are found downstream of the dam but have not been found upstream. Restoring fish passage enables Northern Sunfish to expand their range in the watershed. Pugnose Shiner (threatened), Least Darter (special concern), and Hornyhead Chub (species of greatest conservation need) are found in the Pine River system both upstream and downstream of the rock riffle. Populations of these fish will benefit from the reestablished connectivity between the middle and upper reaches of the Pine River and the associated lakes and streams of the watershed. Black Sandshell mussel (special concern) were found below the dam prior to the project but not upstream. Upstream fish passage may allow Black Sandshells to expand upstream as larval mussels are carried upstream by Bluegill and Largemouth bass hosts. Blandings Turtle (threatened) have been found in the area around the City of Pine River and any turtles moving along the river will now be able to move through the rock riffle instead of crossing the dam and road as required before the project. The aquatic plant, Olive-colored Southern Naiad (special concern) has been found within the Whitefish Chain of Lakes.
$200,000 DNR Dam Safety Program and City of Pine River